riding experience starts now. i have done manual atvs and little to no dirt bike time but i think ill manage.
Good luck to you, brother. It's a fun and rewarding adventure that awaits you.
Dirt bike time counts a bit, ATV doesn't.
Have you done the MSF course in your area?
the cb550 is still pretty light compared to my uncle and aunts harleys so ill be able to man handle it if it tips or somthing.
The weight really only matters if you tip it. When riding, you keep the bike upright with skill, and the skills that keep a 200 lbs dirtbike upright work just fine for an 900 lbs bagger.
but ya its my first bike so i didnt have any others to practice on.
hopefully i wont have to make a re build this cuz i dropped my bike build thread hahaha..
The reality is that this bike will probably get dropped and dinged up a few times as you learn to ride. They key is to do your best, and if you do drop it, don't get back on until you've calmed yourself down enough to remain in control.
In my experience, people tend to crash when they make something else more important than not crashing (getting home despite the rain, getting to an interview on time, showing off for a buddy or a girl, catching up to that jackass who just cut you off so you can give him the finger, getting a knee down, killing your chicken strips, etc. etc. etc.). Remember that your first and most important responsibility is to not crash, and you'll be well ahead of the game.