Quote from: lostsurf on July 12, 2006, 03:14:59 PM
well i would THINK they'd have to agree with me on my choosing the bike i want - because i'm not one of those kids who want the baddest fastest thing alive.. i want something that looks good, has some power but not very intimidating to a new rider and is capable of both regular street and highway.. enough speed to get the job done but not enough to just spit me off.. which i think is the low entry level bikes i've been looking at (ninja250 and gs500)

You seem exactly like me when I was first looking at bikes. I was about 17 at the time, and even though my father rode bikes, both parents had a problem with me wanting one. I took the MSF course with my father and got the 2nd highest grade in the class, 2 points behind my father (who has been riding for 40 some odd years).

I kept asking them and asking them and demonstrating how responsible I could be and whatnot. My mother was the most stubborn of either of them, and after a while my father was actively trying to help me get a bike. I rode in the dirt for a year and a half prior, but I realize that isn't practical for some to do. After a while my mother said "If he gets a bike, I am not going to be responsible if anything happens to him." I was 18 and a half at the time, and my father and I took that as her aquiescing to my wishes. I got the bike and brought it home that day. She was furious.

Even though I crashed the bike 3 weeks later (The GS has enough power to get you in trouble, trust me) they supported me and helped me find a new bike because they could tell it was something I really enjoyed and cared about.

Just demonstrate maturity and responsibility and try to get them to support you. Take the MSF class, just because.

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You seem exactly like me when I was first looking at bikes. I was about 17 at the time, and even though my father rode bikes, both parents had a problem with me wanting one. I took the MSF course with my father and got the 2nd highest grade in the class, 2 points behind my father (who has been riding for 40 some odd years).

I kept asking them and asking them and demonstrating how responsible I could be and whatnot. My mother was the most stubborn of either of them, and after a while my father was actively trying to help me get a bike. I rode in the dirt for a year and a half prior, but I realize that isn't practical for some to do. After a while my mother said "If he gets a bike, I am not going to be responsible if anything happens to him." I was 18 and a half at the time, and my father and I took that as her aquiescing to my wishes. I got the bike and brought it home that day. She was furious.

Even though I crashed the bike 3 weeks later (The GS has enough power to get you in trouble, trust me) they supported me and helped me find a new bike because they could tell it was something I really enjoyed and cared about.

Just demonstrate maturity and responsibility and try to get them to support you. Take the MSF class, just because.

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Good advice but man Alpha you sould like your 30 somthing in that post not 19 

It's the mileage, not the age. -Indiana Jones

Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on July 12, 2006, 03:28:38 PM

Even though I crashed the bike 3 weeks later (The GS has enough power to get you in trouble, trust me) they supported me and helped me find a new bike because they could tell it was something I really enjoyed and cared about.

Just demonstrate maturity and responsibility and try to get them to support you. Take the MSF class, just because.

Which is where the famous MSF saying of "Congratulations, you graduated. Just remember, this class does not show that you know how to ride on the road, what it shows is that you are able to handle a motorcycle at 15mph or less in a controlled parking lot setting with instructors watching your every move." Comes into play. If you just take the MSF it is close to pointless. You need to take the MSF, and then actively practice what they taught you on your bike.

AlphaFire... no offense meant to you at all, your crash just kinda made for a way to point something out.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=2893.msg22541#msg22541

Like it has been said: Demonstrate maturity in the whole situation.

When I was interested in a bike I wanted a brand new EX500, and I was a determined 19 year old. My dad was ok with it, he knew I was responsible and didn't drive like an idiot, but my mother was another story. Like most mothers, they worry and immediately began thinking the worst. I think that me being her only child also had something to do with it. Anyway I researched everything on owning a bike, I mean everything and told my parents all about it. I was showing them I wasn't going into this thing blinded or naive. Well after 2-3 months, she gave in but still wasn't excited about the whole idea. Be patient.

I don't know you.  No one on this board does.  Only you and your parents know YOU the best.

Your parents are biased.  They love you and don't want you to get hurt.

But the question is this:
Are you being honest with yourself?  Are you REALLY responsible enough to ride a motorcycle (considering you haven't been DRIVING long).

Ask yourself this:
How do you act around your family (parents mainly)
Do you act 180 degrees different when around your friends?

If the second answer is "YES", most likely you AREN'T ready for a bike.  I'm 100% this isn't what you wanted to read, and I know you really don't care what we try to say to you.  If you're not gonna listen to YEARS of experience, at least PLEASE be honest with YOURSELF.

If you do end up getting a bike, please ride safe.  A bike is NOT a toy.

Very very well put! 

+1 to annguyen! 

If your current arguments aren't getting you anywhere, you need to negotiate to an intermediate position.  I like what the others said about inviting one (or both) parents to take the MSF RiderCourse (BRC) with you.  

If that doesn't interest them, then at least get them to come with you and watch the range exercises.  I think the methodical process of building motor skills should win at least your Dad over.  If you can get one allied with you on this or you'll never win.

The BRC is the "Drivers Ed" of Motorcycling.  If they go for this, then you can argue to get at least a Helmet and park the balance of your equipment purchases until after you take the course.  Save your pennies for now and play it one step at a time.

Quote from: seshadri_srinath on July 12, 2006, 02:29:45 PM
OK now we know how you knackered that head gasket ...
Cool.
Srinath.

 Good one Srinath.  

was reading a bike magazine a few months ago because I was looking at a 250 as well.. they got theirs up to 101.

I agree that the Ninja 250R is a kick-ass beginner bike.  It runs at freeway speeds without a problem.  (Amazing how gearing and a high-reving engine can do that.) 

Proof?  If you've got the bandwidth, download and play the Timelapse movies from the 250R from Toronto.  He's running 120-130 KPH (70-80 MPH) and he has RPM's to spare.  If the bike fits, ride it...

i do care what you guys are saying and i am taking it all in - thats why i came here.. i do think i am ready for the responsibilities that come with having a bike.. i basically act the same between my parents and friends - i just dont swear when i'm with my parents haha.. at first when i actually asked them if i could get a bike they said no and i asked again seriously and my mom told me if i work hard enough to pay for it myself - so i got excited and really started looking at bikes and then when i got serious about it they kind of i guess were surprised and now again saying no.. so i think its just going to take time (which of course i have).

For your 1st bike, don't make the same mistake I did... Be sure to BUY USED You'll gain the skills and then in a few years want another bike (happens to most, esp at 18-20 myself incl.)

I had a very hard time selling it to my parents and felt I was in the same situtation as you, I just did my thing got my MSF done and got the bike.. They then realized it wasn't a death certificate they thought, as long as you're smart riding can get a lot safer. (never as safe as a car but not as dangerous as they may think..)

Go used the 500 or 250, neither will blow your socks off so take w/e deal you'd like because one you start you'll want some money saved for your next bike, lol. best of luck

haha thank you - and everyone else.. i forgot to mention a line that my mother keeps telling me .. i bet a lot of you in my case also heard this.. "it's not youuu i'm worried about it's the other people out on the road that worry me"  plus since i live in pittsburgh (well suburb of pitt) i dont know if any of you other guys heard this but our quarterback ben roethlisberger got jackedddd up on his 'busa and it wasnt his fault and speeding wasnt a factor so they also probably took that into consideration

Quote from: lostsurf on July 12, 2006, 08:10:48 PM
i do care what you guys are saying and i am taking it all in - thats why i came here.. i do think i am ready for the responsibilities that come with having a bike.. i basically act the same between my parents and friends - i just dont swear when i'm with my parents haha.. at first when i actually asked them if i could get a bike they said no and i asked again seriously and my mom told me if i work hard enough to pay for it myself - so i got excited and really started looking at bikes and then when i got serious about it they kind of i guess were surprised and now again saying no.. so i think its just going to take time (which of course i have).

IMO, it really does sound like you're taking this seriously with your parents.  You have to SHOW them HOW serious you are about being safe.  Sign up for the MSF course.  Buy the gear.  That's the best way to show them you are serious about safety.

Dude,

I hate to say this, but I agree with your parents.  I think you should wait awhile to get a bike.  MSF course is only a start to safe driving, there is alot you need to learn even after the course.  Motorcycle riding is extremely dangerous, especially with all the traffic on the road today.   I'd like to see you take the MSF and then apply many of the lessons learned in that course to driving a CAR.  The reason I say this is that I'm not trying to "dis" on your age, mentally you may be prepared and I'm sure you are logically mature enough to understand and apply the correct concepts of safe riding.  BUT, at 17 years old your body is going through massive changes which affect the amount of testoserone and other hormones which can and does affect your judgement.  My advice to you is to hold off for a couple of years, driving a car, and see how well you make out. Save you money in the meantime so that you can buy the bike you want.


Chris

Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on July 12, 2006, 01:35:17 PM
I'm 19 and pay $145/year for minimum liability with Dairyland, so insurance is miniscule at the very least. I paid $170/year when I first got the bike.

I pay $2200/year to ride the GS



note to self: move to texas

Take the MSF then go back to them. Show them you mean business. Also don't get a new bike. You WILL drop it, not even up for debate. I'm a poor college student and I got a used 89 for $1100 24k mi needed a new chain, new tires but ran like a champ. Search craigslists, local classifieds, and check the forum here if you want a cheap reliable bike. Don't geta  250cc. Too weak.

Quote from: blue05twin on July 12, 2006, 03:36:07 PM
Good advice but man Alpha you sould like your 30 somthing in that post not 19 

Yeah, I get that a lot.

Quote from: JonC on July 12, 2006, 03:43:22 PM
AlphaFire... no offense meant to you at all, your crash just kinda made for a way to point something out.

None taken. That's why I brought it up, really. I made a mistake a paid the price for it. Motorcycles are inherently dangerous by nature, and the responsibility of one can come with consequences as well if you don't respect it.

I would consider waiting before buying the bike not because of your age, but because of money! If you are planning on going to college, you will be hurting bad in the wallet, and if you have to pay off the bike and go to school at the same time, you might not have the time to work as much and could end up not being afford the bike. Everything on a bike adds up quickly, gear is expensive!, insurance, for me is expensive, and soon you will be riding alot and gas will add up, exp when your young every penny counts. Just make sure your financially able to handle all the money stuff first. but of course I am assuming your going to college. If you arent go buy the bike, just be responsible on it.