Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Does it make a difference?, motorcycle safety foundation, dirt bikes

Question
My dad has been riding motorcycles for his whole life. I'm 19 and he's getting older but he has been wanting to go on a motorcycle trip for ever but he kind of just puts it off.. he doesn't really have anyone to go with. I want to learn to ride but i don't know where to start. I kind of wanted it to be a surprise for him. I have rode on the back of his bike since i was born and i think it would be so cool if me an him could ride together. would you recommend a good bike to start with.. especially since I'm a girl, I'm pretty strong but my dads bike is way too heavy. i can ride mopeds and dirt bikes.. is that comparable at all?

Answer
Robin - I think that traveling by motorcycle with your father sounds like a great adventure!

First, even though you have had good exposure to being a passenger on motorcycles, I really recommend that you find a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class.  You should be able to use an internet search engine and find one.  The classes are not expensive, and once you pass, you will get your "M" endorsement on your driver's license.

As for starter bikes, that would depend on what type of motorcycle you want to ride - sport bike versus cruiser.  I always recommend that new riders start out on a nice used bike, (checked out by a mechanic)in the size range in excess of 500 cc.  Anything less, in terms of engine size, will not allow you the needed power to ride in traffic.  You might want to check out these pages on my website:  

http://www.her-motorcycle.com/Learning-to-ride.html

http://www.her-motorcycle.com/Best-bikes.html

http://www.her-motorcycle.com/Buying-a-used-motorcycle.html

Then, you just need to practice, practice and practice.

Ride safe!
Christine
http://www.her-motorcycle.com