| Author | Message | ||
     Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 186 Registered: 08-2003 |
any thoughts - My choices are - BMW - Dakar Triumph - Tiger Yamaha XT Tenere - my personal favorite He wants of course Ducati - monster kawasaki - Ninga Honda - RG ? yamaha - FZR 1100 Any thoughts ? I think dad is right and he should get a dirt dueler. Jeff | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 183 Registered: 10-2003 |
Personally I dont think you should get him one. No matter how responsible he may be there is no way to prevent other motorists from being irresponsible. Dirt bikes can be ok if they are operated in a responsible manner. I have just seen way too many people get paralyzed or killed when being hit riding a bike. How would you like that on your conscience? If you are going to let him ride a bike, make him earn the money. | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 184 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jeff, just to clear it up, I dont think it is bad for you to want to buy him something he will enjoy, but make sure you are 100% sure a bike is something you really want him to be on. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1032 Registered: 09-2002 |
I was involved in an accident a long time ago with a motorbike. I had a pickup truck at the time with a canopy. The guy ran into me and flew off the bike and hit the canopy. I thought I killed him but he turned out to be fine and ended up with a $120 ticket from the officer for driving in a lane he shouldn't have been in (taxi and bus lane). But that was enough to scare me away from thinking about buying a bike. Sorry Jeff. I'm not really answering your question but I thought I'd add that story as something to think about. If you want to get him some type of transportation, maybe buy him an old Series Rover that needs a bit of fixing up but basically runs. Just my $0.02. That was one of the scariest experiences of my life thinking I killed him. | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 189 Registered: 08-2003 |
Thanks guys - This is one of those teenage things - my son turned 17 a few months back - If he really wants a bike he's going to get one. I've never bought any of my kids high dollar items in my life so he's paying for this one off his own back - that being said if I can steer him towards a trails bike as opposed to a crotch rocket - I figure that would be better. Of course I'd rather he saved a few more $'s and got himself a nice lightweight/FC/SIII or shock stun horror (since he may have to be different to dad) a Unimog. Jeff | ||
| Jamil Abbasy (Jamooche) Senior Member Username: Jamooche Post Number: 306 Registered: 05-2003 |
My father was a surgeon and he had a poster in his office that read: "If you want to be an organ donor, ride a motorcycle." Go for the Series truck. | ||
| Jack Leitch (Liveattheedge) Member Username: Liveattheedge Post Number: 95 Registered: 12-2003 |
When i was admitted to Intensive care almost 2 yrs ago, most of my organs would have been no good for anyone. I was on a Honda125CC motocross, came off, my spleen was in 57 pieces and my galbladder was ruptured. I'm very lucky to be here. You can have just as much fun on and off road in a Land rover. Its not worth riding a bike, and that was without the risks of on road drivers. Cheers Jack | ||
| Art Vigil (Colorover) Member Username: Colorover Post Number: 236 Registered: 02-2003 |
Jeff, waaaaay back in the 80's I also wanted a bike for my first transport. My mom threw a fit and both parents tried to dissuade me, but knew that I was saving my $ and would buy one as soon as I had enough. My dad in his infinite wisdom came up with the idea that he and my mother would match whatever I saved dollar for dollar as long as I purchased an automobile. It worked and in the summer of '87 I picked up a '68 Mercury Cougar XR-7 for my first car that I still regret selling when I went to college. Here's a great place for Uni's, Pinzgauer's, tanks and even a few LR's: http://www.coldwarremarketing.com/ What kid wouldn�t be the coolest in his HS parking lot driving up in a Mog radio truck or FC101. | ||
| martin podgorski (Mpodgorski) New Member Username: Mpodgorski Post Number: 40 Registered: 04-2003 |
when i turned 16 my dad bought me a yamaha yzf 600 (sportbike). We traded in a suzuki quadracer 250 (2 stroke 4 wheeler). I was really into kevin schwantz and mick doohan at the time (motor GP 500). my mom and dad both worried about me when I rode, but they knew how much i wanted to do it. it kept me out of trouble, no drugs and drinking, i was always on the bike. every one said that i was going to kill myself and my aunt is a RN and she aways told me to take my helmet off so that i wouldnt be a vegetable. I rode around in the adirondacks at the time and what a feeling, riding alone through curves and hills. I really felt a form of meditation. I never rode with anyone on the back, i couldnt put their life into my hands like that. I went to many motorcycle ralleys in Lake George and over to New Hampshire. It was a fast bike but I felt scared riding it everytime and never went crazy on it. I feel if your son wants one, really wants one, i would let him have one. A series truck would be cool too though. Just my thought, thanks for bring back some memories. On the bikes, Ducati - Monster is a good choice, they make a 620 cc engine and the starting price is just a hair over 7 grand. I had a Ducati 916 sps, after the yamaha, that was a awesome machine. I now live in south florida and I have had many close calls on 4 wheels with the snow birds so i would also take into consideration on where he would ride the bike. | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Senior Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 324 Registered: 07-2003 |
A 17 year old has no business on a motorcycle! I had a yz250 when I was 16 and thought nothing would never happen to me. One day after school I hopped on a 600R Ninja. Nothing extream, but it made it to 125mph in a 55mph zone. I caught the wind off of a car I was passing... The bike shook hard and I don't know what kept me from dumping the thing. I have not been on a bike since. That person who let me ride his bike, 10 years ago, died 6 months ago from a motorcycle accident. He was only running about 60mph when he slid into a 18" water culvert. You think he had any organs left to donate? | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 191 Registered: 08-2003 |
yep - points taken - I will of course be trying my hardest to get him into a truck of some sort - will I had a similar experience - except mine was on an RD350LC - I came round a hard RH bend nearly flat out - this was an aquaduct bridge - never made the bend of course. The bike jumped the curb and someone must of been looking after me that day because once the bike went down (on grass) I must of missed the bridge by a fag paper (Translation the width of an EZ-wider). Needless to say my girlfriend/now wife (of 20 years) - said no more bikes. I will of course be sharing this thread with Brad Jeff | ||
| Bruno Tome (Bruno_tome) New Member Username: Bruno_tome Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2004 |
Jeff - Gs 650 Dakar.. Great choice, the 1150 Adventure is a bit overweight. Do you also ride ? Bruno. '03 GS 1150 '03 RT 1150 PS- don't forget the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. http://www.msf-usa.org/ | ||
| martin podgorski (Mpodgorski) Member Username: Mpodgorski Post Number: 41 Registered: 04-2003 |
will sorry to hear about what happened to the person that let you ride their bike 10 years ago. if you think that a 17 year old has no business on a bike, what business did you have 10 years ago? | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Senior Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 325 Registered: 07-2003 |
None what so ever! I also has no business doing 125+mph. Really, it's the samething when I owned a Corvette when I was 18 years old. I ran the piss out of that car. | ||
| Jacquelyne Davis (Jmdavis) Member Username: Jmdavis Post Number: 49 Registered: 06-2003 |
Dual-sport! Dual-sport! If I had longer legs, I'd for sure be riding a KLR 650. Great for the trails, but big enough for passing the truckers on the highways with ease. For now, I ride an old enduro- a Honda XL 250R. Great tool for learning, and soooo much fun on the dirt. Also, I can't go past 70mph on the thing so I never have to resist the urge for speed on the pavement. Also, it's small enough that when I fall on the trails I can easily pick it back up without the assistance of my husband. Strange, I actually feel safer on a bike than in my truck on the paved roads; perhaps it's because nobody tailgates you when your on a bike (Colorado drivers are quickly becoming the most careless drivers anywhere simply because they refuse to allow a safe distance in between cars. It's truly ridiculous here). Anyhoo, the best thing you could do for your son upon purchase of a bike is spring for the leathers or schoeller/cordura pants and or jacket, and obviously a helmet, too. Also, enroll him in a MOST class as a requirement upon purchase if he wishes to ride (like Bruno said). Check out http://www.yankeecruisah.com/nh-train.html for more info. There are other classes in your state I'm sure, but it's the least you could do for your son, as well as for your peace of mind. Riding a motorcycle is truly an enlightening experience. My senses are so alert, and the feeling I get when riding is sensational, to say the least. It takes acute concentration 110% of the time. You obviously feel your son has the maturity to handle such a machine, otherwise I'm sure you wouldn't think twice about asking for advice/opinions. Good on ya! If only my parents were as cool as you... | ||
| Joey (Joey4420) Senior Member Username: Joey4420 Post Number: 537 Registered: 04-2003 |
Jeff, I have been riding ATV/ATC and motorcycles since I was able to walk. Just a piece of advice, since that is what you are looking for. Don't let him buy anything larger that a 500CC motorcycle for his first bike. Also having been through 3 different motorcycle saftey courses (1 civilan - 2 miliary) I can tell you that within the first 6 months the odds are he will lay the bike down. There is a saying that goes "there are those have have layed a bike down and those who will" Remember best bet is to buy a used bike that he can learn on, something small and cheap. Then buy the Best Helmet money can buy. Also keep in mind that a helmet is a one time crash use only. Once you go down with a helmet (unless you can NDI it - Non-Destructive-Inspection) buy a new one. Remind you son about alchohol (if he drinks or not) one beer in a car means almost nothing - one drink on a bike equal tunnel vision that will kill you. | ||
| Bruno Tome (Bruno_tome) New Member Username: Bruno_tome Post Number: 5 Registered: 01-2004 |
Sorry.. forgot some essential info - http://www.bmwridersapparel.com/ Bruno. | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 682 Registered: 04-2001 |
Ducatis are nice. The 600 is probably slow enough to keep him out of trouble. Personally I would make him get a BSA or something truly unreliable so he will be walking everywhere. | ||
| John Cinquegrana (Johnc) Senior Member Username: Johnc Post Number: 597 Registered: 07-2002 |
Jacquelyne, my favorite bike (KLR). I was just looking at one on eBay last week.... I started on a Bridgestone 50 (3 speed, gears on the handles)...now that's a slow bike...  | ||
| Rick Neff (Lostinboston) Senior Member Username: Lostinboston Post Number: 275 Registered: 06-2003 |
"A 17 year old has no business on a motorcycle!" A 17 yr old who knows how to ride and is responsible has every right to be on a bike. My friend has been riding for 8 yrs, dirtbikes then street bikes and i finally got my bile last year. I saved up for a triump daytona 1200. Wheni told my parents i was gnna buy it, they naturally flipped and as a compromise bought my a Dakar. The dakar is awesoem and a great city bike for boston as well as for trails. The CS, dakars street cousin, won best urban bike by one of the magazines last year. its not too great onthe highway but maxes out at 100. And 600 or so dual sport is a great started bike, but if hes doig alot of highway riding he should get one thats more aerodynamic. passing big trucks on the highway is not fun on a dual sport. A safety course is highly recomended. Ron, why get something unreliable? so he gets stranded inthe middle of knowhere? also, everyone falls once or twice, protective appareal (gloves jacket pants) is a must and a good full face helmet. i like my joe rocket mesh armour jacket. saved my ass, or arms i should say, twice. High boots also. | ||
| BW (Bwallace35) Member Username: Bwallace35 Post Number: 90 Registered: 07-2002 |
Jeff, I saddle the BMW F650 Dakar. Absolutely love it. I highly recommend going with an enduro. The Dakar might be a bit heavy and punchy for a beginner. I agree with Joey-keep it under 500cc. I recommend going to: http://www.advrider.com/forums/ That board is full of wise old farts who have lots of experience and knowledge. That's probably your best resource. | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 204 Registered: 08-2003 |
Thanks BW good site - now its got me drooling over the KTM 950 (gotta hit the powerball some time). Your right it has alot of useful information on it. Jeff | ||
| Will Cupp (W_cupp) Senior Member Username: W_cupp Post Number: 330 Registered: 07-2003 |
"A 17 yr old who knows how to ride and is responsible has every right to be on a bike." "its not too great onthe highway but maxes out at 100." You sound real responsible! | ||
| BJ Turner (Wturner) Member Username: Wturner Post Number: 249 Registered: 02-2002 |
Specialized! | ||
| Jacquelyne Davis (Jmdavis) Member Username: Jmdavis Post Number: 50 Registered: 06-2003 |
That depends on the size of the bike; There are plenty of bigger duals that can pass truckers just as well as other bikes.
Yeah, good point that some of us forgot to mention. Steel-toe boots that are high on the calves- not the leather-cruising mid-height boots. The more protection, the better.
Me too! What a beauty! | ||
| Bruno Tome (Bruno_tome) New Member Username: Bruno_tome Post Number: 10 Registered: 01-2004 |
KTM's sweet... not my first (or second) choice, for 10 days two-up. Although an LC4 Supermotard in the Timmelsjoch-Hochalpenstrasse sounds REAL good to me about now, (10" snow, up here in Michigan!) Bruno. | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 211 Registered: 08-2003 |
Bruno LC4 Supermotard ? Not sure what that is - I haven't been around bikes for a looooooong time - It was the the Tenere and Transalp were the thumpers everyone seemed to want in those days. Jeff | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 212 Registered: 08-2003 |
Oh yep Bruno http://www.psi.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ktm.htm That's a nice bike Jeff | ||
| Robert Pate (Racerx) Member Username: Racerx Post Number: 76 Registered: 08-2003 |
Jeff when I was 17 and living in MY PARENTS HOUSE if my Dad said NO that was the end of that. | ||
| Brendan Kearns (Howboucha) Member Username: Howboucha Post Number: 222 Registered: 01-2003 |
The new Suzuki DL650 (baby V-Strom) would be an excellent machine. Check out www.stromtrooper.com (I own it) for more info. I will not bore you with the "life of Brendan" motorcycle history, but I will sum it up with "I am highly experienced, and have helped many motorcyclists get started" B.K. 97 XD 98 LE a bunch of motorcycles | ||
| Bruno Tome (Bruno_tome) New Member Username: Bruno_tome Post Number: 24 Registered: 01-2004 |
Brendan, good alternative to the 650 Gs, and the Zega's look right at home. Bruno. |
