My dad bought me a motocross bike...and one for himself. IM WORRIED ?

Question

my dad recently bought me a motocross bike, and then he bought one himself. a road legal one. I am getting worried after seeing lots of news on t.v about people crashing bikes and getting hurt. should i tell him or just deal with it.? im only 13. and i dont know what to do. help me please

Answer 1

You are right to be worried.

Motorbikes are dangerous. Having only two wheels they are unstable (loose one wheel and you are on the ground) and the only protection you have is what you happen to be wearing. Also, they have huge power to weight ratios (most bikes have more horsepower per tonne than a sports car) and fast acceleration.

However, motorbikes are a great way of getting around. The spate of accidents recently can be attributed to the high price of petrol and people trading in their cars and buying a bike. A lot of people seem to go for a 600cc sports bike or above which is way too much power for a beginner.

The best thing to go is discuss your feelings with your father. If you really don't want to ride a bike then don't. If you do do want to ride it, then the important thing to be careful. If possible ride on your own (with supervision of course) so that you aren't trying to keep up with anyone and don't push yourself too much (this is another reason why people crash on the roads, since you have to drive at the speed of the traffic otherwise you have a car on your tail or cars overtaking you with inches to spare). If you ride with more experienced riders, there is a tendency to want to try and keep up with them which may mean you are going to fast fro your skill level.

If you take your time and build up your skill and your confidence and you will be fine.

If your Dad is a biker then he will know the dangers and the risks and will be able to handle it.

If he is not, urge him to get lessons and pass all the relevant safety courses before he even thinks about venturing out on the road. Once he passes the test, remind him that that is when he begins learning. Those tests are easy and a lot of people pass them and think they are good riders. They aren't. It takes time and practice.

I hope this is helpful. If you feel comfortable with it, I hope you take up the dirt bike as it seems like a great pastime and it is a lot of fun. I know I come across as a bit negative, but I ma riding bikes for a few years and I love them, but I realise and respect the dangers.

Answer 2

This is more about expressing how you feel to your parent then it is anything else. I say do it and stick to your guns about how you truly feel and express how much you are worried something could happen and you are scared.  It is obviously making you feel bad now so express that. Just say Dad we need to talk because I'm scared and afraid  of losing you, and scared I'll get hurt as well...so can we can we talk about it?

Any father I know would give you immediate attention because you aren't just talking about you and you have added his position as a father into the equation, it will really make him think more about the whole situation...

After you get this opportunity it's up to both of you to work the rest out.

As a father and a grandfather if any of mine expressed this to me, I'd take it serious and it would affect me,  I would appreciate this beyond your belief ... so don't hesitate to get your chance even if it gets emotional

Answer 3

Well, if you don't want to ride it, then don't. Or, try going in a parking lot and practicing your riding for a little while until you get used to it. Also, make sure to go over the road rules.  

Answer 4

they are not that bad as long as you are careful and wear proper gear ( helmet, armored jacket, boots, gloves etc.) you just have to think

1 . the others drivers don't see me and...

2. any that do are out to get me.

ride with the attitude that you are invisible and you will be more aware of others on the rode.  

Answer 5

A lot of times people get hurt on motorcycles because they do stupid things.  They get overconfident and they get in over their heads.  If you are worried about safety, you're better off because you'll be careful.

Riding off-road is many times safer than riding on the road.  The most dangerous thing about riding a motorcycle is the idiots in the cars, people who don't see you or don't care about your safety.  When you ride on the street you learn to look out for these people and stay clear of them.  But learning to ride offroad, you have a chance to really learn about riding a motorcycle, developing skills and everything, without this particular danger.

Riding motorcycles off-road is FUN!  I guarantee you will enjoy it.  Look at it as an adventure.  Just follow the rules, wear the right stuff, don't try to show off or do stuff you can't do.  You'll be fine.  I would have KILLED for the chance when I was your age.

Answer 6

becareful they are dangerous ........take care

Answer 7

If you don't have a positive feeling, you shouldn't to ride.

Answer 8

Wear lots of gear. You can still get hurt but wearing the gear makes all of the difference in the world. I started riding on the back of my dad's bike when I was 14 and he bought me my own when I was 16. I've been in 2 serious crashes, both of which I was knocked unconscious. I wear a full suit of armor when I ride so that not a single inch of skin shows. That has saved my life, arms, legs, every part of my body. It's about being RESPONSIBLE when you ride it. If you are worried about riding, you should take a class. I took a motorcycle riding class when I was 16 before my dad would let me ride. If your dad doesn't have experience riding either ask if you can take a class together.  

Answer 9

Talk with him about your concerns. I've been riding a motorcycle for many years, as has my wife, and now my children.  Not every motorcycle is involved in a crash.  Proper training and riding techniques cut down on risk .  Ask your dad to take the MSF riders course.

Answer 10

Tell him how you feel. I live in an area where there are illegal bike users and I see them use their bikes all the time. It looks cool

http://wjz.com/video/?id=[e-mail]...

but they will get hurt one day.

If you do go into the hobby, make sure you and your father go through safety programs and that you have all the proper equiptment to keep safe.

Answer 11

  i think you should tell your dad how you feel so you don't get hurt. he will understand . im a dad and i have a bike  and my son thats 15  is scared of it .he told me and i understood him.  good luck . talk to your dad..be cool

Answer 12

If you ride it like you respect it and dont do anything stupid theres a really good chance you wont get hurt at all. You just have to pay attention. As its that guy said, dont get overconfident. Riding on the road is alot different than dirt riding, theres no cars on the dirt. People in cars do not respect bikes at all. That is unless they are paying attention, and im suspecting that most of those have bikes themselves. Take your time, dont over ride your ability and be careful.