
New young rider in Pennsylvania
New young rider in Pennsylvania
Hey guys, I'm fairly new to riding and just got my first bike, an '04 Kawasaki Ninja 500R, so I thought it would be nice to join a good forum to be able to chat with other riders. I'm 17 years old, I know that seems young, but I have wanted to ride for a very long time. My mother's boyfriend has been a rider for many years, and he recently taught me how to ride on an old Honda of his. My brother has also been riding for about 4 years, on a 2000-something Ninja 600. Their experience should be very beneficial to me, and I'm hoping to take a course as well. Here's to many great years of riding ahead! 

- MrGompers
- Site Supporter - Gold
- Posts: 727
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 7:20 pm
- Sex: Male
- Location: Connecticut
Welcome aboard. A couple things worth mentioning because of your age are you'll need parental consent to take the MSF course (being under eighteen). Also, some states require all riders to wear helmets when riding if your under 18, regardless if the state has a mandatory helmet law or not. Make sure you find that out before getting on the road. Ride safe.
BTW, Altoona is one of the greatest city names of all time. Never been there tho. Always makes be crack up when I hear it.
BTW, Altoona is one of the greatest city names of all time. Never been there tho. Always makes be crack up when I hear it.
- Scoutmedic
- Site Supporter - Gold
- Posts: 1627
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2005 9:05 am
- Real Name: Barry
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 7
- My Motorcycle: 2003 Honda Gold Wing
- Location: Corry, Pennsylvania
First of all;
Second; In response to the helmet comment, in PA you definitely have to wear a helmet if you're under 18 and, I think, it may be 21 unless you've taken the MSF and/or have 2 years of riding experience. I'm not entirely certain. I didn't pay much attention to that since I always plan on wearing one and I'm in my mid 30's.
Good luck out there and enjoy the forums!

Second; In response to the helmet comment, in PA you definitely have to wear a helmet if you're under 18 and, I think, it may be 21 unless you've taken the MSF and/or have 2 years of riding experience. I'm not entirely certain. I didn't pay much attention to that since I always plan on wearing one and I'm in my mid 30's.
Good luck out there and enjoy the forums!
- jstark47
- Site Supporter - Silver
- Posts: 3538
- Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2006 2:58 pm
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 16
- My Motorcycle: '12 Tiger 800, '03 Trophy 1200
- Location: Lumberton, NJ
Scoutmedic is right, it's 21. From the AMA state law database for Pennsy: Helmet optional for a person 21 years of age or older who either have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years or have completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the department or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.Scoutmedic wrote:Second; In response to the helmet comment, in PA you definitely have to wear a helmet if you're under 18 and, I think, it may be 21 unless you've taken the MSF and/or have 2 years of riding experience.
Oh, and welcome to the forum!
2003 Triumph Trophy 1200
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S