What's the best way to get started with motorcycling?

Well the first place to start, no joking, is on a bicycle to make sure you have to proper balance if you have never rode before. Secondly, you'll wanna start out on something relatively small, maybe around a 250-500 cc street legal bike and only drive on back-roads where there is little traffic untill you are comfortable with the cycle. You can also ask your local tech school about a motorcycle training course where they will teach you proper acceleration, braking, and handling techniques. Then after all is said and done, and you think you are comfortable with riding, you can move up to something larger. Sugessted starter bikes are usually cheap to buy and maintain and do not have a lot of plastics/fairings, your starter bike is not for showing off to your friends. You WILL drop the first bike you ride.

Start looking into the MSF classes. Around here they're typically booked the first week they become available through adult education classes. Those are just like say windsurfing or flying lessons, no harm in giving it a go and you'll only be out a little bit of money if you decide not to take it up after all. I think here in California you have to have the motorcycle learner's permit to take the class -- have to pass the written test, might be different in your state.

Going much further though it's going to cost you. One of the things nobody ever mentions is the high price of starting where there's an initial purchase of around $1K of gear other than the motorcycle itself. That should get you a "keeper" helmet as well as mass-produced jacket, gloves, pants, and maybe boots. You might get away with nothing other than the helmet and gloves, but it's your *** so I'd cover it if I was you.

In your area there's likely to be an informal group of people that get together just to ride, there are quite a few here. You'll hear lots of useful real world information that should match up to advice in books such as "Proficient Motorcycling". You'll also have a support network that will try to help should something go wrong on the ride. Maintenance, etc. is still up to you though, don't expect to show up with crap equipment and have someone hold your hand.

Take a riding class. It will educate you and get you comfortable with everything about bikes. It will also help you get your license and give you a discount on insurance. Then go out and buy a learner bike. One that is 4-6 yrs old, affordable, not too nice incase you drop it(it will happen sometime), around 600cc, and make sure it's not salvaged, clean title only. With a couple years of experience, go get the bike you want, and be happy with how you came to be a rider.

The best way to find out about riding is through a Motorcycle Education class, but if you want to know which bike to purchase as far as starting out see your local motorcyle dealers to understand the size and also the cc's for a starter bike.......

Nirvana is totally correct. Follow his advice. One other thought: I started riding bikes when I was about 12, doing so off-road. Riding off-road requires even more skill & finesse than road riding (in most cases), but you can fall on soft ground, and practice without traffic, so it is a great way to learn. If there is any friend you know who has a trail bike, try that first. Good Luck.

The best thing you can do is take the MSF course.It will give you everything you need to ride and the knowledge and skills to safely ride.