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Congrats on taking your first steps to a lifetime of riding passion!

I learned to ride in L.A. traffic, and while I don't recommend it, it has given me a solid foundation for anywhere else in the world I've ridden since.

Have you taken an MSF course? It's a great way to cover the basics of motorcycle operation and control and build some confidence.

Below is my standard response for newer riders, to help build skills and confidence as you embark on an amazing adventure:

Advice to New Riders

Motorcycling can be a lifelong passion, but you have to be smart about it and remain ever vigilant.

The training mentioned below is mostly US-based, but there are similar courses around the world, and most of the books/videos will apply no matter which side of the road you happen to ride on.

My best advice for newer riders: understand that motorcycling is a skill, and focused training and proper practice can make you a better, smoother, safer rider.

Experienced riders understand the Fundamental Truth of riding: Motorcycles aren't automatically dangerous (despite what naysayers will repeat ad nauseam), but they are quite unforgiving of mistakes.

Every rider has to know their own skill level (regardless of the bike they're riding), but it's sometimes hard to know just where that skill level is. And even harder to learn how to raise that skill level without putting yourself and others at serious risk.

As a kid, you didn't just jump on a bicycle and head directly out into the busy street, did you? I imagine you were given a small starter bicycle, maybe with training wheels, and you rode around the driveway or backyard until you got better at balancing, steering, and stopping. Then the training wheels came off, and you graduated to bigger bicycles as your skills grew.

Motorcycling is much the same. Start small, build your skills and your confidence, then progress as your time, experience, and budget allows. Most of that has to be done on the bike, of course, but there are several good resources that you can use during the down time to help improve your understanding of motorcycle physics and best riding practices.

And when you are riding, your entire attention should be focused on the ride. No distractions, no stressing about work or family or relationships or life. And no riding impaired under any substance, legal, illegal, or otherwise. You have to focus 100% of your energy on the road. Remember, your #1 goal is to make it safely to your destination, no matter what the road throws at you.

Side note: When you're out on the road, legal Right of Way means nothing if it means that you get hit by some idiot who's not paying attention. Being legally right is for courtrooms afterwards, whereas simply recognizing and avoiding the dangerous situation before it happens is a much better way of staying safe.

It bears repeating that ATGATT should be your normal mode right from the beginning. This brings us to another Fundamental Truth about riding: Pavement hurts, but with the right gear, you can walk away relatively unscathed. Remember, it's much easier to repair/replace a broken motorcycle than a broken person...

But it's better not to crash, obviously, which is where skills training comes in.

Focused, professional training from a qualified instructor is always worth your time and effort. Having a skilled professional trainer watch you from outside and critique your style is invaluable in reaching that next skill level, and in building confidence.

Even after 4 decades and around 600,000 miles on two wheels, I still take regular training courses and track days, still read up on riding skills and accident avoidance, and still "practice" on every single ride. It's what keeps you safe out there.

On a side note, ABS is a great thing to have on a motorcycle. It just sits there unobtrusively, unless you need it during an emergency braking situation when it kicks in and can easily save your ass. Like ATGATT, it can be the difference that lets you walk or ride away from an incident.

The MSF offers their Basic Rider Course and Advanced Rider Course, which are well worth the small time and money commitments. Some riders might already be at that point, or beyond, so they'd be looking towards developing more advanced riding skills, as mentioned below.

Riders of any skill level can start with Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well, More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride, & Street Rider's Guide: Street Strategies for Motorcyclists by David Hough. Then move on to Twist of the Wrist I & II by Keith Code and Smooth Riding - the Pridmore Way by Reg Pridmore.

Many of the ideas and techniques explained above can be practiced locally. Just find a large empty parking lot if you're in the city, or a lonely side road if you're out in the country, and try to recreate what the books are telling you.

And if you're interested in doing much longer rides, you should read Don Arthur's excellent Fatigue and Motorcycle Touring, which I re-read before every extended multi-day ride.

Then continue with the Twist of the Wrist I & II videos (can also be found on YouTube).

And don't forget some helpful websites, such as The Pace, The Pace 2.0, The Fine Art of Braking, and TrackDoD Novice Group Orientation.

That will set you up for a skills-based track day such as Ride Smart, where the point isn't to "win" or to "put a knee down" but rather to expand your riding skill set by practicing all the above ideas in a safe and controlled environment, with immediate feedback from qualified instructors.

You can also look at instructor-based training, such as Lee Parks Total Control program. And there are a few other places that offer one-on-one training as well.

Skills-based track days and private training can be found all over the country, if only you search for such things.

And when you're done perusing all of the above information, then sit down and watch On Any Sunday, On Any Sunday 2, and On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter

.

That should keep you busy for a while.

And remember to enjoy the ride...

Congrats on taking your first steps to a lifetime of riding passion!

I learned to ride in L.A. traffic, and while I don't recommend it, it has given me a solid foundation for anywhere else in the world I've ridden since.

Have you taken an MSF course? It's a great way to cover the basics of motorcycle operation and control and build some confidence.

Below is my standard response for newer riders, to help build skills and confidence as you embark on an amazing adventure:

Advice to New Riders

Motorcycling can be a lifelong passion, but you have to be smart about it and remain ever vigilant.

The training mentioned below is mostly US-based, but there are similar courses around the world, and most of the books/videos will apply no matter which side of the road you happen to ride on.

My best advice for newer riders: understand that motorcycling is a skill, and focused training and proper practice can make you a better, smoother, safer rider.

Experienced riders understand the Fundamental Truth of riding: Motorcycles aren't automatically dangerous (despite what naysayers will repeat ad nauseam), but they are quite unforgiving of mistakes.

Every rider has to know their own skill level (regardless of the bike they're riding), but it's sometimes hard to know just where that skill level is. And even harder to learn how to raise that skill level without putting yourself and others at serious risk.

As a kid, you didn't just jump on a bicycle and head directly out into the busy street, did you? I imagine you were given a small starter bicycle, maybe with training wheels, and you rode around the driveway or backyard until you got better at balancing, steering, and stopping. Then the training wheels came off, and you graduated to bigger bicycles as your skills grew.

Motorcycling is much the same. Start small, build your skills and your confidence, then progress as your time, experience, and budget allows. Most of that has to be done on the bike, of course, but there are several good resources that you can use during the down time to help improve your understanding of motorcycle physics and best riding practices.

And when you are riding, your entire attention should be focused on the ride. No distractions, no stressing about work or family or relationships or life. And no riding impaired under any substance, legal, illegal, or otherwise. You have to focus 100% of your energy on the road. Remember, your #1 goal is to make it safely to your destination, no matter what the road throws at you.

Side note: When you're out on the road, legal Right of Way means nothing if it means that you get hit by some idiot who's not paying attention. Being legally right is for courtrooms afterwards, whereas simply recognizing and avoiding the dangerous situation before it happens is a much better way of staying safe.

It bears repeating that ATGATT should be your normal mode right from the beginning. This brings us to another Fundamental Truth about riding: Pavement hurts, but with the right gear, you can walk away relatively unscathed. Remember, it's much easier to repair/replace a broken motorcycle than a broken person...

But it's better not to crash, obviously, which is where skills training comes in.

Focused, professional training from a qualified instructor is always worth your time and effort. Having a skilled professional trainer watch you from outside and critique your style is invaluable in reaching that next skill level, and in building confidence.

Even after 4 decades and around 600,000 miles on two wheels, I still take regular training courses and track days, still read up on riding skills and accident avoidance, and still "practice" on every single ride. It's what keeps you safe out there.

On a side note, ABS is a great thing to have on a motorcycle. It just sits there unobtrusively, unless you need it during an emergency braking situation when it kicks in and can easily save your ass. Like ATGATT, it can be the difference that lets you walk or ride away from an incident.

The MSF offers their Basic Rider Course and Advanced Rider Course, which are well worth the small time and money commitments. Some riders might already be at that point, or beyond, so they'd be looking towards developing more advanced riding skills, as mentioned below.

Riders of any skill level can start with Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well, More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride, & Street Rider's Guide: Street Strategies for Motorcyclists by David Hough. Then move on to Twist of the Wrist I & II by Keith Code and Smooth Riding - the Pridmore Way by Reg Pridmore.

Many of the ideas and techniques explained above can be practiced locally. Just find a large empty parking lot if you're in the city, or a lonely side road if you're out in the country, and try to recreate what the books are telling you.

And if you're interested in doing much longer rides, you should read Don Arthur's excellent Fatigue and Motorcycle Touring, which I re-read before every extended multi-day ride.

Then continue with the Twist of the Wrist I & II videos (can also be found on YouTube).

And don't forget some helpful websites, such as The Pace, The Pace 2.0, The Fine Art of Braking, and TrackDoD Novice Group Orientation.

That will set you up for a skills-based track day such as Ride Smart, where the point isn't to "win" or to "put a knee down" but rather to expand your riding skill set by practicing all the above ideas in a safe and controlled environment, with immediate feedback from qualified instructors.

You can also look at instructor-based training, such as Lee Parks Total Control program. And there are a few other places that offer one-on-one training as well.

Skills-based track days and private training can be found all over the country, if only you search for such things.

And when you're done perusing all of the above information, then sit down and watch On Any Sunday, On Any Sunday 2, and On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter

.

That should keep you busy for a while.

And remember to enjoy the ride...

I agree, David Hough's books are great. Also recommend Nick Ienatsch's Sport Riding Techniques and his article The Pace.

You don't have to spend very much at all. When I was in Georgia I rode in the rain a few times a month and I've always been a cheap ass so I got a suit that frogg toggs made for like $40. I wear them over my jacket and clothes and they work great! Only complaints are that during the summer rain it got pretty warm up under it all and the stuff they make is far from fashionable. That being said, I highly recommend them unless you want to spend a whole lot more for something that would keep you dry the same way. Just looked and they are $17 on amazon.... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SX4Z5FU/ref=twister_dp_update?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I've used various types/brands, and have settled on these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EPQ86A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

They are technically disposable, but you can reuse them a few times before throwing them away. They also do a good job of reducing noise levels without eliminating useful ambient noise.

The other suggestions in this thread are also good, and finding the right brand/type will ultimately be a personal choice.

I'm surprised nobody's talking about gloves. Got a 40 min commute at 45 degree temps and these are the only non battery gloves that get the job done:
revzilla, amazon

On sizing the reviews mention +1, and they're not joking. I had to go with a +2 but other than that these gloves are a godsend.

I ride from San Pedro to Sherman Oaks 4 days a week year-round, splitting on the 110 and 405; about 38 miles each way. There are plenty of us who commute on a regular basis - I see a lot of the same guys out every day. I've never been down, and even the few close calls I've experienced really haven't been that close. It takes me around 45 - 60 minutes door-to-door. By car it's anywhere from 1:15 to 2 hours, and that doesn't include anomalous events like major accidents and lane closures.

Personally, I'd go mental if I had to do it in my car every day. Every now and then I cage it when I have to make a Costco run on the way home or whatever, and it's a miserable experience.

I ride a Ninja 1000 (less extreme ergos than ZX Ninjas). Commuting mods I've made are bar risers, a Russell seat (https://www.day-long.com/), and Givi tail trunk. As for gear, I wear kevlar lined jeans with hard shin guards underneath (http://www.amazon.com/Shift-Racing-Enforcer-Motocross-Motorcycle/dp/B005M16QY6), a textile jacket with armor, weather-appropriate gloves, and boots. I carry my work clothes with me on the bike and change in my office when I get to work, and again when I leave for the day.

If you become a regular 2-wheel commuter, I think you'll probably want a more comfortable bike. But if you can tolerate it for 45 minutes or so, you can give it a try and see if motorcycle commuting is for you. Hope to see you out there, and be safe!

I'm looking for $4900. Obviously we can be creative about how you report the sale to DMV, which can save you a lot of $ vs dealers.

Also, I have this super bright LED tail light with integrated turn signals which I can throw in the package (I never installed it, NIB)

http://www.amazon.com/2013-2014-Kawasaki-Blaster-X-Integrated-LED/dp/B00F4HU0FO/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413260193&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=customled+ninja+300

Not close to Weho, but I'm sure you could arrange to see them at Drowsport and SteadyGarage.

I have the POWTEC PT-GROM Adjustable short Brake and Clutch Levers off Amazon. They're not as fancy as the CRGs or ASVs, but they get the job done. I'll have some time Saturday morning, if you wanted to check them out. I live near Studio City.

You can purchase these small heat packs that you shake and they warm up for about 30 min. Only downside is that while they are reusable, they have to be boiled each time after use.

HotSnapZ Hand Warmers Reusable Round & Pocket Warmers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CV2YXE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WGjRDbQTMCFFY

Find a better brand than that but it’s to give you an idea.

This is smaller than you're asking but works:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E7CZ1R8/?coliid=I3NZ9X3WLPDBDG&colid=1MZHA7NQKX918&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

There are also collapsable fuel containers like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Giant-Loop-Gas-Bag-Bladder/dp/B06XT6JQMM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1543277423&sr=8-7&keywords=collapsible%2Bfuel&th=1

I have never heard of any place that details bikes. Hose it down with a liberal amount of this(Muc-Off works well too), wait, rinse it off , dry the bike and then use this stuff everywhere except the seat and grips. Your bike will look brand new and it will only take like 20 minutes. That's probably all a shop is going to do.

I wear my HB Kevlar jeans to work most days. Comfortable and affordable.

Basically this. I'd also recommend investing in a cover that locks down over your bike.

You want to make your bike as little of a target as possible, or make it look like it's more trouble than it's worth to mess with. Covering it up means people can't see exactly what type of bike it is and they would have to lift the cover (a suspicious move) to even check if the bike is worth stealing.

What probably happened was that they saw the bike, clipped the wires but couldn't get it started, then stashed it in an alley nearby expecting to come back later with a truck or something to haul it away.

You might also look at the brake disc locks they make and get one for each wheel. Cables are relatively easily cut (or the lock is easily cut), these take more trouble. There's nothing foolproof, but it helps make your bike less of a target for things like this.

On the other side of things, you can get these earplugs from Amazon for less than $20. It's 200 pairs, so you don't have to worry about reusing them or losing them, and they do a pretty decent job in their own right. I use these at work often enough, and can hear whatever important stuff I need to.

I use boot covers and a full frogg toggs set over my regular gear. Both pack up nicely and are a breeze to dry out.

Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Breathable Rain Suit, Men's Khaki, Size X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007X5XFYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1zAzCb074R8VW

USHTH Black Waterproof Rain Boot Shoe Cover with reflector (1 Pair) (Black-XL(12.6inch)) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JH69KJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wBAzCbENRKG7N

>SMH10-11

amazon has the pair for 234.99 now:
https://www.amazon.com/Sena-SMH10-11-Motorcycle-Bluetooth-Microphone/dp/B0087NB0ZQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=SMH10-11&qid=1564465132&s=gateway&sr=8-1&th=1