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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)

isnowbrd wrote: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?

Nothing, unfortunately. It sounds like he wouldn't listen to you anyway. Perhaps you could have a chat with his wife and explain what you've recommended to him, she'll probably have more influence on his behaviour than you. Good luck and let's hope he does the right thing (get rid of the bike and go for something more tame) or at least signs up for an MSF course.

If it's not too late, I would first try to stop him from getting that bike!

However, if it's already a done deal and you can't convince him to change his mind, it would be a very good idea to either have the bike delivered or have someone else pick it up for him. Then he can control when/where he starts riding it. I don't think it's impossible to learn on a bike like that, but the conditions need to be very controlled.

No matter what it sounds like a bad situation. How old is he?

you could take a sledge to his front wheel, remove his spark plugs, put sugar in the gas tank , chain the bike to a wall etc.

sounds to me like your brother is 10foot tall and bulletproof, i really hope he doesn't hurt himself, but he is setting himself up for a tough time

He is 24 or 25, 6'5" and does think he's bulletproof.

You've done your part to inform him. People allow themselves to be swayed by ego. He want bigger and badder than you. This is the first symptom of a problem he needs to address. He may be lucky and see how much he put in his own hands once he rides the bike around. Some people learn when they are over their head. We had a guy here tell us a year ago or so that he bought a Hayabusa and a few day later sold it back - due to personal fear he could not see until he was on the bike. Good luck.

Funny, I'm 24, 6'5'' and I ride a litre bike...but I'm not bullet proff. This sounds like a really bad idea for your brother.

I don't think it's impossible to learn on a large CC bike (I did), but the situation has to be very controlled and there needs to be a lot of respect for a machine like that. And a hyabusa is pushing the limit a big CC bike and moving towards a ludacris CC bike for a beginner.

He should at least spend some time a bike that's a little easier to control in hairy situations before moving to a bigger bike. Doesn't have to be a 250 (I'm 6'5'' too, they don't generally fit well), but at least get some miles under his belt before trying to take on that Hyabusa.

Has he taken the MSF? Did he test ride the Hyabusa and/or other bikes? Has he looked at how much the insurance is gonna cost him

Wouldn't be talking about the 94's would you? Because I rode 94 west last weekend and...yea...everything I could do just to stay alive. If i were you I'd do exactly what has been recommended already, talk to someone else around him who might have some more influence. The brunt of my family is against my owning, but there are still a few key members who realize I am playing it safe and understand I realize the dangers involved. If nothing else, tell him I'll make him a good deal on a '82 Maxim.....

You could just take a practical approach and get your sister to take out a good life insurance policy out on him.

Ben Rofflesburger.