The road is calling. Learn on a Cafe 250? Rebel 250? Or dirt bike on dirt?

Scylla

New member
I've been a passenger since I've been potty trained and knew how to hold on... and I'm a darn good passenger IMHO. I've never learned how to drive one though (not sure why). I've been told (in addition to taking the safety courses) that I should learn on a cafe style 250, rather than something like a Rebel 250. Don't remember now why, considering I ultimately wanted to ride a cruiser. They even said that a 500 cafe would be ok too, because I wouldn't grow out of it as quickly. After discussing my desire to ride with my fiancé (who is not an experienced rider, but wants to be as well), he believes it would be best for me to learn on a dirt bike, in a nice soft field, or some dirt trail somewhere. Personally, I've been afraid of riding anything on a dirt trail... even a bicycle. I also believe that you should learn on the medium that you ultimately want to ride on. Maybe I'm wrong. Any thoughts? Should I follow his wishes, and learn on dirt first? Please help us resolve this disagreement!
 
Learning in the dirt will give you skills that you can't learn in a life time of road riding. Traction control, how to handle skids, starting stopping on uneven or slick surfaces etc. You're gonna get a few bumps & bruises but its well worth it. Get yourself a good helmet, gloves & protective gear then go play in the dirt. You won't regret it. I once owned a Rebel, very nice beginner bike especially if you're a little short on the inseam measurement. Learn in the dirt, move to a small cruiser then on to whatever you want. My ride is a Honda ACE. My history is Honda Dirt, Rebel 250 Rebel 450, BMW, Indian, HD and now the Honda ACE. Dunno for sure but somewere in the 500 thousand mile range in 50+ years of riding. Some formal MC training can't hurt either. Check with your local community college or DMV
 
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