re: Thinking about buying a motorcycle

You will find out pretty quickly if it’s for you or not.

Take the riding lessons.

Sign up for a safety class.

I’ll never forget the afternoon I saw a truck pull out in front of a motorcycle. Guy laid the bike down and he got stuck underneath the truck.

A couple of us talked to him while he bled out and died just before the ambulance could get there.

Seemed like a nice guy though.

My wife has a Rebel 500 and while I wasn't anti-motorcycle I was very leery even though I had no problem biking just about anywhere in any conditions, including Amsterdam where bikes are an extension of the local's body. Quite intimidating. I figured I'd give it a try and took a rider safety course from the local Harley dealership across from Zephyr field (yeah, I still call it that.) I can't encourage a safety course enough although you were required to wear proper gear so I wouldn't recommend taking it in the hotter months. Besides teaching me a lot it was a confidence builder.
I recently purchased a used 2022 Triumph Street Twin Gold (only 1000 made apparently) at an excellent price. It's almost 2x the bike but nearly the same footprint of the 500, which is nice.
It isn't for everyone. You have to consider yourself a target whenever you go for a ride, even if it's just around the corner. Head on a swivel and lots of visibility. I don't have cool looking jackets but they sure are bright!
My mother would disown me for owning a bike if she were still alive.

Harley Road Glide. Sporty, touring bike…

I’m coming from a Triumph Street Triple that I’ve put several thousands of miles on and put through 6 track days. Those things are perfect for street riding with an occasional track day. And extremely reliable. Have only had dead batteries during winter.

I ended up selling it and buying a sports car. There’s no room for that shite on the street.

The next time I go to the track, will just rent a 400cc bike. Just as fast on short circuits in the right hands and more fun.

Anything over 600cc on the streets is a waste of money.

If you have to think about it to too much then it ain't for you. You may end up buying one, but what you'll realize is you worrying about all the other drivers prevents you from finding the peace you're looking for. Imagine how stressed the morons on the roads make you in a car then multiply it by ten.

You're not even safe driving in a rural area with no traffic if you are going a little bit fast trying to enjoy the turns. There was a guy in our county doing this about 25 years ago that I read about when he went through a turn, there was some oil on the road causing him to run off the road in a turn at speed into a flat field. The only problem was there was a down guy wire where a phone cable made a turn. The biker was going plenty fast enough not to avoid the guy wire which he hit diagonally across his chest and it cut him in half like a cheese grater.