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 Advice for son's bike
I have a 17 year old son who wants a two-wheeled bike instead of spyder. He says spyder not as fun to ride but he doesn't know because he never rode one. I'm scared of two-wheeler and i doubt there's much difference in enjoyment. Can some of you experienced riders weigh in? Thanks in advance.
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Very Helpful Member
He wants some type of cafe racer, right? 
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 Originally Posted by tnfleming
I have a 17 year old son who wants a two-wheeled bike instead of spyder. He says spyder not as fun to ride but he doesn't know because he never rode one. I'm scared of two-wheeler and i doubt there's much difference in enjoyment. Can some of you experienced riders weigh in? Thanks in advance.
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Here's the best I can do ... and this is just one set:
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Originally Posted by Roaddog2
What did it teach you 
Taught me not to ride behind you
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Originally Posted by Smylinacha
Taught me not to ride behind you
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I would have a hard time putting a 17yr old on either. Not to say that some could not handle it but most are not mature enough or have enough experience. If you do remember safety first, get the safety course, the right size bike to match his experience and size and a HELMET. This comes from a 19 year veteran in the fire service. Good Luck
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Originally Posted by tnfleming
I have a 17 year old son who wants a two-wheeled bike instead of spyder. He says spyder not as fun to ride but he doesn't know because he never rode one. I'm scared of two-wheeler and i doubt there's much difference in enjoyment. Can some of you experienced riders weigh in? Thanks in advance.
I tell people the Spyder is about 90% as fun as a 2 wheeler, and about 50% the risk. That said... if he still insists on a 2 wheels, avoid anything remotely resembling a sport bike. 17 year-olds aren't known for their self control, and if it looks like a racer, he will treat it as such. Instead I'd steer him towards an on-off enduro like the XL-650 or Wee-Strom.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by tnfleming
I have a 17 year old son who wants a two-wheeled bike instead of spyder. He says spyder not as fun to ride but he doesn't know because he never rode one. I'm scared of two-wheeler and i doubt there's much difference in enjoyment. Can some of you experienced riders weigh in? Thanks in advance.
let him try the MSF Course. I personally think a Spyder is too much power for a first "bike". I know I will hear back on that one! A smaller cruiser type (Shadow 750 or similar) would be my choice. Less than half the power of the Spyder. Crotch Rockets are a bit to quick as well IMO for a new rider, but that is whom usually buys them. I am sure he can learn, but i hope that he at least has some road sense that he picked up driving acar for a year or two before getting a bike. That is the "understanding" that I have with my son. He's 21 now and still thinking he shoudl gain a little more experience in a cage before buying a bike.
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The MSF course is a must for new riders.
While I find riding the Spyder just as much fun as riding a 2 wheeler I really don't feel like it's a good "starter" bike. In my opinion because the Spyder is safer than switching to a 2 wheeler without any experience could lead some problems if and when he does switch to a 2 wheeler.
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SpyderLovers Founder
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I heartily agree with everyone who said "MSF course first!" As to the choice in first motorcycles, it is hard for a 50 year veteran of two-wheels to reflect on his experience...they don't sell Cushmans any more. I tend to agree with those that say a little dirt riding experience can't be beat, as far as developing skills goes. I also feel strongly that most riders start out on motorcycles far too large and too powerful these days...and that includes the Spyder. I'd recommend one of the smaller dual-sport machines, say 400 cc. Sufficient to get around in traffic, lightweight and maneuverable, and you can get them off onto dirt roads and trails to further develop your skills without the added distractions of traffic. From there on, with a couple of years of experience under his belt, he will probably decide for himself which direction he wants to take.
-Scotty 
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Originally Posted by NancysToy
I heartily agree with everyone who said "MSF course first!" As to the choice in first motorcycles, it is hard for a 50 year veteran of two-wheels to reflect on his experience...they don't sell Cushmans any more. I tend to agree with those that say a little dirt riding experience can't be beat, as far as developing skills goes. I also feel strongly that most riders start out on motorcycles far too large and too powerful these days...and that includes the Spyder. I'd recommend one of the smaller dual-sport machines, say 400 cc. Sufficient to get around in traffic, lightweight and maneuverable, and you can get them off onto dirt roads and trails to further develop your skills without the added distractions of traffic. From there on, with a couple of years of experience under his belt, he will probably decide for himself which direction he wants to take.
-Scotty
 Couldn't have said it better. Someone else in this string mentioned a Kawasaki KLR 650 or a Suzuki 650 V-Strom. Also good choices for a first bike.
Bruce
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Very Helpful Member
Originally Posted by NancysToy
I heartily agree with everyone who said "MSF course first!" As to the choice in first motorcycles, it is hard for a 50 year veteran of two-wheels to reflect on his experience...they don't sell Cushmans any more. I tend to agree with those that say a little dirt riding experience can't be beat, as far as developing skills goes. I also feel strongly that most riders start out on motorcycles far too large and too powerful these days...and that includes the Spyder....
-Scotty
When I was taking my motorcycle endorsement test, there was a lady there with her first bike, first time rider, and someone (boyfriend?) had convinced her to get this large (over 1000cc) sport bike. She could barely hold the thing upright. There was no way she was going to pass the test on that thing. Luckily she befriended another lady there who had a smaller Ninja and they both tested (and passed) on that smaller bike.
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Let me pile on with the MSF vote. MSF course was critical to my wife feeling comfortable on her first bike, the venerable Honda Rebel. Easy transition to Yamaha 535 Virago and then A V-Star 650 Classic. Too big too soon is a recipe for problems for many beginners.
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Very Active Member
I know a couple of instances that even the  was too big too soon.....just cause it has 3 wheels people forget that it is still a powerful machine
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After 38 years on two-, three- and four-wheeled cycles, I also agree with the rest of the replies that he must take the safety course to earn the right to drive in public, and that the Spyder is too much power for a first bike, for a 17 year old male. I only survived my initial bike years because I was limited to a Honda S90 and a Suzuki RV90 Rover. Who's name will the bike and insurance be in? He's a minor...in many places, parents are liable for damage their minor children cause.
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My first bike was a CBR Hurricane when I was 21, I still don't know how I managed to live through those riding years so yes I suggest a smaller bike because testostrone and a powerful bike is a bad combination
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Thanks to all of you for the sage advice. This site is great because the people care to help out! And i'm a cycling newbie so I need the help. Lamont you should be proud of your marines! Congratulations.
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tnfleming, I am not sure where you are located but in the state of Florida, you HAVE to take a MSF course in order to get a Motorcycle Endorsement. I highly recommend it. My first bike after the course was a 500cc Buell. That bike taught me alot; What I can and can't do.
I am 37 years old. I didnt start riding motorcycles till over a year ago. I know how I was when I was 16-17. I drove like a bat out of HeLL. I was reckless and didnt care about anyone else on the road. They had to move out of my way. I also had illusions of grandeur, thinking there wasnt anything I couldnt do in my car. Of course I never had drivers ed in school either.
When I got to college and later took emergency vehicle operations, I became a better driver.
So education counts for something. If you dont live in Florida and have a choice, still have him take the MSF course.
Start with something 250cc to 650cc range. Just cause they are small doesnt mean they arent fun. Put a loud pipe on her and she will draw attention. Thats what I did. I had a D&D pipe on my 500cc Buell. People didnt give the bike a second look unless that engine was running. The loud pipe gave me a psychological boost from having a smaller bike. I am now glad I rode a smaller bike before getting the spyder.
Just my 2 cents.....
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Originally Posted by kalavera
tnfleming, I am not sure where you are located but in the state of Florida, you HAVE to take a MSF course in order to get a Motorcycle Endorsement. I highly recommend it.
Florida actually just made that a law in July of last year. I have a friend who had been riding on permits for a couple years because he would never take the time to go do the license test. He finally got it done just a couple weeks before the law went on the books.
In the state of Florida now you also can't register a motorcycle in your name if you do not have a motorcycle endorsement.
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In reference to the suggestion that the Kawasaki KLR-650 is a good starter bike, IMO the KLR is a good bike for any age or experience level. I had a 1989 version and it was just plain a ton of fun! With a Super Trapp with 8 discs it had an exhaust sound that was good for the soul!
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and what I really like is not having to balance a 1000 lb two wheeler at a light. No way the wife would have riden with me on a bike but we love to ryde 2 up on the 
. Wouldn't want any other ryde. 
