I do not usually post many questions in AskTRP but I felt the need to open up the discussion after a short conversation with ForYourSorrows in another thread.

As a kid I loved my pedal powered bike. It was freedom. Now I haven't been able to secure a drivers license that would permit me to drive on my own. However, given the rules in place where I am the ability to get a motorcycle license which I can drive on my own is much more quickly within my grasp. I've done the risk vs reward calculation and decided when the good weather comes around I'll be getting my license, taking a motorcycle safety course and purchasing a (likely used) motorcycle.

My question is directed at other guys who have some experience with motorcycles so I'll just list them off in order here.

  • How much of pedal powered bike skills transfer over to motorcycle skills? I'm guessing balancing and steering probably are the two biggest ones that transfer over well.

  • My intent is to use my motorcycle primarily as transportation around the area rather than for long distance driving. The longest in terms of long distance driving I'd actually do is probably an hour so I would probably be getting a Standard/Naked Bike or a dual purpose/dual sport since I wouldn't mind having the option of being able to go off road if need be. Plus something built to take more abuse tends to work just as good when you don't abuse it as much.

  • I'm probably going to get a cheap (inexpensive) motorcycle. So I'll probably end up picking up a 250cc engine one (i've looked ad new 250cc engine bikes are like $4000-5000 vs 600cc engine bikes that are like $7000-11,000) that's lightly used. I really don't need a motorcycle with like a 600cc engine that can go like 200 MPH. I'm not intending to race, go out for track days or whatever where I'd actually be able to crank one of these to the highest speed I can get it.

  • Are there any brands/models that are better than others? Some better than others in particular categories? Like Honda or Yamaha or Suzuki... I notice a lot of Japanese/Asian owned companies put out lots of motorcycles.

  • Is there any special maintenance related tasks that are required to keep it in good working condition? What sort of stuff would necessitate taking it to the shop to get fixed vs trying to fix it yourself (assuming you don't have the tools and/or skills to fix everything yourself yet but willing to learn!)