Convincing the folks to let me purchase a Ninja 250R?

Question

I know, another post dealing with a kid trying to get a sport bike. I'm Shawn, and have been grown up around motorsports. I currently Autocross my car, and have been driving on the roads for 2 years now. I am 17, and trying to get a new 08 Ninja 250r when I turn 18. I have no direct prior experience with bikes, but have extensive knowledge with cars and racing in general. I am not looking to go extremely fast, or be able to out accelerate a Lotus, I just want to have fun and cruise when I want. I leave racing to the track with Autocrossing, but the draw of the open road on 2 wheels is pretty convincing. Being able to have a toy for sunny days to enjoy is what I am looking for. I will be paying for the bike itself, insurance, and gas on my own, just like my car.

So my dad had a Ninja, my mom worked in the ER and I have seen what results from "stupidness" on a bike, so both folks are not too convinced or thrilled with me wanting a bike. Any tips in proving my responsibility to them?

Answer 1

It might help if you looked at something besides a  wannabe race bike.

Answer 2

They are correct.  I ride but I KNOW how dangerous it is.

http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm

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If you don't know the dangers then it is best you do NOT ride.  You have to respect the dangers of riding. Then you do less stupid stuff while riding.  And even if you did, you can't escape the fact that motorcycles get HIT by cars all the time.

good Luck...

Answer 3

It's hard to try and convince them to let you get a bike. Your dad should know the "feeling" on a bike. It's like nothing else. Of course cars NEVER see you and if you can't ride well, you can endanger yourself just trying to negotiate a simple turn going too fast. My suggestion would be to take a MSF class to show you are serious about safety, and maybe even buy some gear to show intent.  I would get a bigger bike too, the 250r just doesn't have enough power to get you out of "situations".  On a bike it sometimes better to accelerate into the clear instead of braking.  Taking the saftey course will give you a very good handle on what you should be aware of when riding. My first bike was a Honda Hawk 650gt, I had a 72 240z that i autocrossed in modified (400hp single turbo), after i got the Hawk I sold my Z and bought a CBR600 F4, then RC51. I still have them all. I also have 2 race bikes track only a CBR600F4i and a CBR600 F3.  I drive a Honda Accord when it rains.  I love bikes, but i have to take evasive manouvers at least 2-3 times a week due to "dum drivers" in cars that always say, they never saw you.  thats the pros and cons in a nut shell. Good luck with the parents!

Answer 4

I would take a MSF course FIRST! That is the most important thing you could do especially since you have never ridden a motorcycle. Racing a car and being around motorsports has absolutely no correlation with riding a motorcycle. After that sit down and talk to your parents, this has to be a mature conversation, you cannot snap and get angry at them, control your emotions and talk to them. Find out what their concerns are, usually these fall under safety. Be ready to offer a solution to their concerns.

Example: "We're afraid you'll get hurt"

Explain that you have taken a course to learn the proper way to ride a motorcycle, and also that you will be purchasing all the proper riding gear before you throw your leg over the bike for the first time.

Do buy all the correct gear by the way, and don't skimp. Get a great helmet, not just a good one (this is another way to show your parents you're thinking about safety) Get a helmet like Shoei's X11, Arai's Corsair RX-7, or Scropion's EXO-1000. These are all helmets that are the top of the line from the manufacturer and offer serious safety benefits. A leather or textile jacket is almost as important, pants, gloves, and boots are also needed.

When your parents understand that you are going about this in a way that will keep you as safe as possible and that you have taken the time to get educated about the risks of riding then maybe they will come around.

If they don't this is where you really show your maturity. Accept their decision and leave it at that, do not throw a fit or pout around that does not help. In a few months start mentioning it again and see what they say then. Remember until you move out on your own, it's their rules.

Good luck.

Answer 5

ninja 250 tops out at only 100mph

good on gas

Answer 6

earning trust takes time. i doubt you'll be able to win them over, over night.

Answer 7

listen, if you want a bike, get a harley or a honda or something that doesnt have tool stamped all over it. The only girls that wanna s***w guys on bikes like that have genital warts, i dont lie.

Answer 8

Listen to your parents.