Good age to start learning how to ride a motorcycle? Good first bike?

Question

my father has a Suzuki Hayabusa and i know thats WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY to powerful to be my first bike. I don't even know how to ride one, but I have a passion to learn. Any advice on what age I should start learning and a first bike? p.s I'm 15. =P

Answer 1

15 is certainly not too young.  I give you credit for seeing that your dad's 'Busa is too big and powerful. We have a lot of young guys here who want to start out on a 'Busa and go up from there!

First of all, you want to be able to sit on a bike with both feet flat on the ground.  Being a girl, this might be a big factor for you.  Ever sat on your dad's 'Busa?  Try it just for fun.

Cruisers have lower seats, plus a lower center of gravity, making them easier to handle and much more 'manageable' in general, size for size.  Everyone recommends the Honda Rebel, and that's a fine choice, a good all-around bike, especially if you like the style.  But there are other small cruisers that are just as good.

Then it depends on what kind of riding you do.  If you don't plan on long stretches at high speed, a 250 is just about right for a first bike.  If you have to travel several miles on the freeway every day, a 500 or even a 650 is a better choice.

I usually recommend an older bike. You're going to be hard on your first bike.  You're going to abuse the clutch and you might even drop it once or twice before you get the hang of it.  It would be better to start off on an older bike, 5-10 years old.  After a year you can sell it for about what you paid for it, and by then you'll have a better idea of what you want.

Take the MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation).  You don't even need a bike for that, they provide one.  Consider that half of all motorcycle accidents (and half of all fatalities) are riders in their first year, so consider safety your primary concern.

Riding is really a lot of fun!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!  Good luck!

Answer 2

The earlier, the better! Start learning before you have a sense of fear, but after you've developed some common sense... I think the best way to learn the basics is on a dirt bike or enduro. IN the dirt. (My first bike was a '75 Kawasaki 125 enduro.) As for a first street bike, the Honda Rebel 250 is great- well-balanced, nice handling, and fun.

Answer 3

8-9 years old.

The earlier you learn the better you are.

My neighbors kid, 8, has little dirt bike. He picked it up fast and is doing great.

Answer 4

just took the motorcycle safety coarse in Ohio and rode a suzuki dr 200 street and trail bike . its light weight and easy to manuver around tight turns . I would put my 15 year old daughter on it .