I am getting a motorcycle. Any tips from experienced riders?

[Angel]

I am 19 and have decided that I'm going to get a motorcycle.
What I was wondering was if anyone had any tips? Anything I should be aware of? The best gear such as helmets, gloves, jackets, etc.?
I'll even take any bike recommendations, I love the look of a Harley but I've heard they are over rated and over priced from a few people. My gramps owned a Sportster when I was young and that was sort of what I was aiming for.
But I'd like to know which one is the best for a beginner such as myself as well as affordable and economical.

Anyway I am going to be taking a course for motorcycle training to learn the basics and what not, a big plus is upon completion I can get my license from the MVD.


Oh ** the way I live in Phoenix AZ, since location has an effect on people with motorcycles I just thought I'd point that out.


Thanks

[mark]

I would recommend getting a DOT approved helmet which you can find at most motorcycle shops and even walmart
for a bike I would go with something that will maneuver well and not be too heavy, I would test drive a sportster to see if you like it at first otherwise you will be stuck with a bike that makes you uncomfortable to ride.
I started riding when I was 16 and I got a 1996 Yamaha Virago 535
it's a great bike I would recommend it if you are interested in a road bike style rather than a crotch rocket.
It looks basically like a small harley but obviously a yamaha. With some pipes added on it sounds real nice, rather than the original muffler.
http://www.bikez.com/pictures/yamaha/1996/1351_0_1_2_xv%20535%20virago_Submitted%20**%20anon ymous%20user..jpg
if you notice the black piece just in front of the rear wheel that is the muffler and one of the pipes is just for decoration with the stock setup

[Billy FZ1]

Helmet-full face snell approved
gloves, whatever is comfortable as long as they are leather
Jackets CE approved armor or leather
Pants CE approved armor or leather

Motorcycle. you're riding you need to buy what you want and can afford. You can get any Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha/Suzuki for half the price and twice the reliability of a Harley but if Harley is what you want that's what you should buy. I have learned that settling for less than what you want usually ends up costing more in the end.

[Dimo J]

Main thing when riding a motorcycle is to realize that you are invisible. People will look right at you, eyeball to eyeball, and not see you and will pull out in front of you. Do not assume anyone will try to avoid you.

As for an affordable and economical bike with that old school look:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/1126715835.html
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/1122823474.html

Big single is quick off the line, runs 65-75 easily, tops out 85+. Gets 45-50 mpg *hard* city driving in L.A.; which would be 50-55 mpg on real gasoline rather than what California sells in lieu of. Highway is an easy 60-65 mpg.