Backstory to why I’m here: I’ve ridden pillion behind my Dad every so often since I was quite young, and always enjoyed it, but never ridden myself. But now, I’m thinking I’d quite like to get into it, and just a couple of conversations have got bikes on my mind.

I was chatting with Dad about his bike, then a friend turned up with a Royal Enfield Classic 350, and in chatting with him he said he’s maybe thinking of upgrading, so I could get what I think would probably be the perfect bike for me (at least early on). Then the first of my highschool friends announced he’s getting married, I said to another friend that that means it’s time for an early mid-life crisis, and without knowing I’d already been thinking about it, he joked ‘time to buy a motorbike’.

And I’m trying to be more active on Lemmy than I was on The Predecessor, so figured I’d ask for advice here. I’m thinking I’ll put off getting the Royal Enfield, as long as my friend is happy not selling right away, and just getting something relatively cheap and disposable, so I can practise maneuvering in parking lots or quiet streets without being too concerned about dropping the bike, then get the Royal Enfield when I’m more confident and riding around town. Is that sensible, or should I skip a step and just go straight to the bike I actually want?

Also, any general advice that isn’t immediately obvious? I’m in Australia and have yet to go to the learner’s course, so anything I should do to be ready for that or things to keep in mind when starting riding would be grand.