There's nothing like a day spent soaking up the scenery in the sun while riding a motorcycle through country roads and canyons. The genuine feeling of freedom, exhilarating sensation of speed, razor sharp handling and mystique of motorcycles make them an attractive venture for anyone wanting to add a sense of adventure to their lives. Though motorcycling may seem dangerous, confusing or daunting, it's not as difficult as some people think.

Unlike cars, motorcycles do need more coordination and skill to ride. One major difference between cars and bikes is how their brakes work. Motorcycle brakes, with few exceptions, have separate levers for the front and rear brakes. Therefore, each is independent of the other, like most bicycles. Motorcycles typically accelerate much faster than cars do. They are much lighter than cars. While these qualities are what make motorcycling fun, it's also important to get adequate training before fully exploring what motorcycles can do. One of the biggest choices to make is which bike to start out on for training and the beginning year of motorcycling.

There are many great first bikes. There's no reason to start out on a big motorcycle, such as a Suzuki Hayabusa or a Kawasaki ZX14. More often, people choose smaller, cheaper and more nimble first bikes. A great choice is the Kawasaki Ninja 250. It's small, easy to ride and has enough power to easily do freeway speeds without having so much power that it will take a new rider by surprise. For something in the middle range, a Suzuki GS500 or a Kawasaki Ninja EX500 make excellent starter bikes, both of which will also allow for the new rider to gradually grow into them. Other great choices are the Honda CBR250, Yamaha DRZ400, Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Honda Hornet. 

Even with a great starter bike, a new rider needs great instruction. Many riders get into the world of motorcycling because they have friends or family members that inspire them to ride. Riding with experienced riders will help a new rider learn how to ride a motorcycle in a safe and productive manner. 

Most experienced riders will also recommend that the new rider take a motorcycle safety class, such as the classes offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This professional training will get a new rider up to speed on how to use the clutch and brakes properly. They also teach proper throttle control and steering input. Mastering these skills will allow a new rider to confidently operate his or her new motorcycle on the open road.

With a new motorcycle comes the need for good protective gear. Motorcycle crashes can be much more severe than car crashes and are much more likely to cause injury to the rider. Cars have a protective shell that keeps drivers safe. With a motorcycle, the only protection available is what the rider wears. A good, full face helmet is essential. A leather or textile jacket and pants as well as riding boots and gloves offer much more protection than average street clothes and should be invested in. 

Finally, put gas in the tank and ride. Take caution for the first few months of riding and enjoy the camaraderie that the world of motorcycling brings.

This article was lovingly crafted by Elena Price for Windmill Leasing.