So my 18 year old wants to get a motorcycle license..

[dville_gt]

I rode dirt bikes all my childhood and then got a street bike. I had some close calls and eventually got hit by a car (thankfully it was pretty minor). I kept riding after that and eventually my fiance (girlfriend at the time) bought a 600rr to ride. It was at that point that I realized how dangerous they are and how it isn't worth the risk. The feeling I got every time she took off down the road on that bike made me sick. I sold mine and she ended up selling hers a few months later. She misses riding, but I really don't. Maybe if I lived somewhere else, but in DFW it's just a matter of time.

[beefed88]

My parents weren't real happy when I showed up with a 97 gsxr 600 at 18 and put in the garage when they were asleep. But I had ridden dirt for 8 years so it was an easy transition.

That being said I would say no. Now that I am 30 and have lost some friends to bikes including my dad last august it's just not worth it. But it's hard to tell a young person until they experience riding themselves.

[mikec]

Is she considering Honda?

[Reefer Rae]

One of my girls got on her kx85 the day she got it and was doing 65mph within 1hr and rolling up wheelies within her first week . Both of these things are proof of her lack of her surroundings . IE : me walking to the back pasture . She will not get a street bike till she proves she is more responsible and mature . I'm guessing she will be about 65 by that then. Her twin however followed the rules and is a better rider for it. I will cringe if she ever says she wants a sport bike but I'll be more comfortable if she ever asks for one .

[Baba Ganoush]

I didn't buy a crotch rocket until I was 24 and on my own insurance plan. If I had bought one at 18, I would've died on it for sure. I wouldn't allow it while he's under my roof, and I would try like hell to talk him out of it indefinitely, but it all depends on the kid I guess. Good luck.


Edit: Wait, its a girl? Well that changes everything.

[Binky]

All kids want that at 18. I did too. When I was going through college, i wanted one bad - but my dad said the only way i was getting an M stamp was if I bought all the gear in advance and then bought my own motorcycle. Oh and everything else that he was paying for (school, gas, books, rent) was also on my dime.

If I was enough of an adult to make the decision to risk my life, then I was enough of an adult to stand on my own two feet. At that time having everything paid for where i didn't have to work was a lot more valuable than a bike.

I did get a bike a couple years after I graduated - ended up wadding it up within a week of getting it. Luckily it was just road rash but it's amazing what kinda lessons friction will teach you about yourself.

[Hmbre97]

Yeah, I have gone back and forth with wanting to ride but I don't trust other people on the road. A couple of weeks ago, a guy my uncle rides with all the time got t-boned by a car and it's looking like he's going to have his leg amputated.

[2165 Turbo Rail]

her.... oh boy

everyones different.. I know people that have ridden for ever that have no surrounding awareness at all... and know some dorky ass people that are some of the best riders because they keep track of their surroundings and make sure they have an out...

of course this isn't 100% but pay attention to her driving and you'll have a decent idea of her action/reaction... poor action/reaction in a car would be a scary person to have on the road, because like you said... it isn't her you are worried about, its the cars... but if SHE doesn't think ahead of the ball then she might get hit in a situation that a more attentive person could have avoided

[prostock1]

Guys, this is always one of many fears parents have.

Looking back,
I got my kids dirt bikes and atv's when they were little.

I also taught them safety, when and where to ride, and how to ride in a safe manner.

You really can't do much more than insist on them being safe, but other factors do come into play which nobody has control of..

One thing happened the other day which made me proud, my oldest son is 22, I just got finished working on the Raptor 700. The first thing he grabbed when getting ready to ride was his helmet. At least he was thinking about safety.

[mstng86]

screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeech

Hold up. "HER", "SHE". This could get good.

[GeorgeG.]

Yeah, I offered to take the class with her but still... Not that I think she'll ride recklessly, it's the other drivers I fear. There's no crumple zones on bikes!!

[2165 Turbo Rail]

I think its actually required now.

looks like you're right

Requirements for All Applicants
All first time applicants for a Texas motorcycle license must:

1. Apply in person at a Texas Driver License office.
2. Complete the requirements for an original applicant.
3. Present a completion certificate of the Motorcycle Safety Course (MSB-8 or MSB-8R), approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This completion certificate waives the driving test if you are 18 years of age or older.

[Skidmark]

At 18 if I owned a sportbike I'd of killed myself. I started riding at 25 and I have a lot more throttle control than I would of before. Just depends on the person...

[SS Junk]

Got my bike license when I was 17 and rode an early 80's CB750 as my first bike. If it were me I'd do the same, have them wait until they've driven for about a year and then have them learn on something no more than 600cc's.

[DrGoogle]

(you don't have to go through the class to get your M lic. by the way so its going "above and beyond")

just a thought

I think its actually required now.