New to motorcycles

[Jman500]

I was thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle since at the moment it seems it would be my only means of transportation.  I am currently 16 but would probably wait until I was 17 to get my licence and start riding.  Before hand I wanted to attend a bike school so I could learn before causing myself damage.

My mother along with the rest of the family objects to me ever even getting on a motorcycle and I believe many of you might agree with them due to my age and I can completely understand.  So if I manage to actually get the right to ride I want to ask a question.

I've searched up beginer bikes and the GS500 came up quite a few times.  Do you guys agree with it being a good beginner bike?  Would it be the right bike for me in terms of weight and height.  I am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby ) so I was wondering if that would play a role.

Thank you guys and girls for your time.  Any comments are highly appreciated.
                                                                                                               -Juan

[BOSS500]

No doubt about it it's a great starter bike IMO. Everyone said the same in my family, but I have one, took me longer than you lol but I got one. Start with the GS and you'll be fine just as long as you respect it.

[RVertigo]

First, GOOD that you want to take training...  Go here: http://www.msf-usa.org and find a class in your area.

Second, loved ones always worry about you.  Be glad that you have someone to worry about you.  But, they're worried because they buy into the hype of motorcycles being death machines...  It seems that everyone in the world knows someone that's been in a motorcycle accident...  and some that have died.

The Hurt Report is a study from 1981 about the causes of motorcycle crashes...  The study is  old, but the concepts contained within are still sound.  Here's some data that will really worry your parents: "Motorcycle riders between the ages of 16 and 24 are significantly overrepresented in accidents"  BUT!!  Here's some data that will help calm them:

The motorcycle riders involved in accidents are essentially without training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduced injuries in the event of accidents.

 Taking the MSF and making smart decisions greatly reduces your risk of an accident.


At 5'7" and 145, the GS should be perfectly fine for you...  People as small as 5'2" (and even smaller with a cut seat) and as tall as 6'5" (and probably taller) ride the GS and post on this board about it.

The GS is a great starter bike...  Most of the people here started on a GS and some never left...  It's just that fun.  

[RVertigo]

And one more thing...

WEAR ALL OF YOUR PROTECTIVE GEAR!!! 

[Jman500]

Thank you guys for responding-I really appreciate it.  Are there any specific years I should look for or should I just try to buy as new as possible. 

Also does anyone have a link to licence information.  I've seen some but it has left me partially confused.

Also thank you for posting the safety info-I'll look into it.

On a side note do you guys and girls have any advice on how to win my mother over?

[Egaeus]

Does I love YOU like statistics?  Get a copy of Proficient Motorcycling.  David Hough goes over the Hurt report. If you get the training, wear the gear, etc. you will put yourself in the low-risk category.  It might win her over.

[RVertigo]

For your first bike, a "Naked" GS (Before 2003) would be a good choice...  When you drop it, you won't have much plastic to screw up.

The GS500F has a fairing on it that doesn't like hitting the ground.

[Absolute Rescue]

Hey and welcome to the board. I'm pretty new as well, I've only had my bike for about a year. I am very happy with my GS it's a great bike and has plenty of power for a new rider. My parents hate the fact that I have it, I just went out and bought it without telling them....DEFINATLY NOT A GOOD IDEA!!! They eventually came around though, they still aren't pleased but after getting the nessesary gear and training they are a little more supportive, not to mention I must pay for all motorcylce related expenses on my own. Take your time and learn as much as you can...and good luck winning over your family, I'm sure they will come around with time.

[scratch]

Welcome!

One thing to tell her is that you want to ride responsibly.  That it would be easier to learn how to ride a motorcycle because it's like a bicycle.  That you would be less likely to get into an accident because you would get hurt (and you don't want to get hurt).  And, motorcyclists are less likey to be at fault for an accident while driving a car, because they know where to look and actually turn their heads to check their blindspots.

I would suggest years '89 thu '00, but take the MSF first, to show your mother that you are serious about being safe, also, if you can afford it on your own, a purchase of a helmet, jacket and gloves, will further prove that.

"Look mom, I want to happy.  I want to be safe.  And, I want to live!  I want to experience life!  Please, allow me to at least learn how to be a safe motorcyclist.  I know your concerned about the 'other' drivers out there, but I've been riding my bicycle all these years and..."

[Jman500]

Once again thank you guys.  Im going to start looking into the safety course before everything else.

I was looking through the Hurt Report to try and use facts to help persuade my mother yet I feel that she would use the facts in it against me.

This one fact for example:

"6. In multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents."

My mother will use the excuse "I trust you, it's everyone else that I do not trust" which I partially agree with.

I'll just have to try and raise the money and pay for it as much as possible by myself.

This kind of reminds me of the time I tried to convince her to let me play paintball.  I now own my own equiptment .
                                                                                        -Juan

[Gisser]

There is something to be said for learning the rules and realities of the road in an automobile for a year or two before jumping on a motorcycle.  Seatbelts, airbags, and crumple zones are much more forgiving of mistakes, where as motorcycles tend to place you on the wrong end of the bumper.   

[franke3c]

Hey, i was in the same boat as you a few years ago. Take the basic MSF course, if possible take some more safety courses ( AND PAY ATTENTION!)
Always allocate enough money for saftey gear, its very important..... that means boots, pants, jacket, gloves, helmet, or even a one piece suit.

[thatguy1025]

or you can just tell I love YOU "whatever, i do what i want"

just kiding

[pantablo]

I am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby )

I'd say! 5'6", 125lbs...hahaha.

yes, the gs500 is one of the best first bikes. You should take the MSF course if it isnt already mandated for someone your age. I would also suggest you learn to drive a car and do that for a year or three so that you remove the newness of being in traffic from the learning equation. You will be bombarded with stuff when learning to ride. The last thing you'd need is the added stress of not ever having been in control of a vehicle on the roads.

[RVertigo]

I feel that she would use the facts in it against me.

Just pull the fact you need buddy! 

[Jman500]

Thanks guys.  Except for the guy that called me fat jk

Im going to start calculating how much money i'm going to need for everything(course,bike,safety gear).

O yes to the person that said I should probably drive before I get on a bike; I don't see it happening.  I still have yet to get my permit and even if I did get it now I would have to wait one year to drive by myself and by that time I would almost be out of High School.  It is one of the major reasons that I am looking to bikes as a mode of transport and freedom.

If there is anything else you guys would like to tell me, I woud appreciate it.

[scratch]

My mom used to call my first motorcycle a 'motorized bicycle' (it was a 800lbs 1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim).  Then she said I could move out (I worked my way out two years later, after my first head-on accident (don't tell I love YOU that)).

[MPA]

Odds are unless your parents ride/have ridden they'll be worried regardless of your age. I'm 33 and telling my mom I bought a bike was something I didn't look forward too

[Jman500]

You are probably right that my family would disagree with me no matter what age I am.

Another quick question.  Out of all of you, how many of you have had serious injuries from riding motorcycles?

[scratch]

Define 'serious injury'.

Fractured patela=kneecap