If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
I have taken my youngest daughter (12) for a few rides now she wants to learn to ride a motorcycle. She can ride a bicycle (of course) and has been riding horses for about six years. I have been talking to her quite a bit about this and she is still set on learning. So, one of the many questions to come is; What would be a good bike for her to learn on? I know something small, that is a given. She does know how to use a clutch and the basics of a manual gear box. (she drives my Jeeps too ) What did you ladies learn on? And how old were you???
Sounds like she would be a natural. BB will probably say to get her a dirtbike first.
Yup yup!!!
After the horses, the dirtbike will be very easy for her to adapt to. A lot of it translates, believe it or not.
As a starter bike I would recommend any of the smaller "off road" models. Honda has the CR100F (I think) and Yamaha has the TTR-125. Since I am a yamaha freak, I can talk best in yami-terms!
First of all, do not confuse the "off road" models with MX. HUGE difference. The MXers are RACE bikes. Off roads are trail bikes. Huge difference in power, delivery of said power and suspension.
The TTR 125 is the hands down greatest beginner bike ever. (for anyone) It is a 7hp air cooled four stroke motor that is bullet proof. It is light enough that small people can pick it up and it likes to pull like a tractor. Top speed on it is 55 mph or so. It doesn't have scary "on" power, it has easy to handle consistant power. It is well balanced and does nothing but build confidence. In no time your daughter could be sliding front and rear into turns like a mad woman.....these bikes instill confidence and drive technique and ability. I can firmly say the TTR has helped me become a better rider FASTER. The only real downfall is the suspension. But it's not like the suspension puts you out. It's a trail bike with a trail suspension. So when you decide to MX it, it tends to bottom out! Especially when doing tabletops! hee hee hee...but the point is, it WILL do it.
My 9 year old (soon to be 10) just moved up to her first TTR. She LOVES it. I have a video of her on it here: http://www.gntbldr.com/Cheddar_Mafia.../Practice1.wmv
She is in the first portion of it. AND this was only her second time on it. Well, her second time on pavement too. The second portion shows two of my riders practicing for our upcoming endurance race....keep in mind one is on the same TTR as my daughter and the other guy is on a YZ80 (The guy dragging his knees-YZ is a two stroke MX bike). You can see that the TTR does just fine holding its own with consistant, controlled throttle.
If you are a fan of another brand, just look into their off road models. Suzuki makes a DRZ125 (I think) and Kawi makes a tiny KLX110 that is pretty cool. But I will stand behind the TTR. It is a solid bike, takes a beating and just loves to motor....
Trust me when I say the perfect number of motorcycles is "one more".....it is a disease....This is our garage....no lie. I know what I am talking about here.
Thanks blndebmbr!!! First time she rode with me I told her about moving around too much and upsetting the balance. Well, she did move backwards on her seat. I didn't even know it until we stopped and she told me. Her balance is unbelievable. I know she will be trying to see what she can do before long. Second weekend driving the trail rig and she was doing level two-three rocks. Kid is a natural! Looks like I need to start looking for her a trail bike. I learned on a DS(?) 80.
I should have mentioned that I also had a TTR 125 couple of years ago. Great bike! I took it on the local motocross track and well as in sand pits. This size of bike would probalby fit her best.
Kinda looks like part of my garage and back porch. Except we have old school GSXRs in various stages of construction. My bike is the only new looking one.
Trust me when I say the perfect number of motorcycles is "one more".....it is a disease....This is our garage....no lie. I know what I am talking about here.
The same goes with my Jeeps!! One of these I will have to thin the herd!
Right after a horse, my dad put me on a dirtbike when I was about 14. I had more injuries from the horse! A dirt bike was a great start. I still took the safety course before I started on the street, and the dirt bike experience gave me such an advantage.
Daughter wants to learn to ride.
) What did you ladies learn on? And how old were you???
Especially when doing tabletops! hee hee hee...but the point is, it WILL do it.
Linear Mode
