Teenagers and Motorcycles-Do They Mix?

Every teenager anxiously awaits reaching the minimum age for a driver’s license, and the freedom that license will afford them. No longer will they have to ride the school bus, or bum rides from friends, they think they will be able to come and go as they please. Every parent dreads this time, and knows that there are many battles that lie ahead. For some teenagers, rather than asking for their own car, they decide that they want a motorcycle, which is even more of a nightmare for their parents because of the extra danger such a vehicle poses. Your gut tells you to say no, and stick to your guns, but your heart says that you aren’t being fair, so you have to take your time and think the decision through, looking at the pros and cons of each side.

Before you say no, there are some benefits to be gained from giving into your teen’s request. The first one is that on a motorcycle, your teen only has room for one friend, and studies have shown that the more friends that are in a car with a teenage driver, the better the odds are that an accident will occur. Your teen also won’t be able to carry anything extra on the motorcycle either, meaning less likelihood of drinking and driving.

Another benefit is the price. If you are paying for your teen’s first vehicle on your own, you should know that you can get a great used motorcycle at a much better price than you can a used car, so you will save some money as well. And, believe it or not, your insurance premiums may also be less expensive with the motorcycle. Since the motorcycle will use less gas, you will also save money there as well.

The choice is yours to make, and one thing that you should take into consideration is how much responsibility your teenager possesses. If your teen is a thrill-seeker, and would be likely to speed and show off on the bike, then you will really need to be careful here. On the other hand, if you have allowed your teen to ride motorcycles for years, and he or she has always been responsible thus far, do you really have any reason to say no?

You will need to set some ground rules if you do agree to get the motorcycle. You will need to make certain your teen understand motorcycle safety, and that wearing safety gear is not an option that he or she can ignore. If your teen refuses to wear a helmet, then you should really lean towards no, because of the risks involved.

Another thing that might be a good idea, and that might put some of your fears to rest would be to make your teen enroll in a motorcycle safety class. Make it a requirement, if they want the motorcycle.

If you think that your teenager is responsible, and will abide by the rules you set, then you will probably be okay with going the motorcycle route. Make certain your teen understands that if the rules aren’t obeyed, there will be no more motorcycle, and that he or she will be back to relying on others for their transportation needs.

Law and Order -- Porter County - Gary Post Tribune

Law and Order -- Porter County Gary Post Tribune, IN - Jan 6, 2009 The green and white 2004 Kawasaki motorcycle and the red and white Trek bike had been in a 25-foot cargo trailer, which was opened by removing screws from ...

Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 Monster Energy - Kerala Online

Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 Monster Energy Kerala Online, India - Jan 3, 2009 Die cast aluminum sections on the main frame make for lighter parts, keeping the weight down even more on the slim and compact frame.

AMA Pro Racing Officially Introduces Staff Members Janson ... - RoadracingWorld.com

RoadracingWorld.com

AMA Pro Racing Officially Introduces Staff Members Janson ... RoadracingWorld.com, CA - Dec 31, 2008 (December 31, 2008) - An experienced group of motorcycle racing competition and operations professionals have been hired by AMA Pro Racing President Roger ...

Memorable Motorcycles Hercules W2000 - MotorcycleUSA.com

Memorable Motorcycles Hercules W2000 MotorcycleUSA.com, OR - Dec 17, 2008 This was only 19cc less than the awesome 82bhp Kawasaki Z1 which was the hyper sports bike of the early 1970s. The result was a sales disaster. ...

Welcome to the Power Sports Blog - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Welcome to the Power Sports Blog Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI - Dec 29, 2008 Our top-rated dealership carries an extensive selection of Honda motorcycles, atvs, scooters, watercraft and power equipment; Kawasaki motorcycles, ...