I am 19 and am going into my sophomore year of college. I’ve wanted a motorcycle for a long time, and with car prices so high right now it’s seeming like a better option. I plan on taking all necessary safety precautions, including taking a rider safety course prior to pruchasing a bike.
The one catch is my parents don’t want me buying a bike, for obvious safety reasons. To be clear, I would be buying the bike out of my own pocket, without any financial support from them. I am considering going against their wishes, but feel like that would be too disrespectful.
Should I go for it or hold back?
tl;dr I want to buy a motorcycle but my parents do not want me to
18 comments
You’re an adult now do whatever you want. The sooner you cut the cord and let your parents know that it’s your life, the sooner they’ll learn to let go.
Can you do something your parents don’t want you to do? Absolutely!
In this case, should you? I would say no. Two wheels and nothing between you and the car that hits you is really dangerous. One of my good friends has been in a coma for the last 10 weeks because someone wasn’t paying attention and ran into him on his bike while he was doing everything right. He will likely be taken off life support soon.
If he had been in his car, he might have broken a bone or gotten cut by flying glass, but he would be alive and playing with his son today.
What realistic repercussions would there be to showing your parents “disrespect”? You said you’re buying the bike out of pocket, but do your parents help pay for university or your living expenses? Are you in danger of them withdrawing any financial support, or kicking you out if you live at home?
If there are no actual repercussions besides them being worried… well, then go ahead and buy the bike. You’re an adult, and besides voicing their displeasure, they can’t actually twist your arm in any meaningful way.
On the other hand, if you’re dependent on them for financial help and think they might use that as leverage to force you to give up the bike… then hold off until you’ve got your financial feet under you and can’t be strong-armed.
No. Don’t be a ass to your parents.
So I’m a 60 yr old male, but I was a teen and ignorant at one time also. I didn’t fully realize risk and mortality until 21. I won’t lecture you about my lessons learned, but your parents are correct and your thoughts on a motorcycle might change after a few cars cut you off or pull out in front of you (you are near invisible to other drivers). I don’t know if this is true internationally, but certainly true in the USA.
Sure, go for it. Obviously we don’t know anything about yohr relationship with your parents so if thats your concern you kind of have to be the judge there. Be aware that the majority of motorcycle accidents are due to rider error, a lot of them are due to either speed or following too close to the car in front. And then a lot of the others are due to drivers not seeing the bike so assume no one on the road will see you (think like you’re on a bicycle, drive defensively). I owned a motorcycle for a while and enjoyed it and think about getting another one every now and then.
At your age it’s entirely reasonable for you to want the independence of having your own transport. Nothing changes, I went through exactly the same thing over around 40 years ago; situation solved by simply buying a motorbike.
Yes, there is absolutely an element of risk but nothing you do in life will be entirely risk free, and as an adult you need to start making your own judgements. For what it’s worth, I’d take whatever training, AND advanced training that is available to you. Basically, you need to learn as quickly as possible to ride defensively, i.e. how to deal with the mistakes of other, often dangerous, road users.
In my case I specifically wanted a motorbike (despite it not being “ladylike”) but for you it seems to be more of a sensible financial decision. In which case, in your situation, I’d put it to your parents that they can either buy you a car, or put up with the fact that you’re buying a bike.
Do you live with them and do they pay for your schooling? If so, then you really aren’t truly financially independent and buying a bike with money you are saving because you don’t have to pay rent or tuition isn’t “your own money”.
Have you priced out what insurance will be? I have the feeling that would eat up any difference in the price of gas over owning a car. Make sure you know this first.
And like anything you’ve never done before, maybe try it before you buy something and lock yourself in?
Not being able to go anywhere when it is really rainy or take people with you, or buy groceries/stuff are pretty limiting features of motorcycle life. Make sure you understand the practicalities as well.
Some ideas seem like they will be good and aren’t in reality. There’s not many people I know that use a motorcycle for their only method of transport because they are a pain in the ass in a lot of ways.
As long as it’s not a loud one (that might be their reasoning) I don’t see a problem with it.
You are the result of the investment your parents made in time, money, and love.
They are risk adverse investors and don’t want to see it taken away. I can understand their concern and misgivings. Perhaps you can get them to contribute to a car instead. Bikes are fun, but don’t have the capability of carrying a lot of friends and other stuff.
There is a hospital is southern california that specializes in neck injuries. Unfortunately, I spent some time there with a friend who broke his neck but luckily wasn’t paralyzed. They have a room where they store the busted motorcycle helmets.
You are adult. I can understand the concern your parents have. But I think it is your decision to make. But for the love of all that is holy, make sure your helmet has a face shield. The dudes who have their faces ground off by the asphalt regret not wearing one. I have seen this and I wish I had not.
(Sorry son, had to post this. -dad)
Ultimately, of course, you can do whatever you want. But if you want to be respectful of your parents while also exercising your autonomy as an adult, maybe offer to sit down with them and gather a list of their concerns before you even take the rider safety course. Then after the course, sit down with them again and share with them what you learned in the course that’s directly related to their concerns. Show them the helmet and suit you’ll be purchasing. Maybe even defer the decision to actually purchase the bike until after you’ve completed the course so that you have a better idea of the risks. Show your parents that you are willing to hear and address their concerns and are capable of making a carefully considered and informed decision, and then make the decision that’s right for you.
May I ask what you want I for? If it’s for fun and a shortish commute, have you considered an EUC? I ride a Veteran Sherman in case you want to look it up on youtube. 75 kph top speed, 170 km range on a charge, zero gas or insurance to buy. No parking hassles and no risk of theft. Just a suggestion.
Do you rely on them for any finical support? If so risking that not a good idea. If not meaning your not living with them at all any more, pay all your own bills, pay for your own health insurance, have the money to pay for bike insurance, and the spare budget to keep up with the bike maintenance, plan for inclement weather if you go to school in a place where it’s snowy. Then go for it. Also don’t buy to big a bike for your first one. Buy small, buy used, learn to be a good safe rider then spend money on a goods bike.
You are legally an adult. How many years have you been driving an automobile? Do you have any tickets or accidents on your record?
Do you use your turn signals religiously? Do you drive with the flow of traffic, or do you get impatient and weave in and out of lanes to gain 20 seconds at a traffic light?
Have you ever driven after even one alcoholic drink or joint?
Have you gotten an insurance quote?
Do you plan on having passengers?
Do you understand that even a small accident could ruin your body permanently?
Even if motorcycle lane sharing is legal where you live, do you realize that that is extremely dangerous, even when waiting at a traffic light?
Do you really want to put your parents through this misery?
As an avid Motorcycle rider. Yes. I’m saving approximately $4700 a year by riding my motorcycle instead of my truck everywhere. Ride safe and defensive, buy a good helmet, and that Motorcycle can be the best purchase you ever made like my first bike was.
Why don’t you do something better with your money? I mean, car prices are high, but so are motorcycles, with all the gear, the classes, etc. do you live in an area where you can ride? Also gas prices, dangerousness, idk, buy one when you’re 50
I feel like this is a regular Mom thing lol because when my sister was in her late 30s she wanted a motorcycle and my mom was like “hell no you don’t” and she never bought one