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So folks I currently have a dilemna that I was hoping some other riders could help me with. Last weekend I completed an MSF Saftey Course so I can get my motorcycle liscense. I have riden dirt bikes for about 9 years, 2 years competetively. My inspiration to start riding was the freedom, pleasure, economical advantage, and because my dad rode for years until he crashed while racing at Black Hawk Farms. My situation is that my dad is completely supportive of me getting a motorcycle yet I need to convince my mom that this is something she should allow. My thought was to tell her the advantages of riding a motor cycle instead of my 92 volvo. I'm thinking that telling her about how it is more safe now, how much gas they save, and environmental advantages will open her up to the idea more. If you all could help by giving me some ideas or statistics I would greatly apprectiate it because I cannot wait to get out on the open road but it would be better if my mom approves of it. Thanks.

You're not fooling anyone, least of all your Mom, with that gas saving, environmental talk. Here's what you do:

Find the wimpiest motorcycle in the world, then show her a picture of "the cool bike that you're hoping to get". Most mom's just can't imagine that a pastel scooter could be dangerous. Once you have her OK, dump the scooter and buy what you really want.

rwp wrote:Find the wimpiest motorcycle in the world, then show her a picture of "the cool bike that you're hoping to get". Most mom's just can't imagine that a pastel scooter could be dangerous.

Here ya go!!


Courtesy of the Genuine Scooter Company

i'm sure the saving gas bit won't get you far... as a parent, would i rather have my kid in a volvo or on a bike?? i don't even like volvos, but in this instance, the volvo wins...

instead of trying to come up with a list of reasons to convince your mom why you should be riding, find out her concerns. once you understand those, you may be able to come up with a plan to mitigate them. also enlist the support of your dad - not to gang up on your mom, but to help you understand the concerns and possibly develop a plan...

unless you plan on paying for the bike, the insurance, gas, etc. you are kinda at the mercy of your parents. you might have to wait till you are out of the house with independent income.

a dirt-oriented dual sport might make things easier for your family if you could ride to the dirt tracks wher eyou practice/compete. kiss "O Ring", get straight a's and buy all the safety gear you can, that might butter her up a bit.

Its a tough one, get too pushy and you'll end up with a flat no.

I guess its time to do lots of safety research, and make it subtlely noticable you're doing it (reading "proficient motorcycling" in your lounge - where she may ask what you're reading - might be a good start. Also leave the book down there, if she doesn't ask, she may well pick it up when you aren't around out of curiousity)

Then, after a few weeks, ask her what it would take to prove you're getting into motorcycling as a safe responsible rider, and try to do it.

Prehaps even ask your dad to help

thank you all for your advice. i plan on taking things slowly and helping make this idea an educational and safe one. if anyone has else has some more advice it wouldn't hurt for me to hear it. hopefully i will be able to respond soon with some good news. thanks again! javascript:emoticon(':salute:')

as long as i am preparing to ask her i was wondering if i could get some more opinions. if i were to show her a picture of a bike i was thinking an 70s/80s vintage bike. i'm into the suzuki GS' and kawasaki KZs and was wondering if those are bikes that are suitable for a beginning rider. granted i'm not looking for a $5000 collectors item but for something that is mechanically sound and reliable but looks pretty sharp too. thanks again!

readytoroll08 wrote:as long as i am preparing to ask her i was wondering if i could get some more opinions. if i were to show her a picture of a bike i was thinking an 70s/80s vintage bike. i'm into the suzuki GS' and kawasaki KZs and was wondering if those are bikes that are suitable for a beginning rider. granted i'm not looking for a $5000 collectors item but for something that is mechanically sound and reliable but looks pretty sharp too. thanks again!

vintage and mechanically sound doesnt' always go together. but the older ujm are pretty solid bikes. and are they good beginners - i would say a 550 on down would be. a 750 and up i would say no. and you can get pretty nice ones (especially the lower cc's) for a good price if you look around. but with an older bike be prepaired to do a little work here and there. and if you're into the standards of the 70/80 look at the honda cb's and they yamaha seca's as well. the more bikes, the better chance of finding a good deal. although not the standard type bikes you could also look at honda cx's. they are solid bikes and pretty cheap.