[WeaponZero]

As some of you know, I am 27 years old turning 28 next month and very recently (within the past 2 months) bought my first bike: A used 2000 Suzuki SV650 naked. I’ve been “into bikes” now for about 10 years and up until now was what you could call a bench racer.

At the age of 19, I had an opportunity to buy a used 1998 CBR900RR (BEGINNER BIKE AMIRITE?) for my first bike, and the only reason I ended up not getting it was because something came up financially and I had to blow my savings on something else. I knew that generally you shouldn’t start out with bigger bikes but because the magazines described the 900RR as being “user-friendly” and “easy to ride” I thought it was some sort of exception to the rule, and plus, I wanted a supersport-style bike.

Had I known then what I knew now and been patient enough and mature enough, I would’ve bought myself a used GS500 back then instead and upgraded to something like a ZX-9R eventually after “outgrowing” the GS500. But back then, I wasn’t patient. I wanted a bike that I wasn’t going to “outgrow.” Looking around now at all the squids I see, I’m noticing that most of them are around the same age I was when I “almost” got the 900RR and it’s making me think there should be an age requirement for a motorcycle license that’s higher than for a driver’s license. I know who I was back then, and it isn’t who I am now. It’s somebody who had no business anywhere near a bike and the same for all those GSXR750-riding high school kids out there.

/end rant

[ShannonG]

And you hit the nail right on the head….
I’m glad I had to wait until my 30’s to buy a bike. I’m a better rider for it.

[BoOZe P-ti Motard]

Yea sure this is the right age (I guess) for being a good rider and well magazines do say the truth that, let’s say, a cbr600rr handles great, but it forgets to mention that its applicable for experienced riders and recall all those videos try some new bikes: who are riding them? noobs or some talended cowboy?! Well i really hope they start making magazines explaining what this site does… what about BBM Mag…ey BEN??!!
bt m glad m young and thinks like you ppl..to some extent

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider

[Loki]

Im 17 and i bought my bike. This is pretty young i agree but i know what all can go wrong and i try my best to look out for myself and other vehicles out there. This website has helped my ALOT and i am glad for that. Altough i am mature for my age i will admit i still seldomly make the stupid mistakes that 17 yr old boys do. The reason i havent crashed yet i think is because whenever i catch myself doing something i shouldn’t (going to fast, etc,) i remember that if i crash i can really mess myself/ my bike up or even worse. Since i also have a 2007 GS500F thats perfect i DONT want to mess it up. Also i dont have any bad influences around (friends tell me im stupid, theres no other street bikers around) there are good ones around. Like i know two people that ride crusiers and are in there 30s and up that are willing to ride with me and teach me.

So you think im too young to ride?

[Anonymous]

Oh boy!

I didn’t start riding until I got into my 40s and I’m certain that riding a motorcycle at 27 let alone 17 would most definitely not have been a good idea for me personally at all.

Yes parents, you were right in not letting me get a motorcycle all those years ago…

[WeaponZero]

Loki: That is a bit young but there are always exceptions. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is that when an older more experienced rider gives you advice, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear, treat it like it’s the law. To do anything else is to prove my point.

[ShannonG]

You’re never too young if you have the right attitude!

[Anonymous]

Given today’s traffic, giant, speeding SUVs everywhere and car driver aggression being at an all time high, I’d recommend younger people to learn to drive a car before riding a motorcycle.

Once you get to know your way around traffic in a safer environment (i.e. a car), then you can build on that foundation in learning to control a motorcycle.

[BoOZe P-ti Motard]

sure you are right..and me i started riding at the age of 15yo…. now how do ye call this..lol

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider

[ShannonG]

I would generally agree but I do know lots of people who started riding as teens and lived to a ripe old age. The fact that Loki bought a GS500 for his first bike speaks volumes about his mindset.
That being said, I’m a better defensive driver now than I was when I was younger. That’s definitely something that comes with experience.

[sedona2001]

I couldn’t agree more! If I had bought a bike at 17 or even at 21, I’m sure I would have killed myself. Now with some practical life experience and a lot more reasons to be careful, I can jump into motorcycles head first.

[Loki]

I have 3 mentors. 2 ride harley style bikes and the other rides a R6 all in 30s or above. My family also use to ride and my uncle is a very advid rider. Given that one crash is 1000times worse then in a car i take every thing said to me as fact and truth. The main thing im told is “Respect the bike and itll respect you back”. From riding for two weeks i can say that that couldnt be more true. I also have the added bonus of living in a small town(500pop) and by another smallish town (4000pop) so its easyer to look out for vehicles since theres not that many around.

[Rupmisc]

Really enjoying it more every day. I find that coordination is improving every time I ride. The hardest thing remains low speed circles, and very tight turns, and I try and find parking lots to practice in where I can get up to 30mph.

I find that years of experience in cars, Skip Barber racing schools, BMW advanced M School have all prepared me for the focus you need on a bike. My body would have been better at this 20 years ago, but I think the brain does a good job compensating.

[BoOZe P-ti Motard]

cb250 of…? a hornet or nighthawk?i bet its…. XDDD

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider

[Rupmisc]

The number/name thing confuses me. It is a 2008 Nighthawk 250.

[Author]

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