Anxious newbie, needs some convincing
No it's not ME who needs the convincing! I've been thinking/looking/drooling over getting a bike for a long time now and I've finally gotten everything in order, well almost everything. My fiance doesn't exactly approve and she thinks it's too dangerous. I've read the replies in articles about mothers thinking its dangerous and whatever but it's a different story with a significant other. I'm only 21 and we're not popping out any kids soon, (which might make it a little more understandable). I'm responsible, safety conscious and completely financially able to go ahead with this decision but it seems to be a bit too much for her.
I'm sure I'm not the first person to be in this position; what do you think I could do/say to help swing things my way?
PS - Found this site a few weeks ago and I think its an absolutely fantastic and helpful website and community.
I think you could make the
I think you could make the argument that there is a high 'jackass' factor in motorcycling. Statistically, yes, it's more dangerous than operating a car but statistically people do more stupid things and drive more aggressively on a bike. If you were NOT one of those people, and you rode defensively and with little to no 'jackass' factor there's no reason why a motorcycle can't be a safe thing to own.
You're telling me! Excellent
You're telling me! Excellent feedback, however I already explained to her that most accidents happen to people under the influence, not wearing proper gear, riding a bike that's way too powerful for their skill level or they're being stupid. (Keep in mind I want a 250R). Hmm, maybe this is going to be more difficult that I thought.
Shake your head and make
Shake your head and make 'tsk tsk' noises every time a motorcyclist passes you in your car!
Haha! Funny you say that
Haha! Funny you say that because every time were out and I see someone on a motorcycle I make a comment about it. Not a mean comment, just bringing attention to it and how I wish it were me.
I think a large part of is
I think a large part of is that her father is a police sergeant now and used to ride motorcycles back in the day. While that should work in my favor, (him having rode when he was younger) he now states he's seen too many gruesome wrecks and doesn't vouch for me. I'm up a creek without a paddle!
battles
You definitely got to pick your battles when it comes to significant others. My fiance` knows that if she says, "Either you give up riding, or we break up." that I would break up with her. It's not that I love motorcycles more than I love her, it's that motorcycles are my passion and a huge part of my life. Anyone that would ask you to give up your passion is not the right person for you.
That being said, about a year ago I wanted to take up cigar smoking as a hobby.... well that did NOT end well. Even though I really wanted to do it, in the end I realized it was something I could live without*.
Some people will never get used to the idea of you riding, but others can be won over if you show them you will be safe and responsible. Show them all the riding gear you plan on buying, show them how you are going to take the MSF course and start on a small motorcycle. Maybe even have them take the MSF course with you that way they can see what it is really like. A lot of people's fear comes from the unknown, so once you shed some light on the subject their fear will go away. Then again, some people are just unreasonable ;)
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
*side note, we did actually come to a compromise that would allow me to smoke, but in the end the health risks, in addition to her not liking it just did not make it worth it.
- Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
MSF
I think I stumbled across a really good idea in my rambling. Ask her to the take the MSF course with you. Tell her, "I don't think you are making an informed decision, just do me a favor and take the MSF course with me before you put your foot down on the motorcycles."
That's just my 2cents, it might work, it might not. I'm no relationship doctor!
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
- Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin
I agree that's a great idea,
I agree that's a great idea, but it does kind of make me laugh picturing her on a bike, ha! Just not that kind of girl, ya know?
Spoken like a professional,
Spoken like a professional, Ben. I'll try my luck takin' it slow and going over all the details I suppose, hopefully I'll be posting back soon about my new bike!
we're not popping out any kids soon
Sorry but made me laugh :we're not popping out any kids soon: Popping come on
Well it's true! I mean..
Well it's true! I mean.. true that we're not having one, not true that they pop out... Kinda like a toaster.. Mmm toast...
I'm having the same issue.
I'm having the same issue. Only difference between myself and porage is we are popping out a kid soon. However this is something she knows I have always wanted to do. I took the MSF course last week and just got my license today. We still seem to get a little tense when the subject of actually getting the bike comes up but, I have found that I made some progress with taking the class and reviewing the reason I took it. Still not there , but close.
Hang in there! I believe
Hang in there!
I believe we can do it.
Yes I realize how lame that was...
Ha! These was the
Ha! These was the cheesiest/funniest thing I've seen all morning.
Re convincing
I'm sort of in the same shoes as you. However I'm 30, married and 3 kids. I am convincing her due to the rising gas prices. I drive currently a 03 Expedition and its costing me almost $140 a week. . .thats right a week in gas driving every day in Nashville, TN rush hour traffic. If I road a bike I would spend $4 to $8 a week at most! A hugh cutback in savings!
And secondly an increase in my life insurance *sneakers* hehe seems to work =D
But like Ben said, your partner should never 'force' you to not do the things you enjoy. If she does, then that is alittle to far controlling. My wife doesn't 100% agree with me on this decision but she understands. Its a passion I've had since childhood. And will benefit us financially as well. And I am taking the MSF courses soon.
Good luck!!
$$$
$130 x ~48wks... Yeah I think it's safe to say you'd save a little extra dough...