Anyone else's parents freak out?

[Zapp]

Hi, im new to biking and have been thinking of doing my CBT and buying a bike. Ive just sold my car (Corolla 1.6 Gti - a bitch to insure) which i had since i passed 2 years ago when i was 17. Now that im at uni i can no longer afford a car and it makes sense to have a bike, especially as parking is free (not to mention the £15 road tax compared to £160 i had to pay!)

Now the only problem is my parents freaked when i told them im thinking of getting a bike (you know the usual "ITS TOO DANGEROUS"). I dont need their permission, but they're obviously going to be upset if i do go ahead with it.

Did anyone else get any aggro from their parents, and what can i say to change what they think.

[Minky_monkey]

Oh yes!

I was told in no uncertain terms that should I get a bike, I would be moving out!

My folks hate them with a passion. Needless to say, my first bike arrived not long after the conversation, a GP100. I demonstrated to them that I wasn't a twat on it.

Now running a RS125 which I've had since new. They still don't like it, but they're a bit calmer these days.

Also, I have the full kit to wear on it and whilst I know if the shit really hits the fan it ain't gonna do a lot, it calms their nerves a bit!

[instigator]

Heard it all before, and It's a really frustrating problem. I nagged onto my mum to allow, or rather approve of me getting a bike for 6 whole months before I went and got one. I did really want their approval before I jumped onto one.

Basicaly, I bought a bike magazine one day, read it and put it on the coffee table, thinking nothing of it. Next day me dad comes in saying "phwoar, you seen that rs125 in that magazine, you could ride that at your age"......"really, what page?!?!?!?" I asked.

After seeing it and getting excited over one, he said go look for insurance quotes....which I did, skipping out of the room in delight A couple of days later, I find out my maw gave my dad a bollocking for encouraging me into it. I doubt I'd be into bikes if I didn't see that picture of an rs125. I thought all 125's looked shite!!!!

Anyhoo... just work at them, plague them with useless facts about them being cheaper and more fun. Have your ehart set on one, and nag either parent into submission Worked for me.

My mum is now happy that I'm happy but still thinks bikes are lethal and would rather I'm not on one. My dad, when he saw my er5, had a glint in his eye, but his profession was some sort of safety officer on a chemical plant, so he always remains sceptical about them, despite wanting to ride it

Both older brothers think I'm nuts, and try and persuade me to get off the bike.

As for my sis, I've no idea, guess she couldnt give a sh*t lol

[mchaggis]

Humdeedum. Out of my family of 10 (Catholics just in case you were wondering...) Mum, Dad (used to till his sight got too bad), two elder brothers, one elder sister (soon anyway, wants a Virago ) and I ride. My younger brother is probably going to get my 125 when he's 17, so that'll be seven of us. And the youngest sister keeps pestering my mum to take her pillion on the F650, so she'll probably be the eighth in a few years time...

My mum and dad have been riding since the days of yore, the 1970's in other words, but my Mum's really a BAB, went from a Suzuki 2t 250 in 1975 to a CG125 to an F650. She's all for it.
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I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[18aprilia]

yes my mum want mad, my dad didnt care cuase when he was a youngster like me he had a bike, but my mum went nuts she said "you must be kidding, noway are you buying a bike" then she gave in and said you can buy a bike, aslong as you buy the right gear. so i didnt lol. but i still brought the bike, nah only joking i got a leather jacket, but she wasnt to happy about me buying the bike, but any how...... i guess it's your mums way of saying that she cares a hell of alot for you and doesnt wanna see you get hurt... after all it is your mum, i know what your saying thuo.
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Supra King

[The Tot]

It's always wierd how fathers who rode during their youth encourages their son's and daughters to ride, whereas mothers are somewhat more reluctant. After much hesitation, my parents agreed to buy me my OWN bike - first bike was a hand-me-down from my dad - an NRG at that, so i wanted something i can really call my own. My parents are very very cautious about the way i ride and are always at the edge when i'm riding in the weekend and don't phone to say all is ok.

Bikes are just as dangerous as cars in my opinion and you are just as likely to injure yourself on one.

Zapp, one thing that can swing your way is to agree to do their shopping for them. I sometimes come home from college where my mum txt me to get some milk etc - that's when a bike is very convenient - meaning the mother can stay in the kitchen doing what she does best - So little things like that can help win your parents vote. My mum is always happy to see me washing the bike, so it shows them that i'm dedicated to biking and maintaining my bike. Initially my folks did disagree with the idea of a bike - but i convinced them that uni was the ideal time for one and the economics of owning a bike is better than public transport or cars. So, if it doesn't succeed - you can always pester them

"Can i have a bike dad
Can i have a bike dad
Can i have a bike dad
Can i have a bike dad
Can i have a bike dad!" etc
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[Keith]

I grew up on bikes. As a kid, my dad always had them and got me my first when I was 8. Obviously, if you've grown up doing something you love, its impossible to take it away.

Could say I've got a bike loving family so its not been a problem. Dad has always had them, mam likes the look of them but never ridden one.

Of course my parents get worried while I'm out on it, not because of my ability, just because of the other idiots on the road. I'm getting a little sick of it lately. Hate the neglect that bikers face every day, no regard for safety from other road users. During this time of the year, I only ride when I have to. Everyone always seems to be in a rush.
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Aprilia RSV Mille R Edwards Replica - Aprilia RS250 - Suzuki GSXR600 Supersport Race Bike

[mr jamez]

[Zapp]

Thanks for the replies guys!

Picking up on a few things i think my mum would be easier to convince because she's a little more understanding. My dads completlety against the idea at the moment. He used to have a 50cc Vespa back in his day but he tells me he never took it onto the main roads.

My dad never takes risks and is always over cautious, so im not suprised at his disapproval. However, once i get a bike i dont think he'll be able to resist riding it

I think thats the best thing to do. Instead of talking them into it, just get one and let them warm to it.

[ian_s]

I tried talking my parents around for years.

The biggest problem being my old man who used to ride years ago. He used a bike for his main form of transport for many years. He came off lots of times, usually his fault. However, he also had a few moments that could not be helped and he gave up because of it. He also lost several friends on bikes, one accident in front of him and another guy who had a puncture on a brand new bike and was ran over by a truck.

As you could imagine I was never able to talk him round. So I just went out and bought one anyway. I will let you know when he gets over it! I feel guilty about causing him worry but it was something I have always wanted to do. I doubt they will ever be happy with it but they do now accept it.

[Rollins]

My mom still says to me "Be careful" and, "Mind how you go!" before I leave the house for work, even though I'm in my 3rd year of biking now. (I'm 19 BTW)

She originally said NOOOOO when I first mentioned getting a B-I-K-E, but now she's accepted it. And when I had my first crash, she nearly fainted. And the 2nd crash... she didn't speak to me for a couple of days. My dad generally wasn't, and still isn't, fussed.

The sad thing is that neither of them seem to take an active interest in bikes, even though my dad used to pootle around on a BSA Bantam in his youthful years, but he lost all interest in bikes way before I was born. For example, we had this conversation tuesday night: -

Me: - That's a Triumph bike there dad [Speed Four].
Dad: - Do they still make them?

Well, hmm... let me think!
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"... I wouldn't mind doing 130 up to a T junction, but unfortunately my bike tops out at 120 which is gay..."
2005 CBR600RR

[Nighteyes]

Oh yes, my father did the whole 'over my dead body' speech, coupled with the 'riding one of those death traps will be like a pneumatic drill on your spine' (I have Scoliosis, therefore metal rod type additions up spine ).

Needless to say those very cunning tricks failed miserably and now, over a year later he is ready to take his bike test!
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My Precioussss!, My Bikes, The Lord & Master, Canis Lupus!
39. Something nice about the person who sent this to you? She's beautiful, funny, and has a huge heart.

[Josh]

My Dad used to bike a fair bit but on <500 bikes, then both parents got cars and were "practical" and my mum had a 125 for commuting.
Both me and my older brother had peds at 16, he went on to write of three cars and get banned from driving his currently rusty/decaying Golf 1.3 GTI(GTI sticker, that is all ) where as I stepped up to a 125 and then four months ago did my test and got a family approved/safe commuter 500.
My Dad has been through a few bikes since my parents split but he is now on a CB500 and hoping to get a bigger bike again soon, finance permitting. My Mum has a fazer600 now.
My Mum is often worried about my biking as I often go out places with her and arrive a lot sooner than her usually passing her and the traffic in front of her "dangerously" but she understands it and justs asks that I be careful.
My Grandparents (thier opinion is vital as they tend to fund my biking (I'm a spoilt bastard :>)) don't particularly like it, the 500 was okay as it was a commuter/practical bike.
I am not sure how but I have just managed to convince them that a GSXR600 is a sensible choice for a new bike and thusly I will be picking her up on friday.
They worry a lot about me but like all of my family who worry they also accept and understand that it is what I want to do and that I am generally speaking quite sensible.
0 accidents and 0 encounters with the law in two and a half years biking, that stat usually wins them over.
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04 Suzuki GSX-R 600 K4 - Sex on wheels :>
https://img58.imageshack.us/img58/6178/sig6dc.gif

[Ewok85]

When asked what I wanted for my birthday I replied "more bike gear! " so off we went to the shops today. Getting the gear and having people talk about how great the stuff is helps a bit.

[CBRPETER]

My parents freaked, then they threatened too kick me out, using these exact words "If you want too find a motorbike, find a new home while your at it'. A little distracting at first, then when i realised she was bluffing about 1 minute later i was on the web looking up bikes. Just ignore them, as long as they don't see yu do anything stupid they will grow to get used to it.
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Shes my life, shes so rad and shes the best ride i ever had!!

[Stu_666]

Guess that's the benefit of having one parent, one less person to winge at you

I know that my dad would have been ok with me getting a bike as he had one when he was younger. My mum and brother though were'nt that happy with me getting the bike. Work on them and they soon come around. I found it helps if you go over with them stuff like the equipment is a hell of a lot better these days and also the tests you have to pass are pretty difficult.

Of course you can just say bollocks to them and go out and get the bike, but its nicer if they're ok with the idea. They're still not interested in the bike to be honest, but that's not too bad as its like I'm doing my own separate thing from them and it gives me a bit of space.

[JonB]

With me it was the other way round, my mum throught it was a good idea to get my independance, but my dad who used to ride a 250 said I shouldn't because he was dangerously on the road and didn't want me to kill myself.

I convinced them in the end and now all it is, is chats about different bikes to my Dad, if anything he now loves biking again and hopes to get a Triumph T100 Bonneville next year.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[cagiva gezzer]

My mum didn't want me to get one, BUT my 'rents were getting devorced at the time so i got my dad to take me to look at a bike just to wind my mum up.

Few hours later i had to explain to my mum whos bike was sat in the garden....

My money.
My life.
MY BIKE!
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"because one stroke isnt enough and four strokes waste two"

[Fire_Eyes]

I had to nag to my parents for around a year untill they allowed me to get a bike. I think if it wasn't for the dozen magazines and hundreds of posters I had in my room I wouldn't have gotten it. You just have to explain to them that some people might die from a bike accident, but some can also die from tripping of a ladder or whatever. These things aren't entirely up to us to decide but all we can do is try to be as safe as possible. Also, as motorbikes are smaller in size, I learned from my past accident that you can avoid some accidentson a bike that you could not if you were on a car. True I hit a curb, but if i were in a car I would have crashed into another one. But ofcourse the best way for us little guys is to keep nagging and nagging .
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Kawasaki ZZR 400 | K5 GSX-R 600

[Zapp]

Today i was talking to my dad, and just threw in some random facts like, did you know that my road tax would only be £15 for a 125, and he was like really??

I think slowly but surely he'll come round.

[ts50x0]

my dads always into bike and my mum is shit scared, now even more so as ive had 2 accidents in 1 year! oops!!!
anyway shes a bit happier now im gettin a cg instead of my nsr whitch i wrote off.
she threatend to chuck me out too, if i got one. ignore it all mums play that card.
my dad bought me a ts50 for my 16(partly to piss my mum off i think)! and since then ive never gopne back. even witht the accidents.
but it is time to calm down now a bit,(hence the cg) as im starting to scare myself with all these accidents.

[THCi]

Well, my mom is dad's biker bitch. He used to ride a Honda shaftie, not sure what model. But, it was white, it kinda looked like an old time american police cruiser.

When I mentioned that I had contacted the bank to ask for funds, they said, right, get your coat. We'll have a look, and put the deposit down!

Talks about "safety" were done looking at faceless helmits, cheap gear, etc. The only thing they moan at me for is not wearing one of those hi visability vests during the winter. Which is something that Im coming round on, as Ive seen the difference It can make this time of year.

The only time that my 'rents have had a right go is the second time I dumped the bike at one of those mini-islands (f00king things! ) And then insisted that I get on my bike and go down the local training centre. Now, Ive taken two lessons, Im much safer, havnt dumped the bike since. And, can do a proper U-Turn (comes in handy! ).

Im gonna wait for the new year, probably Febuary time. Until I start them up again. What with it being christmas time.



I suppose Im lucky, my 'rents are proud of me for doing stuff like getting a decent job, gaining transport before my older sister, shes 18 months older than me. So, she should be driving and working in an office by now.


Anyways, moral of the story: take them to look at some sensible bikes. And, to talk with the salesmen (if they are bikers themselves, that is). Also, talk to the folks in the gear place, the chances are excellent that they are bikers, or have been, and will help reasure your rents about the safety aspects.

Mind you, all the best armor in the world wont make an artic lorry weigh any less, and stop it crushing you. Just reasure your folks about how sensible youre gonna be. Try not to drop it for the first few months (like you're gonna anyways! ).

Also, my mom's comment of "You'll have to get summit decent! Cant have my baby (said bab-ie) riding round on a nacker box!" Will help as well. Buy a right nail for £500 and I dont think your folks will be too impressed. Also, look after it, as someone said before. It will help, if they let you get it, that is!

Anyways, good luck in winning them round!



Oh, one last thought, you know any bikers about your 'rents age? Ask them to talk to your mom. You never know, it might work. Then again, you might end up moving out over it.
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Past: GZ 125 K4 Marauder, VL 125 LC Intruder, FZS 600 Fazer. Present: GSF 600 N K3 Bandit, GSX-R 600 X(soon)
"We're not gonna die. We can't die, Bendis. You know why? Because we are so...very...pretty. We are just too pretty for God to let us die."

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

I think im one of the few people who's parents both ride, though my mum decided that an auto would be better than a geared bike fir her (though she used to ride a geared bike). And now I get nagged for not having done my test or getting my bike back on the road after it's "restoration", gonna become a replacement soon lol. My Dad's been riding since he was 16 (so that's 21 years now!) and they travelled most of the UK on an old Honda CB400n (old people will know what that is ).

This doesnt help anyone but I thought i'd post anyway
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Leggy_Girl]

Well, my dad couldn't give a toss about me so it's my mums opinions that worry me

She likes motorbikes if she can ride pillion, but when you say "does that mean i can have a bike?" her immediate reaction is "NO!!!" simply because she thinks they're dangerous She wont stop me from doing my cbt and test, or buying a bike, but she always has that 'i'm disappointed in you' look in her eye! That look usually persuades me to change my plans or stop what i'm about to do, but i want a bike so bad that she's not going to sway me on this one! Only problem now is that she'll never help me with the funding side of it, and once i have the bike all she's going to do is worry about me once i'm out on the roads

Why are parents so over protective, the silly things? It's not like i'm going to go out of my way to crash or harm myself?
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"One moment can change a day, one day can change a life and one life can change the world." Siddhartha Gautama

[pipnet11]

Both my parents have been riding since the late 60's and actually encouraged me to get one. When I was 17 i was thinking about getting a car, at which point they said "Dont you want a bike? there a lot cheaper and more fun!" excellent
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I love the girls that do, I hate the girls that dont, I hate the girls who say they will and then they say they wont, but the girl I like most of all and I think youll say Im right, is the girl who says she never has but looks as though she might. - Max Bygraves