I highly recommend taking the Basic Rider Course (20 hrs) before you do anything else.....donĀ“t let a friend or relative teach you to ride....your chance of having an accident will be statistically higher if you do...(unless that person teaches motorcycle courses professionally). Normally professional course operators provide the motorcycle to learn on and it will be worth a lot more than the $100 cost. In many states passing the course gets you your motorcycle lic. endorsement with no other exams.