Age

damnit458 · 06-08-2005, 12:02 PM

This may seem kind of random, but at what age do you believe somebody is responsible enough to ride a motorcycle? I realize that this is very subjective, and depends very much on the person, but I figure there must be some number you guys would all be arround.

I ask because a friend of mine just bought a motorcyle. To be totally honest, I believe he's going to kill himself. He owns a 5th gen prelude right now. He's had his license suspended on and off for the last two years (hes 19). He probably has two or three reckless speeding tickets, along with a few accidents. He's an idiot on the road. Yet he went and bought a motorcycle (completely allowed by his parents, who he lives with when not at college). He's been riding it w/o a license, although he did just pass the class I heard.

This just seems rediculous to me. Like that story about the kid killing himself w/the viper (I forget if that was on here or H-T). Whats your guys opinions?

BLINGMW · 06-08-2005, 12:06 PM

I don't think there's an age per se, I think a teen should be able to get one if he demonstrates responsibility and the driver education is up to snuff. Unfortunatly, that isn't really checked, and we know the education is lacking. Similarly, I'm sure there are some 40 year olds that aren't responsibly enough to drive a Kia. Not really directed at your friend, but I guess if he's prone to stupidity and killing himself on the highway, I'd rather him be on a bike than in an SUV.

.RJ · 06-08-2005, 12:16 PM

Reason why I've waited until now (26) to get a bike.

Any younger and I would have certainly turned myself into a grease stain on a country road on a motorcycle.

**Ryan T** · 06-08-2005, 12:28 PM

I don't know if there is a magic age, but I think what it really comes down to is putting everything else aside and asking yourself, "Is this something I'm going to be able to control?"

Personally, I know for a fact that I'm not ready for a motorcycle, I don't know if I ever will be. I have no real desire for a crotch rocket. I know that I'd go too fast and I would ultimately get hurt. I've ridden dirt bikes in the past and although I was careful, I can easily see how quickly it could get out of hand. If I ever buy a motorcycle, it'd going to be a big cruiser.

**Mike** · 06-08-2005, 12:38 PM

You're right, it is completely subjective and any intelligent person would be able to tell themselves whether or not they are mature enough for a bike. Your friend? Not intelligent. Me? Intelligent.

damnit458 · 06-08-2005, 01:01 PM

Mike Wrote:You're right, it is completely subjective and any intelligent person would be able to tell themselves whether or not they are mature enough for a bike. Your friend? Not intelligent. Me? Intelligent.

The thing is he's one of those people that wont see it until its to late. Even his brother (who's also got a long, horrible history with cars) is telling him not to ride, but he wont listen. All he said to me was that he can take it easy and control himself. Bullshit...

damnit458 · 06-08-2005, 01:02 PM

What angers me even more about this situation is that his parents are going along with it. Now I realize he is past 18 and thus they have no techincal rein over him, but if he's living in their house....
Absolutely rediculous

.RJ · 06-08-2005, 01:06 PM

Mike Wrote:Me? Intelligent.

Yay mikey rules!

Wink

ScottyB · 06-08-2005, 01:38 PM

i don't really wish harm on the kid, but i hope he either sees someone wreck or has a small mishap himself to open his eyes, if he really is as wreckless as he sounds.

as for his parents being ok with it.....some parents just live in a parallel universe, or just don't care.

Sijray21 · 06-08-2005, 01:38 PM

damnit458 Wrote:What angers me even more about this situation is that his parents are going along with it. Now I realize he is past 18 and thus they have no techincal rein over him, but if he's living in their house....
Absolutely rediculous

...wow that's rediculous, i'm really surprised his parents are going along with this. The only parents i've known to support their child getting a motorcycle are the ones who are also motorcycle enthusiasts.

On age i too think it's subjective. You have to realize if you're ready or not for one. I also think trying something is a good way to test this, but with a motorcycle this can be tricky. He has to realize to start small (or at his level, he could be responsible for one...although by his history it doesn't seem like he's quite ready for one) and work his way up. Just watch out for your friend.

Evan · 06-08-2005, 02:07 PM

Mike Wrote:Your friend? Not intelligent. Me? Intelligent.

I hope that you do realize that every single one of the assmonkeys who is in fact not ready for a bike, thinks that they are plenty mature/intelligent enough for one from their own perspective.

In fact a good rule of thumb is that if you have to ask yourself the question at all, then you are not mature or intelligent enough for one, regardless of your feelings that you are.

Yesterday driving home from work I was driving next to another car in the lane directly to my right on I-95, crusing about 80. I notice something fast moving in my mirror, glance up, and a guy on a bike blows by in between the 2 cars, going at least 130. Oh, and he was wearing a tshirt. All I could think of was how the busted bushings on my car causes it to wander around in the lane......
Where is Darwin when you need him?

**Mike** · 06-08-2005, 02:23 PM

Evan Wrote:
Mike Wrote:Your friend? Not intelligent. Me? Intelligent.
I hope that you do realize that every single one of the assmonkeys who is in fact not ready for a bike, thinks that they are plenty mature/intelligent enough for one from their own perspective.

I do realize that. I am intelligent for not getting a bike. His friend is obviously not intelligent, but surely thinks he is.

CaptainHenreh · 06-08-2005, 02:54 PM

Frankly, I'm shocked that with two suspensions he even found an insurance company that will insure him. That's how I gauge my readiness.

"How much did you say that would be a year? Really. Sure you didn't forget a decimal or something? Ok, well, I guess I'm not ready for a motorcycle."

That and that whole "wanting to live" thing just ruin motorcycles for me.

BLINGMW · 06-08-2005, 02:54 PM

Evan Wrote:All I could think of was how the busted bushings on my car causes it to wander around in the lane......

:lol: WHOOPS!

I saw that guy a few times when I was driving through ATL last sat night. He usually had a basketball jersey on.

damnit458 · 06-08-2005, 02:54 PM

CaptainHenreh Wrote:Frankly, I'm shocked that with two suspensions he even found an insurance company that will insure him. That's how I gauge my readiness.

"How much did you say that would be a year? Really. Sure you didn't forget a decimal or something? Ok, well, I guess I'm not ready for a motorcycle."

That and that whole "wanting to live" thing just ruin motorcycles for me.

lol

Ginger · 06-08-2005, 04:15 PM

I was going to make a long winded post about how everybody has their moment or two on a bike - you know, with a power to weight ratio that'll handily dispose of pretty much anything on four wheels your encounter on the street. But no matter what I say everybody will respond and we'll have safety and responsibility posts coming out the wazoo. The fact of the matter is that you don't know how you're going to handle something like that until it's in your lap.

The best you can do is remember when you're on both wheels that you're playing with death. That'll help keep you somewhat in check. Your friend, though, doesn't sound ready.

.RJ · 06-08-2005, 04:43 PM

asteele2 Wrote:I was going to make a long winded post about how everybody has their moment or two on a bike

Of course.

And those of us further out on the lunatic fringe than others wil have it more often or more frequently.... maybe that keeps you in check, or drives you further out on the fringe, who knows.

damnit458 · 06-08-2005, 04:45 PM

.RJ Wrote:
asteele2 Wrote:I was going to make a long winded post about how everybody has their moment or two on a bike

Of course.

And those of us further out on the lunatic fringe than others wil have it more often or more frequently.... maybe that keeps you in check, or drives you further out on the fringe, who knows.

Has to be the latter in your case RJ :wink:

.RJ · 06-08-2005, 04:48 PM

damnit458 Wrote:Has to be the latter in your case RJ :wink:

Unfortunately, this is true... if you look at the progression of my on track red mist.

**G.Irish** · 06-08-2005, 06:31 PM

Honestly its just like anything else that is dangerous and requires skill to do safely. You have to come in being humble and not make the mistake of overestimating your skill or control of the situation. Unfortunately if you don't have a good grip on reality (and physics) then you're going to have a very hard time with good judgement.

Another bad trait for someone who wants to ride motorcycles that no one really talks about is inattentiveness. You can day dream when you're driving your Car down the road. If you have to swerve suddenly or runover an unexpected downtown DC crater (pothole) you'll probably be none the worse. Do that on the bike and you might find yourself having a chat with Jesus.

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