QuestionI just got the word that my 21 year old niece just bought a newer used Suzuki Sportbike. I haven't yet seen the bike, but it's either a 600 or 650cc. My niece has never ridden a motorcycle before, and as you may guess, there is a new motorcycle-riding boyfriend in this picture. My niece is a tall, beautiful college student. She always has a job, and works hard for her good grades. Her significant experience at going fast is on skis or a snowboard. Her mother (my sister) was a successful ski racer, but my niece never took to the true high speed thrills of skiing fast. To me, the high speed thrills of sportbike riding just don't really fit her personality. I think that she might be too timid to handle the performance riding machines.
Neither of her parents have roadbike motorcycle experience, but I do, having owned four streetbikes since the age of 16, from Hondas to Harleys. I have also survived being rear-ended on my bike, and feel fortunate to be writing this letter. I don't ride right now, but may again later.
Next weekend I will be visiting my sister (they live 3 hours from me). I look forward to seeing my niece and taking a spin on her bike. Since the sportbike has already been purchased, I want to be supportive in my niece's decision to ride. I have offered (to her mother) to buy my niece some good riding leathers, and have looked into riding classes in her area. The basic class is full until September. My sister says that my niece has a helmet. I asked if it is full-face, but my sister didn't know. Of course my independent minded niece bought the bike on her own without mentioning it to her parents until the deal was done. She's 21, and can do as she pleases, but as a family member that has riding experience, I want to give her some support and good advice on her new adventure.
Your comments and advice are greatly appreciated.
AnswerChristopher - what a wonderful, caring uncle you are! I applaud your desire to keep your niece safe. I think that your offer to buy her some good riding apparel is very appropriate, especially since many younger riders believe that riding in street clothes without a helmet is the coolest way to ride.
The one thing that you can share with her is your experience from having been involved in an accident. She really does need to appreciate that riding a motorcycle involves becoming educated about safety, and learning skills that will enable her to ride safely. Talk to her about not riding after consuming alcohol.
AND, I cannot stress enough the need for formal training - through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or a private motorcycle training school.
You might also introduce her to a website that I have run, as a woman motorcyclist, for that past few years. There are many articles devoted to safety issues, and soon there will be an online forum for discussion about issues important to women riders. There is an active group of younger women riders who frequent the site, and generally give out wonderful advice to riders who post questions.
http://www.her-motorcycle.com
Mostly, if you can encourage her to educate herself, and let her know that you support her learning how to ride, and learning how to ride safely, she may use you as a resource as she begins this great adventure. I, for one, believe that learning to ride a motorcycle is a very empowering experience for a woman, especially a young woman.
Ride Safe,
Christine
