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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | Hey guys and gals. First off if this is in the wrong section i apoligize, I just got on this forum. I am 18 and I am set on buying a Vic, and it is going to to be me making all payments. But there is a problem. in the past month, my area has had 2 Bike Vs. drunk drivers, both resulting in death. My parents are dead set against me getting any type of motorcycle and i just want to give them peace of mind. Ive raced bikes and quads since i was little. I know this is nothing compared to riding on the road. so any advice? thanks in advance
Edited by Burdman 2012-08-25 11:27 PM
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Central Wisconsin | Cam, I think it is great that you come here for advice at your age. Your parents have a right to be worried because they care about you. First do you have a motorcycle license? If not you need to take a Motorcycle Safety course. Remember speed can cause accidents and mixed with drinking can cause death. With that said you need to prove to yourself and to your parents that you can be responsible. Maybe you can find an experienced rider in your area and get some one on one advice/help. Where are you from?
Edited by Thomas 2012-08-26 12:22 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | I dont have amotorcycle license. im near Terre Haute, Indiana. where can i find the saftey course? is it required or just recommended? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
Halifax, NS | My son also raced bikes and I have to say I am not sure what puts you in more danger. I seen him come over a jump and just miss an other kid that wiped out. That could have been a real bad situation. As far as being on the street I can understand your parents worry... Just look at all the idiots on You Tub stunting on the roads. Plus as you said drunk drivers ect. And there is for some reason that same old story (I didnt see the motorcycle)...... I have been riding since I was a pre teen. When my son was 3 years old I would put him on the seat in front of me and take him for a ride. I brought home his first 4 wheeler when he was 3.. He is 30 now and still riding. Not as much as I do but its in his blood. As a parent I still worry about him riding and he is 30......... So I dont think you will ever get the peace of mind your looking for. Motorcycles come with a risk... There are things you can do to lower that risk and that will depend on what type of rider you are.... Good luck Rob |
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Central Wisconsin | Here is a link to the Indiana DMV
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | ok thanks guys. i plan on using it to go to and from school 20 Mins away until it starts getting cold. does it take long to get full endorsement? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | what would be a good starter bike? i love the hammer but would it be to much power? |
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| Take the abate course,its Friday night all day Sat.and sun till about noon. they have the bike you use to take the course and pass your test.First you'll need to get a beginners permt from bmv,good for one year,after you pass a writen test you'll have to wait at least 30days before you can take the abate riding test.So study up take your test at bmv ,and sign up for abate 3 day course. good luck |
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | As for the Hammer, why not. All of the Vic line uses the same drivetrain, some have a little more power than others, but not much. It's not how much power it has, but what you choose to do with that power. As for your parents concern. They are right. Motorcycles are dangerous. So are steps, cars, planes, bath tubs, life in general. Some forms of fun are just more dangerous than others. There are people on this forum that put ALOT of miles on thier bikes without major problems. The advice that I would give to you as a new rider- Take the MSF course and ride like EVERY car sees you and is trying to run you down. Expect them to do the dumbest thing possible. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Any motorcycle, if you are mature when riding, will be as safe as the next one. Mature I mean, you are serious about riding and staying alive. You need to make sure the bike is well maintained. The 106 is not too-big, you just need to control your throttle in take off and in cruising. Like anything else it can get a way with you. You're experienced in riding dirt-bikes but it is a game changer when you're on the streets and highways. I like to think I ride offensively, that is, I'm in control, you're not. Drivers will always drive stupid, so I expect nothing less at anytime, I just have to ride smart. You say you are 18. While I understand you should respect your parents, but 18 means you can make your own decision with two exceptions; are you still living at home, with them providing care, (read, not paying rent), or are you going to college and the folks have any part of your tab on tution? If so, listen to them, they are still raising you. If you are 18, independant by working, paying your way, etc, you're open to make adult decision. You may not always make the right ones, and getting a motorcycle may be the worse one that you make if you get all giddy, rip on the throttle and it gets away with and ....well you know the rest. Young or old, new rider, or haven't ridden in a long, my advise is 1) Go to the safety course. 2) Get a cheaper, used, well maintained mid-size motorcycle. 3) Start riding in small increments the first week or so. Around the block, around town, to the next town. Ride just a few times a week, not everyday, not when it rains, and never two-up. Increase your riding frequency as you desire, and if you find that this is the fit for you, have at, buy that bike you can afford and want to have. Never ride upset, never ride to show off, and definitely don't ride outside "your ride". That is, if you are riding with a group that makes you feel uneasy, break off. I could go on, and others are already chiming in. The bottom-line is, if you respect the bike and always be attentive to your ride, you will grow to be an old biker that will give advise to the new ones coming in behind you. There's nothing like it. Bob Seger's Wait for Me |
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Cruiser
Posts: 215
W'ford Tx | It's all in your wrist. That's where your power will come from. Always have a healthy respect of the bike. As soon as you think you've got it down and are a bad ass is when the bike, no matter what you buy, will prove you wrong. If you were my kiddo I dunno if I'd want you on something as big as a vision or any of the victory line due to the larger displacement and torque happy engines. I started out on a 250cc motorcycle and before that learned on a 50cc scooter to get around town and used to driving on the street. No matter what you end up on always be aware of what's around, in front of and behind you while on your bike. Be safe!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I don't really have anything to add except listen to what others here have told you and then sit down with your parents and make an informed decision. I can't tell you how impressed I am that someone your age is mature enough to come here for advice, when I read your questions I was speechless. Congrats to you young man.
Edited by kris1956 2012-08-26 6:25 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there are more fatalities for bicyclists each year than for motorcyclists. This doesn't mean motorcycles are safer, it just says lots of people die each year riding either form of transportation. As someone said earlier, many things in life come with risk and danger. But if it helps your parents understand the risk with some comparison, just ask them if they would rather you ride a bicycle to school each day. Then when they approve of that mode just fill them in on this little bit of truth. Riding a bike or motorcycle is only more dangerous than other modes of transportation if you don't take the steps to make yourself ready for the public roads, and then always ride in a civilized and defensive manor. The more risky your riding habits the more dangerous it will be. Remember everything that goes up must come down and everything that accelerates must eventually stop. The point is you alway want to be in complete control when the later two are taking place. Take the time to educate and train yourself first, I think this will give your parents a little more confidence in your decision and ease their fears. Also face it, they will never stop worrying about your safet. Good luck. |
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Tourer
Posts: 416
Prairie City, IA United States | Every one has brought up some good points. MS course is a must. Buying protective gear and wearing it will make the parents a bit more at ease. Practice, practice, practice your slow speed maneuvers in a quiet parking lot.
There are old bikers and bold bikers, but no old bold riders. Common sense will take you far. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | Take the course even if not required. Motorcycle safety is 90% state of mind, and the course teaches you that, from planning your ride, dressing for the ride, checking your equipment, and then riding defensively.
When it comes to 'going down' on a motorcycle there are only two groups of people, those that have, and those that will. The course, and refresher courses, teach you to mitigate your exposure and survive to ride another day. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | As Chris noted in regards to the parents input, if you are their dependent, living wholly on their support, then you should definitely adhere and follow their advice.
If they do approve, take the safety course and enjoy your bike. Ride safe.
If they don't approve and you are dependent on them, move on and wait for your time. Good luck |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | Thanks guys Unfournatley I am both living with,and they make partial payment for college. the plan was I sell my GTO and what money that didn't got payoff was going to go on the bike. and I was going to buy my moms g6 . well I sold the car and now my mom doesn't want to sell now so I'm carless and bijeless. so this will get interesting pretty quick.l |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Keep us posted, but log off when you're not at the computer,  |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | ? Now that was me. Just being honest lol
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | Also the bike im looking at is a 09 hammer s. the blue and white paint. the dealer claims it has just been used for demos and doesn't have title on it. still new. He is asking 14,500 us that a reasonable price? |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Burdman - 2012-08-26 1:41 PM ? Now that was me. Just being honest lol  what I'm saying is, if you're talking about the 'rents, don't let them see it, they'll secretly use it against you...
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Cruiser
Posts: 215
W'ford Tx | I wouldn't pay 14k for something without a title. You can buy a used hammer with a title for that price anywhere. I want to say the new ones I've seen are 18k. Don't get wrapped up in one bike. If you want a hammer that's great. Take your time and I'm sure you'll find a few more used ones in that price range. 14k with good credit and 2-3k down should get your payment no more than 200 a month. Being 18 and in school full time you don't want to sacrifice your study time to work a job so you can have a higher end bike. If you're set on the victory line and I can't think of a better one to go with. I'd try to stay in the 5-7k mark. That will grab you plenty from the used victory line up. If you have money from selling your goat then it should cover a good chunk or all of it leaving you with less stress and not having to be a slave to a collection company. Study hard, good grades, good job, good money = balla bike. Sacrifice now to play like a big boy later. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | Surely he means the dealer has it "as new" and even though it's an 09', it's not yet been titled. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Terre Haute,IN | What okie vision said. But yea I already work 2 jobs to pay for the goat so if anything I will be working less. yea he said he said he had to buy it from the previous dealer and its sat since then. so would it be worth it if it is "new"? BTW it has the 2 to1 exhaust.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | If it is in fact 'new', it should come with a 'new' warranty. Not sure, but a new '09 may come with the 5 year extended. |
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Need help convincing peace of mind
