Maneuverability is key to learn in the beginning - Find a local empty lot and work the bike in the first couple gears to help get your clutch/brake work to a comfortable level. Once you got a handle on the slow stuff, then try your skills on some backroads - just don't hop onto St. Rt.'s or Interstates TOO soon, riding in a crowd can be daunting for beginner riders. The MSF course is a GREAT idea for learning the basics and licensing, saving $$ on your insurance is just a bonus - I took the advanced course ( 5 hr session ) while my wife took the beginner MSF course at Honda in Troy ( 3 days total for beginner - 1 classday, 2 ride days ) so we both saved some cash that year on our premiums and basically got paid to be there win win So once you get your temps, do some parking lot work to get used to shifting, clutching, braking, etc., then go from there, depends on how quickly you can get into the next course. If you can get in before you get a chance to practice, that's fine - they'll go over EVERYTHING a newb needs to know to ride safely. Good luck man! Oh, one other thing - I'll be in touch for some decals soon, but one question.......are they simply 1 color vinyl or can you print multi-color graphics at all? Let me know, I'm in 2 bands that need new merchandise!