Parents

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scarboy · #1 Unread post by **scarboy** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 4:00 pm

I am a 15 year old and I want to buy a bike. I will pay for it and pay all expenses related to the bike. I have a job so I will be able to. But, my parents still refuse. Both of them rode when they were younger and now wont let me ride.
What can I do to change thier minds?

#2 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 4:22 pm

My suggestion is to sit down and talk civil with them about this choice you want to make. Let them know that you will take the MSF course, you will buy all the riding gear necessary, and you will be a safe rider.

Now with that said, you'll have to live up to your end of the bargain, that means being a safe rider all the time, not just out in front of your home. Parents want only what's best for their children, and being safe is primarily on their minds when it comes to bikes. Respect their wishes, even if they still say no, but don't give up on your dream. Ask again in a few months, doesn't hurt to be dreamin' while you're saving all that money to make the purchase.

rnr262 · #3 Unread post by **rnr262** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 2:03 am

Did they give you reasons for saying no? It may be a good idea to pay attention to why they don't want you to have a bike at 15. You can then begin to try and understand their reasons and decide if you can honestly and responsibly reassure them.

To be honest, and this is just MY opinion. I doubt I'd let my 15 year old get a bike. I'd want them to get some road experience in a car first... complete drivers ed, show they were responsible in a cage, then take the MSF and learn how to ride. It makes no difference how long they've rode dirt bikes, it's all those other cars that worry me.

I may let my 15 year old buy an old project bike and start learning how to work on it and rebuild it is they were so inclined. That way, when everyone is ready, they have a great bike that they put tons of their time and effort in to ride.

Then again, every family/child etc... is different.

vector18 · #4 Unread post by **vector18** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 2:39 am

Which bike do you want? At 15, you shouldn't be riding an R1 or a Busa! But a 600cc sport bike or even smaller might be fine with me if I was your parents.

DivideOverflow · Sun Sep 11, 2005 3:48 am

"To be honest, and this is just MY opinion. I doubt I'd let my 15 year old get a bike. I'd want them to get some road experience in a car first... complete drivers ed, show they were responsible in a cage, then take the MSF and learn how to ride. "

I told my brother the same thing. I told him I would teach him how to ride, but he isn't going to get his license until he drives a car for a year or two. It is challenge enough to learn how to ride a bike without having to worry about knowing what to do on the road (regardless if it is a bike or a car).

greengo · #6 Unread post by **greengo** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 5:03 am

rnr262 wrote:To be honest, and this is just MY opinion. I doubt I'd let my 15 year old get a bike. I'd want them to get some road experience in a car first... complete drivers ed, show they were responsible in a cage, then take the MSF and learn how to ride.

Not just your opinion, mine too. I was nervous enough when my kids started driving cars. Both of them had a few "experiences" that would have been tragic if they had not been in a car. There's enough evidence out there to show that early drivers are going to make mistakes on the road. I'd much rather they gain their experience with traffic with a little more protection than a motorcycle offers. Call me a hypocrit, I just don't care, it's my kids.

Shnailpower · Sun Sep 11, 2005 5:36 am

Hey, i have the same problem w/ y parents, excep i have more time to convince them, im 13. They won't let me get a drivers license 4 a car until im 18 either

. they jus said that the fatality rate between 16 and 18 year old drivers were astronimacal. I said that was because they had had 2 years of driving expierence, they didn't care. i hope u other guys help me, 'cause i want to be on the road at 16.

#8 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 6:23 am

Shnailpower wrote: i hope u other guys help me, 'cause i want to be on the road at 16.

I hope you realize that it's all about safety, and the only way to get help with that is to help yourself... MSF is a starting area, but until you can convince your parents that you will be safe... there is no way they'll recant their wishes...

Snake · #9 Unread post by **Snake** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 6:51 am

if they won't let your buy one, there's not alot you can do, lease-wise. I believe if you buy it in cash, they can't stop you form OWNING the bike. But you can't get your license untill your 18 without their permission. I think, please correct me if I'm wrong.

nightingale · Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:47 am

i know how hard it is to convince your parents that you are responsible enough to ride a bike and drive a car. i went through the same thing. i didn't get my drivers license until i was almost 17. it drove me crazy but in the grand scheam of things, its not a very big deal. yes, it does suck when all your friends are getting cars, and bikes, but life goes on. the only reason that your parents are not letting you get a bike, car, license, etc.. is because they care about you and only want what is best for you. i have been driving a car for about 4 years now, my mom still tells me that she worries about my safety when i drive. generally, its not you that your parents worry about, its the other guy. that is probably the biggest reason for them not letting you get a bike before you have expierence on the road in a car. my advice to you is to learn as much about riding a bike and to take the MSF course.