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IMO, yes. Motorcycles are cheap, in many states you don't actually need a license or to have taken any training, and they are seen as "cool", as evidenced by all the unprotected riders on top of SS bikes they can't handle and don't respect.
Sadly, I agree. (Been riding since '96.)
It's too cheap and too easy to buy far too much power. A multiple choice test that anyone could pass gets you a permit. 12-13K (easily financed) lets you swing a leg over a 180 BHP liter-class Japanese sportsbike - or, for the dentist with a midlife crisis, 25K puts you on an 800-pound+ Harley D.
Both nice bikes in their own right, but horrible, horrible bikes to learn on.
I know legislation and regulation are unpopular concepts and go against the entire "free bird on the open road" philosophy, but putting a weight/horsepower limit on what you could ride with a learner's permit wouldn't have me crying in my beer.
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I know legislation and regulation are unpopular concepts and go against the entire "free bird on the open road" philosophy, but putting a weight/horsepower limit on what you could ride with a learner's permit wouldn't have me crying in my beer.
Great idea! Though you are correct - most would not agree.
I wish the motorcycle market included more small standard-style street bikes. The 250s-350s of the 60s and 70s were excellent bikes to learn on, light and fun to ride. If Ducati still made their line of desmo Singles (250/350/450), I'd be tempted to get one. I had a friend with a 350 that weighed 272 pounds dry, and it was a hoot! I had a Suzuki 250cc ('X6') that I rode all over the USA on. Great little bike that would do about 95 mph but was easy to handle.
I recall back in the 50's there was a small motorcycle called the Mustang. That little thing could go 65 miles an hour and there was always an article in the newspaper reporting another accident. Also remember a little scooter called a Doodlebug. If a fat person was on one, you couldn't see the thing, just a big guy going down the street sitting down.
I wish the motorcycle market included more small standard-style street bikes.
I agree emphatically. I learned on a 35 HP Honda CB450S, and not only did I have an amazing time, I learned how to deal with, say, the rear end slipping at 30 MPH instead of 90 MPH - and that is a whole lot more forgiving.
The smaller bikes are made, but not for the US market, sadly.
I had a Suzuki GS450S (my fourth bike, after some bigger ones!), and it was more fun than any bike I've ever had. It was so much lighter and friendler, with entirely adequate power (105 mph). I wish they'd bring the smaller bikes into the USA. With the 'bigger is better' concept that so many people here have, though, I can see why they don't.
I had a Suzuki GS450S (my fourth bike, after some bigger ones!), and it was more fun than any bike I've ever had. It was so much lighter and friendler, with entirely adequate power (105 mph). I wish they'd bring the smaller bikes into the USA. With the 'bigger is better' concept that so many people here have, though, I can see why they don't.
Yeah, 'bigger is better' doesn't just apply to bikes either - cars are bigger, houses are bigger, and debt is bigger because of it all.
I had a Suzuki GS450S (my fourth bike, after some bigger ones!), and it was more fun than any bike I've ever had. It was so much lighter and friendler, with entirely adequate power (105 mph). I wish they'd bring the smaller bikes into the USA. With the 'bigger is better' concept that so many people here have, though, I can see why they don't.
I had a wild affair with an Aprilia RS250. 70 HP two-stroke in a superlightweight frame. That thing handled.
I love my Honda Silverwing~600. It has all the power I need and I don't have to shift. Scooters have some a long, long way over the years. People think of a scooter as some 50cc toy but the bigger ones have lots of power and great on gas. I belong to a group in Richmond, IN that is 25 guys and me They all have what they call Maxiscooters and are 250cc and bigger. Burgman makes a 650cc. They are tons of fun.
I agree also that you have to take a safety class and wear your safety gear. But you will never change or speed up immaturity...you just hope they live long enough to learn some things.
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They all have what they call Maxiscooters and are 250cc and bigger. Burgman makes a 650cc. They are tons of fun.
