>It would be nice if you could start out on something like that and work you way up to the 900. Using too much power can easily get a novice rider into trouble.

True, but the 900cc was what our landlord was selling. I've heard lots of horror stories (see below) about motorcycles, so you can bet I'll be safe.

>With cycles, accidents tend to be serious. I've heard of accidents where the rider died, but the cycle recieved so little damage it could still be ridden.

There was a police officer who'd taught motorcycle safety classes for many years who died in one of those stupid little accidents around here. You'd think if anyone could have avoided it, he could have.

>Stick to back roads with slow traffic. Take it easy and learn about your own weaknesses and strengths before you go anyhwhere. Most importantly, get a good helmet and never ride without one. Avoid carrying passengers and don't even condider it for a year or two.

We live up in the mountains, with a lot of fun-seeming roads for a motorcycle, and barely any traffic. Ideal. :-) But I will definitely keep all that advice in mind. The motorcycle isn't even going to be at our house until someone has a license to drive it back here. Unfortunately, the motorcycle classes are all full up for the rest of the year. It looks like I won't be able to ride it before I leave for college (that's if I get accepted...still have to send in a few things).

Ayako