Would you let your son buy a motorcyle...?

Question

My son just turned 16 he has his drivers license. He has a truck, that he pays his own insurance on. He has a job, and now he wants to buy a motorcycle. I ride, myself, and have for years. However, as a mother, I really don't know that he's ready to head out on the busy streets and highways on a motorcycle. Any thoughts?? How would you approach this??

Answer 1

Geez this is a tough one. I'm not sure I'd let him. We have had a rash of cycle accidents in our county this summer. Several of them were fatal. I know this is formost in you mind, you being a rider yourself.
Is your son a responsible kid? Does he understand that HE will be the one responsible to watch for traffic because 9 out of 10 times, other drivers are not paying attention, especially to motorcycles?
I hope you would explain to him the neccesity of a helmet, leathers and never wear shorts while riding.
Is he thinking of getting a traditional motorcycle or a "crotch rocket?" If its the later, for what purpose?
As a mother (and former rider myself) I would explain to him that I think it would be a better idea to wait a few years until he has had more experience driving a car before getting a motorcycle.
I wish you the best of luck and hope whatever decision you make that you are both good with it.

Answer 2

I personally dont think i would. My son is my life. Even him driving a car on the highway is a big concern for me......but a motorcycle?? No I wouldnt. There have been so many accidents. My nephew friend who is 20 just recently got a motorccle and when he was just driving in the neighborhood a car hit him. He is now paralyzed neck down and all he can do everyday is sit there. His girlfriend gave up her job just to roll him over and change him and wipe his *** when he goes to the bathroom. And he is only 20 and just started going to law school. He is always depressed. I dont think a motorcycle is okay at the age of 16. I dont think a ride on a motorcycle is worth your son. Just approach him with this story. He may be angry. But he will understand later. He JUST got his drivers license and is just now experiencing with a car. There is no need for a motorcycle.

Answer 3

I would NOT allow him to purchase a motorcycle under any circumstances. Though he seems responsible, at age 16 peer pressure to speed and do crazy stunts weighs heavily. I don't know what city/state you live in, but I am in Florida. About 2 months ago, I witnessed a motorcycle(ninja) on the highway lose control and ramp in a ditch over my car. The driver, a middle aged man, had driven cycles for 15 years he said. Accidents happen, and I do not feel a 16 year old could properly and safely handle in a crisis situation on the road.

Answer 4

I would wait until he was 18. At that point he can pretty much do what ever he wants anyway. But, there is too much of a sense of invincibility at that age to be trusted to safely handle a motorcycle.
Also it would be good to get a couple of years or experience handling 4 wheels in "real life" situations before attempting 2.

As a 27 year old rider I tend to go a little faster than I should. If I owned a motorcycle at 16 I'm sure I would have killed myself.

Answer 5

I can understand the apprehension. But i have to say that you are being a bit too paranoid about the situation. Your son seems to be a very responsible young man, and it would be insulting to imply that you dont trust him to ride a bike though you do it yourself.

It is quite natural to feel very protective of him, but you can't carry him around for ever. In today's world, riding a bike is a very normal thing, and it would be best if you let him face the situation himself.

He is able to make his own decisions, his own judgements. Respect that. You needn't be totally detatched from the process. You always have the right to guide and chastise him if he rides recklessly or something.

But be reasonable. His wants are pretty reasonable. You should just accept the fact that he's growing up. Be a mother. Being a mother means guiding him and helping him grow. Don't restrain him.

Ultimately, you would see that this is the best course to take. Think about it.

Answer 6

You're the parent, and if you feel he's not ready to own one, then the answer is no.

Let him take the classes and learn how to ride one safely, get his motorcycle license and then borrow your bike occasionally.

But as you know, the streets are dangerous and you really do know more about the world than he does.

Answer 7

It sounds like your son is fairly mature for his age. Is he responsible in all aspects of his life? If so, then I'd consider it, though at first I might place an addendum that he only ride with you or someone else, like the buddy system. That way you can watch over him & make sure he rides well and safely.

As with anything else in life, there are risks, but to deny him something that you enjoy & could help him learn and master, might just push him away from you. Just let him know that you're very nervous about this, but you're supportive. If he's attuned to you & family, then he'll listen & go along with you until you're comfortable enough to let him ride solo.

That's just a suggestion, but it's one I'd consider carefully.

Answer 8

He sounds responsible. As long as he can handle the responsibility of the insurance why would you exert your parental authority in him in this case?

Make sure he understands that a motorcycle is a BIGGER responsiblity and how many people don't see Riders...AND make sure he plans to always wear a helmet.

Answer 9

I wouldn't let him because I have a cousin who died on a motorcycle. He crashed at the age of 24, and he was in the Navy. Even though he was responsible and trained to ride it, things like that happen.

Answer 10

I bought my son a dirt bike. I wouldn't let him ride a motorcycle on the road. As an adult it will be his choice. They are fun but dangerous.

Aloha