Good idea to start on a dirtbike?

[blink]

Just have to be safe, they can be deadly like any other, as for the dirtbike its self, its like learning guitar, better on an accoustic first, then when you pick up an electric its easy

[IdRatherDrum]

Well, we are going to be going in about a month, maybe early december. I am trying to convince him not to start me on the clutchless bike but we'll see. I am at that point where all I do after I finish homework and practice drums is watch youtube videos and browse forums. It is hard to approach my parents and talk to them about bikes because I know they are totally against it. Does anyone have any tips for me to start a conversation with them and explain the MSF course. I was thinking of making a powerpoint presentation but that still doesn't help me approaching them with the fact that I am super hooked on bikes.

[subxero]

^ the clutchless bike will teach you some wrist and throttle control which is what causes a large majority of beginner crashes, just getting used to that is a big step so it might not be a total loss starting on that plus brakes and shifter are in same locations. So learning in steps is not bad.

once you feel comfortable with throttle control jump on one with a clutch. Again dirtbikes can be very different and i think the best place for someone like you to start is a small cc 4stroke dirt bike. Any of the 125 four strokes (KLX, TTR, and CRF150) are super easy to learn on and fun as hell to ride.
Again i would not learn on a 2stroke, they have little to no bottom end and working the clutch on a little 85, or 125 can be a fine art. My wifes KLX 125 is awesome beginner bike, it is slightly smaller than other 125 4 strokes as it has slightly smaller tires but still not a small bike by any means. So easy to sit flat foot on. But the bike will actually get moving with out any throttle in 1st gear, just slowly let out the clutch and its off slow and steady and the rest is easy. I could probably adjust idle screws to fix this don't think it was designed this way but i think it is great for teaching people.

As far as the parents are concerned, depends on how firm they tend to be. My mother would have never let me get a dirtbike despite riding other peoples for a few years..... so when i was 16 i went out and bought one, brought it home and that was that

IF they are footing your bills then you are SOL but if not, pay your way, take the courses get your license and the rest should be easy.

how old are you again?

[IdRatherDrum]

Originally Posted by subxero

^ the clutchless bike will teach you some wrist and throttle control which is what causes a large majority of beginner crashes, just getting used to that is a big step so it might not be a total loss starting on that plus brakes and shifter are in same locations. So learning in steps is not bad.

once you feel comfortable with throttle control jump on one with a clutch. Again dirtbikes can be very different and i think the best place for someone like you to start is a small cc 4stroke dirt bike. Any of the 125 four strokes (KLX, TTR, and CRF150) are super easy to learn on and fun as hell to ride.
Again i would not learn on a 2stroke, they have little to no bottom end and working the clutch on a little 85, or 125 can be a fine art. My wifes KLX 125 is awesome beginner bike, it is slightly smaller than other 125 4 strokes as it has slightly smaller tires but still not a small bike by any means. So easy to sit flat foot on. But the bike will actually get moving with out any throttle in 1st gear, just slowly let out the clutch and its off slow and steady and the rest is easy. I could probably adjust idle screws to fix this don't think it was designed this way but i think it is great for teaching people.

As far as the parents are concerned, depends on how firm they tend to be. My mother would have never let me get a dirtbike despite riding other peoples for a few years..... so when i was 16 i went out and bought one, brought it home and that was that

IF they are footing your bills then you are SOL but if not, pay your way, take the courses get your license and the rest should be easy.

how old are you again?

I am 17, will turn 18 in June. But all I do is watch videos on cycles and go on these forums haha. I know the dangers of motorcycles and I live near LA. Not right inside LA so it isn't that crowded and I would only ride locally. Right now I have no problem paying for MSF, maybe a few pieces of gear but the problem is the bike. Now most of you are going to say "wait until you are 18" but I am worried because even if I do turn 18 I am worried that my dad will not pay for college or something. Right now I am thinking of creating a powerpoint explaining why I want it, pros and cons. After doing tons of research I am planning on always riding in full gear.

[subxero]

^ Go for it whats the worst that could happen. Definitely take all the courses regardless of what they say IMO if you can pay for them (not sure at what age you need a signature from parent though)

But even if you have to, start off the roads. Convince them to let you take lessons on a track or something, if that works they will watch you progress in a more controlled environment and will get more comfortable seeing you on a bike and the idea of you riding one. Then take it to the road when their guard is down

just a thought

[IdRatherDrum]

Originally Posted by subxero

^ Go for it whats the worst that could happen. Definitely take all the courses regardless of what they say IMO if you can pay for them (not sure at what age you need a signature from parent though)

But even if you have to, start off the roads. Convince them to let you take lessons on a track or something, if that works they will watch you progress in a more controlled environment and will get more comfortable seeing you on a bike and the idea of you riding one. Then take it to the road when their guard is down

just a thought

Good idea, I asked my 17 year old friend who took the MSF course and he said you do need a parent signature for under 18. Wish I could and I don't really want to wait until the summer because by then I will know what college I am going to.