Anybody willing to teach a complete novice with a new bike in Manhattan?

[GLantern]

Newenough.com orMotorcyclecloseouts.com Gear up EVERYTIME you can get full gear on the cheap from them.  And good luck

[morrisoto]

I think the best thing you can do is get up at 5am on Saturday or Sunday and ride around as much as you can for a few hours. There are very few cars and it really helped me gain confidence when I was learning last summer.

Another piece of advice - don't hit the front brake too hard, especially when it's raining! I learned that the hard way - you will eat it. Use the engine to slow down and go easy on the brakes. And when you are riding, try to be as annoying as possible so people notice you - gun the engine, use the horn and be ready at all times to switch lanes...always, always, always have an out.

I learned in the city too - but I did take the MSF course before I got my bike so definitely try and do that. It's amazing how much it teaches you.   

[EvilSteve]

Buy as many books as you can David Hough would be a good place to start.