Newbie, looking for sound advise.

Hello to one and all, I’m very new to the field of motorcycling and want very much to become a motorcyclist, a responsible motorcyclist I might add. I’m taking my MSF training the 2nd week in June and I’m in the process of purchasing the necessities for becoming a motorcyclist. I’ve tried on various helmets and have filtered my choices to the Arai Quantum II or the Shoei RF-1000, both full-face helmets. I’ve looked at various boots and it was suggested I get a good pair of Timberland boots, but I wonder, is that enough or should I look for something that comes higher over the shin?
I’m at that excited stage of the process and I’m reading everything, I have the Complete Idiots Guide to Motorcycling, The MSF’s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence, and David Hough’s Proficient Motorcycling (the latest edition).
I’m now looking at motorcycles to purchase and I’ve gotten a mix of ideas from buying a smaller bike to buy the bike you want…I’ve had my eye on a Ducati (ST3s ABS) Sports Touring motorcycle and the Honda 2006 Interceptor ABS. Now let me fill in some information, this will be my first motorcycle which I plan to use as a daily commuter and hopefully a year-round rider (aside from winter). I’m looking at the ABS versions because I believe they might ensure better braking usage and I like the sporty look of both bikes. Personally I’ve settled in my mind that I’d rather buy a new bike and grow into the bike as my ability grows rather than buy something and continually trade up, and yes I understand very clear the method or process of crawl before you walk but I also have a great deal of trust in my own learning curve and the friends who’ve taken time to discuss and demonstrate their knowledge. What I’d like to know from this forum is how well pleased are those riding Honda Interceptors, I’m not caught-up in the racing ability of the bike but more so the handling, comfort and ride-ability, would you recommend this bike and why?

 

I recently purchased a used 93 VFR 750. In the month that Ihave had it I must say that I am very pleased with it. I hear this also from those who own newer models than myself. They are pretty comfortable for commuting, thoygh some replace the stock seat with a Corbin or Sargent seat. I am not familial wiht the workings of ABS on a motorcycle so I cannot really comment on that aspect but maybe someone else in the forum can. Why would I recommend a VFR? Well, it boils down to the fact that they are fun to ride, look great, and the biggest winner of the three (can't speak on a Duc's behalf) is that they have a proven reliability. As it is with most bikes, it will require maintenance, but I heear from other owners that these bike rarely have a break. Can it break down? Sure, just like any other bike, but not as often as some other bikes that I have heard of(I won't name names). So I woul definately recommend the VFR.

 

I just began riding this spring and bought a 2003 VFR as my first bike. The bike is somewhat of a big bike but I haven't had any problems learning to ride on it. (I did take the MSF class as well.) When I was looking at the bike (got it used at a dealership) a MSF instructor was there and actually recommended this bike to learn on because it is forgiving yet powerful enough to get you out of trouble if you need to accelerate quickly. I don't have ABS so can't comment on that but I do love the bike. Good luck!!