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SKILLET!
I am 5'10 and weigh about 125 lbs., I have rode ATV's all my life and want to start riding dirt bikes. What would you recommend? I just want to trail ride and not race or anything right now. Also, what could I expect to pay? I definitely want to buy brand new, so give me an average price I would expect to pay. Try to keep the bike somewhat inexpensive. Please only answer if you have experience. Thanks!
Answer
You see you have two conflicting concepts here.. brand new and inexpensive. Those just don't connect for the most part. Then again, maybe you're a bit rich, but I'd think you would pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for a brand new Jap bike (Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha). Really I'm still thinking you should buy slightly used off craigslist.... but hey, back to what you asked. Now I don't know what size ATV's you ride or even how old you are, but since you atleast have some experience, I'd recommend a 200-250cc four stroke to a small adult. However if you are a kid (13ish-16ish) I'd say more like a 150cc. Now running on my lack of information and truth of spirit (what.. I needed an "and") I'd recommend probably the least popular answer, a new Chinese motorcycle. Now before you do the standard "dismiss those junky pieces of shit" routine, some companies know what they're doing. Look into Zongshen, Lifan, and Qlink. Specifically Qlink as they are an interesting case. They take Chinese motorcycles and put them through American Quality Control (inspections) and then test every single bike. The Qlink XP200 is a dual sport, which I guess really isn't what you're looking for (I think) but it would allow you to ride in the dark, is the cheapest that I can find prices for online at $2,599 with a free 2-year warranty and you can find parts on their website. That engine is the same as a Suzuki dr200se motor(made on the same assembly line even), so you can also find parts for that engine and use those.
Hope I helped.
You see you have two conflicting concepts here.. brand new and inexpensive. Those just don't connect for the most part. Then again, maybe you're a bit rich, but I'd think you would pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for a brand new Jap bike (Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha). Really I'm still thinking you should buy slightly used off craigslist.... but hey, back to what you asked. Now I don't know what size ATV's you ride or even how old you are, but since you atleast have some experience, I'd recommend a 200-250cc four stroke to a small adult. However if you are a kid (13ish-16ish) I'd say more like a 150cc. Now running on my lack of information and truth of spirit (what.. I needed an "and") I'd recommend probably the least popular answer, a new Chinese motorcycle. Now before you do the standard "dismiss those junky pieces of shit" routine, some companies know what they're doing. Look into Zongshen, Lifan, and Qlink. Specifically Qlink as they are an interesting case. They take Chinese motorcycles and put them through American Quality Control (inspections) and then test every single bike. The Qlink XP200 is a dual sport, which I guess really isn't what you're looking for (I think) but it would allow you to ride in the dark, is the cheapest that I can find prices for online at $2,599 with a free 2-year warranty and you can find parts on their website. That engine is the same as a Suzuki dr200se motor(made on the same assembly line even), so you can also find parts for that engine and use those.
Hope I helped.
How do I convince my parents to let me get a motorcycle?
Blake
Background:
I am 19 and I have had my license since the day I turned 16, I have shown responsibility by having 5 different extremely nice cars and trucks, all of which would normally draw a lot of police attention (custom paint, tinted windows, and fast / bright colored cars). I bought every single car myself and paid in cash.
I never even got pulled over, and I have never been in an accident.
I am a full time engineering student and work 20 hours a week at a bank, I am a "good kid" and don't use any drugs or alcohol.
As you can see i am very responsible.
Question: How do I convince my parents to let me get a motorcycle?
I have been trying to convince them since 6 months after I turned 16. They say they trust me, but don't trust other drivers to not hit me or pull out in front of me. I live at home and they say that I cant have a bike until after I move out, not for my safety, but because my mom does not want to sit at home and worry about me making it home.
I have tried for a 250-350cc dual sport (dirt bike type) bike, as well as a small sport bike (Kawasaki Ninja 250). Neither of these are fast by any means (My car I am driving now has a top speed of over 160mph).
So how do I convince my mom that I wont get hit by a car?
I have already suggested: extra reflectors, neon green / reflective riding gear, extra bright lights, buying a bright colored bike, only being allowed to ride when its light out, call/text her when I leave and get places.
I am lost, please help as this is a passion of mine.
Thank You
I cant just "go get one", because I will be kicked out of the house, and cant afford to live on my own because I am going to school.
In my state its required to take a beginning motorcycle safety test in order to get your endorsement, and I would be wearing protective gear, and only be riding a 250cc bike.
David- It probably does not help that my dad used to ride street bikes and got cut off by a car and ended up in the hospital when he was about my age. I am trying to work on my mom because she is "the boss" lol
Answer
I teach motorcycle safety and I get asked this question, and other ones very similar to it, all the time. The answer is... there's no answer to it.
The thing about motorcycles is that they're dangerous. Are the worth the danger, well, to me they are. The most unfortunate thing about safety, when it comes to motorcycles, is that you're parents are correct. The overwhelming amount of two vehicle accidents are caused by the car, not the motorcycles. As safe as you try to be, as good as you get at riding, no matter what you wear or put on your bike, cars will still miss you. You don't win in an accident with a car.
Now, having said all that, I still love riding, enough that I help people learn. But I can't defend motorcycles as being safe.
Unfortunately, your parents have the facts on their side, and if they aren't the type that are willing to allow you to have a motorcycle, I doubt you'll be able to get them to concede. The only thing I can suggest is (depending on the state and the cost) try and take an MSF Beginner Course. If you do this, try and get one of your parents to take it with you. If they do it alongside you, that may change their mind. However, I doubt they'll do this, but it's about the best idea I can offer.
If this doesn't work, then you may just have to wait till you move out and can afford a place of your own. That's what I had to do. GL.
I teach motorcycle safety and I get asked this question, and other ones very similar to it, all the time. The answer is... there's no answer to it.
The thing about motorcycles is that they're dangerous. Are the worth the danger, well, to me they are. The most unfortunate thing about safety, when it comes to motorcycles, is that you're parents are correct. The overwhelming amount of two vehicle accidents are caused by the car, not the motorcycles. As safe as you try to be, as good as you get at riding, no matter what you wear or put on your bike, cars will still miss you. You don't win in an accident with a car.
Now, having said all that, I still love riding, enough that I help people learn. But I can't defend motorcycles as being safe.
Unfortunately, your parents have the facts on their side, and if they aren't the type that are willing to allow you to have a motorcycle, I doubt you'll be able to get them to concede. The only thing I can suggest is (depending on the state and the cost) try and take an MSF Beginner Course. If you do this, try and get one of your parents to take it with you. If they do it alongside you, that may change their mind. However, I doubt they'll do this, but it's about the best idea I can offer.
If this doesn't work, then you may just have to wait till you move out and can afford a place of your own. That's what I had to do. GL.
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