i have all my gear to take the MSF Classes and i noticed i can take this class with out owning a bike, does any one know what is recommended? Well... my question is.... should i buy a bike before i take the class or should i take the class and THEN buy the bike? im ready to do this i just need a little push any one care to help??  

Take the class and get your endoresment before you get a bike.  Being that your on this forum you must have an interest in sportbikes, which depending on your experience with motorcycles, starting with a 600 is what most people say to do.  

I personally think starting on the right 600 is an option, something like a Katana or yamaha's YZF600 not the R6.  These are slightly detuned versions of the 600 rockets!! Or if you have had no experience on bikes I wouldn't hesitate to suggest a 500, like the GS500.  You might even look at some older bikes for your first, something like an old F3.  That bike is fairly beginer friendly and since its a Honda theres a pretty good chance that it will still run good unless its been seriously abused!!  

I personelly suggest taking the class first. You never know you might see something there or like the way that some of the different bikes they have there for you ride. You never know, if you are unsure what you want do that. And before you purchase your bike do your research!  

Im gonna buy in a gsxr 750 in august. I might take the class first but ill probably do it around spetember with a buddy of mine that's been riding for a few months already. So do it whenever i guess.  

If you have no riding exp whatsoever - passenger is NOT riding exp - I suggest take the class BEFORE you get the bike because that little bike will help you gague what you feel woul;d work best for you.

Dont get a bike to impress people, get a bike that matches your skills.

Meaning if you leave the last day of class feeling shakey from the riding and exercises then start on a 250. If you feel somewhat comfortable but feel you really want to hone those skills try a 500. If it honestly felt natural to you start on a "lower powered" 600. What I mean by that is look at the differences between a GS500 SV650 and an R6 or GSXR600. The CC's dont mean *** when it comes to the power. Its all about the HP & Torque.

At the end of the class choose what fits you best.
I went into the class wanting a 250...
I walked out of the class knowing I could handle more and to test that I rode a friends bike a little bit to make sure.

Its about YOU not about what other people think of your bike. PLEASE remember that and keep your skin attached.  

well i have my gear and all that stuff... im waiting to get out of school and im saving a little $ before i purchase the bike, i do want to take the classes as soon as possible but that would mean that i have to wait until September to take the classes. are there any suggestions that would be helpful in order for me to be ready for the classes??  

I finished the classes a few months ago and looked at several bikes but after reviews decided on a Suzuki SV650S. I couldn't find a bad review on it as far as reliability and being a good starter bike. I thought about going smaller for a first and I'm glad I didn't. Gradually day by day getting more comfortable with this bike has left me very happy I didn't get something smaller.

Thus far, I love it. It's easy to ride, it's fast but not too fast. You really have to give it some gas and clutch to wheelie it. I haven't been able to wheelie it with just throttle. That's me saying if you're riding safe it's very unlikely you'll accidentally do that on this bike. I know it's not as speedy as some other similar Honda's and even other Suzukis but I was ok with that. It's a kickass looking bike and it's a safe, reliable bike. A great first choice in my opinion. I do crave something else but I'm looking for something a but more stunt appropriate.

Hope this advice helps you even a little. Oh, as far as being ready for the classes, a notebook and pen. They provide you with the rest. Make sure to dress appropriately or they won't let you participate in range sessions. High top shoes (boots preferably), eye protection, jeans, long sleeves, gloves (something like mechanics gloves work great).  

i have been looking at bikes as well becasue im taking the classes in September. so i have been looking at just one particular bike which is the ninja 250, becasue i think its good fit for me considering in  only 5'3" i dont want my feet to be hanging u kno??? should i look at different bikes when i go to a dealership what type of questions should i ask ?? What is the most important thing to know before buying a first bike???  

i bought my first bike like a month ago im going to finally see it in person and get to ride it. i bought a 2008 kawasaki zzr600. if your really unsure about riding buy a ninja 250 but im telling you its going to be fun at first but after probly a month you probly going to get tired of it. Before i bought my bike i was considering getting the 250 but i had to look at the long term use of the bike, i looked at tons of rewiews before making my decision 250's are good but if you going tob e riding it alot its going to put alot of wear a tear on your bike because if you actually travel somewhere your going to nice that it uses alot of oil thats because your throtle is probly going almost wide open most of the time. A 600 hundred is perfect beginners bike because it more stable not too much weight and it can handle the road. also you wont be as prompt to go and buy a bigger bike as fast. I know right now that im goingt o want a bigger bike later but im satisfied with want i have because my bike has just enough power but not enought to over-whelm me. about taking the classes its a really good thing to take the classes first  but you dont nessary have to have that class to ride a motorcycle just take your time and dont rush yourself its dont take long to get used to a motorcycle its just when your first started ride a bicycle your uneasy at first but before you know it you tring to tricks with it(im recommending you do that with your motorcycle). Just before your start goning in traffic make sure your 100% comfortable wit whatever bike you have.