Hi from California - Future rider in need of assistance!!

Most of these aren't really the perks, but other things that you can potentially talk to your parents about.

Taking the MSF course is a good start to convincing parents. It shows that you want to have a responsible start to your riding career, which means that you'll be more likely to be a responsible rider in general. (And telling your parents that taking the MSF reduces your chances of getting in a wreck by 50% or so isn't bad either).

Unless your parents really hate motorcycles, why not see if they want to take the MSF course with you. They can see for themselves that you're being responsible and that "motorcycle" is not synonymous with "deathtrap."

The fact that you're looking at a 250 means that you're not looking for the fastest bike on the road so that you can pop wheelies at 100 mph. You're looking at a good beginner bike, which is another responsible move.

As Munch mentioned, the downsides are that you don't get the same protection that you get in a cage. You're also less visible than in a larger vehicle. The weather can be a serious problem if it's your only means of transportation, although probably less so in California than here in Massachusetts.

I'm not so sure about the cost analysis if you plan on using that as a justification. Bikes are probably cheaper to own & run than cars but not by as much as people think. For example, I've just had to replace my rear tire after 8000 miles (and on my bike most people only get 6000 ~ 7000 miles). The tire cost around $80 and then another $120 to fit it. I've also had 600 and 6000 mile services that totaled around $600. Unless you can do a lot of mechanical work yourself then bikes are not as cheap as you might think. Just a heads up.

One of the biggest arguments for having a bike IMO, is that it makes you more aware of your surroundings and therefore a better rider/driver. Modern cars can waft you along at 100mph in more comfort than your living room couch with as much sensation of speed. I'm convinced this is a major factor in the inattention displayed by drivers today, they are simply detached from any sense of danger. The first time you hit 60mph on a bike you are very aware the only thing between you and the concrete is your riding skills.

Grab a copy of Proficient Motorcycling. That spells out all of the dangers you will face on a bike and strategies for dealing with them. Trust me when I say there are a whole lot more than you realize and at first it is overwhelming. If you are the sort of person who is committed to improving their skills through continuous training then then slowly it will become 2nd nature to you to 'read' the road and you will be a safer rider because of it.

My 2 cents...

I just recently bought the a ninja 250cc... it's my first ever motorbike. Before that I have only ever drove cars, and for the last few years I also got a scooter to help me get from a to b.

For me the +'s seriously outweighed the -'s.

Tell your parents...

1. The MSF Course

MSF Taking a MSF will make you a better driver. Not only to ride a motorbike, but also as a car driver. It opened my eyes to how badly I treated motorbike users around me before. Now that I ride my bike, I must admit, when the cars cut in front of me, or simply look at me, then pretend I don't exist and still change lane when they know I am still there makes me secretly smile... I used to be one of those arrogant people as well.

2. Costs

I live in a capital city. Not only is there the traffic jams, but also parking to consider. I use to burn through petrol in my car as if it were as cheap as water. My Mazda 3 had a 1.6 engine, and sitting in the traffic moving at a snails pace was upsetting as I watched the petrol needle simple go down and down. Not only that, but once parked, I then had to pay by the hour just to be parked close to my office. With a motorbike, my consumption is not even close. I drive as I would in my car. As the lights change to red. While the other cars remain behind each other, I use the opportunity to slip between then all and drive between the lanes. By the time the light changes back to green... I normally find I have jumped 15 cars in front of me, and am normally at the front of the queue. Your petrol costs will therefor be much less. I don't condole swerving in and out of traffic (driving like that is suicidal)... but once the cars are at a standstill, there is little danger.

Also, with the bike I can park almost wherever I go. Meeting friends in a bar or restaurant... I simply park right in front. On the sidewalk hidden by trees, there is always a spot. jajaja thinking about it (more for you than your parents) it is actually cool when I arrive at starbucks and everyone starts looking at you. I can tell the guys in suits are looking thinking with envy... yep. Driving a motorbike had a spot in ever mans heart I am realizing.

3. Environment.

Think about the CO2. I am sure (you have a jeep, right) Your MPG is going to be considerably less. As I said, I have had my bike now for 3 days... I filled the tank half full and have drove around a little... I don't seem to remember the needle moving that much at all... if indeed it HAS moved. a 250cc engine uses so little petrol... it's so cheap.

4. Time

My commute time to the office has been cut to 33%. I can leave home at 8:40, and still get to work for 9am. I used to leave a little before 8.

5. Enjoyment.

You know, I never realized how free-ing a motorbike is. I find myself driving just to drive now. I realize I am out more often, meeting friends, meetings, whatever the occasion. I always find an excuse to jump on the bike and go there. There is no other similar feeling that just suiting up, jumping on the bike, twisting back the throttle, and feeling that thing go. It's addictive. Anyone here will I am sure agree with me. Trying to explain the feeling to someone who has never done it before is so difficult. My girlfriend had an almost phobia about motorbikes. It took me a year to convince her that I wasn't going to crash and die in 24 hours. I drive carefully, don't do stupid tricks, and generally take every precaution I can. She changed her mind. She is now glad that I have my bike. She can feel how happy I am, and she knows that if life says it's your time to crash... be it in car, bike, horse, wheelbarrow, roller skates... whatever.. Crash is crash.

Look. Do you want to wake up aged 60 and think... I wish I would have drove a motorbike? I waited 32 years... and I feel like I missed something.

I have plenty of friends who have had car accidents. Yeah sure, they are still alive to talk about it... but it doesn't make a difference. We could all get hit by a bus tomorrow. Life is.... just that. Life. You never know.

So. be paranoid. Sell the jeep. Wrap yourself up in cotton wool.... or enjoy life. Get a bike. Get protection. Take a MSF. Be a respectful, careful driver. And have an experience that is unforgettable.

I only have had my bike for 3 days... I feel like I will never be without a bike for the rest of my life.

It's such an enjoyable feeling.

After reading a little more of this thread check out the HURT report and accednt facts about motorcycles. It will open you and your parents eyes to how "dangerious" a motorcycle is vs how dangerious a Rider is.
I was reading an article the other day and can't remember the numbers...but from what I barely remember and is probably not actuals
60% of accedents were with unlicensed riders
of those over 50% had a BAC making them impared.
You can find alot of data that supports a point of view that rider responsibility is the most important factor. If you have good grades and no accedents on 4 wheels you can show your responsible and do not fall Ito the catagory of the "statistic"
the great thing about stats is you can find whatever you wantto support your theory and make numbers work how you want them to.
Kind of sounds like a fun project with lots of possible approaches.
Good luck! Once your done, or before you submit to the parents maybe post it here and let us give you some feedback...I'm sure there's some parents on here that can give you the perspective of your audiance and help talior it to their concerns so you can be riding in no time.
Or just wait till your 18 and screw'em and just ride home with one!!!

They've built and rebuilt their bikes many times and they know what's up. Moreover, if anything does go wrong and they crash, the racetrack is a (relatively) safe place to go down. For you, a 17-year-old without a lot of spare change, buying a salvaged bike is a terrrrrrible idea. A bike like that can work out for you, but more than likely it will just turn into a huge money sink, not to mention most likely be rather unsafe.

Alright, as the resident 6'4" Ninja 250R rider (among other things), I will reassure you that size is not going to be a problem for you as long as you make one crucial $120-150 mod: adjustable footpegs. I still have my Ninja despite having upgraded to a GSX-R. It's a super fun bike to ride around the city, and while I am looking to sell it this year, it's only because I want to try riding some different types of bikes and don't have a huge garage. If I could I'd keep that bike forever.