Maybe I worded my first post wrong. I didn't mean to convince her that they aren't dangerous at all because they are.....I just want to change her view that there's a 100% chance you're going to die if you have a motorcycle (almost how she sees it) I know the ability to be hurt is there and I'm not completely stupid or immature. Something like a riding motorcycle on public roads is not something that I would take lightly or casually. I would make sure to wear a leather jacket (I hear those are best), jeans, and full face helmet when I went riding. I want a bike so I can have some fun in my spare time riding twisty roads since I no longer have a sporty car, and also so it will make the commute to class at USF/UF easier and more efficient.

Matt

 

Hey gsrboy,

I was in your position a couple years ago when I got my first bike. (You can even search my name and see the thread just like this that I made lol) First of all, I commend you for talking to your parents about it. I kept it from them and my mom ended up finding out about it at the scene of my first wreck :/ I know you're probably frustrated as hell right now, but just keep in mind they're only watching out for you (which I'm sure you know). Hell, even I worry about my bf riding all the time even though I take the same risk everyday.

When I approached my dad he said "If I let you get a bike I will be giving you permission to take a long walk on a short bridge", or something to that affect. So just as your mom, he thought that it was a guaranteed suicide decision. (And believe me it didn't help that he's an ER doctor lol)

I searched the net for statistics and reasons why riding is safe. I came across plenty of statistics for cruiser vs. sport bike crashes, and people wearing helmets vs. those who did not. I made some points but none really held much weight at the end of the day, I mean lets face it motorcycle accidents have taken the lives of MANY.

Before you even consider your parents, really make sure you want to get a bike. I have seen and heard of too many deaths in my short time riding and I myself get cut off in traffic on a daily basis. I can count at least 3 instances where I flat out should've been killed, and unfortunately a lot of people don't get the luxury of having a "close call" to look back on. You could be seriously hurt the very first time you take a bike onto the street.

But if you do decide to get one, here is my advice. Learn to ride that bike inside and out before you even think about getting onto a road. Ride in your subdivision, a parking lot, etc. Practice u-turns, braking hard enough to have to put your feet down to keep your bike up (bc that can happen in traffic) and even have a friend help you out with "obstacles" like they do in the MSF course. You will have to take the MSF course anyway bc of your age, but practice for a couple weeks afterwards as well. When you are definitely comfortable on the bike take it out in the early morning on a weekend when the sun has just come up. There will be hardly any cars out for hours and you will still have good visibility.

And as far as your parents, its gonna be tough, but mine have finally calmed down about it, my dad even asked to take pictures of me on my bike just recently. Once they see that you arrive home safely time after time they will worry less and less.

This must be the longest reply in the history of time, my bad But I personally love riding and I think it was one of the best decisions I ever made, so I'm glad I didn't give up on the rents. I go to USF, btw, and ya it sure helps with parking. I get to park right in front of class with no worries of all the spots being filled. You won't want to take a really nice bike there every day though bc they have been stolen from school before. Other than that though, you can't beat the $30/yr pass and the priceless moments of cruising by everyone on their hikes from the parking lots hahaha.

Well I hope I was at least some help or... at least inspiration that it can get better Maybe you should try relating it to something your parents enjoy. For instance I compared it to the fact that my dads hobby is flying planes, and that both can be viewed as dangerous, but with the right pilot, risks are minimized. "The most dangerous part of a motorcycle is the nut which connects the handlebars to the seat"

Good luck
let me know if I can help in anyway
(ie. you can ride my crunchy piece if you want)

-Jessica

 

Well said Jessica...

 

what happened to gsrboy? anyine noticed he stopped looking at his own post a long time agO?