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Too young to bike?

Alright, I am 16 and craving speed! My grandfather wants me to get a pink motor bike (which is basically a fast moped)and that's what started my fascination with bikes. Just the thought of cruising down a road and passing my friends and their unnecessary countrified trucks sounds amazing. I want to be alone and free with wind in my hair. Although after reading all these entries it has occurred to me that to ride a motorcycle it requires experience and common sense. At age 16 the latter is a rarity. Should I stick with the 80 mph moped or go straight to a motorcycle training class?

Comments for Too young to bike?

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Nov 01, 2012

Yes and No
by: Monica

I'm the mother of a 17 year old boy. He and I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class together September 2011. He and I shared a motorcycle for the winter (ok, we didn't ride too much due to weather) and we bought him his own in April. I wanted to be able to ride whenever I wanted too. His father and I only set three rules regarding the use of his motorcycle.
1. No passengers!!
2. All the gear, all the time (ATGATT)
3. Speeding ticket and he loses the use of the car and the motorcycle.

I think it is a great idea you get a motorcycle but you must take a safety course so you learn all the dangers and you can protect yourself while enjoying your ride. AND you must always wear all the gear --- helmet, armored jacket, armored jeans or riding pants, boots, armored gloves.

I would recommend finding an experienced rider you can ride with to help you learn basic skills too. Riding with someone is safer and more fun.

I would also recommend a lightweight motorcycle with no more than 600cc. It's enough power to go fast (I love speed too) but not too much that you would get in over your head easily. Make sure that when you are sitting on it stopped that both your feet are flat on the ground. This really helps when you are on an incline (driveway, stop sign) and when you need to stop fast because some idiot pulls out in front of you or cuts you off. I'm sure you have experienced this on your scooter. I've ridden dirt bikes and scooters in the past. In some ways, a motorcycle is safer than a scooter. More stable and responsive to avoiding objects. Can you drive a manuel transmission car? If so, learning to shift a motorcycle will be easier for you.

A few personal notes about safety gear: A friend of mine went down on her motorcycle recently, if she didn't have all her gear on she wouldn't be here with us today. She wasn't speeding, someone in a countried truck turned left infront of her. Luckily, she used all her safety course skills to save her life. She walked away shook up with minor scratches. Her poor motorcycle was totaled but she lived to buy another one...

Last summer we were riding in 90 degree heat. When we stopped for lunch, my husband had to peel my jacket off of me I was so sweaty, but we were safe. That's the most important thing. I have since purchased a mesh armored jacket. Much better in the heat.

Here's wishing you many years of happy safe years of motorcycle riding!
Monica
Reno, NV

Jul 16, 2012

Straight to the training range!!!!
by: Anonymous

Speed needs to be the last thing you think about unless you're going to go do track days. Glad you have done some reading and realized that a scooter/motorcycle is not a toy to be taken lightly. One wrong move can leave you dead or impaired for life. If you ride you need to be trained. Untrained riders, regardless of age, are high on the list for deaths of motorcyclists each year. The training teaches you to ride but it also teaches you the why. What you learn in a MSF class will save your life. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow but it will. The training course is a very basic one that teaches you how to ride but and tries to teach you to be a responsible rider when you leave the range that last time. The course is not a miracle maker..it teaches you to ride but it doesn't teach you street knowledge. That comes with time in the saddle. If you do decide to get a m/c look for a mentor who is responsible and have an open mind when they try to tell you something...it could save your life. Keep reading and looking at different forums for more knowledge. Good luck.

Jul 16, 2012

Be Smart
by: Jeanette

I have to say.... don't be so quick for speed. That is what kills lots of young riders. Just take your time, be smart, use common sense and have a little fear.
It is great to have fun but blowing by your friends should never be the goal.
My suggestion is to take it slow.

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