"I truly believe that what happens on the BB site in general, and especially on this board, is extremely important. It certainly increases awareness about motorcycle safety, and may indeed save some lives. That may sound a bit dramatic, but if you think about it a little its probably true.

Riding is dangerous. One of the best defenses against the increased danger is knowledge. This board, and the whole BB site in general, provide knowledge and acceptance that most beginners are, for varying reasons, reluctant to seek out from more experienced riders."

"I can safely say we all appreciate the work you do and the enjoyment Beginner Bikes brings to us. Personally, despite being an "internet professional" (and hating every minute of it), I've never joined a site or posted messages on any other message board before this one.

As I begin my journey into the world of motorcycling, I know I will go with knowledge and wisdom I wouldn't have had otherwise. Where would I be without the insight of Shadow Shack, or Enygma, or Darwin, or that 'Beginner Bikes Editor" guy? And, I hope my own insights and advice have helped inform, entertain, or just generally annoy."

"Glad your back on line. You don't miss something until it's gone. On the drill ship I'm on it's the closest thing to keep me in touch with riding without having one here.

Keps me going till I get home and get on mine. Ya'll keep up the good work and will be donating to site in near future. Right now on the ship for a while."

"I just wanted to let you know that your advice on the 2001 Drifter was right on track. I purchased it as my first motorcycle and it turns heads like nothing I've ever owned. It is easy to ride (actually, it is a joy to ride) and the engine power is not too much. The bike is indeed the most beautiful bike around. I agree that this bike should be for a person who has mastered the basic controls and would recommend anyone thinking of purchasing a motorcycle attend the MSF course. Thanks for a great site."

"Not to critisize you, or whoever writes the reviews of sorts on the various bikes, but you seem to lean towards 500 and smaller for the beginner. Unfortunatly, not all of us beginners could even ride a 500 - at my size sitting on a 500 is relative to sitting in a 1/3rd scale rocking chair with handle bars... that wont turn because they hit your knee's. I guess thats the downfall to being as big as I am (6'4, 275).

On the contrary, your site has greatly helped me decide what to look for, test out,and really focus on. I've had salesmen that wanted me on an 1100 (the Vstar Custom 1100 ... which wasnt any more comfortable than the 650), and some that have told me to start on a 500, but laughed when I tried to sit on it. The way you describe these mid-sized cruisers has helped considerably, and I may have just been mistaken about your focus on smaller bikes for absolute beginners.

Thank you very much for helping me begin this whole process of buying a bike."

"I just stumbled on your site today…what a great idea! I have been looking all over for a beginners motorcycling magazine, to no avail. Some of the postings and the bike reviews are excellent. It’s a great start.

Then I read that your founder has passed away…what a bummer. I sincerely hope that you will find a way to continue your online magazine despite Tom’s passing away. There are so many new motorcycle riders every year…it just seems like there is such a need for a magazine like yours. Frankly, you could be saving lives by handing out sound advice over the “high performance speed bikes” type magazines. All they care about is if you can go 150 MPH around a track—something I have no interest in.

I would purchase a subscription if I could find a good print magazine for motorcycling beginners. As for me, I plan to start offroad riding to get the hang of things, then move up to a Ninja 250 or Suzuki GS500."

"Very sorry to hear the news about Tom Andrews. I have been a very big fan of your site since I began learning about bikes a few months ago. Please make sure to carry on the work that Mr. Andrews started. It's a great site and truly the only one that I've found with a true focus on beginners. I'm very sorry for your loss."

"I was very sorry to hear of the death of BeginnerBikes.com founder. Please pass on my condolences to Tom Andrews' family.

I am a motorcycling beginner and will hopefully begin riding this fall after I take an MSF course. This web site has been one of the best sources of information for me."