I just got a call from my brother-in-law last night telling me that he bought a 2003 Hayabusa and is picking it up on Friday. He has ridden no more than 50 miles on any motorcycle, street or dirt. Other than a helmet, he has no safety gear.
Currently, the bike is in a major metropolitan city and it sounds like he is going to ride it home despite not being allowed to legally ride on the freeway with his learner's permit. Worse yet, I had to ride that same freeway last Friday because of my job, and it was AWFUL! The freeway was packed full of commuters, motor homes, and SUVs pulling massive boats, campers, ATVs, or whatever. The traffic flow is constantly changing from 0-80 mph because the congestion is so bad. (Around here on Fridays, everyone packs up their recreational toys and drives north to their favorite lake as fast as they can without regard for anyone else on the road)
From reading these forums, and other resources I have learned a few things "the easy way".
1. You can be your worst enemy - When riding a sportbike, there are many occasions where it is tempting to "show off". It takes a humble person to stop and think in these situations and then make a wise decision. Have you ever known someone that is slightly cocky, and always has to have the biggest and best? Someone who thinks they can do everything better than anyone else? That basically describes my brother. I know he tries to supress those negative qualities, but fails often, as in the choice of his first bike. This is my biggest fear with my brother.
2. Other people try to kill you - My brother is used to driving large visible vehicles. I'm sure there have been no more than three times that someone has unexpectantly turned if front of him while in a cage. On a motorcycle, this happens weekly and you have to train yourself to see it before it happens. And on a motorcycle, it takes skill and a clear head to survive when it does happen; both of which only come from training and experience.
3. The streets are no place for competition - This is more of #1. How many times have you had some moron in the car next to you want to race? If you ride a sportbike, this happens constantly. And unless they're in a Ferrari Enzo they have no chance. It can be really tempting to prove this point, but a smart rider without an oversized ego won't. Now imagine a rubber-wristed squid trying this for the first time on a Hayabusa. I shudder to think what’s going to happen when he dumps the clutch.
Much of this is my fault. The only reason he's getting a motorcycle is because of my influence. However, I did everything I could to steer him towards a smaller bike. I even test drove a 93-94 CRB600 for him. Of course he didn't buy it because it isn't nicer/bigger than my bike. But if something does happen to him, his wife and mother are both going to blame me. So, what can I do to keep that from happening? (I already encouraged him to go buy more safety gear and to sign up for the MSF course)
Mike 
