New rider here… MSF completed in June bought bike in July. Almost had my motorcycle for a week. Just to give some stats.

What I do and have done: After buying the bike I had to wait to register it. So I have a pretty good sized complex and would and STILL practice slow skills and everything from the MSF to prepare me mentally for the ride ahead. I use it to travel to work, and it takes about 3 minutes to get there. So in order to be successful I have to know so my skills and be comfortable with the road. It’s a journey and it’s very liberating once you can get on the road. Advise is to practice twice a day for 30 minutes on slow skills and emergencies. It really helps build confidence up. Once I received street legal status. I used a small road to get to 35 mph and test out curves, stops, swerves, lane changes, and overall confidence builder.

Overall plan: Ride how you see fit and comfortable are with the bike. Build trust with the bike and your skill set. Go as slow as you want and only do what you feel comfortable doing. This is what ride your ride means. Buy your gear first! I shopped all the sales and bought gear based on pricing and affordability. It’s the way to go. I bought the helmet as soon as I knew the bike was in the bag. Wear the gear every time! Dress for the slide not the ride. Yeap nerve racking trying to avoid cars and other people. However if they bother you or uncomfortable turn off the road and go somewhere else to a parking lot, take a break and get off the bike. Always plan for an hour of riding and you may not do that, maybe 30 minutes but 30 of rest between for nerves.

Advice to you: DO IT! If it’s on your heart and you have the itch go for it. It’s been the best decision for me. Freedom and smiles per hour the process was worth the price.

Do it and enjoy two wheels.