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For the last 4 years, I've pursued getting my license and then always backed out. My rationale has been money but in all honesty it's safety. Safety from everyone else, since its my position that no one will see me and is out to get me. I mean that from a riding perspective.

I'm struggling to overcome my fear and get it done. My wife is fine with it so I'm the one holding me back.

I would ride ATGATT and the gear would probably cost more than the bike. It's a small investment imo.

Is this normal? Any suggestions for progression to a purchase?

Thanks,
James

Do yourself a big favor and take the MSF riding course, even if you know how to ride. It could save your life.

Buy the best gears you can. Leather, leather, leather. Proper riding gear is the most important thing for your safety.

Take it easy in the beginning and ride in none traffic areas. practice practice practice until you are comfortable with your bike and understand how it behaves. Self confident will build up slowly.

Never ride with people you don't trust, and avoid riding with groups all together in the beginning. Many accidents happens with groups. Know your limits and don't push yourself too far. A little at a time.

Don't buy powerful bike. Your first bike should be used small displacement bike. Like Ninja 250cc, Katana 600, or similar bikes in the same class.

Best of luck,

It takes the right kind of person to ride a bike. I have seen guys that always wanted a bike and after riding for a while quit because they were so afraid of getting run over by a idiot in a car.

I sold my bike because I was at the opposite end of the spectrum. It turned me into a fool. I really did ride my bike like I stole it and am extremely lucky to still be in one piece. If I was to get another bike I know I would ride it the same way, no doubt about it.

I say go for it and if it's not for you no big deal your only out a few bucks but it could turn into something that you love.

Pete

Be careful where you ride, and stay out of bad situations. Don't get too small of a bike because there will be times when you need to drop one or two and grab a handfull to get out of the way. My biggest fear isn't humans, it is deer.

I've just recently sold my bike and gear. I've ridden for the past 15 years and my advice is to take the MSF class it is only a few days and gets some good habits established.

Also as an ER and ICU nurse, I beg of you to always wear the proper gear when you ride. You could be the safest and best rider ever but a deer or other vehicle doesn't care.  I can't tell you have angry I get when I see someone wearing shorts, sandals and no helmet riding at 75mph.

It's a lot of fun and you meet some very interesting people. The only reason I stopped is the thought of being injured and leaving my wife and two young children behind.  You can't always control when you go out but some risks can be mitigated.

Good luck and enjoy

I rode for many years and have had several bikes.  Lately my riding time has gone down significantly and I only own one remaining bike.  And I may sell that one as well. 

I had two or three very close calls recently.  One was on a curved road at about 45mph.  Some other vehicle had spilled oil or diesel all over the road and my back tire kicked out the second I hit the slick.  How I managed to recover the bike before skidding off the road is still a mystery to me, but Im sure it had to do with years of experience combined with some very lucky changes in lean angle.

Ive had run-ins with distracted drivers (especially texting) more than I care to say.  Ive been stung by bees and hornets several times while riding.  Ive been caught in rain and camped under bridges for hours.

My main reason for reducing my riding time is not due to things I have done, rather it has been due to the "other guy" that I cant control.  Dont feel bad about waiting on your motorcycle license, you are thinking straight and doing what is right for your family.  If you do go for it, listen to all of the advice above and then some.  Or, get a Slingshot, a Miata, or a Z3/4 - they are a lot of fun and a lot safer. Not to mention, you wont be stuck camping under a bridge with a convertible...

Thanks for the advice. I do plan to take the Basic rider course and if I stick with it, the advanced rider course. 

Take MSF.  I rode dirt for years, and when I went to the road, I took MSF.  It was a lot of fun, although elementary if you have any riding background.  But, again, I had a blast and it is worth the money.

I hung it all up recently for a few reasons but the two main ones:

1-Rode like a maniac
2-Increasing number of drivers that do everything but drive their vehicles

Be safe and enjoy the ride!

definitely take the MSF course. even seasoned riders will pick up a thing or two there regardless of how lame and boring it may seem. I'm with you on the safety. people are idiots. my head is constantly on a swivel when i'm on my bike. gear wise, be sure you're comfortable in what you're wearing. you can be head to toe in leather to be safe, but if you aren't comfortable, there's no reason to have it on. keep the rubber on the road, and ride your ride.


and buy a good brain bucket. DOT/SNELL.

I drove many years and it was enjoyable, but as most mentioned times have changed with the cell phone use. Made a couple of trips Ft Lauderdale-NY and never a problem. Quite a few FT Lauderale-Key West trips stopping at every bar along the way. But that was the 80's when you could do those things. Many 600cc bikes have plenty of power nowadays (100HP+) so you don't have to go big. If I had to do it all over again I would get shaft drive instead of chain driven. Shaft drive is basically maintenance free, chain driven you have to adjust/lube every couple hundred miles. Over time you will eventually have to replace all of the gears and chain. If you don't keep up the maintenance that chain will snap and hit you in the back of the leg sooner than you would like. You'll have a painful experience and now you are stranded. Personally I would get as big a fairing as possible to keep the bugs, rain and snow off of you. Jump in and enjoy the ride. John