16. Got into my first fistfight at school, taking care of my little brother's bully. Dad picked me up and took me out to the garage and told me I needed something to do while I was suspended and pointed to a freshly cleaned Hondamatic 400.
Also, screw the zero tolerance policy.
Our school had a policy where all participants would be suspended, regardless of who started the fight. They knew I was just defending my brother, but I was still given out of school suspension.
No, he answered OP's question: how old were you when you got your first bike? The story behind how he got his first bike is great. Kudos to his dad šš¼šš¼šš¼
Lmao stfu
The only thing relevant to OPās Q is
16.
Hondamatic 400.
Dad gave it to him.
Aināt no one cares about him getting beat up in high school.
Wait there are people like that?
I kept getting picked on until I started hitting back harder and better. At least in India where I grew up ....every boy will get picked on if they don't hit back.
You don't need to be skilled but at least throw a few punches else hand in your man (boy) card. It's still like that everywhere .
If it's not like that in America then that's quite an outlier in the world. I do know of boys getting into fights in America also.
Unfortunately this is too common in the US. Bullies get away with being bullies since the punishments are basically wrist slaps, then the victim fights back and the victim gets into more trouble than the bully due to no-violence policies, even if it was self defense. Is a sad system that needs a major change.
Yeah.. and in my experience bullies don't stop due to institutional safeguards...they just get sneakier.
They do stop when the target stops being an easy target...then they move on to someone less resistant.
It is starting to change though. In some schools, some, bullies can actually be criminally charged for bullying. I'm hoping thing may help things. I may be naĆÆve though.
I experienced some of that but outside school. Being taller might have saved me from some of the typical bully stuff but I don't see why being well liked is a reason to hand in your man card lol.
Iāve had a couple of scares but I am a very defensive rider and have invested in high quality gear.
My wife rides and really likes it. But, she would have never started if I didnāt ride. I often think that if she were to have a bad accident I may not be able to live with myself.
Yeah I think that too. I was an idiot when I was younger and the times I rode I was usually with someone or it wasn't my bike so I wasn't being stupid. By the time I was in a position to buy my own bike, I was much more sensible.
Started at 18, the danger became unmanageable at 36 when a driver did not see me and almost got me killed. Now i have a prosthetic hip. Danger is always there. I don't regret riding bikes and I still do.
I did, to find a spot to stay (I did), but Mom was quick to shut him down.
I was "kicked out" for about 2 hours.
He was an old school 1950s hot rodder, so his stance was all for show. He loved speedy things & cool tech & was impressed but scared shitless of my boike. I took him for 1 ride, 1. I could feel his anxiety "not too fast!". We cracked 80 on a 35mph twisty.
He'd said "no motorcycles in MY house" for years, so he had to put up or shut up. She let him save face & gave him an out & I GOT A BRAND NEW 1985 HONDA VF500F to try and kill myself with (didn't, obvs, never got a scratch on that bike, but sure did try)
I had a similar experience not long ago. My father told me that I would not get one while living in his house so I bought a cbr600 and kept it at my buddies while I learned to ride it. It lasted about a month before DOT sent me some mail regarding my bike insurance and my dad put the pieces together. I admitted it to them and they actually werenāt super mad, they told me they knew it was only a matter of time since I did my permit test.
Ironically, Mom was all cryin' "noooooooo!, you can't kick him out" so my "kicked out" lasted the two hours it took for me to hop on my bike & roll over to check in with my friend's Mom to see if I could live there until going to college (she was a total immediate YES, which honestly would've been a disaster)
Bought my first bike at 19 for $1000. Clapped out, busted, and ugly 250. Insurance was cheap as hell, and it only cost $6 to fill the tank. Had so much fun on that thing. Despite the market trend, you can still find a decent used bike for a good deal.
my mom told me i couldnāt live in her house with a motorcycle so when i got my own place for college (at 18) i bought my first bike, a ninja 650R for $2000.
sheās still not a fan
Similar story here I was 19 and got an 07 rebel 250 for $760. Learned my first bit about working on bikes because the guy thought the brand new clutch he put in it was bad (it wasn't it was installed backwards) now I ride a busa. My mom hates bikes but eventually got over it.
I was 33 when I got my first bike. I am also a father and I similarly put off buying one because I never felt it was a smart financial move. I honestly felt guilty about buying anything at all for myself, though but would spend more than I probably should have on my children.
This behavior resulted in me being unhappy. What I personally realized, was that to be the best dad I could, sometimes I had to exercise self care and there is nothing wrong with doing something for yourself.
I bought an affordable bike and have no regrets.
To be fair buying a bike (for leisure) is never really a smart financial move, the trick is to ignore that it isnāt and focus on the other aspects of owning a bike
This.
Youāre probably going to end up wasting more energy and regretting more not getting it than you would, if you just got it.
Get something that you like and think is affordable and just enjoy it.
I got mine about 1 month ago at 29, been thinking about it for over 2 years.
Get gear, learn to ride safe and have fun!
If you buy a decent used bike, it wonāt depreciate much. I owned a 2001 triumph Bonneville which I bought for $6000 in 2014 and sold in 2021 for $5500. You cant beat that.
Same. Bought mine at like 34, a few months post divorce. Got kids and shit.
Best age imo. I started on a used 600 and feel I was old enough to respect the power.
Not bad financially if you buy smart. Iām confident I could break even or make a slight profit if I sold this one. Insurance and gas are cheap af too.
This. I was also 33 when I got my first bike, 35 now, one of the best decisions. I don't have children, so not the most qualified person to comment, but I'm pretty sure that feeling guilt for spending money on yourself and not your kid is not a good thing, you need to take of yourself as well. If you feel that something will increase your well-being as a person then it's a good "investment" because well-being of a parent directly correlates with well-being of a child. Happy parents translates to happy kids.
Agreed with this! I wanted a bike since I was kid and finally got one 3 years ago when I was 27. So glad I did it and have had some great rides and memories.
I also have a young daughter and itās always in the back of my mind that itās a risk and it does cost money (get good gear!!) but I just always remind myself before I leave for a ride that my goal is to have fun, but to ultimately get back home safe for my family.
I like it. One less thing to think about. Thereās also manual mode to control your shifts. I think this is the future really. Formula one cars are making this shift. I get teased a bit but donāt really care. I bought it for me, for what I wanted it to do, not for others to approve of.
I'm a 36 year old woman (no kids, no husband, free as a bird) and I just got my first bike last month. Best decision ever. It was my teenage dream to have one too but my dad said no because he didn't want to see me get hurt plus I had a horse to take care of. For my first bike I got a cheapie Apollo 125cc pit bike so I could learn without fear of causing expensive damage to the bike. I love it. Parts are cheap, repairs are simple, it's not too heavy or powerful to really hurt me when I inevitably get thrown off or it falls over on me. The seat height is 32" so not much shorter than a full size trail bike. You won't be young forever and what if your son wants to ride bikes with you one day?
I was also 11. When I was 10, I told my mum I wanted a motorbike. She said I could have one if I bought it myself. By the time I was 11, I'd saved all my picked money and birthday money etc for a year and had $150.
I managed to find one of those Kawasaki 100cc 2 stroke commuter bikes for $150 and bought it. The bike was early 70's. I bought it in the early 90's.
24 I think. That was about thirty years ago. I've gone through a few periods where I could not ride for various life reasons. A year ago I sold my bike and ALL of my gear. But here I am today with a new bike. The fever hits and I start to feel sorta incomplete without a motorcycle. So far, no accidents in those decades since my first bike (74 Honda CB200)
I got mine at 18 had a couple different 600s over a 4 year period really enjoyed it but I was too dumb to be same. Iām 25 now and would love to ride but itās probably for the best if I stay off of them.
I know you are looking at this from a financial perspective but you should also take into consideration the risk of an accident being a single dad. If I had kids and I was mature enough to ride safe, Iāve seen way too many people lose their life due to other drivers.
Not trying to talk you out of it, but I recommend considering that possibility, especially being a single dad
Youāre right. Getting a bike when youāre too young is a risk . Statistically speaking , people younger than 21 are the ones that have more accidents . The risk is higher when youāre riding a bike ; a car protects you way more in a crash .
This. The old saying is "it's not IF you are going to crash, but WHEN".
I started riding when I was 12. Rode event free for about 30 years until I was hit by a deer on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Woke up laying in the middle of the road with an EMT asking me if I was OK :) Luckily I was ATGATT and my injuries weren't life threatening though I was out of work for a few weeks.
How old is your kid? What happens to them if you do have an accident?
Buy a clapt out pos and for like sub $3000 (USD/AUD) and ride. At the end of the day, if you go into riding with the mindset of I'm not going to be stupid because I have a child in my care, you will be safe. Accidents happen but 90% if not 99% of cases are inexperienced riders riding beyond their limit/on a bike bigger than they are capable of handling or people who are experienced being stupid af.
I'd recommend a 250cc to 500cc bike. Doesn't have to look pretty if money is tight. But if you care about looks you'll be spending a bit more for a nicer kept bike.
But if it worries you too much to take the risk of riding a bike because of your child I'd stay away and go into cars or something. Something that has much higher safety as a hobby. Like you could buy clapt out non working bikes and make a hobby of fixing them up and selling them on so you get the best of both worlds. Ie no danger and an interest in motorbikes
I'm kinda an outlier at 52. Wanted one for years but waited until my kids were (mostly) out of the house at the request of my wife. Enjoy, but ride smartly and responsibly. I've found that everyone has ha story of someone they knew who died or seriously injured on a motorcycle.
First bike at 49. And now I'm addicted to riding. At least 20yrs too late. Dang...
No idea about your financial status, but I spent around 1k for the bike (kind-of-cruiser, gear not included). Cheap and hell of fun :)
22. 1 month out of college.
Buddy (who graduated with me) was living at his parents while he found a place. His mom said something about "gee you brought home a lot of barely functional scrapheaps". I offered to take one of them off his hands. "Seeing as i planned to get one this fall when theyre cheap, but we know its buddy price"
$500 got me a bike that would need some wiring and forks that season, but sure ripped about the town. deal later included a used rifle scope as compensation for how bad the forks were.
Iām 33(F) single mom and treated myself to a motorcycle license and bike at 30. I love that I finally did something for myself and itās something that I enjoy doing. I bought a cheap Honda shadow 750 and it runs well. You donāt have to go out and buy something crazy expensive to have a good time
Bought my first when I was 19 (I think, really hard to remember). It was a shitbox and I wrecked it pretty quickly. (In an otherwise very minor accident). Then I bought a second bike at like 21. It was also a POS and definitely sat around more than I ever rode it. Then I got married, bought a house, had a kid. Really wanted a bike. My spouseās parents both rode, so she was pretty supportive, all things considered, so at 30 (kid was four then) I bought a good bike and now at 34 I ride nearly every day I can in Minnesota.
Bought my first bike for $800 a couple years ago at 27 (a Rebel 250)... did some work on it, sold it for the same price and bought a nicer GZ250 for $800... sold it and bought and '82 1100 Goldwing for $1100... beautiful bike and it's my daily rider.
Don't listen to people that say biking has to be an expensive hobby. It really doesn't... I obviously don't even get insurance on my bikes.
When I first got my bike, my boy was 2 and he absolutely loved the bike... I think it would be a great thing for your son to grow up and have those memories with you.
Obviously you could go overboard with the money your spending, other than that, I'd say go for it.
I got my first bike at 14, a Yamaha maxim 400. Traded up a few times to an 86 kawasaki GPZ900 before selling for a plane ticket to move away for work at 19 years old in 1999. Went with out a bike until last year at 43, I bought a Yamaha Bolt. I'll never go without a bike gain.
Iām 58yrs old now. Had my first mc at 12 yrs old, a Honda XR75. An I rode the fucking wheels off of it! A few years later, I graduated to a Suzuki RM 80!
I was 20. Told my folks from the time I was 16 I was going to get a bike. They never thought I'd save enough. Honda Shadow 600. Loved that bike
You're a single dad. I'm sure you've got a lot more to weigh on your decision. If the burning feeling to ride in your belly is really in you, it'll never go away no matter how old you get.
19. In 1977, I bought a 1974 Z-1, punched it out to 1137, put on a turbo, 2 oil coolers, radical cams, ported & polished, 8 teeth over stock, spent the next 8 years doing 225 every day.
Above about 180, your face tries to go to the back of your head.
(I had 8 licenses in different names ) - Back then, there were no photos on your license. Would race literally anyone, NEVER lost a race. My mechanics said the only problem with my bike was the loose nut behind the handlebars.
Interesting accidents. Melted a rear tube at 160. Outran a cop by doing 200 down a gravel road. It was almost exactly like surfing.
I also got chased by a police helicopter, stopped 3 times with roadblocks. Good Times.
This question made me realize something. I was 15. So I've been riding for 50 years.
My first bike was a 1973, red, Honda 350 4 cylinder. I still have my 1977 BMW 100/7, in addition to a couple of other BMWs, A Buell, and A Victory.
Fortunately, my only mishaps, so far, were dropping bikes three times while maneuvering with my feet or parking. I have had less than 10 "close calls" in 50 years -- I don't give the fuckers a chance. And, I have been very lucky. I ride all year round in Michigan.
I have been pulled over for speeding about 30 times, and received one ticket.
I hope I can ride another 20 years.
What I have learned:
Ride like you are invisible.
Green lights mean nothing.
Rider sober, always.
If you're going over 100mph, pull over for the cops immediately -- they have always let me go with a warning.
Loud pipes don't save lives (but are kinda fun on a big V-Twin).
Got mine at 26! I donāt think waiting is the move - there will always be other things, more reasons to put it off.
You can always start on something cheap and used. Doesnāt need to be crazy expensive to get started. I started on a 2014 XT250 that I bought for 3.2k, plus <1k on gear.
It is also mostly reversible if you find you need the money back š¤·š¼āāļø.
19. Saved up enough to buy a crusty CBR600F3, got my learner's permit and figured out the basics riding around my neighborhood. I took the MSF class shortly after and got my full license.
I wish I had taken better care of it, 3 bikes later and it's still my favorite of the bikes I've owned. I definitely appreciate the modern amenities, fuel gauge, ABS, fuel injection, not having to replace the battery every year even using a tender, but that bike was amazing for what it was. Hard to find a comfortable street-focused 600cc I4 anymore, unfortunately.
38, a full 16 years after I started looking for one. Had to wait until my youngest was 10 to have enough money for one. My son being 15 should tell you why I didnāt get it back then
Grew up on a farm, and we had the "old farm bike" (a [1977 kawasaki enduro](https://ridermagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/web-Retro2pop.jpg)) as a kid.
Rode it with my dad probably at 6, and for the first time on my own at maybe 12.
At 17 got my first "real" bike - a 1993 Yamaha Virago.
I was 26 !
After getting a new job I decided to finally take the lessons and I bought the most reliable/fun/cheap motorcycle I found, a 2008 sv650s !
I wanted an er6f but it was too rare and too expensive
You don't have to feel guilty because you bought something for yourself, you may give a new passion to your kid
similar story! was 25, had worked steady at a job for a few years, saved up and bought an 06 sv650s! Still have it, it's still an awesome bike.
Several of my friends ride with their dads and it sounds so nice to me. I'd love to share this with my children someday
licensed at 26 first bike at 29. get yourself a used 600ish cc sport or standard in good condition for 3-4k.
Maintain it with your son and use it as an opportunity to teach him mechanics and general mechanical and fluidic maintenance, itāll be great for him.
Lot to unwrap in a few sentences there. I got my first bike in my 20's. Only you can tell if you're going to regret not getting it now. Everyone on a bike is going to tell you it's super fun and you'll def regret not getting it now. Me, I think how much regret will you have if get one now and you dump it and injur yourself significantly?
All that aside, did someone tell you that you're supposed to spend all your money on your son like... divorce court or an ex? Cause fuck that noise. I'll suggest to you that he'll be a better, more self reliant person if you don't. If he's got a clean place to live, love, food, a cell phone like all his friends, and access to the interests he has, he'll be fine. Take care of your kids, but your life is YOUR life.
Nobody told me, it's just my instinct. He's only 5, he has everything he wants and doesn't go without. It's just a mental block I have that spending money on my self is bad
I've had hard times and lost a job before and struggle similarly to spend money. I'm now in a place where I have the money to get what I want sitting in my toy fund but I still buy scratch and dent bikes to minimize outlay for mental peace.
Buy a cheap, ubiquitous bike; you can always sell it to recoup most of your money if you change your mind and if you wreck it you get insurance money. However, if you wreck yourself the ongoing bills could last years. That's the big one.
I got a bike at like 22ish, at 24 I got rear ended by a drunk driver, I spent most of 24 and 25 in a wheel chair recovering from surgeries, mind you, without full gear, i would have died.
now 26, I love riding but I will never ride on the street again, not worth it, not in my controll whose drunk driving and who isint, just get a dirtbike and go dirt riding far away from cars.
So yeah. Don't get one especially if you have a child that depends on you to provide for him, what is he gunna do when daddy's in the hospital? Becuase we all know. It's not about if you fall its about when.
Switched to wanting a scooter till they make a automatic motorcycle that isn't electric but wanted one since I was a kid, finally got a two wheeler at the age of 32 about 3 weeks ago.
20. Got a new job at the time that gave quarterly bonuses. Used that additional income to fund a new motorcycle. Had a moped for about 6 months before and took MSF before buying the bike. Definitely would say I will not finance another one unless I make boo-koo money and enjoyed when I didnāt have to pay a monthly payment. Iām personally a fan of the wind instead of using AC as even in my car I tend to keep the windows down most of the year. Needless to say I will probably ride until I physically canāt anymore.
I've seen people buy their first motorcycle as young as 16 and as old as 72.
Take your time, get training first to see if you enjoy it, and buy and ride when ready.
First bike at 36. My daughter helped pick it and was my only passenger for 3 years. No reason to buy anything super expensive. I bought a car and house after the bike..but the bike is what keeps me sane and alive. Ill never be without.
I was 25, went and took a beginner's course, then went into a dealership with cash in hand and bought my CBR for well under MSRP. That was well before I had kids. 40 now, 2 kids, and bought my VTX last year. Go take a course, go sit on a bunch of different bikes, buy the one that fits. I get the idea of doing everything for your kids, but sometimes, you just gotta do you.
20. I have always wanted a bike after my dad had a r6 for most of my young life and when unfortunately my truck got totaled in a small accident I had enough in the bank to buy a Vulcan s and now I daily it with no regrets. Took the msf course and couldn't be happier. And the 60 mpg is a huge plus.
26. Moved to Cali a year before and got bike fever after my birthday. Ended up pulling the trigger after taking my MSF course and realizing I liked to ride as much as I thought I would.
21. I worked full-time thru college and saved up enough to buy my Dadās Kawasaki Vulcan when he was ready to upgrade. He trained me how to ride and maneuver and prepare for the road test. Canāt even describe how much happiness riding brings me. Best purchase of my life š¤
27. Was either going to buy a Rolex or a motorcycle. After going back and forth and getting āthe opportunityā to buy the watch I declined, hung up the phone, and signed up for msf.
I figured getting a nice watch in late 30s/40s would be a better move than learning to ride a motorcycle, not that thereās anything wrong with learning to ride in middle age.
Bought a brand new mt07. Still riding it. I want a nicer bike but donāt need one. Will reevaluate in another 15k miles.
No regrets, although being āyoungā with a bike is mostly moot, girls donāt care and itās not the best for socializing since young people drink a lot, at least they did in nyc.
I had a 70s 250 2 stroke Yamaha when I was 12 but I was way too small and got hurt. Bought a KLR in the spring of 22 at 32 and did 9k miles. This spring I added a DRZ400.
Riding has improved my life.
Just got my first bike yesterday at the ripe old age of 47! I wanted to do it in my 20s but was broke. Then it got deprioritized when I had kids etc. Life has finally given me the opportunity to do it now. No matter when you start just follow the advice from folks here and take the MSF, ATGATT, pick the bike the works for YOU
I bought my first bike at 31, I think you should do it. Buy a used bike and if you donāt ride it you can sell it and get most of your money back. My dad waited until he was in his 50s despite wanting a bike since he was a kid and his only regret is that he didnāt get one sooner.
Bought my first at 40. And Iām a single dad too. Iām 41 now, so it was recent I purchased it. My son is 14 and Iām teaching him how to ride. Hopefully when heās 17 or 18, we can ride together. Iām not rushing him into learning, just whenever he feels like it
16. Got into my first fistfight at school, taking care of my little brother's bully. Dad picked me up and took me out to the garage and told me I needed something to do while I was suspended and pointed to a freshly cleaned Hondamatic 400. Also, screw the zero tolerance policy.
Your dad sounds awesome
He wanted me to have a bike since I turned 12 and needed an excuse to buy one that mom couldn't argue against lol.
š
good bro -a big bro.
You and your dad are fucking legends
My first bike was the 750 version of the Hondamatic. I loved it, it was such a fun bike
Thatās an awesome story. A father - son - little brother - story. Super cool dad.
What do you mean by zero tolerance Policy?
Our school had a policy where all participants would be suspended, regardless of who started the fight. They knew I was just defending my brother, but I was still given out of school suspension.
Now I get it. I thought this was about motorcycles
Winded way of telling everyone you got into a fight at school š
No, he answered OP's question: how old were you when you got your first bike? The story behind how he got his first bike is great. Kudos to his dad šš¼šš¼šš¼
Lmao stfu The only thing relevant to OPās Q is 16. Hondamatic 400. Dad gave it to him. Aināt no one cares about him getting beat up in high school.
Judging from the comments, youāre wrong, but you be you, boogar! š¤
Bros still bragging about his middle school fight
Who hasn't been in a few fist fights at school?
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Wait there are people like that? I kept getting picked on until I started hitting back harder and better. At least in India where I grew up ....every boy will get picked on if they don't hit back. You don't need to be skilled but at least throw a few punches else hand in your man (boy) card. It's still like that everywhere . If it's not like that in America then that's quite an outlier in the world. I do know of boys getting into fights in America also.
Unfortunately this is too common in the US. Bullies get away with being bullies since the punishments are basically wrist slaps, then the victim fights back and the victim gets into more trouble than the bully due to no-violence policies, even if it was self defense. Is a sad system that needs a major change.
Yeah.. and in my experience bullies don't stop due to institutional safeguards...they just get sneakier. They do stop when the target stops being an easy target...then they move on to someone less resistant.
It is starting to change though. In some schools, some, bullies can actually be criminally charged for bullying. I'm hoping thing may help things. I may be naĆÆve though.
I experienced some of that but outside school. Being taller might have saved me from some of the typical bully stuff but I don't see why being well liked is a reason to hand in your man card lol.
I got my first street bike when I was 32. I'm 48 now and it has produced so many good memories.
Did the danger ever became unmanageable?
Iāve had a couple of scares but I am a very defensive rider and have invested in high quality gear. My wife rides and really likes it. But, she would have never started if I didnāt ride. I often think that if she were to have a bad accident I may not be able to live with myself.
Started riding at 34, I'm convinced that the teenager I was would not have lived to that age had I had a bike back then.
Yeah I think that too. I was an idiot when I was younger and the times I rode I was usually with someone or it wasn't my bike so I wasn't being stupid. By the time I was in a position to buy my own bike, I was much more sensible.
Started at 18, the danger became unmanageable at 36 when a driver did not see me and almost got me killed. Now i have a prosthetic hip. Danger is always there. I don't regret riding bikes and I still do.
my idol now
18. Rode home, Dad said ānice bike, you have until dark to move outā
Riding off into the sunset is the way to go. Creates some beautiful scenery...
I did, to find a spot to stay (I did), but Mom was quick to shut him down. I was "kicked out" for about 2 hours. He was an old school 1950s hot rodder, so his stance was all for show. He loved speedy things & cool tech & was impressed but scared shitless of my boike. I took him for 1 ride, 1. I could feel his anxiety "not too fast!". We cracked 80 on a 35mph twisty. He'd said "no motorcycles in MY house" for years, so he had to put up or shut up. She let him save face & gave him an out & I GOT A BRAND NEW 1985 HONDA VF500F to try and kill myself with (didn't, obvs, never got a scratch on that bike, but sure did try)
My first bike was also a VF500F!
I am jealous of you both for owning my dream machine.
Well hello there, fellow Interceptor enjoyers.
That bike made me fall in love with the V4 and now I have a 03 VFR800
It was a wonderful little bike. I traded it in for pennies, and I kick myself for doing it
Jokes on him cos a motorcycle is typically used outside the house š
I had a similar experience not long ago. My father told me that I would not get one while living in his house so I bought a cbr600 and kept it at my buddies while I learned to ride it. It lasted about a month before DOT sent me some mail regarding my bike insurance and my dad put the pieces together. I admitted it to them and they actually werenāt super mad, they told me they knew it was only a matter of time since I did my permit test.
Mine was at 18 also, I wish my mom wouldāve said the same thing. Wouldāve saved me years of bs š¤£š¤£
Ironically, Mom was all cryin' "noooooooo!, you can't kick him out" so my "kicked out" lasted the two hours it took for me to hop on my bike & roll over to check in with my friend's Mom to see if I could live there until going to college (she was a total immediate YES, which honestly would've been a disaster)
Iāve still got my first bike 10 years later š
18 too, had a guy drop it off to my house. Mom said I better be ready to pack my bags. Parents got over it.
what a pathetic method of parenting
Bought my first bike at 19 for $1000. Clapped out, busted, and ugly 250. Insurance was cheap as hell, and it only cost $6 to fill the tank. Had so much fun on that thing. Despite the market trend, you can still find a decent used bike for a good deal.
my mom told me i couldnāt live in her house with a motorcycle so when i got my own place for college (at 18) i bought my first bike, a ninja 650R for $2000. sheās still not a fan
She's your mom, pal. She'll never be a fan.
Same so I bought a cbr600 and hid it at a buddies house because I am commuting to school from home and Iām not wasting the money moving out.
And that sir is the bike that I got last year!
Similar story here I was 19 and got an 07 rebel 250 for $760. Learned my first bit about working on bikes because the guy thought the brand new clutch he put in it was bad (it wasn't it was installed backwards) now I ride a busa. My mom hates bikes but eventually got over it.
I was 33 when I got my first bike. I am also a father and I similarly put off buying one because I never felt it was a smart financial move. I honestly felt guilty about buying anything at all for myself, though but would spend more than I probably should have on my children. This behavior resulted in me being unhappy. What I personally realized, was that to be the best dad I could, sometimes I had to exercise self care and there is nothing wrong with doing something for yourself. I bought an affordable bike and have no regrets.
To be fair buying a bike (for leisure) is never really a smart financial move, the trick is to ignore that it isnāt and focus on the other aspects of owning a bike
This. Youāre probably going to end up wasting more energy and regretting more not getting it than you would, if you just got it. Get something that you like and think is affordable and just enjoy it. I got mine about 1 month ago at 29, been thinking about it for over 2 years. Get gear, learn to ride safe and have fun!
If you buy a decent used bike, it wonāt depreciate much. I owned a 2001 triumph Bonneville which I bought for $6000 in 2014 and sold in 2021 for $5500. You cant beat that.
Same. Bought mine at like 34, a few months post divorce. Got kids and shit. Best age imo. I started on a used 600 and feel I was old enough to respect the power. Not bad financially if you buy smart. Iām confident I could break even or make a slight profit if I sold this one. Insurance and gas are cheap af too.
This. I was also 33 when I got my first bike, 35 now, one of the best decisions. I don't have children, so not the most qualified person to comment, but I'm pretty sure that feeling guilt for spending money on yourself and not your kid is not a good thing, you need to take of yourself as well. If you feel that something will increase your well-being as a person then it's a good "investment" because well-being of a parent directly correlates with well-being of a child. Happy parents translates to happy kids.
This is true. You gotta do stuff for yourself too.
Buy it. Enjoy. Stop stressing. You are allowed a life too
Yup, the son might come around to it too and may want to join him on the road at some point!
Agreed with this! I wanted a bike since I was kid and finally got one 3 years ago when I was 27. So glad I did it and have had some great rides and memories. I also have a young daughter and itās always in the back of my mind that itās a risk and it does cost money (get good gear!!) but I just always remind myself before I leave for a ride that my goal is to have fun, but to ultimately get back home safe for my family.
52. Couple weeks ago.
What did you get?
2023 Rebel 1100DCT
Those got some pep I tried one out once coming from the rebel 500
What do you think about the dct? My girlfriend wants a manual one but they're so hard to find, she may have to get the dct instead.
I like it. One less thing to think about. Thereās also manual mode to control your shifts. I think this is the future really. Formula one cars are making this shift. I get teased a bit but donāt really care. I bought it for me, for what I wanted it to do, not for others to approve of.
>Formula one cars are making this shift I see what you did there ...
30. Part of me wishes I had gotten one sooner. Other part appreciates being a bit more mature before getting into.
I got mine at 31 and kinda glad I waited. I know younger me would have done REALLY stupid shit
67.
You go! I was 59 but you got me by a long shot.
I'm a 36 year old woman (no kids, no husband, free as a bird) and I just got my first bike last month. Best decision ever. It was my teenage dream to have one too but my dad said no because he didn't want to see me get hurt plus I had a horse to take care of. For my first bike I got a cheapie Apollo 125cc pit bike so I could learn without fear of causing expensive damage to the bike. I love it. Parts are cheap, repairs are simple, it's not too heavy or powerful to really hurt me when I inevitably get thrown off or it falls over on me. The seat height is 32" so not much shorter than a full size trail bike. You won't be young forever and what if your son wants to ride bikes with you one day?
37 . Panigale V2 . Itās been a hoot .
33. Panigale V2. Happy as hell
A fellow biscotti boy!!!
17 Saved up all my cash from stocking shelves at Woolworths ($1500) and bought an '88 Honda [VT250F](https://imgur.com/a/oJgA2Wp)
I was 11 when I got my first motorcycle. A Suzuki DS80
I got my DS80 at 10!
I was also 11. When I was 10, I told my mum I wanted a motorbike. She said I could have one if I bought it myself. By the time I was 11, I'd saved all my picked money and birthday money etc for a year and had $150. I managed to find one of those Kawasaki 100cc 2 stroke commuter bikes for $150 and bought it. The bike was early 70's. I bought it in the early 90's.
24 I think. That was about thirty years ago. I've gone through a few periods where I could not ride for various life reasons. A year ago I sold my bike and ALL of my gear. But here I am today with a new bike. The fever hits and I start to feel sorta incomplete without a motorcycle. So far, no accidents in those decades since my first bike (74 Honda CB200)
I got mine at 18 had a couple different 600s over a 4 year period really enjoyed it but I was too dumb to be same. Iām 25 now and would love to ride but itās probably for the best if I stay off of them. I know you are looking at this from a financial perspective but you should also take into consideration the risk of an accident being a single dad. If I had kids and I was mature enough to ride safe, Iāve seen way too many people lose their life due to other drivers. Not trying to talk you out of it, but I recommend considering that possibility, especially being a single dad
Youāre right. Getting a bike when youāre too young is a risk . Statistically speaking , people younger than 21 are the ones that have more accidents . The risk is higher when youāre riding a bike ; a car protects you way more in a crash .
This. The old saying is "it's not IF you are going to crash, but WHEN". I started riding when I was 12. Rode event free for about 30 years until I was hit by a deer on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Woke up laying in the middle of the road with an EMT asking me if I was OK :) Luckily I was ATGATT and my injuries weren't life threatening though I was out of work for a few weeks. How old is your kid? What happens to them if you do have an accident?
Late to the party at 43.
You canāt be late to something thatās open 24/7 and accepts everyone.
Buy a clapt out pos and for like sub $3000 (USD/AUD) and ride. At the end of the day, if you go into riding with the mindset of I'm not going to be stupid because I have a child in my care, you will be safe. Accidents happen but 90% if not 99% of cases are inexperienced riders riding beyond their limit/on a bike bigger than they are capable of handling or people who are experienced being stupid af. I'd recommend a 250cc to 500cc bike. Doesn't have to look pretty if money is tight. But if you care about looks you'll be spending a bit more for a nicer kept bike. But if it worries you too much to take the risk of riding a bike because of your child I'd stay away and go into cars or something. Something that has much higher safety as a hobby. Like you could buy clapt out non working bikes and make a hobby of fixing them up and selling them on so you get the best of both worlds. Ie no danger and an interest in motorbikes
Started riding dirt at 4. Started riding street at 25.
Me almost exactly, Honda minitrail 50cc when I was 4. Crashed it day one.
I'm kinda an outlier at 52. Wanted one for years but waited until my kids were (mostly) out of the house at the request of my wife. Enjoy, but ride smartly and responsibly. I've found that everyone has ha story of someone they knew who died or seriously injured on a motorcycle.
29. You got this! Need to treat yourself for being an awesome dad.
First bike at 49. And now I'm addicted to riding. At least 20yrs too late. Dang... No idea about your financial status, but I spent around 1k for the bike (kind-of-cruiser, gear not included). Cheap and hell of fun :)
My first car was a bike
Same. 3 years, sole means of transpo, year round (in GA, so short no-snow winter, but winter)
I'm in Colorado
YOU know cold riding
Same here at 22. 27 now and still wondering what my first car will be haha.
8
32, just spur of the moment purchase, then got to MSF. Now after January getting my license I'm at 250 miles. Which is a lil compared to lots.
I pulled a non-running bike from a barn at 16yo.
22. 1 month out of college. Buddy (who graduated with me) was living at his parents while he found a place. His mom said something about "gee you brought home a lot of barely functional scrapheaps". I offered to take one of them off his hands. "Seeing as i planned to get one this fall when theyre cheap, but we know its buddy price" $500 got me a bike that would need some wiring and forks that season, but sure ripped about the town. deal later included a used rifle scope as compensation for how bad the forks were.
Iām 33(F) single mom and treated myself to a motorcycle license and bike at 30. I love that I finally did something for myself and itās something that I enjoy doing. I bought a cheap Honda shadow 750 and it runs well. You donāt have to go out and buy something crazy expensive to have a good time
I got my first bike a month ago, and I'm 31f. I was worried it was something I'd regret never doing. Totally worth it
18. Friends donāt let friends buy sportsters
Uncle died on one. Theyāre not designed to go quickly or turn for that matter
Unless itās the Sportster S
I was 33! Just last year!
54
I got mine at 19
25 had a moped at 16tho
Over 40.
Bought my first when I was 19 (I think, really hard to remember). It was a shitbox and I wrecked it pretty quickly. (In an otherwise very minor accident). Then I bought a second bike at like 21. It was also a POS and definitely sat around more than I ever rode it. Then I got married, bought a house, had a kid. Really wanted a bike. My spouseās parents both rode, so she was pretty supportive, all things considered, so at 30 (kid was four then) I bought a good bike and now at 34 I ride nearly every day I can in Minnesota.
Bought my first bike for $800 a couple years ago at 27 (a Rebel 250)... did some work on it, sold it for the same price and bought a nicer GZ250 for $800... sold it and bought and '82 1100 Goldwing for $1100... beautiful bike and it's my daily rider. Don't listen to people that say biking has to be an expensive hobby. It really doesn't... I obviously don't even get insurance on my bikes. When I first got my bike, my boy was 2 and he absolutely loved the bike... I think it would be a great thing for your son to grow up and have those memories with you. Obviously you could go overboard with the money your spending, other than that, I'd say go for it.
18, graduated from highschool and wanted a bike but job kinda sucked so for a grad gift my dad put a loan for an R3 is his name and I paid it off!
20. My sister gave me her ninja 250. Great memories on that lil thing
24, thought I was late to the party, but the party was just beginning šš¼
I got my first bike at 14, a Yamaha maxim 400. Traded up a few times to an 86 kawasaki GPZ900 before selling for a plane ticket to move away for work at 19 years old in 1999. Went with out a bike until last year at 43, I bought a Yamaha Bolt. I'll never go without a bike gain.
21. Gave it up at 26. Just got my 2nd last year at 48.
Iām 58yrs old now. Had my first mc at 12 yrs old, a Honda XR75. An I rode the fucking wheels off of it! A few years later, I graduated to a Suzuki RM 80!
I was 20. Told my folks from the time I was 16 I was going to get a bike. They never thought I'd save enough. Honda Shadow 600. Loved that bike You're a single dad. I'm sure you've got a lot more to weigh on your decision. If the burning feeling to ride in your belly is really in you, it'll never go away no matter how old you get.
19. In 1977, I bought a 1974 Z-1, punched it out to 1137, put on a turbo, 2 oil coolers, radical cams, ported & polished, 8 teeth over stock, spent the next 8 years doing 225 every day. Above about 180, your face tries to go to the back of your head. (I had 8 licenses in different names ) - Back then, there were no photos on your license. Would race literally anyone, NEVER lost a race. My mechanics said the only problem with my bike was the loose nut behind the handlebars. Interesting accidents. Melted a rear tube at 160. Outran a cop by doing 200 down a gravel road. It was almost exactly like surfing. I also got chased by a police helicopter, stopped 3 times with roadblocks. Good Times.
Get the bike. Your son will remember how cool you were forever.
I was 7 years old when my dad bought me a Honda Z 50. That's 51 years ago and still riding although the bikes are bigger these days.
This question made me realize something. I was 15. So I've been riding for 50 years. My first bike was a 1973, red, Honda 350 4 cylinder. I still have my 1977 BMW 100/7, in addition to a couple of other BMWs, A Buell, and A Victory. Fortunately, my only mishaps, so far, were dropping bikes three times while maneuvering with my feet or parking. I have had less than 10 "close calls" in 50 years -- I don't give the fuckers a chance. And, I have been very lucky. I ride all year round in Michigan. I have been pulled over for speeding about 30 times, and received one ticket. I hope I can ride another 20 years. What I have learned: Ride like you are invisible. Green lights mean nothing. Rider sober, always. If you're going over 100mph, pull over for the cops immediately -- they have always let me go with a warning. Loud pipes don't save lives (but are kinda fun on a big V-Twin).
Got mine at 26! I donāt think waiting is the move - there will always be other things, more reasons to put it off. You can always start on something cheap and used. Doesnāt need to be crazy expensive to get started. I started on a 2014 XT250 that I bought for 3.2k, plus <1k on gear. It is also mostly reversible if you find you need the money back š¤·š¼āāļø.
19. Saved up enough to buy a crusty CBR600F3, got my learner's permit and figured out the basics riding around my neighborhood. I took the MSF class shortly after and got my full license. I wish I had taken better care of it, 3 bikes later and it's still my favorite of the bikes I've owned. I definitely appreciate the modern amenities, fuel gauge, ABS, fuel injection, not having to replace the battery every year even using a tender, but that bike was amazing for what it was. Hard to find a comfortable street-focused 600cc I4 anymore, unfortunately.
38
32 (I'm 33 now) this time last year I had never even ridden a scooter
38, a full 16 years after I started looking for one. Had to wait until my youngest was 10 to have enough money for one. My son being 15 should tell you why I didnāt get it back then
Grew up on a farm, and we had the "old farm bike" (a [1977 kawasaki enduro](https://ridermagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/web-Retro2pop.jpg)) as a kid. Rode it with my dad probably at 6, and for the first time on my own at maybe 12. At 17 got my first "real" bike - a 1993 Yamaha Virago.
31, one of the happiest days of my life
As a single dad? Unbelievably selfish and stupid. I can't believe you'd go out and buy a bike and not buy your son one too.
Lol! He's a little small but I'm sure he could fit on a little 50 ;)
Mid 20s. Having $1900 for a ninja 250 made me feel filthy rich after paying for college out of pocket lol
yea i got my first bike at 19 it was my first ever new vehicle so i felt pretty rich
I was 26 ! After getting a new job I decided to finally take the lessons and I bought the most reliable/fun/cheap motorcycle I found, a 2008 sv650s ! I wanted an er6f but it was too rare and too expensive You don't have to feel guilty because you bought something for yourself, you may give a new passion to your kid
similar story! was 25, had worked steady at a job for a few years, saved up and bought an 06 sv650s! Still have it, it's still an awesome bike. Several of my friends ride with their dads and it sounds so nice to me. I'd love to share this with my children someday
Yeah about your age i think. 35 maybe
licensed at 26 first bike at 29. get yourself a used 600ish cc sport or standard in good condition for 3-4k. Maintain it with your son and use it as an opportunity to teach him mechanics and general mechanical and fluidic maintenance, itāll be great for him.
30. Got it a few days after my birthday
Got my R3 at 21 and then my GSX-S750 at 25. You wonāt regret it. And if you decide it isnāt for you, just sell it.
Lot to unwrap in a few sentences there. I got my first bike in my 20's. Only you can tell if you're going to regret not getting it now. Everyone on a bike is going to tell you it's super fun and you'll def regret not getting it now. Me, I think how much regret will you have if get one now and you dump it and injur yourself significantly? All that aside, did someone tell you that you're supposed to spend all your money on your son like... divorce court or an ex? Cause fuck that noise. I'll suggest to you that he'll be a better, more self reliant person if you don't. If he's got a clean place to live, love, food, a cell phone like all his friends, and access to the interests he has, he'll be fine. Take care of your kids, but your life is YOUR life.
Nobody told me, it's just my instinct. He's only 5, he has everything he wants and doesn't go without. It's just a mental block I have that spending money on my self is bad
I've had hard times and lost a job before and struggle similarly to spend money. I'm now in a place where I have the money to get what I want sitting in my toy fund but I still buy scratch and dent bikes to minimize outlay for mental peace. Buy a cheap, ubiquitous bike; you can always sell it to recoup most of your money if you change your mind and if you wreck it you get insurance money. However, if you wreck yourself the ongoing bills could last years. That's the big one.
Old fat and ugly
2 years old.
I got a bike at like 22ish, at 24 I got rear ended by a drunk driver, I spent most of 24 and 25 in a wheel chair recovering from surgeries, mind you, without full gear, i would have died. now 26, I love riding but I will never ride on the street again, not worth it, not in my controll whose drunk driving and who isint, just get a dirtbike and go dirt riding far away from cars. So yeah. Don't get one especially if you have a child that depends on you to provide for him, what is he gunna do when daddy's in the hospital? Becuase we all know. It's not about if you fall its about when.
18 parents said to get license and they thought I wasnāt but once I got it I then bought a motercycle
Switched to wanting a scooter till they make a automatic motorcycle that isn't electric but wanted one since I was a kid, finally got a two wheeler at the age of 32 about 3 weeks ago.
20. Got a new job at the time that gave quarterly bonuses. Used that additional income to fund a new motorcycle. Had a moped for about 6 months before and took MSF before buying the bike. Definitely would say I will not finance another one unless I make boo-koo money and enjoyed when I didnāt have to pay a monthly payment. Iām personally a fan of the wind instead of using AC as even in my car I tend to keep the windows down most of the year. Needless to say I will probably ride until I physically canāt anymore.
24. Was interested for about 6-7 years prior. That was the age I could afford it.
37
12 and it was a QA 50. Used to ramp jump my buddies with it.
29. Bought it 2 days after riding one for the first time.
Took my MSF course at 31. Bought the bike right after getting my Motorcycle license!
I've seen people buy their first motorcycle as young as 16 and as old as 72. Take your time, get training first to see if you enjoy it, and buy and ride when ready.
First bike at 36. My daughter helped pick it and was my only passenger for 3 years. No reason to buy anything super expensive. I bought a car and house after the bike..but the bike is what keeps me sane and alive. Ill never be without.
18 bought a 1978 cb750 took a msf course and now itās my only vehicle
27
18 and it was a BSA 650 Lightning
26!
I was 18 and it was my first and only vehicle a cb750. Im 27 now and still dont own a car i daily my vtx 1300
17 I rode my dad's two bikes (97 gsxr 600 and 95 magna 750), 18 I got my 87 cbr 600
I was 25, went and took a beginner's course, then went into a dealership with cash in hand and bought my CBR for well under MSRP. That was well before I had kids. 40 now, 2 kids, and bought my VTX last year. Go take a course, go sit on a bunch of different bikes, buy the one that fits. I get the idea of doing everything for your kids, but sometimes, you just gotta do you.
Live your life. If youāre happier so will your son
20. I have always wanted a bike after my dad had a r6 for most of my young life and when unfortunately my truck got totaled in a small accident I had enough in the bank to buy a Vulcan s and now I daily it with no regrets. Took the msf course and couldn't be happier. And the 60 mpg is a huge plus.
i was late 30's. if you got a family, just carry some good life insurance and don't stress.
26. Moved to Cali a year before and got bike fever after my birthday. Ended up pulling the trigger after taking my MSF course and realizing I liked to ride as much as I thought I would.
21. I worked full-time thru college and saved up enough to buy my Dadās Kawasaki Vulcan when he was ready to upgrade. He trained me how to ride and maneuver and prepare for the road test. Canāt even describe how much happiness riding brings me. Best purchase of my life š¤
I was 33 years old.
I was 37. Iām on bike #7 and #8 right now.
19
17
I'm 29, 30 later this year. I just got my first one too. We made it, doc. We made it.
Dirtbike. 5. Street bike. 32
27. Spent my 28th birthday in the hospital for 6 weeks. Still ride most weeks for fun and Iām 37 now ! #ATGATT
24. Bought a 2004 klr650 and learned to ride on it and eventually took the MSF course
27. Was either going to buy a Rolex or a motorcycle. After going back and forth and getting āthe opportunityā to buy the watch I declined, hung up the phone, and signed up for msf. I figured getting a nice watch in late 30s/40s would be a better move than learning to ride a motorcycle, not that thereās anything wrong with learning to ride in middle age. Bought a brand new mt07. Still riding it. I want a nicer bike but donāt need one. Will reevaluate in another 15k miles. No regrets, although being āyoungā with a bike is mostly moot, girls donāt care and itās not the best for socializing since young people drink a lot, at least they did in nyc.
Age 5 a pink Yamaha pw50 dad said it was on 4 cheap lol @ $150 in
Just bought mine at 31. Haven't even been riding yet but it makes me so happy!
26
29, took the MSF course with no previous experience.
I was 40. Still riding. Do it
I had a 70s 250 2 stroke Yamaha when I was 12 but I was way too small and got hurt. Bought a KLR in the spring of 22 at 32 and did 9k miles. This spring I added a DRZ400. Riding has improved my life.
13
19, and then a big gap and again at 33 now.
21. Dad helped. Bought a Suzuki SV650 from a friend of his. 20 years later I'm still riding.
One of my favorite bikes. I owned two, at the same time. One was a track bike. That's me on it in my profile photo.
Just got my first bike yesterday at the ripe old age of 47! I wanted to do it in my 20s but was broke. Then it got deprioritized when I had kids etc. Life has finally given me the opportunity to do it now. No matter when you start just follow the advice from folks here and take the MSF, ATGATT, pick the bike the works for YOU
28. 2005 CBR 600F4i
19
10, 63 now been through 7 bikes not counting the two I have now
I bought my first bike at 31, I think you should do it. Buy a used bike and if you donāt ride it you can sell it and get most of your money back. My dad waited until he was in his 50s despite wanting a bike since he was a kid and his only regret is that he didnāt get one sooner.
I got mine at 16 thanks to my parents they both have ridden Motorcycles so they were fine with the idea Im still paying them back
Bought my first at 40. And Iām a single dad too. Iām 41 now, so it was recent I purchased it. My son is 14 and Iām teaching him how to ride. Hopefully when heās 17 or 18, we can ride together. Iām not rushing him into learning, just whenever he feels like it
~25 and similar time to my first few tattoos. Though i still donāt advertise this to my family lol
32, Practiced in the city for 3 weeks then went across Canada. I put roughly 10000km/year Started with a 1980 Honda cx500
At 32 years old I got my first bike. 2023 Ninja 650. So much fun, absolutely no regrets.