Just get out there and learn, I am a new rider, wanted to ride, went and got a permit and a bike, practiced eights and circles for 10 miles in a parking lot across the street from my house, build the confidence in the turns, learn the bike, know the moves and use good judgement, i went with a 05 honda shadow 600, lower seat hieght, smaller engine, but still a nice ride. i almost dumped it coming into my drive caught byself luckly i had a small enough bike to correct myself, but its not that he dumped it or i almost dumped it, its relizing what could have caused it and what you may do to try and make it not happen again. It has nothing to do with being a wuss or not wanting to ride, clearly he wants to ride it went through all this effort. the thought of an accident is scary no doubt we read all of these horror stories and you have to wonder, but just ride, start slow and if need be stay at a slow pace riding a bike is not meant to be the best and know it all at the end of the week, let him take it at his pace and ride safe
