NO! I wouldn't. In my opinion, it is foolish to let a
teenager ride a motorcycle on the street! It's true that they have
better reflexes, better eyesight, and usually excellent coordination,
but no matter how smart, well-behaved, or responsible your teenager
might be, they lack the most crucial thing required to ride
safely---ON THE ROAD EXPERIENCE!! This is something that only comes
with time. It's far better to let them get the first 2 or 3 years of
road experience in a car, where they will be more protected from
their errors. People with road experience are far better at
recognizing potential hazards. Sometimes it's subconcious, but you
can just feel when something is about to happen. This can only come
after years of driving experience. In the mean time, to mollify them,
let them take a MSF beginners class, get them a cheap dirt bike
(yourself too, for that matter), then make it a family thing. The
dirt bike experience will give them skills that many long time
"street-bikers" still do not have, and it will help cure their
motorcycle bug. I know, you're going to hear "But MOM, But DAD, my
friends get to ride a motorcycle. Well, you're the parent, just
explain to them the above, let them take that MSF class (where
they'll hear about the HURT report), and
it might make them understand your concerns. It also might help if
you make a deal with them, that if they wait at least until they have
three years of RESPONSIBLE driving experience under their belt, you
will then help them buy a bike (if they still have the urge). It's a
small price to pay to keep them alive!!
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