My Son Wants To Buy A Motorcycle

Does your teenage son constantly tell you he wants to buy a motorcycle? Well, I was that teenager once and here's my story.

Michael S

1st Nov, 2024

4 min read

As someone who has been passionate about motorcycles for years, I understand the concern parents feel when their child expresses a desire to ride. My parents were no different when I was a teenager. I remember the look of horror on their faces when I told them I wanted to buy a motorcycle. Motorcycling comes with inherent risks, and it's only natural for parents to worry. I'd like to share my perspective on why I ride despite these dangers and offer some advice to parents in this situation.

So what is the appeal of motorcycles?

As a teenager, I was fully aware that riding could be deadly. I had seen the alarming statistics and heard the horror stories—not just from the news, but also from friends who had tragically lost their lives.

So what could be so appealing about motorcycles that would make me want to take such a risk?

If I were to sum it up for someone who hasn't ridden before, I'd say: Remember the excitement you felt the first time you drove a car by yourself? Now imagine that feeling intensified tenfold, and the best part is, it never seems to fade as long as you ride.

That feeling was and still is strong enough to make me pursue it despite my parents' concerns and the constant reminders of the risks involved.

What I would do if my kid wanted to ride...

My perspective on this comes from my personal experience. I was that teenager who was hellbent to ride, and did so when I obtained the freedom outside the roof of my parents. I understand there's no universal solution to this dilemma. Every parent-child relationship is unique. However, if your son or daughter shares the same passion I did, it might be inevitable, regardless of your feelings on the matter.

My best advice is to prepare them as thoroughly as possible. From my personal experience and trends I've observed over the years, the first two years of riding are the most dangerous. This is primarily due to a lack of understanding of new hazards (which are more numerous on a motorcycle compared to a car), overconfidence, and inexperience.

This would be my approach to set them up for success:

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  Bike Selection: Start them off on a small, manageable bike. A 125cc or 250cc motorcycle is a good starting point. These bikes are lightweight, easy to handle, and forgiving of mistakes.

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  Training: Enroll them in a motorcycle safety course or with a professional motocycle instructor. These courses and lessons are invaluable for new riders and can help them develop the practical skills they need to stay safe on the road.

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  Gear: Make sure they have the right gear. A helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots are essential. These items can protect them in the event of a crash and reduce the severity of injuries. Unfortunately, the gear is often overlooked by new riders.

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