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Well, after riding my gs500f for the past 2 months or so (already!    ), my gf is getting excited about riding a bike herself, and all this because about a week ago we went hiking, and there was a long road with many sharp turns.
She was driving behind me and to keep a decent speed (within speed limits), I had to lean more than average to take those curves.

I wasn't scared at all, and it was really fun actually.

Later I find her researching at the honda site for a small motorcycle (sizewise). She is japanese, so she's too short for a GS  
Anyway, I asked how come she was interested in riding a bike now, and she replied that she tought it was fun to do it (after seeing me in those twisties).

I became really concerned. Her reflexes are slooooow, and she's not very careful driver either. I told her that riding a bike requires a lot of concentration and fast reflexes (when things go wrong), but she insists to take the MSF and buy a motorcycle.

Should I let her? even if she just takes the MSF course and decides that bikes are not for her, she will be close to $600 dollars out (200 for MSF and 400 for gear).

what to do, what to do  :dunno:

Let her take the MSF.  400 for gear? You can always sell the gear if she doesn't get the hang of it.  You will probably find out really quick.

If your in Ohio she won't have to buy any riding clothes. Not even a helmet.
All she needs is shoes that cover the ankles, long pants, longsleeved shirt and full fingered gloves. I would think she already owns most of this. In Ohio they will provide the motorcycle and helmet.

you dont need gear for the MSF. Just gloves, helmet (if you want your own), boots, jeans and a long sleeve teeshirt.

they provide the bike and helmet anycase.. but its best to bring your own.

Anyway let her take the class. When she is done put her on a rebel or something and she will be fine. She will learn slowly. Remember to have her get some gear.

I wish i had a gf who was interested in riding. you're a lucky one. Keep her interested in your stuff.

The MSF Basic RiderCourse around here just specifies the need for a helmet, long-sleeve shirt or jacket, full-finger gloves, long pants and over-the-ankle footwear.

Only the helmet need be motorcycle-oriented.  If you lend her your helmet for the weekend, she may even be able to avoid that purchase.

Chip in half the tuition -- you feel for her don't you?  Maybe you under-estimate what she can do.  If she can handle the MSF range course, it's her choice to go forward or wait.

One step at a time, man.  Give her the benefit of the doubt and try a Basic RiderCourse.  Best weekend I've had since getting married.  

PS. If you can locate a second helmet, take the RiderCourse with her.  

Let her ride...she can not be that small. I have seen women ride gxers that are not any taller then me....5'2". once she learns she may well be able to handle a bigger bike. I hope to move up myself in a couple of years.

Quote from: John BatesIf your in Ohio she won't have to buy any riding clothes. Not even a helmet.
All she needs is shoes that cover the ankles, long pants, longsleeved shirt and full fingered gloves. I would think she already owns most of this. In Ohio they will provide the motorcycle and helmet.

She has never ridden a bike before but doesn't need gear?

You could get some 2nd hand clothes off ebay until she decides if she wants to continue riding or not.

Quote from: subc...
Should I let her?

That's a joke, right? Please tell me that's a joke.
Because, unless she's under 18 and also your daughter, I don't think you're in any position to 'let' her do anything.

Quote from: ukchickenlover.....................

She has never ridden a bike before but doesn't need gear?

....................

That's correct.

The Ohio MSF course is conducted in a parking lot, not on the streets.

Of course if she does ride on the streets she then has to have her own helmet but the rest is up to her.

I'm neither for or against her riding but...

One weekend take her to the MSF class just to watch....Usually someone drops theire bike or lowsides, or squeeks the tires [sudden stop]. I'm sure she'll either have more respect for Motorcycling in general or be scared stiff of the possibility of getting seriously hurt in just the parking lot.

I know your delemma. My girl also wants a bike. She already has her license but not the funding.. so I can't say no but I'm going to miss the rides she takes on the back of my bike....

You only live once. And when you get older you don't want to look back on life and say "I wish I had taken the chance to ride when I was young."

My wife who's Korean and about 5'6" can handle the GS fine.  She has more riding experience than I do.  Just get her a helmet, gloves, over the ankle boots if she doest have any and let her take the course.  I'm hoping to get my riding skills better so my wife and I can ride together.

Quote from: hulap0pr

Quote from: subc...
Should I let her?

That's a joke, right? Please tell me that's a joke.
Because, unless she's under 18 and also your daughter, I don't think you're in any position to 'let' her do anything.

+1 ... Careful, or she might not 'let' you be her boyfriend  

+100000000000  Let???  

Quote from: daneilah

Quote from: hulap0pr

Quote from: subc...
Should I let her?

That's a joke, right? Please tell me that's a joke.
Because, unless she's under 18 and also your daughter, I don't think you're in any position to 'let' her do anything.

+1 ... Careful, or she might not 'let' you be her boyfriend  

Be a nice BF and give her a gift of an MSF class.  She'll pick up how serious it is quickly, and it will give her a good start on the skills and reflexes she'll need.  Bikewise - what's her inseam?

And if she likes it, I have a small leather jacket FS...    :mrgreen:

how short is she??.....my wife is 5'2" we had to lower the GS, but eventually we got to the point where she could almost get 2 feet completely down....

Don't make me bring up seat shaving again!   :lol: Anyhoo, once again, 5'1" with ~28-29" inseam, and I fit a old-style without cutting and a new-style with a shave.  But if she wants feet flat on the ground, Savage 650.

Well she's gotta start picking up better Hand to eye coordination and reflexes. Its something that can be learned ... I hear people say they have poor reflexes etc and they cannot ride a bike, my answer is ... you have poor reflexes because you didn't learn to ride or do similar things that use these qualities. If I dont ride for a month or 2 ... I also start behaving like a buffoon on a bike... a day or 2 after riding and I am back to my old old old man self.
Cool.
Srinath.

Wait, you have a chance to always have a riding buddy (a presumably hot one  too) and you're not jumping at the chance?

dude... i'd be encouraging her all out.

besides, she already has a mother - u don't need to baby her.

Is she asking you for permission?

I would discourage her. If something happened to her, you would never forgive yourself.

My suggestion, is to let her learn how to ride on an xr100 dirtbike.
She can learn %80  of the skills needed on that bike. She can do it on the dirt, or grass, without the worry of cars, pedestrians, curbs, traffic lights, etc...
I have taught many people to ride, and the biggest mistake people make, is they panic, when faced with a quick decision. They may remember to hit the brakes, but they forget to let off the gas.
Get her used to a dirt bike, and let hitting the brakes, be an automatic function. the dirt, is a lot more forgiving, her speed will never top out at more than 40mph, no cars, no gaurdrails, no roadrash, CHEAPER INVESTMENT( especially if she lays it down)
Then if she is still interested, let her decide.

Quote from: ratzI have taught many people to ride, and the biggest mistake people make, is they panic, when faced with a quick decision. They may remember to hit the brakes, but they forget to let off the gas.

That's exactly what the motorcycle safety course will drill into her.  You practice stopping and swerving and stopping and swerving and...