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Is this too dangerous for me? Am I too young?

by Hopeful Youth
(Dallas, Tx)

I am turning 15 this summer and that means I will be old enough to get a motorcycle license. I really want one because my parents are divorced and they both work full time and they are never able to take me to or from my dance team rehearsals. I have practice almost everyday in the summer and everyday after school, but I hate having to constantly ask my friends for rides. My mother has two motorcycles and just recently learned how to ride. She has a Harley that she rides now, and a 250cc Honda Rebel that she used when she was learning. I want the Honda because it's the perfect size for me! The only thing stopping me is my mom, she doesn't think its safe for me even though we are the exact same height and weight! I think shes being irrational and over protective. I really need to learn and get a license because I can't always rely on others for transportation, and that's pretty impolite. If I got the right training, and learned everything I need to know.. what's the danger? Is it a bad idea for me? Should I be allowed to learn and get my license or should I wait an unnecessary year? I would only ride it to and from my school or to the store. I would't even take it out of my town or onto the highways. Ever.
p.s (I'm 5'4 and 115 lbs)

Thank you!!
- Hopeful Youth

Comments for Is this too dangerous for me? Am I too young?

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Apr 03, 2013

.
by: Anonymous

I started at Age 15 with a BMW R65,650ccs then moved into a K75 at 17. I did not own a car until I was 22. I am now 36, with two kids, who both ride behind my husband and me. I was thrilled when my daughter at age 5 could touch the rear pegs and start riding. We receive a lot of criticism about taking our kids now ages 7 and 11 out for day long rides. I’d like to say, who cares what people think, but it is your mom, so you have to listen to her. My advice, is you take a course, ALWAYS wear a helmet and proper gear. And if you give friends a ride, make sure they are safe as well. Make sure they know how to ride behind you and you are not goofing off.

Jun 29, 2012

Another Viewpoint
by: Anonymous

This particular post struck a chord with me, and I noticed most of the responses seemed more from a mom's viewpoint. I wanted to add to this conversation because I was once the 15 year old girl who wanted a motorcycle. Now, I suppose I need to add a few disclaimers first: I was fifteen about 35 years ago, my first motorcycle was a Kawasaki 100, and I don't have kids.
I started becoming interested in motorcycles when I was in my early teens, and I really wanted to get one. When a friend of mine's cousin decided to sell his Kawi 100, I went straight to my mom and asked if I could buy it. She told me to go ask my dad, which to me meant "no." I went and asked my dad anyway, and he told me to give him a few days to think about it. After those few days, my dad came back to me and said that if I were his son, he would let me buy the motorcycle. He didn't believe that the fact that I was his daughter was reason to say "no."
So, off I went and bought my motorcycle, which I rode to school and around town most days. I got to know people at local bike shops and started going to flat track races. Right now I'm at work looking at a picture of me on the 100 and my husband on his flat tracker. But I digress ...
I was once the 15 year old girl who wanted a motorcycle. By allowing me to have it, my father not only let me pursue my interest in motorcycles, but more importantly, he taught me that gender should never be an obstacle. #empowerment

Jun 12, 2012

It's Okay!
by: Jennz

I believe that there is no right age for learning how to ride a motorcycle. As long as you are in the age that the law allows, then you can learn if you want. The danger in riding a motorcycle does not lie on your age or gender it is in not knowing how to ride a motorcycle especially those powerful ones properly.

Jun 05, 2012

125cc off-road, dirt biking, enduro riding
by: Anonymous

Hey,

I know you're eager to ride on the street. But I don't think you legally can? Not sure...at least not in CA.

However, I highly recommend you start with a 125cc dirt bike and do all kind of dirt biking, enduro/trail riding, it's actually so much fun, and will help prepare you to be a better street rider.

I'm a street rider, and recently converted to dual sport. I am actually buying a 125cc dirt bike in addition to my 650cc street bike, because I'm in love with going deep in the woods on a dirt bike. it's so much fun.

If your issue is transportation, you might have to be okay with carpooling/asking for rides here and there. But if you want to get into the sport, off-road riding is a great option to start. Who knows, maybe after dirt bike you don't even want to ride on the street anymore...

Jun 04, 2012

license
by: Anonymous

In our state, you cannot ride anything bigger than a 150cc until you are 18. There is a reason for that. My youngest daugher is 13 and is anticipating learning to ride. I will teach her and make sure she takes all the proper instruction (MSF course)and WEAR HER GEAR. Sure I'll be worried. what mother woudn't.

ps. All my kids ride. Kat is 25 yrs on a 650 vstar. and Dave is 24 on a kaw 440.

Jun 03, 2012

What about scooter?
by: Anonymous

iF YOUR MOTHER IS STILL FORBIDDING YOU TO LEARN HOW TO RIDE ANY SMALL MOTORCYCLE, HOW ABOUT ASKING HER FOR A SCOOTER LIKE VESPA OR BERGMAN. THEN LATER ON, SHE MAY LET YOU TAKE A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY CLASS.

Jun 01, 2012

For what it's worth
by: Susanne

Look I am all for women learning and riding bikes. I love seeing others out there riding. But statistics say its alot more dangerous to be a teen car driver let alone a motorcycle rider. Hopefully Adm. won't mind but I'm going to site some statistics. These numbers are from the CDC.gov website
Per mile driven teen drivers (16-19) are 4x more likely to be involved in crashes. Teen drivers are more likely to underestimate dangerous situations or hazardous situations. Teens are more likely to speed, not allow proper stopping distance. The crash risk is the HIGHEST the first year of license. From 2000-2006 19076 teens died in crashes. 15-24 year olds represent 14% of the US population. However they account for 30% (19billion dollars) of total costs of motor vehicle injuries among males and 28%(9 billion dollars) for females. As I said I'm all for women riding but learn how to drive first then worry about a motorcycle. I can speak for almost everyone here when I say I am not the same driver now than when I was 15 or even 18.

Jun 01, 2012

Mom's know best
by: Amy S

You're mother is just worried about your safety and rightly so. Motorcycles are very dangerous and not only because of the mistakes that you will make but also because of the ones that other drivers will undoubtedly make that will affect you on a bike. Keep in mind that an accident in a car that my only give you a bump on the head and some sore muscles could be fatal and is always 20 times worse on a motorcycle. Although I love riding there is no way I would allow my 15 year old on the road so very vulnerable to his/her mistakes. Not because I don't trust him but because if anything were to happen to him I would never be able to forgive myself.

Jun 01, 2012

listen to your mom
by: Deana

I fully understand how you feel, and as a parent with a son your age, I can relate to what your mom is saying. My son has been riding dirt bikes since he was I'm grade school. The first time he got ahold of my ZX6R, he dumped it in the driveway. I wouldn't sign for him a licence, simply because he doesn't have the maturity to handle being out in traffic. See if your mom will let you take the safety course and see how you do. She may be comfortable with that and may take you out occassionally to practice on her Honda. I've been riding for a couple of years, and just got in my first accident this week. I hit a parked car. Fortunatly I and my bike are fine, but it reminded me that I need to be more cautious. I'm sure your mom will come around in time. And don't worry about bumming rides. Parents really don't mind, and its just part of being a teen. You'll grow up fast enough, so don't rush it.

Jun 01, 2012

15....
by: Deb P

15 years old and riding a motorcycle.. Your mom may be worried about you but you have to worry about other people of the road too. 15 is pretty young. I learned on a Honda Rebel. Nice bike and size and you wouldnt be able to hit a highway with that bike anyhow. Hey I do see they have scotters out now. Seems like lots of people are investing in those here in Massachusetts. Maybe you could try that out first. Yes take a lesson to get your license maybe. Good luck sweetie. Stay safe.

Jun 01, 2012

I guess it really depends on your parents
by: Cindy

Not that as parents we are always the clearest judge of our children, however, if she doesn't feel you are ready to ride your own bike yet maybe she knows you best. I would love for my daughters to ride with me, but they are 21 and 19. At 15 I don't believe my oldest would have been ready to learn to ride a motorcycle, she is reckless like I was (and still am at times) at that age. My 19 year old could learn, but she doesn't want to ride a motorcycle.

So, even though it seems she may not be being fair, maybe she sees something in you, or thinks she sees something in you that worries her about you riding a motorcycle. I would suggest working toward gaining her trust, taking a Motorcycle Safety class, maybe with her, so she could be reassured that you are mature enough to handle a motorcycle.

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