CAN or SHOULD I ride a motorcycle?

Question

i am 15. my birthday is in june, and i want to learn to ride a motorcycle. i have a car already, but i find myself drawn to riding a motorcycle. i have never even touched one before, but i have read some beginner riders books. i want to take the MSF training class, but i dont know if it is a good idea at my age. i know that they are dangerous, but i want to get a small bike, first. i have heard really good things about the kawasaki ninja 250, but that is a sports bike. the insurance company that i have with my car wont even insure it because it is a ninja. what insurance company will? i heard it was a good beginners bike, is that true? what else can i do to be as safe as possible while learning to ride?

Answer 1

Ok Nathan. Just the facts that you are planning on taking the MSF class AND you realise that motorcycles can be dangerous, are enough for me to say you are ready for a motorcycle.

The Ninja 250 is a perfect bike for a beginner (unless you are in excess of 200 pounds or something). And I had no problems insuring my son's Ninja 250. We use Progressive. Here is a link to them: http://www.progressive.com/

I've been ranting a lot on here lately about the attributes of a Ninja 250 as a beginner bike. So, I'll just add another rant for you Nathan.

The 250 is inexpensive (especially if you get a used one...which I recommend). Parts are easy to get, It's easy to work on. And it holds its value well so when you are ready for a bigger bike, you can get most of your money when you sell the 250.

As for being safe while learning to ride. First of course is a helmet. And proper riding attire. You don't have to go out and buy really expensive gear, but some common sense goes a long way....no shorts, sandals, anything with hanging strings or whatever. I wear a simple leather jacket, heavy jeans, and always gloves. Wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles (boots are best though).

The MSF class will teach you quite adequately how to operate your machine safely along with various manoeuvers.

Now as to age for licence or permit...Here in Wyoming a kid can get his permit at age 15. There are some restrictions (like no pillion riders, helmet required, daytime hours), but you can ride independently. At 16 you get a full licence. And if you take (and pass) the MSF class you don't have to take the road test.

You will love riding Nathan. Even as a parent knowing the hazards of motorcycling, I encourage you to start NOW! Two things a boy needs in life are A DOG and A MOTORCYCLE.

Answer 2

Its difficult for young men to get sport bikes insured till age 27.

I would suggest that look at 250 cc cruisers like the Kawasaki Vulcan or Honda Shadow. The MSF uses these bikes because they are easiest to learn on.

Answer 3

48 yrs old, 35 on bikes and somehow I'm still pumping air in and out of my body. What's dangerous about street riding is the 3000 lb slabs hurling around. I agree with all who advise you to wait on a street bike. The good news is, get a dirt bike. Cheaper, less regulated and you'll learn the exquisite joy of powering out of a full-lock slide.
Seriously, you'll master the controls with fewer penalties (ie. no cars, dirt is much softer) and it will make you a better motorcycle AND automobile driver.
So yes, you CAN. SHOULD you? I weighed the pros and cons years ago and still do so every spring. Old quote; "The most fun you can have with your clothes on". I've told my friends, girl and family that I'd prefer to go out doing something that I love, as opposed to slipping in the damn tub.
The MSF course rocks. My girl took it and bought a Bonneville. We're now a two Triumph family. British motorcycles have soul. Future reference.
And cover whatever you want to keep: helmet, jacket, gloves and boots. We don't need more Squids. You can replace equipment. Skin and skull, not so much.

Answer 4

I didn't buy a bike until I was 22. Definately wait until you've learned the rules of the road. Riding a bike you have to drive more defensively than in a car, and you have to get proficient at driving a car before you even know what defensive driving is.

As for the bike, don't get a sport bike to start. I pay $300/yr for full coverage on my 750cc cruiser. If it were a 750cc sportbike, I'd be paying over $2000/yr. Being inexperienced such as yourself, you'll be uninsurable most likely.

Answer 5

It's a moot point until you're over 16 and have your regular driver's license.

Practice driving in that 'shiny metal box' (car) for a few years before you tackle it naked on a motorcycle.

Also, no matter what bike you choose, I believe the insurance costs will be extremely prohibitive for you at your age.

Then, yes, you're absolutely correct to go for the MSF course, and the 250 Ninja is a nice bike to start on -- in a few years!

Answer 6

the 250 ninja is such a bad bike I can't even begin to describe it. get an older, cheap 600cc that you wouldn't mind dropping a few times as you get the hang of riding. It's true that you won't get into any trouble on a 250 ninja, but that is because it is like a cross between a cheap, underpowered scooter and a bicycle. if you want to be conservative get a 500cc or an SV650.

Answer 7

i'm 46 and I've been riding since I was about 17. I'm LUCKY TO BE ALIVE because, in my early years of riding, I did som REALLY stupid things. My advice? Wait until you're at least 25. But... you won't ;) So at least, for God's sake, be CAREFUL! TAKE the MSF and realize that one stupid move, one moment of inattention, can END YOUR LIFE or worse, cause you to live a life seriously disabled. I hear stories from friends every month about someone dying on bikes.

Answer 8

the ninja is a very good beginners bike , and you can get your learners permit for bikes at 16, BUT you should get used to driving and the rules of the road, not what your taught ,but what you learn from actually driving. when your driving you have to pay attention to what your doing, on a bike you have to watch what you and they are doing. to much for a beginner to take in dont rush it.

Answer 9

for starters, i would buy an older cheap bike....under 500 cc's but street legal. Take your riding course and get your lisence. If you decide after riding for a season or two that you really enjoy it...some people don't.....then sell that bike and upgrade.

Answer 10

its ur life do wat u wanna do!