Convincing parents and a first bike decision

February 25, 2014

I'm sorry for being one of these people to ask yet another first bike question but I really am stuck. I have read the top sticky but I still need my choices narrowing down.

Anyway, I have been researching 125cc bikes for a while now and every time I think I've found the right one for me another pops up.

I am 17 years old and living in the UK. After completing the correct tests the bike I will be able to get can be up to 125cc and 15 bhp.

I'm looking for a bike that is reliable and cheap to run which preferably has some umph behind it; I can afford a bike that is up to £900 ($1500) although that seems excessive for a 125cc. I have looked at the recommended bikes in the sidebar but they seem to all exceed 125cc.

So far the Suzuki Van Van and Honda CBF 125 seem to be top of the list, and if I was going for looks it would be the Cagiva Raptor. I was wondering if anyone with first hand experience with any of these bikes could help me with a decision; and if you started with a different 125cc would you recommend it?

Another obstacle in my way of me getting a bike is convincing my mum. So far my dad seems fine with it but my mum is a bit uneasy as riding a motorcycle obviously not as safe as driving a car. I am more than happy to complete any extra courses or training days that would put her mind to rest, and I will also be wearing the correct gear but I was wondering how you handled parents who weren't sure about you getting a motorcycle?

Were there any specific points or facts that you bought up which may help to convince an unsure parent?

littlecat · February 25, 2014

mine just rolled her eyes and tutted a lot ( mind you I was 43 when I did my das so she didn't get much say in the matter )

my parents actually lent me the money for my very first bike a very long time ago when I was 15 and had just got my first job ( spain, many moons ago, different rules , and we didn't have to wear a helmet back then either)

as a parent myself who has enabled my own daughter to ride, as well as having the inevitable head shaking from my own parents, I would recommend you talk through her fears...explain about the right gear etc....and at least at first , always text/ring her when you leave and arrive , if you are going anywhere on the bike.( having said that, the first time my daughter took off on her bike after her cbt she left her phone on the coffee table and disappeared for an hour )

if you ride it safely and without incident, she will soon learn to trust that you know what you are doing , and will keep yourself as safe as you can out there.

as a youngster , one of my strongest arguments ( and I really meant it ) was id rather get thrown off a bike, than trapped in a burning car ( which did actually happen to my younger brother)

its your passion...they as parents have to let you follow your own path.....just do all you can to help them with the transition, and respect that its a little scary for them.

littlecat · February 25, 2014

on the other hand you could just express an interest in base jumping, or extreme cliff diving....that might help to put it in perspective. :mrgreen:

Joeman · February 25, 2014

on the other hand you could just express an interest in base jumping, or extreme cliff diving....that might help to put it in perspective.

Or point out that most people die in bed, so in comparison to sleeping, bikes are very safe

Mr Fro · February 25, 2014

Just make sure you give her two rings when you get where you're going.

Every time.

Tango · February 25, 2014

CBF125......that would be my choice, given your budget.....and unless you completely trash it there's a good chance that you'd get most of your money back when you came to sell it..... :wink:

My Mum still worries about me having a bike.......38 years on from my first one..... :wink: :lol: :lol:

ForestRunner · February 25, 2014

I only started riding at the age of 39, so can't help on the parent front as such.

That said, I'd echo what the others have said. Just reassure them.

I have a CBF125 which I am happy enough with. You could also point out that something like this is a sensible, non-sporty, choice. Not that a sports bike is more dangerous, just that it makes it look like you are not putting speed at the top of the list. This may make them perceive it as safer, and you as more likely to make the choices they would like.

February 25, 2014

mine just rolled her eyes and tutted a lot ( mind you I was 43 when I did my das so she didn't get much say in the matter )
my parents actually lent me the money for my very first bike a very long time ago when I was 15 and had just got my first job ( spain, many moons ago, different rules , and we didn't have to wear a helmet back then either)
as a parent myself who has enabled my own daughter to ride, as well as having the inevitable head shaking from my own parents, I would recommend you talk through her fears...explain about the right gear etc....and at least at first , always text/ring her when you leave and arrive , if you are going anywhere on the bike.( having said that, the first time my daughter took off on her bike after her cbt she left her phone on the coffee table and disappeared for an hour )
if you ride it safely and without incident, she will soon learn to trust that you know what you are doing , and will keep yourself as safe as you can out there.
as a youngster , one of my strongest arguments ( and I really meant it ) was id rather get thrown off a bike, than trapped in a burning car ( which did actually happen to my younger brother)
its your passion...they as parents have to let you follow your own path.....just do all you can to help them with the transition, and respect that its a little scary for them.

I'm glad your parents were supportive about it, and you seem like an awesome parent for supporting your daughter in her decisions! I will follow your advice and keep her updated on where I am and where I'm going. I really hope this works as I can't even picture myself in a car...

February 25, 2014

Just make sure you give her two rings when you get where you're going.

Every time.

Sounds like a great idea, I will definitely bring that up. Thanks!

February 25, 2014

I only started riding at the age of 39, so can't help on the parent front as such.
That said, I'd echo what the others have said. Just reassure them.

I have a CBF125 which I am happy enough with. You could also point out that something like this is a sensible, non-sporty, choice. Not that a sports bike is more dangerous, just that it makes it look like you are not putting speed at the top of the list. This may make them perceive it as safer, and you as more likely to make the choices they would like.

Yeah from the research I've done the CBF seems to be most popular, but also the most expensive of the three. I will have to slot that somewhere in the discussion though, it's not like I'll be roaring down motorways or anything. Do you know the average insurance costs for the CBF? Also I need to do some research on gear.

littlecat · February 25, 2014

when it comes to gear there can be no compromise whatsoever( despite what the freedom of choice activists might say)

from a parent point of view , my daughter wasn't allowed anywhere near her , absolutely not deadly fast , sr125, without full head to toe armoured gear and a decent helmet.

the lesson stuck , and while many kids her age were risking life and limb in trackies and trainers , she wouldn't dream of riding without all the gear on ( and neither would I )

that is one of the most persuasive arguments when it comes to convincing your parents.

no one can ever guarantee your safety on a bike ( nor in a car or even crossing the road, or cooking on gas , but if you have invested in every single piece of safety gear , then you have minimised the risks as much as you possibly can, and that is all anyone can ask of you.

if you cant afford the gear, in my opinion you should wait until you can

littlecat · February 25, 2014

and if it helps at all , im more than willing to have a chat with your mum, as a middle aged mum of 2 bike mad daughters , who also rides, I might be able to help with some of her questions/worries.

pm me if there's anything I can do

Bika_boy · February 25, 2014

My mother was (is) dead against me having a motorbike in the UK which was weird because when holidaying in Pakistan I have had full use of a motorbike since I was 13 and without any sort of safety gear, so at 17 i just got my drivers licence. then in 2009 I realised I still had the bike bug. So I told my family I was going to do the DAS. I paid for it, used the biking schools gs500, after a year of passing i finally bought my piaggio scooter liberty 125.

As said before I did get a slap upside the head, but i think the scooter was easier to break than the r1 or gsxr 1000 i was going to go for. Iv had the scooter 2 years now no problems touch wood. even got my brother into biking and my younger brother and cousin once they hit 17.

Moral of the story patience is the way forward. Your mother isnt saying no to a bike to spite you, she is just scared because as parents they are wired to see the danger in any scenario break her into it gently and she should be cool. Keep up with it though you'll get there in the end

February 25, 2014

when it comes to gear there can be no compromise whatsoever( despite what the freedom of choice activists might say)
from a parent point of view , my daughter wasn't allowed anywhere near her , absolutely not deadly fast , sr125, without full head to toe armoured gear and a decent helmet.
the lesson stuck , and while many kids her age were risking life and limb in trackies and trainers , she wouldn't dream of riding without all the gear on ( and neither would I )
that is one of the most persuasive arguments when it comes to convincing your parents.
no one can ever guarantee your safety on a bike ( nor in a car or even crossing the road, or cooking on gas , but if you have invested in every single piece of safety gear , then you have minimised the risks as much as you possibly can, and that is all anyone can ask of you.
if you cant afford the gear, in my opinion you should wait until you can

Is it easy to estimate the average price of a set of decent gear (head to toe) or will I have to look at each piece individually. Also would you be able to recommend any reliable makes?

I strongly believe in the fact that riding a motorcycle is just another daily danger along with pretty much anything we do on a regular basis, I just wish my mum would see that; but thank you for the very kind offer of talking to her about it. She's in a bad mood today but I'll find a good time to bring it up and I will take up your offer if you don't mind!

Bika_boy · February 25, 2014

this is what me and my brother bought, its very good comes with armour in both trousers and jacket.

http://www.topgearsuperstore.com/clothi ... age-1.html

littlecat · February 25, 2014

price can be as little or as much as you can afford.

if you can get to any of the bike shows, j&s always have bargains, or you can go for top priced stuff new from a dealer, there's also absolutely nothing wrong with buying second hand off ebay ( apart from a lid...that needs to be new , though price is less important than fit).

what you go for depends on what you're using the bike for.

if its going to be your only , every day transport , in all weathers, then id recommend fully armoured textiles with a waterproof overlayer option.

if you prefer the fit and feel of leather ( as I do ) then buy big enough to stick a layer or 2 under, and get a decent weatherproof over set.

( don't get leathers so big that the armour wont stay where its needed)

the items to not scrimp on would be lid, boots, gloves, ( IMHO) , the rest just needs to be protective, armoured, warm enough, and comfy to ride in.

February 25, 2014

My mother was (is) dead against me having a motorbike in the UK which was weird because when holidaying in Pakistan I have had full use of a motorbike since I was 13 and without any sort of safety gear, so at 17 i just got my drivers licence. then in 2009 I realised I still had the bike bug. So I told my family I was going to do the DAS. I paid for it, used the biking schools gs500, after a year of passing i finally bought my piaggio scooter liberty 125.
As said before I did get a slap upside the head, but i think the scooter was easier to break than the r1 or gsxr 1000 i was going to go for. Iv had the scooter 2 years now no problems touch wood. even got my brother into biking and my younger brother and cousin once they hit 17.
Moral of the story patience is the way forward. Your mother isnt saying no to a bike to spite you, she is just scared because as parents they are wired to see the danger in any scenario break her into it gently and she should be cool. Keep up with it though you'll get there in the end

I have tried to be patient so far as I haven't mentioned a bike in a while but when I use to mention it she just use to say no and try and change the subject. I have never been a fan of scooters but I guess she has to see my point in my desire for a bike at some point so I will try my best to wait!

February 25, 2014

this is what me and my brother bought, its very good comes with armour in both trousers and jacket.

http://www.topgearsuperstore.com/clothi ... age-1.html

That set does look pretty good, I think I'll go into a few shops that sell them though before I make a choice so I can try things on.

littlecat · February 25, 2014

again , with my parent head on. before my daughter turned 16 she was nagging for anything with 2 wheels and an engine, at that point a scooter was her most available option, and at that I put my foot down and said no... I honestly don't think theyre a safe option..... made her wait, and bought her a 125cc geared bike for her 17th....much better choice as far as im concerned....have you seen the size of the wheels on those little scooters :shock: :shock: :shock: . definitely not getting my vote for a learner.

also , 125's are underpowered enough...would hate to see one of my kids on a 50cc scooter in todays traffic.

February 25, 2014

price can be as little or as much as you can afford.
if you can get to any of the bike shows, j&s always have bargains, or you can go for top priced stuff new from a dealer, there's also absolutely nothing wrong with buying second hand off ebay ( apart from a lid...that needs to be new , though price is less important than fit).
what you go for depends on what you're using the bike for.
if its going to be your only , every day transport , in all weathers, then id recommend fully armoured textiles with a waterproof overlayer option.
if you prefer the fit and feel of leather ( as I do ) then buy big enough to stick a layer or 2 under, and get a decent weatherproof over set.
( don't get leathers so big that the armour wont stay where its needed)
the items to not scrimp on would be lid, boots, gloves, ( IMHO) , the rest just needs to be protective, armoured, warm enough, and comfy to ride in.

I was thinking about secondhand but if it has had some bumps along the way wouldn't that affect how protective it then is? I would be using the bike everyday for 10-30 mile journeys but my destination is college so I'd probably want something not too bulky although I know that may mean less armour.

Haha for me the only reason I don't like scooters is because of their look. I usually wouldn't be so picky but they just aren't for me. I guess appearance usually comes last but you have to enjoy looking at your bike!

littlecat · February 25, 2014

secondhand leather or textile clothing wont be a problem, as long as it looks in reasonable condition.

you can always buy new armour if you want to be ultra safe.

the one thing you definitely don't buy second hand is a helmet

February 25, 2014

secondhand leather or textile clothing wont be a problem, as long as it looks in reasonable condition.
you can always buy new armour if you want to be ultra safe.
the one thing you definitely don't buy second hand is a helmet

Buying those things secondhand will be useful as I can use the money saved on other necessitates or on the new helmet. Thanks for your help!

CGD217 · February 26, 2014

Great advice being given here, as Littlecat said, never, ever buy a second hand helmet.

You only get one head... Protect it properly.

cockercas · March 1, 2014

on the other hand you could just express an interest in base jumping, or extreme cliff diving....that might help to put it in perspective.
Or point out that most people die in bed, so in comparison to sleeping, bikes are very safe

That made me lol.

I know more people who have died in cars then on bikes.

cockercas · March 1, 2014

My mother was (is) dead against me having a motorbike in the UK which was weird because when holidaying in Pakistan I have had full use of a motorbike since I was 13 and without any sort of safety gear, so at 17 i just got my drivers licence. then in 2009 I realised I still had the bike bug. So I told my family I was going to do the DAS. I paid for it, used the biking schools gs500, after a year of passing i finally bought my piaggio scooter liberty 125.
As said before I did get a slap upside the head, but i think the scooter was easier to break than the r1 or gsxr 1000 i was going to go for. Iv had the scooter 2 years now no problems touch wood. even got my brother into biking and my younger brother and cousin once they hit 17.
Moral of the story patience is the way forward. Your mother isnt saying no to a bike to spite you, she is just scared because as parents they are wired to see the danger in any scenario break her into it gently and she should be cool. Keep up with it though you'll get there in the end

I have tried to be patient so far as I haven't mentioned a bike in a while but when I use to mention it she just use to say no and try and change the subject. I have never been a fan of scooters but I guess she has to see my point in my desire for a bike at some point so I will try my best to wait!

Your mums been brainwashed mate. If shes just saying no and changing the subject then you have 0% chance of changing her mind. Get your dad to have a word and just get out and do it. Do your cbt and get a bike, get a lid and some gear.

Then dont ride like a tool so people are saying 'oh i saw your barry/dave/john on the wrong side of the road, hannging off and knee down doing 50mph in a 30 zone.

Cars are no safer if thats her argument.

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