potential rider with a problem

[jmillheiser]

Oh and the GS500 is a good bike to learn on.

[Kal]

I didnt get a bike for over a decade because of my parents wishes...

Eventually I went out, got my CBT and then told them.

Theres a way of having the "I love you guys but its my life" conversation that dosnt lead to an arguement, I'm not sure how I managed it.

My parents want all the details on Safety gear etc I have and that I ride safe - they still shake their heads sadly when the subject comes up but you know what, its no big deal.

They didnt disiherit me and I feel better about myself. Of course they relaxed a whole lot more about my riding after they got a grandson out of me!

[Mustang]

I have no idea what my dad would do if I got one. It might strain our relationship though. Nice nike, you have some laidback parents. Mine are the typical strict asian parents.

Its going to be hard for everyone to give advice since you may be dealing with some cultural issues in the fact that when your father makes up his mind, the decision has been made. Consequently I personally feel the option of buying it and hiding it isn't probably a good one.

Try the tact of you want to be treated like an adult so you'll act like an adult. I'd get all the info on how statistically taking the MSF course reduces the odds of becoming one of the motorcycle fatalities. I know California has had some impressive numbers since they've had a push on MSF. There are some links to various reports and even a few news stories from the CA press in a section of my blog called Helmet debate in one blog. Look around and get as much info as you can and then sit down and show your parents that you've done the right thing by taking the course and now you'd like his blessing to start riding.

Try to find a middle ground, maybe he'll be okay with you riding on certain roads or highways or just at certain times. Follow his rules and after a few months of safely riding talk about expanding on the agreement.

The only other option is to move out on your own. Not sure how viable that is.

Let us know what you end up doing.

[BabyBoy]

Had the same problem with my moms. Got the bike anyways, but of course I am 30 and live by myself. Just keeping talking to him and show that you are responsible. Good Luck

[Nibblet99]

Let them know that you are taking every prcaution possible before getting a bike. Telling them you're getting a bike, then getting one is a whole lot better than getting one behind their back, with no warning to dilute their shock with

[JustJames]

First tell them you are serious about buying a bike and you will enjoy every bit of riding. Also show them you prepared not just jerking around with a gang of friends, but all protection gear, helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots.

At very first, all my families and friends against me buying this bike. My family wanted me to buy a life insurance, right after I got this bike . My friends thought I'm crazy and predicted that I would drop and sell the bike in 6 months.

Hey I'm still right here posting in motorcycle message board, ain't I?

[Chris8187]

LoL JustJames, my family is exactly like yours regarding me buying a bike. My friends think I'm sorta crazy to for getting one, but they think it is cool.

[SuperRookie]

Oh man...that's a tuff one...It's easier to ask "forgiveness" than "permission"...so, in your shoes, my parents wouldnt have known I had a bike until I rode up on it
Respect your parents, but show them you're responsible...share with them the efforts of your thorough research. Maybe your dad will "come around".

Good Luck

[JustJames]

BTW if I were a dad and my kids wanna buy a bike, what do you think I would say? of course NO WAY IN DA ####. LOL

[skoebl]

My parents actually encouraged me to get a bike.

"You can't afford to own a car and go to school..... (yadda yadda)...You should get a cheap motorcycle to get around instead"...

And that's how me and my little GS inevitably found each other