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 :icon_mrgreen:) so I was wondering if that would play a role.
Thank you guys and girls for your time. Any comments are highly appreciated.
-Juan
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.
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 (http://www.clarity.net/~adam/hurt-report.html) 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:
QuoteThe 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. :thumb:
And one more thing...
WEAR ALL OF YOUR PROTECTIVE GEAR!!! :thumb:
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?
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.
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.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b171/ImJustPondering/dropped.jpg)
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.
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..."
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 :icon_mrgreen:.
-Juan
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. :icon_rolleyes:
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.
or you can just tell I love YOU "whatever, i do what i want"
just kiding
Quote from: Jman500 on April 03, 2006, 03:43:50 PM
I am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby :icon_mrgreen:)
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.
Quote from: Jman500 on April 03, 2006, 05:35:11 PMI feel that she would use the facts in it against me.
Just pull the fact you need buddy! :thumb:
Thanks guys. Except for the guy that called me fat :cry: jk :icon_mrgreen:
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.
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)).
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 :D
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?
Define 'serious injury'.
Fractured patela=kneecap
My mother was VERY adament about me not getting a motorcycle, despite my continued interest in them. One day my mother said, "If he gets a bike, I am not going to be resposible for him if something happens." My father and I took that as our best chance to go get the bike I had waiting for me. When she got home and saw it parked in the driveway she was extremely angry. After I crashed that one I was surprised they let me get another one, much less help me find it and help me finance it.
So am I almost garenteed to take a spill and maybe get hurt? :o
I wouldn't say guaranteed, but very likely, especially considering your lack of driving experience. Motorcycles are very unforgiving of mistakes compared to cars. Run off the road a bit in a car, usually no big deal. Run off the road a bit in a motorcycle, you're likely going down. Hydroplane in a car, usually no big deal. Hydroplane on a motorcycle, you're likely going down.
The extent to which you get hurt depends a lot on judgement before and during the ride. I went down the other day in a U-turn, and seriously hurt nothing but my pride and my clutch lever. If I'd been a squid, I'd be dealing with a rashed left hand, elbow, and knee. As it is, I have a minor bruise just below my knee. I was wearing full gear.
sounds good :cookoo:
Ok this might not be completely accurate but in Indiana when I went and got my MC permit I had to have a valid drivers license to get it and to get your endorsement you have to have held your MC permit at least 30 days before you can take the MC test so basically here you HAVE to have a regular old drivers license to get an MC endorsement
ok taken from our BMV page
Important reminders about testing
You must provide Indiana Driver License
Must have a valid (Unexpired) Motorcyle Learner Permit that has been held for at least 30 days
Applicant must provide motorcycle
$5.00 Fee payable to instructor
So my point was is that you need to check your states requirements to see if you can even get an MC license w/o a car license.
If you need to ride on the street, then I'd suggest starting with a 50cc scooter. The Zuma is especially a blast to ride, which is really the whole point of riding, at any speed. You can move up to a 150cc or larger scooter later, then on to a manual-shift motorcycle.
If you don't need to ride on the street, I'd suggest starting on a dirtbike, even if you can only get out of town to a place you can ride it on the weekends. A KLX250S or DR200SE will practically jump off the ground when the throttle is twisted, and if you keep it until you get a M endorsement, you can ride it on the street, too. There is an MSF safety course for dirt bikes, too. Even if your goal is road riding, dirt riding skills will serve you well later. It's easy to get knocked around riding on dirt, but its much less likely to cause serious injury. And dirt riding could be a gentle introduction to motorcycles for your family.
As long as you're under your parents' roof, they can and should set some guidelines.
Quote from: Jman500 on April 04, 2006, 03:58:44 PMYou 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?
I was 27 and my mother said I "couldn't get one of those things." :laugh: Good thing I stopped listening to her when I was 13. :laugh:
As for injuries... Although I haven't crashed, I have dropped my bike and strained a muscle picking it back up... Since I've been on this board I've heard of at least 30+ crashes... Broken collar bones, legs, hands, ribs, etc. and dolepineapple died last September...
Just like driving or riding a bicycle in the street, riding can be dangerous... Learn from the MSF course, wear all your gear, make smart decisions, and don't let I love YOU read this post. :thumb:
Or you could do like I did... Take I love YOU to the 'Salon de la Moto' in Montreal... or wherever is closest to you. and get her to buy herself a bike... then she can't really say anything to you without giving you total grounds to call her a hypocrite!! :icon_lol: besides she'll love it so much that she'll want you to come out riding with her!
But seriously though, most ppl hate bikes cause they've never been on one. My mom thought that snowmobiling was a total waste of time and thought it to be extreemly dangerous [which it is]. but after I took her for a leisurly afternoon ride on mine, she's been aching to get her own, and is working on convincing her friends to get some too!
Take the proper courses. Learn in safe, traffic free, controlled environments - eventho you've passed the Safety course doesn't mean you're ready to drive with other Cagers... to reassure mommy, maybe do a few extra hours in the parkinglot! Buy the safety / riding gear before or as soon as you buy the bike, and NEVER EVER get on and ride the bike without all your gear on :nono: . This shows mom how responsible her little man is! buying the gear before or the same day as you get the bike will prevent the temptation to get on without having access to proper gear :thumb:
Oh, and give I love YOU a huge hug and a big ol kiss :kiss3: she's I love YOU, and she cares about you, and obviously doesn't want you to get hurt... we all posted the same basic stuff, just with different experiences, mom's will be like that, it's their job, just try and make her life a little easier and BE RESPONSIBLE ON YOUR BIKE! Besides, we'd all fell real bad if we heard that you got hurt on a bike! And one other thing, you have a huge community of ppl, some qualified, some not, that can share opinions and help you through pretty much any problem or issue you may have with your future baby GS... if that helps mom!
PS: don't suck up to her, she's smarter than that :thumb:
Quote from: pantablo on April 03, 2006, 09:31:30 PM
Quote from: Jman500 on April 03, 2006, 03:43:50 PM
I am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby :icon_mrgreen:)
I'd say! 5'6", 125lbs...hahaha.
5'7" 125lbs - Got you beat my fellow ethiopian!
Quote from: Jman500 on April 04, 2006, 06:06:07 PM
So am I almost garenteed to take a spill and maybe get hurt? :o
I wouldn't say so. If you just go at a steady learning pace and not try to ride more than your ability you should be fine. Luckily i still haven't taken a fall yet (knock on wood). just be safe and take it easy for a bit.
Quote from: BOSS500 on April 05, 2006, 07:46:41 AM
Quote from: Jman500 on April 04, 2006, 06:06:07 PM
So am I almost garenteed to take a spill and maybe get hurt? :o
I wouldn't say so. If you just go at a steady learning pace and not try to ride more than your ability you should be fine. Luckily i still haven't taken a fall yet (knock on wood). just be safe and take it easy for a bit.
I would say so. just my opinion, butt.. lack of experience on the road, lack of experience behind the wheel, lack of experience on a bike.
recipe for disaster.
especially w/o taking a beginner course of some kind. As a parent and a bike rider, I would be absolutely sure my son have loads of experience in a car before I'd ever let him take a street bike on the road.
I can understand a dirtbike at age 6. but I would forbid a 16yr old w/o (**edit** any car driving in a street experience)experience to get on a roadbike. period. especially if I loved the kid.
just my .02
don't be scared to ride. just know the risks and plan for the worst as best you can.
understand your inexperience and be cautious.
I don't mean to discourage you. you sound like a smart kid. just be safe.
i agree with rema1000: for getting around, start with a 50 cc scooter.
it can be very difficult to control your impulses to do rash things. when i was 17 i thought i was the best driver out there. i'll say this for myself: at least i paid attention to the road while i drove. but i drove too fast and i wrecked my parent's car trying to cut in front of someone so i could take an off ramp, instead of waiting and getting behind that car.
same thing goes for wearing your safety gear. you'll wear it religiously the first 20 times out. then you'll be out with friends and won't want to make them wait while you get your stuff on, or any number of other excuses.
like 3imo said, you sound like a smart kid. think through your reasons for wanting to get a motorcycle carefully before you get one. and keep in mind that motorcycles will be around later if you decide to get into it when you're older.
two other things to keep in mind:
1. maintenance. see the maintenance schedule for the gs500 at
http://www.gstwin.com/maintenance_info.htm
(click on the links in the sidebar for 600, 2000, 4000 mile service intervals etc). if you don't do all the maintenance yourself it can get expensive very soon. some of the items are fairly involved, like adjusting the valves. also, new tires cost ~$100 each, brake pads ~$30/pair, etc. if you get a used bike it will probably need some work to get it in good mechanical (not just ridable) condition.
2. practicality. the standard for practical transportation is the car. motorcycles are not as practical; you can use them for exclusive transportation but it takes planning and effort. you'll probably want a tank bag at least ($50-80) and rain gear ($50-70). it gets cold out. it gets rainy. how is the winter where you live?
you may not save much money in the end between getting a bike and getting a beater used car.
Quote from: scratch on April 05, 2006, 10:32:41 AM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 05, 2006, 08:03:22 AM
Quote from: groff22 on April 05, 2006, 07:34:56 AM
Quote from: pantablo on April 03, 2006, 09:31:30 PM
Quote from: Jman500 on April 03, 2006, 03:43:50 PM
I am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby :icon_mrgreen:)
I'd say! 5'6", 125lbs...hahaha.
5'7" 125lbs - Got you beat my fellow ethiopian!
5'10 & 130. I win.
Not so fast. 5'10.5" & 125lbs
Ohhhhhhhhh. Ouch.
Quote from: scratch on April 05, 2006, 10:32:41 AMQuote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 05, 2006, 08:03:22 AMQuote from: groff22 on April 05, 2006, 07:34:56 AM
Quote from: pantablo on April 03, 2006, 09:31:30 PMQuote from: Jman500 on April 03, 2006, 03:43:50 PMI am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby :icon_mrgreen:)
I'd say! 5'6", 125lbs...hahaha.
5'7" 125lbs - Got you beat my fellow Ethiopian!
5'10 & 130. I win.
Not so fast. 5'10.5" & 125lbs
You're all short. :flipoff:
6'0" - 180lbs of pure blubbery, out-of-shape, laziness. O0
Quote from: scratch on April 05, 2006, 10:32:41 AM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 05, 2006, 08:03:22 AM
Quote from: groff22 on April 05, 2006, 07:34:56 AM
Quote from: pantablo on April 03, 2006, 09:31:30 PM
Quote from: Jman500 on April 03, 2006, 03:43:50 PM
I am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby :icon_mrgreen:)
I'd say! 5'6", 125lbs...hahaha.
5'7" 125lbs - Got you beat my fellow ethiopian!
5'10 & 130. I win.
Not so fast. 5'10.5" & 125lbs
No wonder none of us have upgraded to anything bigger, the GS500 throws me around like ragdoll enough as it is. lol.
I live in Florida so cold really isn't an option. I see myself as responsible and probably not going and speeding around. The motorcycle will probably used for short voyages-about 30 minutes at most.
Wouldn't mind maintaining it since I usually have time to kill after school. I think I'll follow some of your advice and get behind the wheel of a car before getting on a bike(or at least riding around). Like I said I would probably start riding after my 17th birthday which is october so until then I could get a permit and ride a car to and from work. This way I can gain some experience of the road while being inside something that will prevent more damage then being on a bike.
If you guys feel that I am too young to ride, please state so. Also what would be a right or better age to start riding?
never " too young"
"too inexperienced" maybe.
I plan on having my son on two wheels (w/training wheels) by his third b-day.
I have seen kids as young as 4yrs old slinging mud better than I can on dirtbikes.
For my son, when it comes time for him to take to the streets on a street bike. I will not allow it until i have full confidence in his knowledge of the streets in a car. even then I don't know about letting him ride at 16. I will have to see how I feel about how knowledgeable and trustworthy he is to not take unecessary risks.
I am sure his first 1000miles will be ridden next to me. Sucks, but oh well.
The scooter thing is a good idea. Get a 70cc honda for $500 and ride that to get used to the feel.
My girlfriend hopped on my scooter and no sooner than I showed her which one was the gas, she was speeding across the street full speed. Rather than keeping her head and hitting the brake like I told her, she panicked and (luckily) split the uprights of my cars and went into the neighbor's shrubs. Hilarious because she's ok, but it would have been possibly fatal if she had been facing any of the busy streets by my house.
Not that you'll pull a JoAnna and careen into some bushes, but I'm making an example of how easy it is to panic and forget everything, even 3 seconds after hearing it. Be careful either way you go, but I'm all for the scooter idea. shaZam!, I'm 26 and only got a bike last year. You can wait also.
Be safe,
Dave
O, do worry about the safety. Im going to at least take one course(maybe more if possible) before I even think about hitting the streets.
Lesson #1 My young PADAwon.
ALWAYS WORRY ABOUT SAFETY ON A BIKE!!!! NO cager has your best interests in mind.
and now off the soapbox..
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 05, 2006, 10:53:42 AM
Quote from: scratch on April 05, 2006, 10:32:41 AM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 05, 2006, 08:03:22 AM
Quote from: groff22 on April 05, 2006, 07:34:56 AM
Quote from: pantablo on April 03, 2006, 09:31:30 PM
Quote from: Jman500 on April 03, 2006, 03:43:50 PM
I am 5'7 and about 145(kinda chubby :icon_mrgreen:)
I'd say! 5'6", 125lbs...hahaha.
5'7" 125lbs - Got you beat my fellow ethiopian!
5'10 & 130. I win.
Not so fast. 5'10.5" & 125lbs
Ohhhhhhhhh. Ouch.
You guys need to eat.... or stop drinking light beer. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
What I meant is don't worry ill be safe. Helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, boots, and someone mentioned something about a back protector in another thread.
Bad news though my mom just said that I could ask until I turned blue and she would still say no. :cry:
Quote from: Jman500 on April 05, 2006, 03:23:37 PMBad news though my mom just said that I could ask until I turned blue and she would still say no. :cry:
You're under 18 right? Just save up and get one when you're 18. :thumb:
If you dont' know how to drive a car very well i would caution against the bike. I feel like its vital to know how to drive before riding...at least 1 year of driving.
I drove for 3 years..then i was comfortable to be on a bike...it just takes time to understand other drivers. On a bike you dont' get second chances and you need to telepathecially judge other cars.
Imagine you're out on your first ride on your new bike, which is also your first time on the road in any vehicle. You come to a 4-way signal, and instead of the normal function with red and yellow and green lights, it's simply flashing red. Uuuuuuuum, what the hell do I do? Oh crap, and I'm confused and forgot which is the brake lever. Oh god, what do I do?
That scenario is nothing to most of us. But I remember hitting one of those in a car for the first time and was baffled. I can't imagine also dealing with controlling my bike at that point in time.
Drive first. I hate to do this, but I'm siding with your 'rents.
I had been a bicyclist for the many years since my childhood, and had become familiar with traffic and traffic lights on the bicycle. It only made sense to me to get a motorcycle, expecially since insurance on a car would have been $1200 a year (back in '86)!
Get yourself a quote on insurance for you and the motorcycle you want. Maybe try and get a quote from Progressive's website; that's easy to do.
Then get a quote on insurance for you on a car and compare.
Don't forget to include insurance in the cost of the motorcycle, or the monthly payments of both bike and insurance. (Now, you really might want to consider a used m/c!)
Ok im going to take your advice and drive first, as stated before, and get a bike when I feel comfortable behind the wheel of a car.
O and don't worry, I don't plan on buying new. At this day and time I don't have the money to buy a new bike so used is the way to go. Besides if I do take minor falls, I wouln't want to mess up a brand new bike. :laugh:
I hope you stay a member of this forum, your more than welcome.
You might just run across a great deal on a GS.
I have Twice.
The people who are saying that you should drive first have very good points, but I would say that if you are mature enough to think the whole decision through carefully and do your research, you are probably mature enough to start out on 2 wheels. When I first started driving, the only times I got into "accidents" were a couple incidents where I tried to squeeze into spaces at parking lot speeds ( <5 mph ). I think this is very similar to how you can ask most any member of this forum about how they have dropped their bike. This is generally a financial concern (repairs) and not safety since it happens at low to zero speed. The bigger concern is other motorists. Yeah, this will be riskier if you start out on a bike. You will have to deal with getting comfortable on your bike and getting comfortable with some @$$hole cutting you off. The big plus for driving experience here is that you will be better at identifying potential assholes once you have more time on the road.
When you are considering the cost of getting a bike and gear, I would recommend that you wait until you have enough money saved to get the bike/gear that you want. You can get a $1000 GS, but it will almost assuredly require a fair bit of work on it. On the other hand, for $1500 you can probably find one that is very mechanically sound. Ditto for gear. Spending extra to get the gear that's going to keep you safe and be comfortable is worth it. If you don't like your gear for some reason (comfort, size, looks, whatever), you aren't going to wear it. And you NEED to wear it. Take your time, find what's right for you, and always wear your gear. For upfront costs, you are looking at up to $2000 for a used GS (or similar bike) in good to very good condition and $500-$1000 for gear (leather jacket, leather gloves, helmet, boots, and riding pants). Your periodic costs are insurance, gas, and maintenance. Insurance won't be as bad as a car, but you are still a youngin - check around for quotes. Gas is easy to figure on depending on how many miles you ride, figure about 45-50 mpg. Maintenance isn't too bad if you do the work yourself. Everything in the GS is very easy to get at and work on, and I've found it to be a great way to learn more about wrenching and how bikes work.
For a starter bike, the GS (and any other 250 or 500) will be much more forgiving as motorcycles go. You won't be able to power wheelie and start doing backflips, which is a very comforting fact to realize after the first time you open the throttle too wide. However, even slow bikes by motorcycle standards are still very powerful compared to most cars. It's a thrill and a rush that you won't get in most (or any, according to some folks) cars. Combine this with the ability to maneuver easily and it's very tempting to really get going.
As for the parents, good luck buddy, you are on your on. I'm 23 and living on my own, but I still caught (and continue to catch) hell for getting my bike a few months ago.
I am happy I drove a car and learnt teaffic behaviour before getting my bike licence.
Here in Australia you have to have an adult sitting next to you when your learning how to drive a car. Their advice about when to go, to stop, to look, to brake is priceless.
Something you don't get when your on a bike on your own.
Once again thanks guys. Yeah I've decided to hold up on the bike. Im going to learn to drive in a car first and get used to the road. Then once I have around $3000 saved ill look into getting a bike again.
Quick question though, Does anyone know if you require a parents/guardians signature to get a learners permit(bike of course) if you are under the age of 18?
re: parent's signature: google it. it varies by state, you should be able to find the florida dmv or dol or whatever and they should have the information you need on their website.