is riding a motorcycle hard to learn?

I went into my MSF class with absolutely zero motorcycle experience, and I didn't even know how to drive a standard!

However, I made it through with little trouble, the hardest part for me was figuring out the clutch.

I passed the MSF class itself with zero trouble (the instructors are their to teach you and prepare you for the real world, its not like a math test where you either pass or fail, so you should have no problems passing the class.)

As for learning the mechanics, I had them all down with only about a week of practice. I wasn't an expert by any means, but I knew enough to keep me alive and ride on the street. The hardest part was the clutch. Shifting is easy (You just click it upo or down), but for me, learning how to use the clutch properly and take off from a dead stop was the hardest part, and after practicing I finally made it a habit of releasing the clutch smoothly instead of just letting go of it and allowing it to engage too quickly.

The problem here however is that you do indeed need a bike of your own that you can practice on after you have passed the class. The class prepares you, but the rest you have to learn through experience. SO, take the class, get your license (the MSF course exempts you from having to take the DMV's notoriousdly difficult driving test) and then get yourself a small, inexpensive bike (such as the Ninja 250) that you can practice on, and it will all be second nature to you in a week or two.

Also, DO NOT buy a 600cc class inline 4 sportbike for your first bike!! These are basically rockets on wheels and can be very dangerous for beginners, not to mention being VERY expensive to insure! The Ninja 250 or 500, or the Suzuki GS500 (all of these are two cylinder bikes) would be your best bets if you're looking for a sport bike.

It's the same principle as a bicycle for the most part, the way you ride and lean into turns. With some practice you learn how to use the clutch, change the gears, and use the brakes. A Kawasaki 250R Ninja is an excellent choice. It's a sporty beautiful looking bike really, and it's one of the best beginner bikes out there.

I started riding when I was only about 14 years old. It didn't take too long to get the hang of it.

James has the right answer. One thing I would add: after a while, the bike will begin to feel as if it's "lacking" in some respects. I learned on a Yamaha 650. The first two months, I was really nervous and cautious. I felt like the bike was too much for me. 1000 miles later, I had completely outgrown the bike.

If you ride enough, this will likely happen to you as well. Also, just an FYI: I've seen 5 foot tall women who weighed all of 100 pounds handle a 675 pound Harley Fat Boy like it was nothing.

This sport is about finesse and skill, and LOTS of practice.

I went and took the class already being an experienced rider. But there were people in there who have never touched a motorcycle before. It is easy to learn as long as you try hard. As far as the bike, I would hold off until you learn. I got a ninja 500 before I really was comfortable riding and I regretted it. After I became more experienced, I realized that a 500 just wasnt enough for me. I think a 600 would do it though. I don't wanna go too big and kill myself

As a motorcycle instructor, over half of the students I teach have zero riding experience. The Ninja 250 is an excellent choice. Try to buy a recent model used one, as you might drop it once or twice--why scratch up a more expensive, brand-new, shiny one? Any one who claims to outgrow a Ninja 250 in less than two VERY busy years of riding has simply failed to learn the bike's full potential. The same goes double (or more) for a ninja 500.

Not sure but you pro pic is koo