Definitely take the course if you have any thought of getting on a bike. I thought I'd learn as I go along and ended up totalling my friend's bike and ending up in the ER. Took the course, and I'm MUCH more comfortable now. Plus, taking the course keeps you from having to do the driving half of your license test with the trooper driving behind you.

As for gear, please wear it! Heads don't hold up well against concrete. The night I laid down my friend's bike, I had just come back to meet up with them from a ride not wearing my helmet. I put on my helmet, we all headed out, and about a quarter mile out of the parking lot, I laid it down at about 45 MPH and landed on the back of my head (with the helmet on). If that had happened 5 minutes earlier, I'd probably be dead. PLEASE wear your gear. Scars may look cool, but road rash is not fun.

I've had a Gixxer 750 and now a 1000, and it is a great feeling. Just take it easy, don't outride your abilities, and watch for idiot cagers! Welcome to the dark side!

 

Thread update...2-3 years later .

Just finished the course this afternoon. It was good, but very basic. I thought I'd learn more specific pointers/tips. I do have plenty of literature to read through. I definitely had an advantage since I've been riding motocross/offroad for about 3 years now. One lady in our group didn't pass the test .

I will say that passing the class doesn't automatically mean you're ready for the open road. Among a few other things that I need (like a bike ), plenty of practice in a parking lot and suburban area riding is needed.