Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: beginner riders, new, bike

Question
I have purchased a 1984 Yamaha XV700 Virago.  I was told this would be a good bike to learn on.  I am 46 and been around bikes most my life just never seemed to get to become a rider.  My question is what do you think about this bike?  I bought it from the son of the father who purchased it brand new so it has been in the same family since it left the dealership.  It has about 4600 original (proven through service records) miles on it.  I just had it totally serviced and put new tires on it about 30 miles ago.  I have one of my friends ride it now and then to keep the fluids and everything else flowing.  Is this a good bike to learn on?  I have taken the beginner riders course at the local college so I do have my license.  I have ridden this bike but sometimes I have trouble taking off with out stalling and my stopping needs a bit of work.  What is your opinion on this matter?

Thank you for your time and considersation in this matter.

Scott

Answer
I agree that the 84 700 is a suitable bike for you to learn on.

Taking off (clutch) and stopping (brakes) smoothly just takes lots and lots of practice. Plan on it taking you 4-6 months to be consistent with it, if you ride it every day. These things take time. Until you feel 100% comfortable with it, be wary of the situations in which you put yourself--keep away from other traffic and on familiar roads close to home.

I outline several on-street practice drills in my book "How to Ride a Motorcycle," along with lots of other advice for how to know when you're ready for the next level, how/when/where to practice, etc. I highly recommend you read it before you start practicing in earnest.

Pat