WHAT HAVE I DONE!?!

[Mag7C]

Similar to pyropig, I'm also 17. Got my bike early August last year.
And similar to your daughter, I failed a driving test once by 1 question. It was for my regular license though.

My parents were for it from the beginning (at least on the surface), and they continue to help me pay for the many expenses with loans and such. They didn't put any restrictions on me or my bike choice. Not to say they don't care about me, they just put the choice in my hands. My restrictions were stamped in from the safety course, internet videos of people doing stupid things and getting hurt, and a little bit of common sense on the side.

When a friend heard I was getting a bike, he had to have one too! Our first outing, he gunned it into a corner and pulled through in the opposing lane. Then on a straight section he decided to show off (if you call flying in a straight line showing off), and blew past me, just as a cop pulled out and drove by us in the opposite direction. Memories of the terrified look on his face still make me laugh .

So anyway, showing your kid stupidity and its (negative) outcomes will help keep them from being a victim of it.

And as already stated, if it's going to happen, it's going to happen. Be there when it does!

[Warlock]

Glad to see that not all of the young riders don't think just anybody can ride like they do in the movies.

I started riding street bikes when I was 17. Less then a year after even driving a car. (legally at least) I road a hell of a lot safer then I drove as a kid. Four whatever reasons not exactly sure. I think though that for the most part are reflexes are quicker when we're younger not mention better eye sight and all the rest that declines in years, so as long as we are able to teach them the most emportent things that we've learned though experience. Their natural ablities can allow them to become superior riders but still ride smart.

Anyway it's better then them trying to figer it all out on their own for sure.

[madmax]

I've got 2 boys 15 and 19 years old, I've taught them both to ride and they both have bikes. If a young person wants to ride he/she is gonna ride. When they are 18 they can do pretty well as they please here in WV. Better for me to teach them than letting them go out on thier own trying to learn. I am by no means a great guru of motorcycling but maybe I can help them learn enough of the right stuff to stay alive. I sure hope so, 2 of my close friends have lost sons to bike wrecks. I also would recommend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's basic riding course for all beginners. Here in WV if you pass that course and get the certificate you do not have to take the skills test for your class F (our designation for motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license). Just the written test is all you have to take. Good weekend course, it will help keep you alive.

[pyropig]

I recommend the MSF to absolutely everyone, even experienced bikers, my grandpa has been riding for over 30 years and he even learned something new, who says you cant teach an old dog new tricks,

[MASHBY]

It is funny the Riding Gene.No one I knew rode Bikes my parents didn't ride although my Dad was a Mod in his day but the scooter was more of a fashion accessory than transport.So when I asked for a kiddies trail bike for my birthday and christmas combined when I was 8.I think they thought it was fad and I would grow out of it.But I never did whether or not my kids (Wheneever they appear on this world) will want to ride we will wait and see.The gene is very funny like that.

[pyropig]

I was bound to ride, my dad being a motor cop forever, my grandpa being a motorcop forever, my uncle, cop, and die hard rider and enthusiast, not a motor cop though, my aunt got her custom bike featured on the cover of American Rider Magazine, my mom used to ride before us kids. Theres no way that I couldnt be an enthusiast, always have been, always will be.

[Toyuzu]

I recommend the MSF to absolutely everyone, even experienced bikers, my grandpa has been riding for over 30 years and he even learned something new, who says you cant teach an old dog new tricks,

I agree with you, Pyro. I'm not sure what the reason is, but I recall a statistic listed in David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling that riders who were taught to ride by a friend or family member are more likely to have an accident than riders who learned any other way. Even self-taught riders. The riders who are least likely to crash are those who learn in a course like MSF.

Just food for thought for those of you who have family members learning to ride.

[JJ]

A MSF course if fell is a must for new riders these days. Lots of experience packed into a few hours of lessons. If your kid is going to ride you have an opportunity to see his or her riding style on some of the many group rides you will do an have a chance to 'recommend' some improvements. If you ride and you kid is going to anywhay what an opportunity for you!

JJ

[bikeguy joe]

Well it's official!

She passed her temps Saturday.

We came home, suited up, and I turned her loose in the driveway after a bit of orientation. Made sure she could take it off and get it on the center stand. Made sure she could pick it up if it fell over. Made sure she knew where all the controls were WITHOUT LOOKING FOR THEM.

After she was doing figure 8's and putting around the drive, I got out the Volusia. It was a balmy 50 degrees and threatening rain, but you think I was going to tell her "maybe another day"? No frickin' way!

I rode "shotgun" or "shepard dog" beside her, and we putted down to the nearest paved side road- see my avatar.

After we got going down the side road, I had her practice some minor emergency stops, nice!

After about five minute of riding, I had her stop and told her about the dangers of small critters and dogs, then we took off again. Not 2 minutes later two dogs came from our right and right out into the road. She never flinched, and did as I had instructed- beautiful!

We rode the back roads for then next 15 mins. or so, then out on the main highway.

She handled it all extremely well, and we stopped for gas.

Back out onto the main road and then over to another back road (paved). She was a natural and the look of joy was priceless.

It was a bit cold, and SHE SAID SHE WAS FEELING A LITTLE TENSE. (good judgement) so we headed home.
All together we rode 27 miles, and she was very happy and I think we have a winner folks!<img src="http://tinypic.com/2ai73d" alt="Image hosted by TinyPic.com">

<img src="http://tinypic.com/2ai6ir" alt="Image hosted by TinyPic.com">

[bikeguy joe]

Hmmm... tried to post a "post ride photo", but it doesn't seem to be working.....

Try here if you are interested- http://tinypic.com/view.html?pic=2ai73d