[alanmcorcoran]

big,

everyone kicks me about this, but, if you take your time, do a little research on the Internet, and, if you can afford it, buy and read Proficient Motorcycling, you'll be fine. I am in a very small minority on here, but I found the MSF course to be mostly a waste of time. Many of the the things that are mentioned above that "don't come naturally" are also part of learning to ride a bicycle and I don't know many people that take a course for that. There are some very key things you want to practice and master - and they all can be found in Proficient and in other sources on-line.

Take it easy for the first 300 or so miles and wear all the stuff. Don't rush it! Also, you are young and probably will end up meeting up with other young male experienced riders. DO NOT TRY TO KEEP UP WITH THEM. It takes some time to get up to speed, and riding beyond your experience, while tempting, is a quick way to die.

If you have no money, try and find some used gear. You can hurt yourself pretty good, even on a GZ. Of the three bikes you are looking at, I would eliminate the Rebel. The Suzuki is more versatile, has a bigger gas tank, bigger tires and handles better (I think, the specs may have changed on the rebel). I'm not familiar with the other one.

The GZ is a very easy bike to ride and is generally pretty forgiving. But be careful - it goes pretty damn fast for a small bike and, in slippery conditions, (sand, water, etc.) it will go down just like the big ones. Stay off the highway until you have 300 or so miles, and then, stick with the 50 mph ones until you have 500-600 miles.

Two things to watch out for from the moment you set out on public roads: (1) cars making a left in front of you (and into your lane) Slow down when you see them sitting there - many of them will not "see" you. (2) take it easy on the turns. Don't worry about your speed on curves. It will develop naturally over time. Slow down BEFORE you turn, speed up a little on the way out. Avoid braking when you are leaned over.

These two things are the two biggest causes of MC fatalities. Left turn into you, and losing control in a turn.

(some of the other guys are gonna razz me 'cuz I dropped my big bike a couple times. I deserve it for that, but there is a world of difference between the GZ and my other bike. Other than scaring the shit out of myself a few times when learning to ride on the CA freeways, the GZ has been a pretty tame ride.)

Most importantly, have fun!