How many of you riders learned to ride at 16 in the street on a street bike?

Question

How many learned to ride off road long before they ever got their licence. I ask because I don't think in traffic is a good place for a 16 year old kid to learn to ride.

Answer 1

I think I was 25. Don't want to do the math. On a '74 Honda CL360. But I did live 1\2 mile up a dirt road in a rural area. The shortcut to work was out the other way. With no town maintenance past my driveway. I agree with you about 16 yr. olds in traffic. I also don't think most should drive a car at 16, but that's a different argument.

Answer 2

I started off road riding at 12. I don't recommend jumping on a street bike until one knows how to ride first. First thing, get a car drivers license for a couple of years to learn the rules of the road. During that time, learn how to ride a motorcycle in the dirt or at a motorcycle safety course.

Answer 3

I got my liscense when I was 14. You still can in Tenneessee. You are allowed to rideup to a 125cc bike, within "7 miles of home" in daylight hours. We used to ride 50 to 60 miles away all the time, but it was a very rural area without much traffic(town less than 10,000). I'd have to think twice today before I'd let my kid loose on a small street bike. The town is now a city of over 500,000. We mostly ride in the dirt now. I think thats the best place to learn.

Answer 4

I learned to ride on a Suzuki GS450 L when I was 15.I lived in a very rural area and it was easy to ride on those back country roads. Anywhere near town, though, might not be such a good idea. But, you do get the experience

Answer 5

16-year olds should not have a street bike in my opinion. they do not have the maturity or the experience to avoid lethal situations with other drivers. I think all riders should have a few years of driving, reading traffic and learning to avoid situations before starting the motorcycle learning curve.

Answer 6

I learned on the road at 18, but I lived in the country, where there wasn't much traffic.

Answer 7

I learned to ride at 18 on the street.
I'm 50 now, so I survived, but I'd be lyin' if I told ya I never had an accident.

Answer 8

Take the MSF course, then practice in a parking lot or quiet street before venturing into traffic.

Answer 9

Just make sure you wear plenty of gear and take a MSF course FORSURE! You might just practice on back roads or even in an empty parking lot until you get the swing of things.

Answer 10

i did long before i turned 16