Welcome to the Forum. As far as starting out on a SHawk, I'll agree with Lazn that there are worse bikes but the SHawk is very potent at lower revs so take it very easy. If you have the opportunity you should get some saddle time in something much smaller - assuming the course you'll be taking supplies bikes it's likely they'll have 250s.
It is much easier to develop skill when you don't have to worry about the throttle.
Good luck!

 

I love ducatis, just not the price.

I will keep hope alive for a new sporting twin from Honda at some point.

KEEP THE FAITH!

 

haha it WAS my first car! i got it when i was 14, rebuilt the suspension and engine before i got my license then like a dumb 16 year old just about totaled it and that taught me not to street race. im 23 now and have sworn that ill sell off everything and live in that car before i get rid of it

 

Wait, is this for reals? That's not a good sign...

 

Yep, the thing to realize is "just about totaled it" in a car is usually survivable. Same thing on a bike usually isn't.

 

thats why i brought it up. that made me grow up real quick and i dont mess around on the road any more. a flat spin at 130 scared the everliving **** out of me, i couldnt imagine doing something like that on two wheels even at half the speed

 

One of the most important things for a new rider to realize is that you can dial the speed on much faster than you can bleed it off. Take it easy with the throttle. It's very tempting to grab a handful, but like others have said, this bike is a torque monster.

Have fun and stay safe. Taking an MSF course would be highly recommended as well.

 

It's all in your right wrist. The bike can be used to learn on but it can and will bite you if you don't give it some respect.

Also remember the bike is "sneaky" fast. What I mean is you don't get the power hit like an I4 so you don't realize how fast you are really going at times, especially when you are new.

Make sure you get some good gear and don't ride over your head (easier said than done....) and see if you can find a local mentor to help you through the learning process.

 

since you're a brand new rider, although you have a lot of vehicle experience, you need to learn how difficult it is for cagers/other vehicles to see you. This first year or two is the most dangerous for motorcyclists because they don't know or understand how vulnerable they are and how this translates into hidden hazards everywhere. Every time I meet a new rider, I try to get him to hook up with an experienced rider who is also a good teacher, and they often aren't the same person.

there's a lot to learn and you need to learn it quickly because most driver's have their heads up their asses and you're the loser no matter who is right. So become quick and skilled at the controls, quick turning(countersteering) to avoid accidents, run your highbeams during daylight in urban areas, learn the your main brake is the front except in certain conditions and pretend you are invisible because you are riding on a road that belongs to the biggest and that ain't you.

You are nothing more than prey, and everything else on the road is the predator. You can relax and enjoy yourself, but this is most likely the time you will get eaten. happy trails!

 

The best advice given to me as a Newb was from a coworker that rides. He said that "EVERYONE on the road is trying to "kill you"."Even the other motorcyclists and your riding buddies,they are not waiving,they want to KILL YOU!"

After riding for a while with this mentality, it becomes second nature on how to reduce your risks.

I sometimes laugh out loud as a fellow biker waves or a cager motions my way and I think....Why is he trying to kill me?

Now if I can just keep from killing myself..............Corners are fun!