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bimbobombo

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So ever since I was about 10 years old I have wanted to ride a motorcycle. My uncle took me out on his 80 something Ninja and from then on I have loved bikes. Well last year I got my G1 and this year I decided to go for my M1 and possibly buy my first motorcycle, now my father has known ever since I was 10 that I intended to buy a motorcycle (I talked about it a lot) but it seems that when I told him that I was going to go for my M1 he freaked out. (Like he'd hoped I'd forgotten) He told me that bikes were dangerous and if I bought one I wouldn't be living at home any more. I am not sure why he feels this way (he bought a Pontiac LeMans 455 Sport Coupe for his first car :roll:) Now every time I bring it up he says "they call them donor cycles for a reason" and threatens to throw me out without even listening. I have tried to find cars that I "like" in my price range but every time I think I've found one I start thinking about motorcycles again and before you know it I'm back looking at GS500's and Ninja 250's. I don't know why but I feel like a car isn't "right" for me. I feel clumsy sitting behind the wheel, but when I'm on a bike I feel free, I think it's the best feeling in the world.(I know it sounds stupid but it's the way I feel) I think he feels like because other idiot teenagers who ride a bike tries to stunt it that I will do the same, but I don't feel the need to stunt or show off. Why try to destroy a bike that I worked months to buy? Can anybody help me in this situation or give me advice on how I should go about explaining to my dad. Any help is appreciated.
 
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How old are you? Have you checked with the insurance company? If you're ~17 and only have G1/M1, the insurance companies will rape you even on the little 250 and 500s. Your best bet may be to find an older (80s?) little bike to play with for now.
Regarding the way your parents feel, well, it just shows that they do care for you. I'm not trying to scare you, but there are many idiot drivers around here, plus there is always a chance that you will fall. We try to buy the best gear we can afford, we take the safety courses (btw, definitely take the M1-exit course for your M2, it really helps!), we ride safely, but there is always a factor of crashing. My parents were VERY upset when I crashed last year (hit the gravel on the road while taking a turn). They are still upset, but ultimately it's up to me to decide whether I want to continue riding or not. If you still live with your parents, it may not be your choice and maybe the best way to go forward is actually to get a car instead.

Btw, bikes are not cheap. Even if you're buying an older motorcycle, you still have to factor in the cost of gear (good gear will cost you at least 500-1000 to begin with), cost of the M1-exit course (450-500), maintenance/parts costs, and of course INSURANCE.
 
It's odd that you find yourself to be clumsy behind the wheel of a car which is much easier to operate than a motorbike. I couldn't tell from your post, but have you actually ridden a bike (as the rider) yourself?

Anyways, you may be out of luck since you're young and under his roof. This might help though:

1) Plan out how you're going to pay for the bike, how much insurance is, and how you're gonna pay for that (it's gonna be expensive for someone your age with only a G1). If you can show your dad that you've thought it through financially and have a plan then his argument for "you can't afford insurance on it" goes out the window.

2) Let him know what type of bike you want to get and what its capable of, he may feel more assured you're not getting a crotch rocket or something that can blast out 200+ easily on the highway (Sorry if it feels like im banging on the gs500, i'm not sure how well it accelerates at those speeds, but I know the 250 usually tops out around 140-170)

3) Let him know you're taking a M2 course which is all about safety (put that cost in your plan too). I would take this course regardless if he'll let you get a bike. Some insurance companies will give you a discount depending on how long you've held your M2 (regardless of if you've even ridden)

4) Buy good gear and let him know you'll wear it all the time to put him more at ease about you getting hurt. Make sure to wear it all the time!!

5) Not sure if this could fit in your plan, maybe get a 125cc first and then upgrade later, and promise him you won't go on freeways or something of that sort (only local city riding).

6) If all else fails...buy one and come home with it :D I bought my gsxr and my parents found out through a family friend's son who saw my bike on my facebook hahahaha (I was storing it at my girlfriends).

Do step 1 first though, you may be shocked at the insurance rates and find nobody will insure you or its just too expensive.
 
Kuro said:
Forgiveness is easier to obtain than permission.
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+1 thats the route i went with
but of course i was 22 (last year) when i bought my 1st bike

keep in mind there are 2 kinds of riders out there
-riders that have gone down
-riders that will go down

pretty sure almost all the forums members can agree with that

if you have your g(1,2 full g) for less than 6 years, its hard to find an insurance company that is willing to insure you, let alone give you an affordable rate.

and if you plan on riding in the future, i suggest you take your m1exit safety course, now, and get your m2. as mentioned above a few insurance companies will give you a discount if you hold your m2, for a year at least, and have taken the safety course

and on your dad's side...good luck :p
 
I first would consider your age OP. You are under his roof and you should follow his rules. That said, don't rush to get the bike, as some of the other guys mentioned, take your time, plan things out financially and well. IMO I think you should first look at just getting your M1 and your M2 with the safety test, get your dad involved on this, tell him you just want to learn the basics get familiar with the motorcycle stuff, etc, etc. You will need gear for the course so take him out with you to look at gear and stuff.

The reality is you need to show him that you are responsible, that you are acknowledging the fact that motorcycles are dangerous by nature and that you will use the gear. Earn some trust and work buying the bike later, it will be easier for your dad to accept it. You should know your dad well enough to know how he thinks.

I don't suggest you just getting the bike first, is like a big slap on the face, but that is my opinion.

Like some mentioned, we all know this is dangerous, we see the danger every day riding, getting close calls from bad drivers, bad roads or small mistakes. We will fall or have fallen, we will stand up and shake our head many times.

You sound young and the truth is you need to act more mature and show that you can be responsible on your own (no offense intended). Motorcycles are not a cheap way of moving around, are not convenient at times, and at times are harsh and unforgiven...
 
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Love this thread! I too wanted a bike from the age of ten. It's a passion. You just know it. You can feel it.

My advice is to be patient. There is lots of time. I finally got my bike this year as I turn 40. You don't have to wait that long but realize that it's not now or never. You've got lots of time.

I now have two little boys of my own who look at my bike with wide eyed excitement. I can tell you what your dad is feeling but apparently is having trouble saying... He loves you more than words can describe... I know that sounds corny but you won't know that kind of love until you have kids yourself. I didn't get it either. His reaction is out of fear and desperation. He won't kick you out. But he can't take you over his knee either. ;)

Try this... Involve him in your research. Engage him. Ask for his help in learning about safety, gear, bikes, insurance, etc... Show him that you're serious about safety and that you can handle this responsibly. Tell him that you've decided to forgo the bike for a couple of years but that you want to prepare and plan for it. That should take the heat off and make him relax a bit.

Another thought would be to start small... I hear that insurance on a scooter is far less but lets you learn the rules of the road and gain some experience that will help later on.
 
bboySushi said:
It's odd that you find yourself to be clumsy behind the wheel of a car which is much easier to operate than a motorbike. I couldn't tell from your post, but have you actually ridden a bike (as the rider) yourself?
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I have ridden dirtbikes since I was 11 years old and its not that I am an exceptionally clumsy driver its that I find it hard to apply the right amount of pressure to the pedals due to the fact that I have large feet (US 12.5). I guess its a matter of opinion which you find easier to drive. I have a lot of experience with gear changing on dirtbikes, not sure if its the same as motorcycles though.
Thanks for the reply though, the info was helpful
 
Thanks for the insight its really helping me out. In terms of my financial situation, I am fine. I know that the bikes I am looking into are as much as $3'500 used and that insurance could easily be that much for someone my age. I have a part time job and I recently joined the reserves which guarantees me summer employment, I have also been saving my money for a while now. I have taken Drivers Ed and and was planning on taking Rider's Ed through Algonquin, its $450 through them, which would give me some kind of an insurance benefit.
As for my dad, we have a strained relationship as it is, when I was looking at cars I would tell him about a car that I was looking into, and he would promptly give me a list of reasons why that car was a piece of junk (he's a mechanic on the side) and why I should buy a Honda Civic (that's what he drives). There's no halfway point with him there's just his way or the door. The second I try to talk to him about a motorcycle he gets very angry and says " go ahead buy a bike, but you won't be living here any more" in this calm, nonchalant voice. I have absolutely no clue what to say to this or what to do.
 
Sounds like a kind of person that you would be better off agreeing with instead of staining the relationship any further. IMO i would just hold out on the bike thing until your life unfolds a bit more. I know it feels like the best thing in the world, but you still have many many years to experience the world. In the mean time use your time to plan out your goals, learn new things, and enjoy the weather


Sent from my calculator, using skills.
 
If all else fails...consider finding a good friend, and stashing your bike at his place and going for rides! (a lot easier if he rides too)
 
Thanks Shaq you are right of course, I do have many, many years left (hopefully), but motorcycles are my passion, I knew ever since I first got on one that I wanted a motorcycle no matter what, to me motorcycles are what I am. An underdog that no body really, truly understands.

bboy, i'll have to consider that. My original plan was to hide it in the backyard somewhere and hope he wouldn't notice;)
 
Like others have said, you're under his roof so unless you want to face the consequences of being rebellious you're better off waiting until you've moved out on your own. When I was a teenager I got the exact same response from my step-father at the time.

I'd also suggest NOT taking the msf course until you're ready to start riding. Once you throw your leg over for the first time you'll be hooked like a crack addict which will only make the waiting harder. No sense in spending money on lessons that will fade with time unless you're willing to take it again in the future.
 
As a father of young 6 yr old and also having a dad who sounds very much like your dad I understand how you feel. Like others have said try and look at it from your dad's point of view. Yes, you are old enough to make many decisions on your own but you are still "that" little boy in your dad's eyes and just like kgreen said the love a parent has for his/her kids is like no other and lasts a life time, know without a doubt your parents would give their life for you thus the equally strong sentiment against you getting a bike. Living in your parents house also means they continue to have/feel a responsibility to protect you. As a dad I cannot tell you how I would fare if my son died under my watch.

As far as your dad, if he is like mine, he just needs time to wrap his mind around what you want to do (btw my dad used to race motorcycles, and he was still kind of po'd that I bought a bike). I am sure for him this decision sounds like you are off on a whim, so take your time (little steps). Each step should demonstrate to him that you are serious about staying alive and you are looking at this realistically, it will also give him time to realize and come to terms with letting you go so you can start makiing your own decisions and mistakes. Remember that his over riding responsibility is to make sure you are prepared for life before he passes, he is not prepared to bury you.

Good Luck
 
Okay, so I have a question, If I was looking into getting a bike which would be the better choice a 90's honda cbr 600 or a newer suzuki GS500? Someone told me that because the bike would be more than 15 years old I could insure it as a sport touring so the insurance would be cheaper. Is the difference negligible or worth it?
Thanks
 
bimbobombo said:
Okay, so I have a question, If I was looking into getting a bike which would be the better choice a 90's honda cbr 600 or a newer suzuki GS500? Someone told me that because the bike would be more than 15 years old I could insure it as a sport touring so the insurance would be cheaper. Is the difference negligible or worth it?
Thanks
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From the standpoint of insurance rates it may not be a huge difference except for StateFarm who goes with engine displacement to help determine rates, you will need to call around though to get exact figures. In the case of horsepower the cbr will be more than likely double the horsepower of the gs500 with a totally different horsepower/torque curve and of course there's braking, riding position and seat height.
 
Put it this way - GS500 is a great beginner bike, will be easy to learn on and eventually in a couple of years you may even be able to push it pretty hard (at least I did on mine). CBR600 - yes, you can "take it easy" as some people recommend, but IMHO you won't enjoy learning on that bike, as 600s are unforgiving - you dump the clutch by mistake, give it too much acceleration in the corner, apply too much front brake - and you'll be on the ground in no time (I have CBR600 now and had GS500F, so it's pretty easy to compare for me).
 
ViperZ said:
Put it this way - GS500 is a great beginner bike, will be easy to learn on and eventually in a couple of years you may even be able to push it pretty hard (at least I did on mine). CBR600 - yes, you can "take it easy" as some people recommend, but IMHO you won't enjoy learning on that bike, as 600s are unforgiving - you dump the clutch by mistake, give it too much acceleration in the corner, apply too much front brake - and you'll be on the ground in no time (I have CBR600 now and had GS500F, so it's pretty easy to compare for me).
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+1.. I'm on my 2nd season with the GS and still haven't pushed it near the limit. It's remarkably forgiving of most mistakes and it is plenty quick for me at the moment
 
NealT said:
btw my dad used to race motorcycles, and he was still kind of po'd that I bought a bike
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LMAO @ giving advice to someone about changing their parent's minds, from a guy who's dad used to race motorcycles... your dad is in absolutely no position to tell you not to get a bike, if he used to race them!

To the OP: just wait it out, man. It's worth it.
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