Riding a motorcycle can be intimidating.  A good way to start is become familiar with the bike first.  Since I own a Honda Shadow 1100 I will reference that as far as controls go.  Before even sitting on the bike I would suggest making sure that the bike is of proper height and weight for you.  Start with a bike that feels right to you.  During my Motorcycle Rider Course which I recommend regardless of experience if you haven't taken it I had a Yamaha 150 cruiser old bike, and light weight.  This was my first time on a bike and having a passion that goes back it was exiting just to sit on it.  The Honda Shadow I own today is almost identical except that it's heaver and has more power.  Personally I am not big on crotch rockets my groin area just can't take my legs being bent like that and the forward lean didn't appear to be to relaxing for a long trip which is what I enjoy.  I would say after owning the Shadow for over 4 years now it's still the perfect bike for me.  Only thing it doesn't have which I will finally add on sometime in the near future is a fuel gauge.  It doesn't have a tach like many cruiser bikes either but that doesn't bother me. 



Sorry got of track a bit back to learning to ride.  As I mentioned become familiar with the controls first.  On the Shadow starting on the left handlebar you have your clutch lever which will be your new best friend.  On the same handlebar there is the chock, high beam,  horn along with left and right turn signal control.  On the right handlebar you have you front brake lever with engine start button and engine cutoff switch and the throttle.  In the center you have a speedometer with indicator lights below that for turn signal indicator, high beam indicator and neutral indicator.  Below that on the gas tank there is the fuel door which requires the key to open.  To the left of that on the foot peg down where your left foot will be  you have your gear shifter.  All the way down is 1st, then 1 up is neutral followed by 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th going all the way up.  On the right foot peg you have your rear break lever.  That's it as far as controls go it's a basic bike nothing fancy just ride and enjoy.  



FYI before starting it is probably wise to start off in an empty parking lot so you have room to move without worrying about traffic.  Also might want to think about bringing a partner just incase.  Don't forget about riding gear,  helmet and jacket, gloves to keep hands dry so they don't slip and protect your hands if you do have a fall and boots that protects ankles are a good idea too. 



Here we go sit on the bike and get comfortable.  This ignition on the Shadow 1100 in down on left side above the gear shifter so we insert the key but don't turn it on just yet.  First shift the bike off it's kick stand and get a feel for the controls.  Squeeze all the levers, clutch should be firm but not hard,  front brake should not be as firm and make sure both go back all the way when you release.  Balance on your left foot and try the rear brake by your right foot.  Ok once you are familiar with the controls still without turning on the engine try to move the bike back and forth without squeezing any controls if the bike moves you are in neutral if not you are in gear.  To start the bike move the chock down on a cold start squeeze the clutch all the way in apply the front brake on the right handle bar and press the engine start button.  Do not let go of the clutch after starting find neutral by pushing the gear shifting down, you may have to do this a couple of times to find first gear.  Once there shift up and you should be in neutral the light indicator will come on and you can slowly release the clutch again just as a precaution keep the front brake lever squeezed.  When you have completely released the clutch and the bike stays on your in neutral and can release the brake.  You are now in idle. 



At this point try to move the bike again like before back and forth just to get feel for the weight of the bike.  Now with the bike running hands and feet ready squeeze the clutch and push down on the gear shifter to first gear.  Hold the clutch in but do not apply any brakes, slowly release the clutch and as soon as the bike begins to move forward squeeze the clutch back in.  Do not release to quickly or it will lunge forward and the engine will cut off.   

Now you know when releasing the clutch the bike will move foward.  Next thing is to find what is known as the friction point.  This is the point where you release the clutch and twist the throttle.  When this point is found the bike will begin to move fast depending on how much throttle you give it.  As you give it more throttle release the clutch and you will be riding the motorcycle.  To stop squeeze the clutch first and then apply brakes practice this until you feel comfortable starting and stoping.  A good habit is apply the front brake first gently, followed by rear foot brake.  when the bike has stopped moving the bike will stay upright for 1 or 2 seconds place your left foot down first so your right foot will still be applied to the rear brake then when the bike has stopped bring your right foot down. 

Now that you are able to move the bike lets try shifting gears.  When the bike is not moving and you shift up you will be in neutral.   If the bike is in motion shifting up should bring you to 2nd gear.  To shift into 2nd gear begin as before and once you release the clutch and are going about 15 mph squeeze the clutch again and shift up with your left foot.  again once you are in 2nd gear release the clutch and give the bike more throttle.  Again you want to find the friction point you'll want to find this in every gear.  The frcition point moves when releasing the clutch depending on how fast you are going and what gear, the higher the gear the farther out the friction point. 

A little long and stretched out but thats it.  FYI 0-15 mph 1st gear, 15- to about 25 mph 2nd gear, 25 to about 40 mph 3rd gear, 40mph to 50 - 55 mph 5th gear.  The miles are approximate, another way is listening to the engine if you hear it racing its time to shift gears.   

Hopefully this helps by all means if any one has any tips fire away.