Buying our son a motorcycle... maybe out daughter too!?

Due to gas prices we are buying our son a motorcycle. I've always been scared of them, but my husband used to have one and other families I know allow their kids to have them as well. In Texas (probably other states too) you only have to be 15 and there are safety/training courses you can attend before getting your license, or later if you need it. If the state says you have to be 15 for a motorcycle, and 16 for a car, is it possible that they are safer in some way? Doesn't make sense to me, but if he has one it will save the family a lot of money on gas with all of his band practices and such... Thoughts anyone?
Buying our son a motorcycle... maybe out daughter too!?
i don't think they are safer.
Buying our son a motorcycle... maybe out daughter too!?
mistake.....I have never known anyone who has owned a motorcycle more than 2 years than didnt have some type of accident
Reply:If he is responsible on the road, obeys rules, doesn't get risky, and watches out for idiots on the road (there are plenty of em) he should be fine. But if you do get hit by a car or fall off it could be bad. I still think the money you'll save will outweigh that if he is carefull. Good luck to you!
Reply:they are definitely not safer than a car but with the right training they are really no more dangerous either. be sure your son takes an msf ridercourse and get a properly sized beginner bike. stay away from sport bikes if possible but if he doesn't want to ride a cruiser style then look at the Honda cbr125rr, Kawasaki ninja 250 or 500 , or the Suzuki sv650, all great beginner bikes that you won't outgrow right away(with the possible exception of the Honda).Bike are great fun to ride and once you get riding you will probably become a rider for life.
Reply:They are utterly and completely MORE dangerous.





Here if this quote don't get you ---


"Additional data from the United States reveals that there are over four million motorcycles registered in the United States. Motorcycle fatalities represent approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles represent just two percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. For example, approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is about 20 percent"





Be sure to read up on


http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/txmclaw...
Reply:I would definately start them out on a bike less than 700cc. I personally like Honda so i would say a good fitting bike would be a CBR600RR. Nice bike. Retail For a New one is $9,599 you could definately find a used one for ALOT less
Reply:Yes... Instead of motorcyles, consider maxi-scooters. These range from 125 cc and up, are automatic transmissions [twist and go] and get great gas mileage. About 250 cc if they need to use the highways. [Mine is 250 cc, gets 75+ mpg, and can easily stay with traffice, or pass, on the freeways.]





They will need to be licensed, just like motorcycles, Insurance is cheaper, and they can take the Basic Rider Course from the MSF to qualify for their state riders endorsement.





I think you will sleep easier.





Search around Yahoo for maxi-scoot Groups to find out more.





link to course materials is here:





http://www.msf-usa.org/CurriculumMateria...
Reply:Lots of thoughts





First go take the motorcycle safety foundation course as a family so that you know too.





I would look at a smaller one that he would like. A used would even be good for insurance reasons. Something like a ninga 250 or gs 500 twin would be good and he or she will be happy for a while with. Get an older one that you pay for and just minimium insurance is a whole lot cheaper than full coverage. Some used dealers will not require full coverage but if he wrecks it you still have to pay. In a cruiser style i would stay away from the 250 and go with a bigger one up to a 650cc so that the rider will be happier with it longer.





rd
Reply:YEAH , i feel your pain, Im a Texan too.


However , my son just got his first car, and it gets about 30 mpg and he really likes it.


I see young guys riding on one wheel all the time mostly the back tire but sometimes only the front, like when they come to a very sudden stop and its a wheelie , only the back wheel is in the air ! I know they think thats cool , well - I admit , it does look pretty neat, but the thought of my son tring that...never mind.


I THINK YOU BETTER KNOW YOUR SON IS UP TO THE TASK !


MO-PED


MO-PED


MO-PED, that will save some gas.
Reply:Not sure why this would be the case, Its the opposite in Australia. 16 for a car and 16 and 9 months for a bike.





Perhaps you Texans have different rules regarding what types of bikes you can ride. If it is legal for pitbikes, or pocketbikes, mini scooter type bikes to be ridden on the street, perhaps that is why, as these bikes are aimed at children.





Ok, So, danger wise. Any mechanical vehicle is dangerous. As long as the person in control of the vehicle is responsible and sensible, well, there is no way to sugar coat it, they will still be safer in a car. Even with all the safety gear, reflective vests, helmets, boots, etc etc, motorbike riders are still in danger.





If they only have to travel short distances, are very sensible kids, ride pushbikes well and have good hand eye co ordination, I think they will be ok on a motorbike.





Please make sure they wear all the safety gear though.
Reply:if he is mature enough to ride safely, and his band stuff will fiton the bike without endangering him or it, then perhaps ok. He will need to be alert, drug free or a permitted driver, sober, and be mentally alert. M'bike riding is inherently more injurious when an accident occurs, but a skilled rider can avoid many accidents, or lessen the injuries by being able to decide when to let go, and sometimes, what to hit. Safety clothing, such as helmet, gloves, boots %26amp; leathers, are almost always going to improve the outcome of a crash. Used helmets are for used heads-they aren't safe, they only work once, and time alone will degrade them. Much dependson your kids, much more depends on what else is on the roads with them. it's the 2 vehicle accidents that usually do the most harm, and most of them aren't the rider's fault. You've seen your neighbours drive, do you trust your kids to them?
Reply:Actually in the state of Texas to be 15 and operate a motorcycle it has to be under 250cc. He can get a license at that age operating a bike 250cc and under. If he is caught riding a bike over 250cc and he is still 15, then he'll get his license suspended or revoked and will also get a fine, a big one too because its like he gets caught driving a car at the age of 15. Now if youre talking about him just getting a bike for school and maybe riding around town, and not going like on hour long rides and what not, then yeah a bike can be safe for him.





A bike can be safe and dangerous, just like a car, just like boats, ATVs, planes, etc. The reason why is because you really arent in complete control of any of them, no matter how much you think you are. With the car, your idler and pitman arm can come loose or break, sending your car into a straight right or left, you having no control of steering anymore. With the bikes, the rear could lock up due to the rear sprocket, sending the rider forward, flying that is.





There are many things, nothing is safe and nothing is really horribly dangerous to an extent where anyone should be stopped from doing it. Either way, a 250cc motorcycle is easy to control, it can go fast, but its still easier to control that bigger bikes. Also the weight is a huge difference, the 250 is obviously lighter. Go to a dealership, a real one, look at a Honda rebel, they only come in 250cc designs now. They are very fun, affordable, usually like $3500.00 and really just fun for anyone to ride. I see adults riding them to save on gas, teens can do it too.
Reply:If he is a responsible boy go for it. I would not let any child that age have anything that looked like a race bike. For my way of thinking any one of the scooters today would be a good bet. They are not what they use to be and with hauling books and things they are a good idea. I would recommend Looking at the KYMCO and HYOSUNG lines. Very well made, reliable and fun. They both have small 250 VTwins if a scooter will not make him happy. And their 250's are twice the rides that Honda rebels are. The scooters go from 50cc up to 500cc and 35mph to 85 mph. And for what its worth even though I own several motorcycles I am going to let m y son start with a scooter.
Reply:You can hurt more people and do more damage with a car. Otherwise, the age limit is probably arbitrary





In Texas, a minor between the ages of 15-17 can get a license for a motorcycle 250cc or smaller. They will be required to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved Basic Rider Course.





http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/...