From Wis. Tired of the Yahoo group, decided to switch. Too much off-topic chat.

[20Kon90cc]

I rode cycle 2 years before I drove a car. I did put 20K on my NEW (1965) BS90 Standard. My two cousins and I had the same bikes and we rode day and night. We rode before anyone decided you needed a 'special' license to ride a cycle , and before 'helmets'. Never had to take any test to get the validation. We still had more knowledge under our belts riding in the dirt (mostly) and on the road. I think too many people buy (what they call 'little' cycles 600-750cc) bikes they can't handle or learn on and hit the road. Bikes this size were monsters back in 1965!

[CafeTBird]

Agree on the big bikes thing.  See them in the ditches up in the hills here often.  I think it would be good if we had size rules for learners in the U.S. - much like they have in Europe...

Welcome to the new board.  At least these groups are easier to direct the conversation to the approrpriate topic.  I have agreed to help Richard, because I think this is a better (and more controllable) format....

[Dave K]

I guess I am like many of my "age". I started out on my first bike with a '67 BS 90 Sport. Then graduated to a '69 HS 175 before grapping a '70 Kaw. 500. The learning experince was really needed to become a safer driver. I did have a Honda CBR F4 for awhile. To me, that bike was wickedly quick and fast. No way IMHO is that a beginners bike, unless you have a death wish.