mcjack
Hollywood, FL
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My daughter just turned 18 years of age and after about 16 years of the occasional ride on the back of my bike and one 2000 mile road trip I took her on a few years ago, has announced her intention to get her own bike. Actually called me from the local Harley dealer, wanting to borrow $245. to attend a rider course "which can go toward the purchase of a new Harley". Luckily, she can hardly afford to put gas in her car. I barely knew what to say to her, except "there's no way your getting a motorcycle". As much as I love motorcycling and as huge a part of my life its been for the past 32 years, I can't bring myself to encourage her to begin an activity that can so quickly kill her. She's my only child and the most important part of my life. She's a good kid and I'm sure would be very safety concious if she did ride. How do I convince her that something thats been so much fun for me, would be a terrible idea for her? Or, should I try?
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Payloader
Denver, Colorado
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You can't, and I don't think you should try. If you tell her that she can't, then she will tell you you can't because it can kill you, and she has only one dad. Besides she is 18, a legal adult. If she wants to buy a bike she can. The best thing to do is teach her right, so the risks will be minimized. As for gas, the motorcycle will get better mileage, and pollute less. Ask yourself this, "Why is it ok for you to ride, but it's a terrible idea for her to ride?"
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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Well, at least she's wanting to go about it the right way and take the safety course first. That should give her an idea if she can handle one at this time or not.
If she's of legal age and living on her own, there's really nothing you can do short of not helping her financially with it.
As for the "only child" comment... A child only has one father. She could easily turn your argument around and say she doesn't want to lose her father on a bike.
I personally feel like I was too immature at 18 to ride a motorcycle. I would have ended up a grease spot on the road. Of course, I'm a man, and men seem to have more to prove than women.
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arthurn
Beltsville, MD
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If you tell her no, she may just do it without your knowledge. What you can do is be her best teacher. Help her to be safe. Encourage her but tell her, you want her to ride with you first.
Arthurn
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who68
England
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Joined: 03/19/2008
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Yes that's a tough one. If it's any help i've only got one child a son whos 17. I've always wanted him to make up his own mind , but when he said he wanted i bike i did worry,but i couldn't be a hipocrite and let him have it.He passed his test a month ago, and as insurance is so high in the UK he'll have to keep the 125 for a while which as he rides that flat out everywhere the thought of him going straight onto something big would be evenmore worrying.His insurance is $1000 so you could imagine what it'll be for a 750!!!
Also your daughter may get it secretly and keep it at a friends house i know of a girl that done that a few years ago.
Still it does make me proud riding with my son so i'm sure you would with your daughter, and i'm sure she'd ride safer than my son does.
Hope this was of some help,
Best wishes ride safe,
Mark.
Ps don't forget to check out them boyfriends!!!!!!!
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kzgb
Lake Effect, Indiana
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well at least she is taking a safety course. but there is no way i'd let her get a harley for her first bike. she can take a great course from the local abate chapter for a fraction of the cost. the harley course is a way to rope those with that gleem in their eyes into a bike that they are not ready for. you should encourage her to start small, something like a honda 250 rebel.
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Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
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Be proud of her, you have apparently raised a self confident and smart kid. Now that my youngest is off contract for her sports, she is planning on learning to ride. It is a great feeling to ride side by side with one of your kids. Risky is true, but it is relative....
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Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
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nix on the Rebel, my sister in law and niece both learned to ride, with MSF. My B-I-L bought them a Rebel, and it just sits. find a bigger, maybe 500cc UJM.
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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kzgb wrote:well at least she is taking a safety course. but there is no way i'd let her get a harley for her first bike. she can take a great course from the local abate chapter for a fraction of the cost. the harley course is a way to rope those with that gleem in their eyes into a bike that they are not ready for. you should encourage her to start small, something like a honda 250 rebel.
They probably offer discounts on Buells, too, so a Blast might be an option.
I started on a 250 Rebel. Great starter bike.
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Payloader
Denver, Colorado
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If she wants to ride, and still wants to after a few months of riding I would suggest a Harley, if that's what she wants. A used FXR, or a Softail, or Dyna are all good starter bikes. Most people don't think so. Most women I know who start riding have started on Fatboys and FXR's. Not a Sportster, they are too top heavy. The other bikes are lower, and have better center of gravity, and balance. She should get a bike she wants to ride, and then she won't be wanting a bigger bike in a few months. She also should look for a bike, any bike, at someplace other than the dealer. Buy used, less money, no break in, and if it gets dumped there will be less cringe factor.
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