250 for a daughter?

[ai4px]

My daughters are not-so soon to be driving, but it's coming. So I'm beginning to think about options for them to drive. I've already decided that whether they end up with bikes or not, they are taking the MSF course. My daughter has a dirt bike here that she tears up on the weekends when she's visiting. Step daughter rides with me 2up A LOT... and loves "packing peoples lunches" on the 2 lanes. I think it'd be cool to go to the beach on the weekends with wife, stepdaughter and me each on a bike... but I'm sure by that time, stepD won't want a thing to do with parents

So would you guys recommend a ninjette for these girls? I've never ridden one. The closest I came was a 250 nighthawk at the MSF class... it wasn't very peppy (good for a daughter), but like my old VW bug, it didn't stumble or hesitate when you gave it throttle, it just accelerated. Is ninjette the same way? or more "peaky"?

How about weight? My 650r is what I would call top heavy, the wife's vulcan has a much lower CoG, even though it is a heavier bike it feels lighter but doesn't handle as well as 650r.

How about handling? The vulcan you have to think about what you want to do and make it do it - and it loves to follow ruts in the road. The 650r just does what I'm thinking leaving me to enjoy the ride. How's the ninjette?

Would you trust your 16 year old on one?

[CC Cowboy]

Yes

[massacremasses]

no.

but thats just because im sexist. Id probably let my son get one when hes 16. But hes only 4 right now..


although she rides dirt bikes. So maybe.

[espacef1fan]

It really depends on the route to school, would she have other options in the event of bad weather, etc.

What is the size of the girls?

Light to one person is heavy to another because of three main factors:
-experience, one person is cool on tip toes..the other needs flat foot?
-weight of rider to weight of bike ratio
-overall fitness ratio.

In closing. Have them sit on different bikes and see which one they feel most comfortable sitting on. Also evaluate their excitment/interest in said bike.

[folky15]

Originally Posted by ai4px

Step daughter rides with me 2up A LOT... and loves "packing peoples lunches" on the 2 lanes.

Not quite familiar with that phrase....explain?


Also, you didn't say if she even wants to get a motorcycle? If she hasn't said she definitely wants to get one, then I wouldn't push her in that direction.

[espacef1fan]

Originally Posted by folky15

Not quite familiar with that phrase....explain?


Also, you didn't say if she even wants to get a motorcycle? If she hasn't said she definitely wants to get one, then I wouldn't push her in that direction.

Interest is everything.

Look at all the people inconvenienced by driving..it interupts texting and eating.


imagine if riding on the street does the same for them???? Yikes...

[Jiggles]

The ninjette is a girls bike so yes

[xSean13]

As long as you're prepared to understand the attention it will attract (especially as a teenage girl) and hopefully she won't get caught up with the bad type of crowd associated with young guys on crotch rockets.

[I'm Fred]

I'm also very tempted to ask if she's a skilled rider...

[ai4px]

To answer a few responses in one post....

"packing someones lunch" means to pass them like freaking crazy... drop two or three gears and ZIP.

next...
Daughter's interest.... Wife took stepD to bike shop with her when she went to buy a new helmet. Girl sat on a cruiser bike in the show room and got pretty excited when her feet touched the floor and she could lift it off the kickstand. She said "do you mean I could ride one of these?" So there's interest by SD. My daughter likes the dirt bike and she seems to respect it a lot more than her kiddie ATV. She was hell on wheels on the ATV, but once she got on two wheels she sobered up a bunch. I haven't outright asked either one if they want a bike... but I have picked at mine about getting her one of those sleek looking mopeds.

As far as their size / fitness, my daughter will top out at a curvy 5-3, stepD at 5-11 or 6-0, all leg. They are not skin and bone.

One thing's for sure.... they can't TXT while riding, so that's a plus! ha! I'll have to use that when I present this to the moms.

[ai4px]

Daughter and dirtbike.

[ai4px]

Originally Posted by xSean13

As long as you're prepared to understand the attention it will attract (especially as a teenage girl) and hopefully she won't get caught up with the bad type of crowd associated with young guys on crotch rockets.

You mean like McNugget has? lol

[xSean13]

Originally Posted by ai4px

You mean like McNugget has? lol

I don't understand?

[folky15]

In my opinion, a new driver shouldn't be pushed/nudged/convinced/coerced into driving a motorcycle. Maybe even the opposite, you should try to talk them out of it and then only allowed to get a bike if they absolutely insist and understand the risks and responsibilities of traversing the roads on 2 wheels.

[ai4px]

Originally Posted by xSean13

I don't understand?

I was attempting sarcasm.

McNugget (the girl in TN) doesn't seem to have attracted the wrong crowd.

[Jiggles]

Well she likes girls so theres that....

[Goom]

Originally Posted by I'm Fred

I'm also very tempted to ask if she's a skilled rider...

Was no one else creeped out by this?

[Jiggles]

[nickjpass]

Consider trying the cbr...might be more comfortable since it's a bit lighter.

[tooblekain]

Coming from my girlfriend that wish she started riding earlier: hell yes.


I would say bring it up as an option and listen to what she has to say. Just dont force her to ride if she doesnt...but given she's already dirt bikin..I could see the answer is easily yes

[Ramen]

I think you should be able to get at least two 250s for your daughter.

[I'm Fred]

Originally Posted by Goom

Was no one else creeped out by this?

I creeped myself out when I saw the pic too...In here 16 years olds don't look like they're 12...lol

[Monkeytofu]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

Consider trying the cbr...might be more comfortable since it's a bit lighter.

Tried sitting the CBR250 while picking up an in line fuel filter. In my opinion that seat was unbelievably stiff (compared to my Classic 250) and the riding position was a bit too aggressive for my taste. I couldn't see myself riding that for more than an hour.

[ai4px]

Originally Posted by I'm Fred

I creeped myself out when I saw the pic too...In here 16 years olds don't look like they're 12...lol

They are 12... and that pic was taken 1-1/2 years ago. Jeez guys... I said they were not-soon-to-be-driving but I was starting to think about what they'd drive. Ya know... I got a car that I might trade in over the next few years, should I keep it for one of them or get them a bike... just me thinking ahead.

[R1Chronicles]

Originally Posted by folky15

In my opinion, a new driver shouldn't be pushed/nudged/convinced/coerced into driving a motorcycle.

I really agree with this, the first motorbike should be whatever THEY can afford and it also shows that they really want a bike. This way it also tends to be something small and appropriate for there age.

If it's something you really want to do, you will find away to do it.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by folky15

In my opinion, a new driver shouldn't be pushed/nudged/convinced/coerced into driving a motorcycle. Maybe even the opposite, you should try to talk them out of it and then only allowed to get a bike if they absolutely insist and understand the risks and responsibilities of traversing the roads on 2 wheels.

Yes they should, I honestly believe that everyone on the road should have at least one year on 2 wheels before they are let out on 4. You learn so much more about observation on 2 wheels, can't be on the phone on a bike & are much more likely to look out for bikes, pedestrians & obstacles.

Overall bikers are better drivers, there have been studies done that prove it

(MAIDS report IIRC)

[Carnage]

The ninjette is a great bike to learn and keep long term. It has plenty of power for intown use, unless your a idiot that like to play trickster on the streets. IMO keep that **** on a closed course. If your girls want to ride help them, but do not force them. this bike is very nimble and is very lite. A car has more protection and people are more likely to see your girls in a car. idiots just dont look for bikes. if it were me let the girls pay for their vehicles and they will appreciate and take care of it better, but im sure your response will be that your girls are very responsible and respect everything they have.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by ai4px

Daughter and dirtbike.

She looks in control of that dirt bike.

Riding a sport motorcycle in traffic is way different and much more dangerous than recreational dirt biking.

And that fact has nothing to do with the skills or seriousness of the young rider.

I wouldn't promote or sponsor her venturing into the traffic jungle riding a Ninjette.

If she would become really passionate about choosing motorcycling as a way of transportation, I would push for a 50 cc (minimum 6 months before contemplating any upgrade).

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by Motofool

She looks in control of that dirt bike.

Riding a sport motorcycle in traffic is way different and much more dangerous than recreational dirt biking.

And that fact has nothing to do with the skills or seriousness of the young rider.

I wouldn't promote or sponsor her venturing into the traffic jungle riding a Ninjette.

If she would become really passionate about choosing motorcycling as a way of transportation, I would push for a 50 cc (minimum 6 months before contemplating any upgrade).

IMO a 50cc scoot is more dangerous than a 125cc+ bike because the scoot is always going to be slower than traffic & get pushed around by other traffic. At least on a higher capacity machine you can get out ahead of the cages & hold your own.

[Motofool]

Morgan,

Exactly what they should do during the first times: to stay away from heavy-fast traffic.

In my opinion, the biggest danger to the new rider is him/herself.
Excessive speed and confidence frequently appear just after the first days of practice.
Those, which don't mix with learning the ropes of traffic, will be limited by the low performance from a 50 cc (.......OK, maybe a non-sport 80~100 cc top).

Later, there will always be time to upgrade and learn more.

[kawagirl]

I started on a 4 wheeler, then moved to a dirt bike, and then finally to the Ninja. I originally started on a 600, and it was way to much for me to start with. Picked it up again several years later and have had no issues this go round. I love my 250. If she tears up the dirt bike, she will be fine on a 250. JMO...

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by Motofool

Morgan,

Exactly what they should do during the first times: to stay away from heavy-fast traffic.

In my opinion, the biggest danger to the new rider is him/herself.
Excessive speed and confidence frequently appear just after the first days of practice.
Those, which don't mix with learning the ropes of traffic, will be limited by the low performance from a 50 cc (.......OK, maybe a non-sport 80~100 cc top).

Later, there will always be time to upgrade and learn more.

Even suburban traffic gets dodgy if you're plodding along at 20ish mph & holding them up.

Something along the lines of a Varadero 125 sounds like an ideal starter for a 6ft tall girl, its a tall machine, gives a decent view over most cages & should have enough power to keep up in city traffic.

A ninja 250 would also be fine, if she has the maturity to not go WOT on it for the first while or act the idiot. (she probably does, girls tend to have more self preservation instinct than guys)
the smaller cc machines are usually older 2-strokes which are more peaky than 4 strokes

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

.......A ninja 250 would also be fine, if she has the maturity to not go WOT on it for the first while or act the idiot. (she probably does, girls tend to have more self preservation instinct than guys)

Any reason to go above 45 mph in the city?
Any reason for a teenager to step on a expressway and keep 65 mph and more?
Any reason to deal with a 360 lb machine able of 37 hp and 100 mph at the tender age of 16?

There are plenty of less powerful and potentially dangerous choices for a girl who is inexperienced in the jungle of aggressive traffic.

Adding the HP's and the weight factors to that dangerous initial experience just doesn't make any sense to me.

There must be a reason for many countries to adopt this restriction:

"In most countries, the legal driving age for a moped is lower than for regular motorcycles and cars. Mopeds are typically restricted to 50 km/h (30 mph) from a maximum displacement of 49 cc (3.0 cu in), though there are a few variations."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moped

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooter_%28motorcycle%29

By the way, most of the motorcycles rolling on Earth are low displacement, while GP 50 cc machines developed as much as 10 HP.

[ai4px]

Thanks for the input (most of ya). I guess I should have asked if the two-fiddy was suitable for a young rider rather than explaining it was for my two daughters... (really, a pedobear??)

I would never push them into doing something they weren't ready for. I tend to look out for them while at the same time I try to open as many doors for them as possible... enabling them to do anything they set their minds to. I think the worst things you can do to your children is to funnel them into one life path. Expose them to as much as you can so they have options when life hits them at age 18. The next worst thing you can do is to make something off limits... it just makes it more intriguing - then they are more likely to go and try it w/o your supervision and get into trouble. I had rather they learn to ride under my supervision than to do it later when they do it against my wishes and buy a 600 or 1000 just because I told them it was too dangerous. They'll be ahead of the curve and hopefully not get hurt when I can divert them from a large sport bike into a manageable two fiddy.

What I was seeking here was in a nutshell if they showed interest (step daughter has), was the 250 manageable for a young driver. It's the smallest "cool looking" bike I know of.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions... didn't know the cbr250 was fuel injected, a plus. Some sort of dual sport is another option I hadn't considered.

[Numbersix]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

IMO a 50cc scoot is more dangerous than a 125cc+ bike because the scoot is always going to be slower than traffic & get pushed around by other traffic. At least on a higher capacity machine you can get out ahead of the cages & hold your own.

That's what my wife and I concluded before we bought the Honda Elite 110cc. That size (110-150cc) is perfect for non-highway travel and scoots have some storage capacity as well. It's enough power to get away from almost all crazy cagers. If I were starting now the Elite and new PCX 150 would be on the top of my list.

[bdavison]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

IMO a 50cc scoot is more dangerous than a 125cc+ bike because the scoot is always going to be slower than traffic & get pushed around by other traffic. At least on a higher capacity machine you can get out ahead of the cages & hold your own.

I completely disagree with this. A 50cc scooter does a couple of things for a new rider.

1. Restricts them from speeding, and getting too throttle-happy. Which is really easy to do when you are young and stupid and have no ability to control yourself. Especially when they try to "get out ahead of cages and hold their own" with no experience.
2. Makes you pay extra EXTRA close attention to what's going on around you which develops a reaction time, and attention to the road that is critical for riding larger bikes.
3. Makes you want to take less populated roads to avoid traffic, which does three things, it lets you learn to ride without worrying so much about other cars, and it also lessens obstacles that can be hazardous to new riders. It also keeps you off of roads like the interstates and highways which are no place for a beginner to learn to ride.
4. There are no gears to shift through, so the rider can focus on proper riding technique, instead of spending part of their "$10" on shifting, improper downshifts, miss shifts, or abrupt throttle mistakes.
5. If you lay down a scooter, there is no bike landing on top of you since there is no gas tank and engine between your legs.
6. You will learn traction control on a scooter....real fast.
7. In all reality, the fastest you will ever "go down" on a scooter is 40-45mph...which is much slower than the 250R's top end of 95+mph. Not saying that dumping a bike at 40mph is safer than 95mph, however I've been down at both....and if I was given the choice I'll take the 40mph any day of the week.

Now I'm not saying ride a scooter for a year and then go get a supersport. A gradual increase is more appropriate. 50cc on road riding can really REALLY be a valuable learning experience that translates extremely well into much larger bikes. I spent my first 5000 miles of riding on a 50cc Yamaha Zuma. Would not trade that experience for any MSF class or anything else.

[Numbersix]

Originally Posted by Motofool

There must be a reason for many countries to adopt this restriction:

"In most countries, the legal driving age for a moped is lower than for regular motorcycles and cars. Mopeds are typically restricted to 50 km/h (30 mph) from a maximum displacement of 49 cc (3.0 cu in), though there are a few variations."

There is: with those limits, most states (not sure about countries) don't require a driver's license + motorcycle certification nor registration/insurance.

By contrast the 110cc scoot I owned did require a license, cert, insurance, and registration no differently from any other motorcycle.

MI specifies:

Originally Posted by MCL257.312A

(1) A person, before operating a motorcycle upon a public street or highway in this state, shall procure a motorcycle indorsement on the operator's or chauffeur's license. The license shall be issued, suspended, revoked, canceled, or renewed in accordance with and governed by this act.

(2) A person, before operating a moped upon a highway shall procure a special restricted license to operate a moped unless the person has a valid operator's or chauffeur's license. A special restricted license to operate a moped may be issued to a person 15 years of age or older if the person satisfies the secretary of state that he is competent to operate a moped with safety. The secretary of state shall not require a road test before issuance of a special restricted license to operate a moped.

(3) A special restricted license to operate a moped shall expire on the birthday of the person to whom it is issued in the fourth year following the date of issuance. A license shall not be issued for a period longer than 4 years. A person issued a license to operate a moped shall pay $7.50 for an original license and $6.00 for a renewal license....

[ai4px]

We have no licensing requirement for 50cc mopeds here in SC. We call them liquor-cycles b/c the only ones who operate them are DUI folks. Some call them DUI-bikes (pronounced Dewey Bike. Of course they all have 110cc and 250cc scooters and the police turn a blind eye to a moped going 60mph (when by law a 50cc moped can only for 35mph). I'm really not certain if the mopeds have an age limit but they certainly do not require a license.

Looked up it, moped license issued at age 13. Not needed in cases of drivers license suspended for 6 months or less.

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by ai4px

We have no licensing requirement for 50cc mopeds here in SC. We call them liquor-cycles b/c the only ones who operate them are DUI folks. Some call them DUI-bikes (pronounced Dewey Bike. Of course they all have 110cc and 250cc scooters and the police turn a blind eye to a moped going 60mph (when by law a 50cc moped can only for 35mph). I'm really not certain if the mopeds have an age limit but they certainly do not require a license.

Looked up it, moped license issued at age 13. Not needed in cases of drivers license suspended for 6 months or less.

thats an awesome rule. Cause face it. Generally the only people they can hurt on a scooter is themselves...

[HKr1]

Originally Posted by ai4px

250 for a daughter?

If shes cute, will trade a 250 for her