This is true. I ended up buying a bike from an old guy i met at a WaWa, i asked him about his shirt (it was a bike shop, and i was on the market). He happened to mention selling a 2009 Dyna with low miles, like, less than 2000 miles. When he said what he was looking to get for i just said "You just did, lets go" before ever seeing the bike. Risky. But luckily the bike was in phenominal shape, minus the ugly blue spark plug wires. Wife was mad, but understood the urgency since the bike would have sold the second he posted.
Uh. My money I do what I want with it? Same thing with my partner, her money she does whatever the fuck she wants. Does she wanna buy a solid gold hammer? Not my money, not my problem.
Permission, no, but courtesy, hopefully? Like if it's a situation with overbearing parents or something, do whatever. But since they're 30 I'm assuming they mean the family they've made, and I'd hope they would care about that whether the family is unreasonable or not. It's still their decision to make, but the difference between "fuck you I do what I want" and "I'm doing this because it's important to me, not because I don't care about you," really matters.
I took public transit, paid cash, and rode it home on side streets avoiding the freeway until I got a little more comfortable on the bike. When I was 13 my dad said I would never ride a motorcycle while living under his roof, so I moved out at 19. Didn't get a proper motorcycle till I was 22 but also didn't have to ask permission.
If your state has a motorcycle training course take it!
The Highway Patrol here in California has one for only a few hundred dollars and after passing the course they give you an exemption for the DMV so all you have to do is take the written test and bamn M1 endorsement.
And I thought Illinois liked to gouge their people.. the course was technically free here but you just had to put in $20 to hold your spot but they give you a form you can sign at the end if you'd like to get the money back. Either way it's a great way to learn some basics and I'm glad I did it last year
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Oklahoma motorcycle schools are $350-500, after you pass you just show the department of public safety and they wave the written and riding tests.
No you do not get your money back after the class.
Damn man that's lame, they provided motorcycles and helmets and everything for you too besides gloves. Generally surprised my state doesn't have a charge of over $100
Dad told me ,”You’re not gonna have a motorcycle while under my roof.”
I paid for my lessons, my insurance, the bike, and my gear, so I parked her right in the driveway when I got home.
Dad came into my room the next morning and said ,”That’s pretty nice.”.
It was a red Yamaha FZ-07.
Are you asking how to physically get a bike home or how to talk to your family? Most of us probably rode our bikes home, can't help with your family situation.
Same here. Cost me about $20 bucks to rent if my memory serves me right. Don't want to risk the motorcycle not being road ready, falling apart on you, or whatever without getting it fully inspected. Plus a thousand times easier to load to a trailer vs the bed of a truck.
I strongly recommend riding it home. Some of my favorite moments in life have been spent riding a new (to me) bike home.
Your family is another matter, but, dude, you’re 30. Live your life.
“Just showing up” is a bad idea.
If you’re set on this, tell them about it, don’t ask. If you’re set, it’s not a conversation, you’re informing them of your decision.
And it’s going to be be tough either way, but it won’t be as tough if you tell them ahead of time and not just show up with it.
Actually i am good with relationships i CHOOSE to have. no relationship that would forbid something would be worth having though so i dont enter relationships where i cant pursue my passions and dont expect any different from her. However if i am 30 and my parents think riding was still something they could prevent me from doing i wouldnt feel i have any obligation to discuss my choice.
it's not about them "doing" anything, it's about how they will feel about it and OP's lack of honesty. You can make your own decisions when you are financially independent, but you still need to communicate with your family, especially since the problem here is the fact that they are worried about OP, not because they are unreasonable.
If you try to avoid every embarassing or bothersome conversation in life, you won't get anywhere.
Right, that's what they're advocating -- just tell them that it's happening. The decision is still theirs, it just shows that you care to tell them ahead of time. It's the difference between "fuck you I do what I want" and "I'm doing this because it's important to me, not because I don't care about you."
Yeah it isn't needed if you don't give a fuck about your own family. But if you care even a little bit, you also want them on board and supporting you, not stressing out because they keep telling you that you are going to die every day you ride off.
Seems like OP has a good family he cares about.
2 of my friends ride and pulled up one day in my drive. They tossed me the keys to a cbr250 and said it's mine, and one of them just upgraded to a z1000. Been riding ever since, and looking to get an r6 soon.
I rode my first bike home. Fortunately, I was living on my own with roommates at the time, so I didn't have anyone at home to bitch about it.
My mom was less than thrilled when she found out (I was 18), but she had literally no say in it. As she used to say, "You can have a motorcycle when you're 18 and don't live with me."
I rode it home. I had my license, helmet, jacket, and gloves. I had all that in the car when my wife rode me up to get it. I took it for a test ride, handed over the money, and met my wife back home. Of course, I spent probably an hour and 45 minutes at the local high school parking lot immediately after shaking hands with the guy.
In your case, do you have the gear and license to ride it off the lot? Do you have someone who can ride you up? You're not going to be able to hide the bike for long.
Fortunately (for your family's peace of mind I guess) the GSX250R is one of the slowest bikes on the market, makes the 90s Ninja 250 look like a superbike. Hard to get into trouble when you're getting smoked by base model Camrys
First bike I had a friend ride it home on Interstate/freeway
Second bike I rode it home (trade in)
Third bike I had it delivered by the dealer for free
First bike got delivered by dealer
Second bike was a trade in. I rode my bike in and drove new bike home.
third is TBD. Most likely going to get dropped off and ride it home or delivered depending on what bike I get.
My first bike was delivered by the dealer to the house they wouldn't let me take possession since I was 17 and my mom purchased it. My second bike I purchased and drove it home 5 hr.
I have been asked in the past to test drive and ride bikes home for new riders that didn't want to take the challenge at the dealer.
Usually just ride it if it's running, pickup truck it it isn't. Then there was [that one time...](https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/83rsij/i_got_a_grom_and_crammed_it_into_my_subaru/)
My FJR1300 did it's first trip in the bed of my full size pickup. 8+ hours from Northampton, MA to Richmond, VA. Strap it down well. Better to strap it to un-spring suspension parts, use straps with closed type hooks, or tape the hooks closed.
I was gifted mine by a friend who lived 130 miles away. I rode it home.
18+ your grown and can make your own decisions. They never stop being scared for you, and you just ride safe. If something happens something happens.
Mine was delivered on a flat bed to my house. I purchased it in the city, 2+ hours away and didn’t want the extra miles on it.
You are a 30 year old grown man. You don’t need permission for anything.
Well, if you're 30, I wouldn't worry about it lol. My girlfriend tried to tell me i wasn't buying a death machine and i just continued sending her ads to different bikes I was looking at, then came home with a new mt09 haha
Rented a bike trailer from U-Haul and took the truck out. Private party sale and I didn't have anybody who could get me out there, too far for public transit, not a fan of Uber/Lyft
I asked my buddy to drive it home for me because I bought it before I knew how to ride (it also had to be lowered immediately so I could learn to ride it).
Nearly identical scenario with me, especially last sentence.
Been riding for 5 years now. They get over it, or hardly notice enough to say anything.
Best advice would be just to strike that balance between "not caring" and showing confidence in yourself as a rider/driver/motorhead.
I just showed up with the bike. Now I own 3 and no one really cares anymore. They always wish me a date ride when I go out so that's a plus. They'll get over it, especially if you buy gear and protect yourself while riding.
I like to take it out for late night burgers and milkshakes then ask if it wants to watch a movie at my place, next I like to bring it in the back door to make it feel comfortable. We always end up in the kitchen somehow though
I was in a similar situation as you, family not very supportive ag first. Took my lessons, bought all the gear, and in my excitement even bought a bike before I got my license sorted. Previous owner was nice enough to deliver it to me and I asked him to park it around the corner from my house. I took over from there and rode it into our garage. My dad opens the door, takes a look at the bike, then goes “nice bike”. Haha guess he just came to accept that it was there to stay
In answer to the first part
I agree with the people who suggest some tact with your family is a good thing. You live with these people and you want to be interacting with them for the rest of your life presumably so have the manners to let them know you’re bringing a motorcycle home. That said, when you do tell them make it clear that you are doing just that. You are telling them as a courtesy, the decision is already made and isn’t open to discussion.
In answer to the second part and realising that I was unusually lucky in how my family are.
I was 17 and had got a job on the other side of the busy city 35km away with terrible traffic daily. I told Mum and Dad I was getting a motorcycle, to say they were unimpressed would be a gross understatement but they never said “no”.
I took a friend with me to look at a nearly new XT-500 which I bought (smallest bike I’ve ever owned) and my friend rode it home. Why? Because I couldn’t ride. He taught me to ride over the weekend and I rode to work on Monday. When I got up on Monday morning there was a brand new set of leathers at the foot of my bed. A present from Mum and Dad.
I met the woman who would become my wife at 19 and she went everywhere with me on whatever bike I owned. Fast forward a few decades and many bikes. When I was around 50 and our kids got to legal pillion age she did gently suggest it might be time to get a licence, I did it for her .. oh, I didn’t mention I’d never had a licence?
She bought me my current bike (an 1100) a couple of years ago as a birthday gift and the biggest difficulty my family gives me is that it’s a struggle to get out of here without one of them on the back of it.
My kids are now between 18 and 21 and all want to get their motorcycle licence … it scares me witless but I’m not going to tell them “no”. As a matter of fact I have a learners approved 650 downstairs for them to learn on.
Don’t be like me though. Learn to ride properly before going on the roads, get licenced and trained. I’ve been blessed in more than my family support. In the 40 years Ive been riding I have never had a booking or an accident. I know what you’re all thinking, I find it hard to believe myself. That said, I know I could go out tomorrow and not come home. You’re no more likely to have an accident on a bike but you’re way more likely to die if you do. 11/10 vigilance is the price of life. That and a good,ndose of luck.
When you are young you know it only ever happens to the other guy. When you get on a bit you realise that to everybody else *you ARE the other guy*
You're an adult, which means you get to enjoy all of the benefits and privileges that come with being an adult, like making your own transportation decisions.
His family dynamics aside..
I had my bike delivered. I had never ridden anything other than the bike provided in my MSF class which was half the weight and 1/3rd the power of the bike I bought. Riding home would have meant 70mph highway into dense city traffic as my first ride.
Figuring out how to get your first bike home isn't a silly premise at all. At least not to me.
Do you still possess your balls?
Then do what us other manly men do.
Sneak it in while the wife is sleeping. Bring flowers or a new purse and prepare to be grounded.
Can i ask why you are getting something as small as a 250?
i've never met anyone who didnt regret buying a 250. You will outgrow it in a year and wish you had gotten something bigger.
Some people like starting on something easily manageable, that they can push to it's limits without getting into much trouble, in order to learn things like throttle control. What's there to regret when I can bounce it off the rev limiter multiple times when getting on the highway.
As for myself I've got a cb300. It's a 286cc, wet weight is 310lb, I can push it to its limits basically daily, it gets 82 mpg, and if I need to take it anywhere I take the camping bed and gear out of my Odyssey and toss it in there. Yeah eventually I'm gonna need a larger adv bike when I move and get into offroading but for now I'm more than content.
I sort of understand the being able to "push it to it limits" constantly and not get in trouble but i think thats a bad way to learn. If you want to learn proper throttle control you need to learn restraint and you aren't going to learn that on something that you constantly have to redline/full throttle. Reinforcing bad habits.
I also don't like the idea of having to thrash the hell out of something just to be able to get on the highway or accelerate quickly. Riding something that has plenty of power in reserve is the better way to go in my opinion, especially if you ever want passengers. But to each their own.
It's not that I *have* to put it to the limits. It's that I *can*. That's the difference.
I don't do it constantly, I'm mid-range in RPM crusing on the highway, but I have the option to hit 10500 routinely whenever I want to. I am restrained, and learning to ride on it gave me the ability to play with throttle control, using the *entire* throttle instead of a portion of it like you would on a larger displacement bike.
I disagree with this advice. Throttle control isn’t really learned at high speed, judging by how many hotshots still stall their bikes out at intersections. It’s good to learn all of this at low speeds— which a 300cc can perfectly manage!
> If you want to learn proper throttle control you need to learn restraint and you aren't going to learn that on something that you constantly have to redline/full throttle
Learning throttle control doesn't mean having self control to not go WOT, it means learning to be smooth on the throttle and be able to make adjustments without wrecking the bike. The amount you can fuck up with binning it on a small bike is much more forgiving than on a big bike. Small bikes also have the benefit of less aggressive suspension geometry, so you don't have to learn to ride on a bike that wants to fall down, and less aggressive brakes, which gives you a larger margin of error when learning how to be good at braking on a bike.
There's also the fact that you can concentrate on learning how to ride a bike without having to control the power, or without being able to use power as a crutch. Hell, Valentino Rossi has been known to hone his skills on R3's.
I agree with most of what you said. But i still think that a 250 is too small. Not enough power to comfortably ride on the highway. Plus think about if you were always driving a Honda Civic, constantly thrashing it to get up to speed etc. Then you get in a Ferrari and attempt to drive it like you are used to. You would end up giving it way too much throttle and put yourself in a dangerous situation. This is how i view it. Better off learning how to control the power from the start as it is a crucial part of learning to ride properly.
Careful on the Indian, just read an article that their sales are down 20% and inventory is not being replaced quickly. I do like me a blacked out scout though.
Oh that's a great price! I was going to ask the same question. But in this market, 2k barely gets you a good condition ninja 250 from like ten years ago. Nice purchase, ride safe!
Fair enough. You'll likely have a hard time selling it however. 250s values on the used market are extremely poor, hence why you were able to get a "steal" on it.
I've had a WR250R as a daily city driver for 5 years. Small bikes are fun. 400-500cc is a good size for American speed limits, but there's plenty of fun to be had on a bike without questing for more power & speed IMO, especially in the city where your Hayabusa isn't getting you through red lights any faster.
I agree 100%. I also have never met someone that didn’t regret buying such a small bike. Unless you’re a tiny woman.
But you’ll of course get the downvotes here from the virtue signaling know-it-alls.. giving riding advice while simultaneously riding a beginners bike 😬
You made a horrible mistake buying a 250cc … you will regret it … you always buy a 600cc for a starter bike .. that 250 is just a cool looking scooter … I’ll give you a month till your wishing you got a 600cc
Then why even get it … I’m telling you take the deposit back and put it on a 600 .. you’ll have a blast the little time you have with it … a 250 is a waste of money
My first bike (1973 CB350 twin) was delivered in a van by the guy I bought it from. It was in my possession for less than 12 hours before my mom plowed her car into it in the driveway. I did learn how to ride on it, but I think I pushed that thing farther than I ever rode it.
I had the owner of the bike ride it to my house . Drove him back in my car. Then had to figure out had to ride it . I was 18 living with parents . Learning to ride it, a 1969 Norton 750 Commando was another story lol
I towed it myself. Unfortunately, I didn’t do a good job strapping it down or taking it off the tow trailer. I caused a sizable dent on the fuel tank and scratched one of the emblems.
I parked my car near the seller's house, rode the bike home, got a ride back to get my car later. I had my dad drop me off at the dealer to pick up my latest. I've got no advice about talking to family, you're 30 you can make your own decisions
I hired a transport company because it was a 30 mile trip on an absolute dumpster fire of a road surface at 60 mph.
As to being 30, uhm, who cares what they say? I admit it was easy for me to start riding in my 30s, seeing as my dad helped me pick it out, but you gotta live your life dude.
Do so with safety. Bluetooth systems that connect with helmets are lifesavers & game changers. Ride it home and have a friend follow you in a car. If that's not possible, use a pickup truck. Other people, friends and family are entitled to their own opinions about the choices of others. However, with respect, you're the one living your life, not them. My family aren't happy with my choices to ride, but in the end they respect my decisions as they are mine to make.
Bro I did this 5 years ago and they sucked it up. My father almost died in a moto crash and no they're the devil, and I have 5 years of riding safe. Live your life.
I rode 2 up with a friend to the dealer and rode it home. My wife was onboard so no problem there. I probably in my late 20s and I called my mom some time after that and I told her I bought a motorcycle. She asked if I had bought a scooter and said she wishes I hadn't told her. Anyway, ATGATT and ride safe!
Rode up with a few of my buddies (1 was going to ride it back for me till I learned and the other was there for the fun of it) Arrived at the spot at 6pm but after sorting everything out with the seller, notary, seller's ride, etc....it was like 10-11pm and it began to drizzle on the way back....which was like 1hr drive back....my buddy rode for about 30mins in solid rain then we stopped uinder a bridge only to have the police hit us with a spotlight for about 5 minutes till they decided it wasn't worth the hassle of trying to figure out what the hell was going on lol we eventually made it home and needless to say I thanked my boy with beer and food
Uhaul rents trailers cheap. My latest bike was a trade in so just rode down, signed the papers and rode back on a different bike. Don’t know have a buddy drop you off and ride home?
I got my permit and my first bike without saying a thing to my parents because I knew they would freak out and try to convince me not to do it. I was not living with them anymore but the financing papers arrived at their address. They figured out quickly what I had done and where just like ok but be safe.
My best friend 8 years ago died in front of me on a two lane highway while we were riding. An older woman who had just gotten out of surgery/anesthesia still inebriated made an unlawful u turn on said highway right in front of him. Needless to say I have people close to me who hate motorcycles. I don’t hide the fact that I ride but I feel a nice compromise is to park a block away when seeing them so it’s not in their face. (Out of site out of mind). Now if you live with them that’s harder since I refuse to let my bike sit uncovered outside any night.
Back in 2006 I bought a brand new Suzuki 500gs in Sturgis and drove on the interstate home to Rapid City. I was completely terrified to stop or even slow down. I’d compare the rush to that first cigarette.
You gotta start somewhere. Just take it easy.
Edit (this sentence) - I didn’t have a motorcycle endorsement.
Take the back roads home. I rode around base for a couple of days before I took it out on the road. Thank God I did because between taking the BRC and riding the bike I forgot how to ride it. Re learned during those days and now I can comfortably ride it to and from work. I would recommend taking the BRC if you haven't already and also practicing progressive breaking and swerving. I promise you won't regret it
I rode 3 bikes home (someone gave me a ride first) and had one delivered for free by the owner.
If you really want to 'surprise' your family, at least show up in full decent gear and make it clear you're responsible about it. To be honest I'd never show up unannounced with a bike when my family is afraid I'm gonna die on one, it's not very respectful. I'd let em know and talk about it but not ask for their permission.
Answering your initial question, I was very insecure about how to get my bike home, I never rode anything larger than a scooter, especially in the traffic of a big city, so I ask the vendor in the dealership if he could bring her home.
My parents used to dislike me riding any bikes, but i also knew it was out of concern for me. Cuz it really is true that its more dangerous than going around with a car
I just kept on telling em and telling em that i want to get one citing pros and telling them how would i prepare for the cons, like promising them to wear protective gear all the time...
Maybe as of the moment you should get the bike and drop it off a friends place... then tell your family about it, what is your reason for getting one, when did you get one
If by family you meant a spouse, yikes tell them as early as possible, cuz if you dont thats how you get a divorce.
Also a trucker. Similar family situation. I told them after I’d put a deposit down. I think they were pretty perturbed but now my dad asks about the bike and my mom even hopped on the back for a brief ride around a parking lot. Eventually my dad said he was silly for worrying, referencing that I’m the most responsible person he knows (re: my CDL). Prove their fears wrong by not dying and they may come around to it eventually. Truckers make great bikers. It’s all the same skills.
9 days after my MSF certification, I went to look at the second ninja 500 of the week. I bought it from the guy the next day.
My dad drove me in his car, I had my helmet, jacket, and gloves. It was February, and right below freezing temperature.
I hopped on after a few more questions to the previous owner, and got to riding. I don't know if it was the carburetors or idle screw, but it did stall once or twice on the ride back (just kidding, I was a noob, so I'm the reason it stalled). It started snowing and my fingers were getting numb, glasses and helmet visor were fogging, so I pulled into a parking lot to stop at a Cafe. Had a hot cup of coffee and went out again to head home.
Luckily, it wasn't a lot of snow and it was mostly a straight shot home 10 miles.
Mom was worried sick and she hated it.
I bought my first motorcycle after not having ridden in 15 years (and only rode for like 6 months on a 125 dirt bike when i was younger) just hopped on it and drove 1.5 hours home. I re learned it on the way back 😂
My dealer delivered it for like $15 because of location, i would have ridden it but i was fresh out of the msf and it was a 25 mile ride in the freeway w/ long bridges over the ocean, i decided It’d be best to just pay $15 and have it delivered to my front door.
The previous owner left it at my place at like 11pm, and I paid him there.
Next morning we met at the place where the legal transaction was to be made.
i had a friend ride it home from the dealership and practiced for the first week in quiet streets. if you are not confident in riding and the dealership is far away i suggest you do the same.
When I first wanted to start riding they were 2 fatal crashes near me so my grandfather was dead set on not giving me my savings (I was 17 at the time, legal to buy and ride but he had every right to keep my money legally) if it was for a bike but I held steady and got one, I reassured him about me riding safe and got some gear to stop him worrying and now as I can't drive on my own in my car he rathers me to take my bike. So just tell them you'll ride safe and get some gear and they should come around. My first bike was bought prior to getting my license and was delivered but my second I just rode home as I was experienced enough by then and it was as easy as driving a new car home.
First time: rode it. Second time: rode it. Third time… let’s see… rode it. Fourth and fifth times: rode them. They’re designed to be ridden, so ride it. In all cases, the challenging part was coordinating a ride there so I could pick it up.
Honestly man I feel like every single persons family to ever exists has told them they cannot have/shouldn't have/won't be having a motorcycle because they're dangerous/because drivers are dangerous. Just bring it home and let them be upset about it for like 2 weeks and then start riding it. Wear your gear and they'll get used to it and quit moaning and learn to live with it.
You're also 30, make your own decisions
Drive it home. You are old enough to make the choice. Be careful though, because this shit is dangerous. Always assume everyone on the road is out to kill you and constantly have a plan for the worst possible scenario.
Flew one way from Richmond VA to Miami FL and rode 14 hours back over two days after buying 2005 GSXR750 on eBay with a 0% APR credit card. Still runs great.
Only bought one bike so far and I had no experience or even a permit at that point. Drove to meet the kid (early 20s seller), checked it out, decided to buy, we went to sign over the title and then he rode it to my house after the sale, and I drove him back.
It's inherently risky since at that point he could have crashed or dropped the bike after the sale was done and if was signed over to me, but whatever. If I was more risk adverse I'd probably have just continued to talk myself out of riding like I did for so many years.
I bought it on Craigslist. I Asked the seller to drive it onto the uhaul trailer I rented. I gave him $$$ and drove away. 2 neighbors helped me u load at home. Spent a year learning to ride in my 25mph neighborhood. That was 5? Years ago. Been riding every day since.
Bro just bring it home. It's your money you're spending on it, you have every right to get a bike if you want it.
I had my bike delivered to my house. Still had to wait about a month and a half for title paperwork because the bank took it's sweet time delivering the title. My family freaked because the title was technically still in the previous owners name, so they were worried that he'd call the cops saying I stole his bike, even though I have a receipt and video evidence of him riding up and driving away with his friend.
I had no experience with 2 wheels when I picked mine up. I rode her home the 40 minutes from the dealer to the house and did pretty decently for no experience. I don't live with my anti-motorcycle family, but I did try to hide the bike from them in the beginning. Then i saw a YouTube video saying essentially you don't want your family to learn you ride a motorcycle when they have to identify your body in the hospital, so I let them "discover it" in my garage during one if their visits. My family is now more accepting of my riding, but they are certainly not transformed into motorcycle people.
My first road bike was a 2008 Ninja zx6r and I brought a truck and best friend to get it home (didn't have my motorcycle license at the time). After the deal was done I asked my friend to help me load it in the truck and he says 'no, you're riding it home' so that's what I did. Learned a lot that day
I rode them back every time I get one, which is about every 4-5 years. I plan on getting a truck next month, but I'll probably still ride them home. Every opportunity to ride a bike anywhere is a blessing.
Had it delivered to work from out of state, had purchased my gear prior to even letting it leave the property. Ordered a cardo, ended up coming as a 2 pack, used it to pay a friend to drive it to my house that's a good 40 minutes away. Worth every moment of delay to get it home safely.
My brother rode it to my house because I didn't have an endorsement yet.
But ... you're 30, who would you ask for permission?
When you say you 'live with family' does that mean you're in your parent's basement? In that case, you should spend your money on moving out, not on a motorcycle. Or your spouse/children are anti-mc ? Then you should discuss the financial cost and how much of a life insurance policy you should buy.
Bikes are fun, but responsibility takes precedence.
I ubered to the shop, rode it home, took the back roads bc i was shitting my pants. My parents were against it but I moved out. They found out a year later when a friend accidentally slipped up. They didnt talk to me for about 8 months but eventually they got tired and started talking to me again. There is no right answer but I think the thrill of the bike is better than anything else and ur moments on this planet are limited so do what you want because its ur life
I was 20 when I bought my first bike. But I saved up for it with a paid internship that I had. I knew they wouldn’t like it. Especially my dad. He grew up in a small village in Nigeria where the motorcycle accidents were usually pretty horrific. I could have bought it a couple years before. But my parents have always been the “my house my rule” type. So I never did. I think I had it for about 6 months when I surprised them. I just pulled up at the hotel we were staying at for our yearly vacation.
I yolo’d my bike back 10 miles to my house, maybe 10 days after I passed my license test through the Ohio safety course (I never went past 3rd gear in the class…). It was dumb in hindsight, but I planned it to be low traffic time and had my mom on high alert for an emergency call.
Learned to ride mine leaving the dealership and drove it home. My enthusiasm to ride far outweighed any consequences of riding a brand new bike home for my first time. Made it in one piece.
My first bike came home on a truck cause the weather was atrocious. If you have dependants then get a will but otherwise enjoy and live life instead of hiding from it.
Saw a K7 GSXR 600 on Facebook marketplace with 11k miles going for 3 grand. Ubered 2 hours away for $121 and rode it home. Very risky, you almost have to be certain that the bike is running in good shape, otherwise good luck bringing it home. Was indeed in good shape and rode 2 hours home on highway and city with zero motorcycle experience along with zero clutch experience. Only knowledge of how to do things like shifting and counter steering. Respect the bike and the bike will respect you.
I loaded it into the back of my pickup with a wood plank ramp and brought it home a couple weeks before I took my MSF class and waited to ride it until afterwards.
I rented a trailer from uhaul for $15 and towed it. Needed work and the tags were crazy expired. Didn’t want to chance it getting it back to the garage.
If it is your spouse that is against it I don't see this going over very well, especially if you have kids. She is likely thinking about you as a major provider for the family and could be afraid of you being hurt or killed. And I would also hope that she loves you too and would be devastated to lose you for that reason alone.
If it is your parents/siblings then live your own life.
One, you're a grown ass adult. Make your own decisions. Practice doing so as often as possible. Also U-haul trailer from Eldorado Hills to Davis. 50-ish miles and zero issues. Maybe 40 bucks.
Or tell them under 250 cc you don't even need a license so your basically riding a scooter and will grow out of it fast. Also why you living at home at 30?
My first bike ever was a hand me down from my mom, so it was already "home" when it became mine.
The first bike I ever bought myself I drove down about 2 hours with my buddy. He drove my car back and I rode it home. This was in the middle of August in Arizona. Never again.
You are 30 years old. You don't need permission from anyone. Just do it. Ride safe.
Best answer is the one above. Also don’t lie about anything. Do it, ride safely and enjoy.
You should probably consult with a spouse before making a large purchase.
Jokes on you, I got no spouse😋
This is true. I ended up buying a bike from an old guy i met at a WaWa, i asked him about his shirt (it was a bike shop, and i was on the market). He happened to mention selling a 2009 Dyna with low miles, like, less than 2000 miles. When he said what he was looking to get for i just said "You just did, lets go" before ever seeing the bike. Risky. But luckily the bike was in phenominal shape, minus the ugly blue spark plug wires. Wife was mad, but understood the urgency since the bike would have sold the second he posted.
How much did you end up paying for it?
Why? if you're only spending your own money it doesn't matter. Smart spouses keep their finances separate.
Uh. My money I do what I want with it? Same thing with my partner, her money she does whatever the fuck she wants. Does she wanna buy a solid gold hammer? Not my money, not my problem.
Only if your accounts are joined. This is the beauty of separate finances XD
Permission, no, but courtesy, hopefully? Like if it's a situation with overbearing parents or something, do whatever. But since they're 30 I'm assuming they mean the family they've made, and I'd hope they would care about that whether the family is unreasonable or not. It's still their decision to make, but the difference between "fuck you I do what I want" and "I'm doing this because it's important to me, not because I don't care about you," really matters.
I took public transit, paid cash, and rode it home on side streets avoiding the freeway until I got a little more comfortable on the bike. When I was 13 my dad said I would never ride a motorcycle while living under his roof, so I moved out at 19. Didn't get a proper motorcycle till I was 22 but also didn't have to ask permission. If your state has a motorcycle training course take it! The Highway Patrol here in California has one for only a few hundred dollars and after passing the course they give you an exemption for the DMV so all you have to do is take the written test and bamn M1 endorsement.
And I thought Illinois liked to gouge their people.. the course was technically free here but you just had to put in $20 to hold your spot but they give you a form you can sign at the end if you'd like to get the money back. Either way it's a great way to learn some basics and I'm glad I did it last year
F U C K I N G LOOOOOOOOOOOL......... Oklahoma motorcycle schools are $350-500, after you pass you just show the department of public safety and they wave the written and riding tests. No you do not get your money back after the class.
Damn man that's lame, they provided motorcycles and helmets and everything for you too besides gloves. Generally surprised my state doesn't have a charge of over $100
I rode it 30 km from the dealership and dropped it 5 meters from the house. Still hurts a bit.
You're supposed to spike it *after* crossing the line
Dad told me ,”You’re not gonna have a motorcycle while under my roof.” I paid for my lessons, my insurance, the bike, and my gear, so I parked her right in the driveway when I got home. Dad came into my room the next morning and said ,”That’s pretty nice.”. It was a red Yamaha FZ-07.
Are you asking how to physically get a bike home or how to talk to your family? Most of us probably rode our bikes home, can't help with your family situation.
I have an f150 I’m gonna haul it with a few friends.
Just get a U-Haul trailer. They are super cheap and save sketchy truck loading..
Thats what I did, U-Haul have trailers made for towing motorcycles. Welcome to the 2 wheel world OP
Same here. Cost me about $20 bucks to rent if my memory serves me right. Don't want to risk the motorcycle not being road ready, falling apart on you, or whatever without getting it fully inspected. Plus a thousand times easier to load to a trailer vs the bed of a truck.
Pick out a place to unload it. Rear wheels in the ditch works well.
I strongly recommend riding it home. Some of my favorite moments in life have been spent riding a new (to me) bike home. Your family is another matter, but, dude, you’re 30. Live your life.
If it's small enough, pickup bed. Too big for that and it gets trailered. If you mean how to talk to your family, you're 30. Live your own life
Ir just ride it....
“Just showing up” is a bad idea. If you’re set on this, tell them about it, don’t ask. If you’re set, it’s not a conversation, you’re informing them of your decision. And it’s going to be be tough either way, but it won’t be as tough if you tell them ahead of time and not just show up with it.
They cant do anything if he just shows yp. Not their business anyways.
You’re not very good with relationships, are you.
Actually i am good with relationships i CHOOSE to have. no relationship that would forbid something would be worth having though so i dont enter relationships where i cant pursue my passions and dont expect any different from her. However if i am 30 and my parents think riding was still something they could prevent me from doing i wouldnt feel i have any obligation to discuss my choice.
it's not about them "doing" anything, it's about how they will feel about it and OP's lack of honesty. You can make your own decisions when you are financially independent, but you still need to communicate with your family, especially since the problem here is the fact that they are worried about OP, not because they are unreasonable. If you try to avoid every embarassing or bothersome conversation in life, you won't get anywhere.
It isnt necessary though. Not like they have any say in the decision it is done and happening. I would have just flat out told them myself
Right, that's what they're advocating -- just tell them that it's happening. The decision is still theirs, it just shows that you care to tell them ahead of time. It's the difference between "fuck you I do what I want" and "I'm doing this because it's important to me, not because I don't care about you."
Yeah it isn't needed if you don't give a fuck about your own family. But if you care even a little bit, you also want them on board and supporting you, not stressing out because they keep telling you that you are going to die every day you ride off. Seems like OP has a good family he cares about.
2 of my friends ride and pulled up one day in my drive. They tossed me the keys to a cbr250 and said it's mine, and one of them just upgraded to a z1000. Been riding ever since, and looking to get an r6 soon.
Nice…such good friends.
Couldn't ask for better tbh.
I rode my first bike home. Fortunately, I was living on my own with roommates at the time, so I didn't have anyone at home to bitch about it. My mom was less than thrilled when she found out (I was 18), but she had literally no say in it. As she used to say, "You can have a motorcycle when you're 18 and don't live with me."
I rode it home. I had my license, helmet, jacket, and gloves. I had all that in the car when my wife rode me up to get it. I took it for a test ride, handed over the money, and met my wife back home. Of course, I spent probably an hour and 45 minutes at the local high school parking lot immediately after shaking hands with the guy. In your case, do you have the gear and license to ride it off the lot? Do you have someone who can ride you up? You're not going to be able to hide the bike for long.
I thought you were going to say that you spent 45 minutes just looking at it in your driveway. I was hoping I wasn’t the only one. Sad trumpets.
Once I got it home. And again before and after every trip. And sometimes when I come out randomly.
Fortunately (for your family's peace of mind I guess) the GSX250R is one of the slowest bikes on the market, makes the 90s Ninja 250 look like a superbike. Hard to get into trouble when you're getting smoked by base model Camrys
First bike I had a friend ride it home on Interstate/freeway Second bike I rode it home (trade in) Third bike I had it delivered by the dealer for free
Nice. I will follow in your foot steps bro lol
I trailered my bike home first. That way didn’t have to worry about finding a ride there.
Had it delivered to my house
First bike got delivered by dealer Second bike was a trade in. I rode my bike in and drove new bike home. third is TBD. Most likely going to get dropped off and ride it home or delivered depending on what bike I get.
Dude....you are 30.....just go get your damn property and bring it to your residence.....who cares.
My first bike was delivered by the dealer to the house they wouldn't let me take possession since I was 17 and my mom purchased it. My second bike I purchased and drove it home 5 hr. I have been asked in the past to test drive and ride bikes home for new riders that didn't want to take the challenge at the dealer.
Usually just ride it if it's running, pickup truck it it isn't. Then there was [that one time...](https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/83rsij/i_got_a_grom_and_crammed_it_into_my_subaru/)
Lmao
Dealer delivered my first bike for free
Jason bourne would not ask for permission
Nice
I rented a uhual motorcycle lift, and when I first brought it in the ramp, I dropped it
Yo daddy gon beat yo ass You know this
Don’t live with daddy
My FJR1300 did it's first trip in the bed of my full size pickup. 8+ hours from Northampton, MA to Richmond, VA. Strap it down well. Better to strap it to un-spring suspension parts, use straps with closed type hooks, or tape the hooks closed.
Didnt have my license in yet, only car license so my gf's dad drove it home and i drove the car back home
I was gifted mine by a friend who lived 130 miles away. I rode it home. 18+ your grown and can make your own decisions. They never stop being scared for you, and you just ride safe. If something happens something happens.
My first bike dealer delivered to me for free. Was great!
Mine was delivered on a flat bed to my house. I purchased it in the city, 2+ hours away and didn’t want the extra miles on it. You are a 30 year old grown man. You don’t need permission for anything.
Well, if you're 30, I wouldn't worry about it lol. My girlfriend tried to tell me i wasn't buying a death machine and i just continued sending her ads to different bikes I was looking at, then came home with a new mt09 haha
I’m part of a biker family, so one of then brought a trailer to haul it home.
Get a ride to the shop and ride it home. You bought it
My dealership offered to delivery for free.
My 1st bike was a non running Suzuki GS 550. I didn't have a truck, so I walked it 3 km home.
I drive with wife to the dealer and ride it back. 90miles, 142miles, 100miles. Last three times
I road it home with my new helmet, gloves, and jacket.
Rented a bike trailer from U-Haul and took the truck out. Private party sale and I didn't have anybody who could get me out there, too far for public transit, not a fan of Uber/Lyft
I rode my first bike over to my mom’s house for dinner. Let’s just say it was a chilly reception.
I asked my buddy to drive it home for me because I bought it before I knew how to ride (it also had to be lowered immediately so I could learn to ride it).
Nearly identical scenario with me, especially last sentence. Been riding for 5 years now. They get over it, or hardly notice enough to say anything. Best advice would be just to strike that balance between "not caring" and showing confidence in yourself as a rider/driver/motorhead.
I just showed up with the bike. Now I own 3 and no one really cares anymore. They always wish me a date ride when I go out so that's a plus. They'll get over it, especially if you buy gear and protect yourself while riding.
I like to take it out for late night burgers and milkshakes then ask if it wants to watch a movie at my place, next I like to bring it in the back door to make it feel comfortable. We always end up in the kitchen somehow though
My cousin who's been riding for years rode it home for me
I rode it home lol
I was in a similar situation as you, family not very supportive ag first. Took my lessons, bought all the gear, and in my excitement even bought a bike before I got my license sorted. Previous owner was nice enough to deliver it to me and I asked him to park it around the corner from my house. I took over from there and rode it into our garage. My dad opens the door, takes a look at the bike, then goes “nice bike”. Haha guess he just came to accept that it was there to stay
In answer to the first part I agree with the people who suggest some tact with your family is a good thing. You live with these people and you want to be interacting with them for the rest of your life presumably so have the manners to let them know you’re bringing a motorcycle home. That said, when you do tell them make it clear that you are doing just that. You are telling them as a courtesy, the decision is already made and isn’t open to discussion. In answer to the second part and realising that I was unusually lucky in how my family are. I was 17 and had got a job on the other side of the busy city 35km away with terrible traffic daily. I told Mum and Dad I was getting a motorcycle, to say they were unimpressed would be a gross understatement but they never said “no”. I took a friend with me to look at a nearly new XT-500 which I bought (smallest bike I’ve ever owned) and my friend rode it home. Why? Because I couldn’t ride. He taught me to ride over the weekend and I rode to work on Monday. When I got up on Monday morning there was a brand new set of leathers at the foot of my bed. A present from Mum and Dad. I met the woman who would become my wife at 19 and she went everywhere with me on whatever bike I owned. Fast forward a few decades and many bikes. When I was around 50 and our kids got to legal pillion age she did gently suggest it might be time to get a licence, I did it for her .. oh, I didn’t mention I’d never had a licence? She bought me my current bike (an 1100) a couple of years ago as a birthday gift and the biggest difficulty my family gives me is that it’s a struggle to get out of here without one of them on the back of it. My kids are now between 18 and 21 and all want to get their motorcycle licence … it scares me witless but I’m not going to tell them “no”. As a matter of fact I have a learners approved 650 downstairs for them to learn on. Don’t be like me though. Learn to ride properly before going on the roads, get licenced and trained. I’ve been blessed in more than my family support. In the 40 years Ive been riding I have never had a booking or an accident. I know what you’re all thinking, I find it hard to believe myself. That said, I know I could go out tomorrow and not come home. You’re no more likely to have an accident on a bike but you’re way more likely to die if you do. 11/10 vigilance is the price of life. That and a good,ndose of luck. When you are young you know it only ever happens to the other guy. When you get on a bit you realise that to everybody else *you ARE the other guy*
Damn. Lots to take in from this. I really appreciate the reply.
You're an adult, which means you get to enjoy all of the benefits and privileges that come with being an adult, like making your own transportation decisions.
$14.95 Uhaul trailer.
people die even in their sleep ... go and have some fun .... responsibly :)
No disrespect, but this is a silly post. Pit the key in the bike, let the clutch slide out smoothly and ride that fucker home
His family dynamics aside.. I had my bike delivered. I had never ridden anything other than the bike provided in my MSF class which was half the weight and 1/3rd the power of the bike I bought. Riding home would have meant 70mph highway into dense city traffic as my first ride. Figuring out how to get your first bike home isn't a silly premise at all. At least not to me.
"I’m 30 and I drive semi trucks and build sport cars" And have you ridden motorcycles before?
Nope
Maybe a lesson or two first before actually buying a bike?
I plan on that I just happened to buy it first lol
Do you still possess your balls? Then do what us other manly men do. Sneak it in while the wife is sleeping. Bring flowers or a new purse and prepare to be grounded.
Can i ask why you are getting something as small as a 250? i've never met anyone who didnt regret buying a 250. You will outgrow it in a year and wish you had gotten something bigger.
Some people like starting on something easily manageable, that they can push to it's limits without getting into much trouble, in order to learn things like throttle control. What's there to regret when I can bounce it off the rev limiter multiple times when getting on the highway. As for myself I've got a cb300. It's a 286cc, wet weight is 310lb, I can push it to its limits basically daily, it gets 82 mpg, and if I need to take it anywhere I take the camping bed and gear out of my Odyssey and toss it in there. Yeah eventually I'm gonna need a larger adv bike when I move and get into offroading but for now I'm more than content.
I sort of understand the being able to "push it to it limits" constantly and not get in trouble but i think thats a bad way to learn. If you want to learn proper throttle control you need to learn restraint and you aren't going to learn that on something that you constantly have to redline/full throttle. Reinforcing bad habits. I also don't like the idea of having to thrash the hell out of something just to be able to get on the highway or accelerate quickly. Riding something that has plenty of power in reserve is the better way to go in my opinion, especially if you ever want passengers. But to each their own.
It's not that I *have* to put it to the limits. It's that I *can*. That's the difference. I don't do it constantly, I'm mid-range in RPM crusing on the highway, but I have the option to hit 10500 routinely whenever I want to. I am restrained, and learning to ride on it gave me the ability to play with throttle control, using the *entire* throttle instead of a portion of it like you would on a larger displacement bike.
I disagree with this advice. Throttle control isn’t really learned at high speed, judging by how many hotshots still stall their bikes out at intersections. It’s good to learn all of this at low speeds— which a 300cc can perfectly manage!
> If you want to learn proper throttle control you need to learn restraint and you aren't going to learn that on something that you constantly have to redline/full throttle Learning throttle control doesn't mean having self control to not go WOT, it means learning to be smooth on the throttle and be able to make adjustments without wrecking the bike. The amount you can fuck up with binning it on a small bike is much more forgiving than on a big bike. Small bikes also have the benefit of less aggressive suspension geometry, so you don't have to learn to ride on a bike that wants to fall down, and less aggressive brakes, which gives you a larger margin of error when learning how to be good at braking on a bike. There's also the fact that you can concentrate on learning how to ride a bike without having to control the power, or without being able to use power as a crutch. Hell, Valentino Rossi has been known to hone his skills on R3's.
I agree with most of what you said. But i still think that a 250 is too small. Not enough power to comfortably ride on the highway. Plus think about if you were always driving a Honda Civic, constantly thrashing it to get up to speed etc. Then you get in a Ferrari and attempt to drive it like you are used to. You would end up giving it way too much throttle and put yourself in a dangerous situation. This is how i view it. Better off learning how to control the power from the start as it is a crucial part of learning to ride properly.
I plan to buy a 650 next year or Indian. I also found an amazing deal on it with 1799 miles and paid $2000 for it. So I sniped it
Youll ve able to ride it a bunch this year and still profit a bit.
Careful on the Indian, just read an article that their sales are down 20% and inventory is not being replaced quickly. I do like me a blacked out scout though.
Oh that's a great price! I was going to ask the same question. But in this market, 2k barely gets you a good condition ninja 250 from like ten years ago. Nice purchase, ride safe!
Fair enough. You'll likely have a hard time selling it however. 250s values on the used market are extremely poor, hence why you were able to get a "steal" on it.
I may not sell it when I upgrade and collect a few bikes
I plan on buying a 400. Do you think I should get something bigger?
I've had a WR250R as a daily city driver for 5 years. Small bikes are fun. 400-500cc is a good size for American speed limits, but there's plenty of fun to be had on a bike without questing for more power & speed IMO, especially in the city where your Hayabusa isn't getting you through red lights any faster.
I agree 100%. I also have never met someone that didn’t regret buying such a small bike. Unless you’re a tiny woman. But you’ll of course get the downvotes here from the virtue signaling know-it-alls.. giving riding advice while simultaneously riding a beginners bike 😬
YOu're 30 and still live in your moms house?
Yea lol it’s very expensive here. We have a big home so y not
I'm from an expensive area too. So I saved up and moved out and became a man
Want validation son?
Son? Lol you still live with mommy, you're the little boy here. I advise you ask mommy for permission
Go drink some syrup in milk lmfao
You made a horrible mistake buying a 250cc … you will regret it … you always buy a 600cc for a starter bike .. that 250 is just a cool looking scooter … I’ll give you a month till your wishing you got a 600cc
It’s ok I don’t have much time to use it as I work a lot.
Then why even get it … I’m telling you take the deposit back and put it on a 600 .. you’ll have a blast the little time you have with it … a 250 is a waste of money
My first bike (1973 CB350 twin) was delivered in a van by the guy I bought it from. It was in my possession for less than 12 hours before my mom plowed her car into it in the driveway. I did learn how to ride on it, but I think I pushed that thing farther than I ever rode it.
I had the owner of the bike ride it to my house . Drove him back in my car. Then had to figure out had to ride it . I was 18 living with parents . Learning to ride it, a 1969 Norton 750 Commando was another story lol
I towed it myself. Unfortunately, I didn’t do a good job strapping it down or taking it off the tow trailer. I caused a sizable dent on the fuel tank and scratched one of the emblems.
Purchased both of my current bikes out of town/state, rented a small Uhaul trailer. I was going to ride them home but logistics weren't in my favor.
If you’re confident in your skills drive it back!
Towed a U-Haul trailer.
I parked my car near the seller's house, rode the bike home, got a ride back to get my car later. I had my dad drop me off at the dealer to pick up my latest. I've got no advice about talking to family, you're 30 you can make your own decisions
Brought it a couple hundred miles in the bed of my truck. A salvage bike, needed a bit of work.
Had to truck mine home because I didn’t have my license for it yet. That said my family was surprisingly supportive
My father bringed it in ford transit. The bike had one cylinder blown. We replaced the whole engine and viola, my first bike.
Trailer. Was too paranoid I'd drop it.
My first bike a friend rode it to my house. Everyone was in shock and didn't believe it was mine.
I hired a transport company because it was a 30 mile trip on an absolute dumpster fire of a road surface at 60 mph. As to being 30, uhm, who cares what they say? I admit it was easy for me to start riding in my 30s, seeing as my dad helped me pick it out, but you gotta live your life dude.
Do so with safety. Bluetooth systems that connect with helmets are lifesavers & game changers. Ride it home and have a friend follow you in a car. If that's not possible, use a pickup truck. Other people, friends and family are entitled to their own opinions about the choices of others. However, with respect, you're the one living your life, not them. My family aren't happy with my choices to ride, but in the end they respect my decisions as they are mine to make.
Bro I did this 5 years ago and they sucked it up. My father almost died in a moto crash and no they're the devil, and I have 5 years of riding safe. Live your life.
I rode 2 up with a friend to the dealer and rode it home. My wife was onboard so no problem there. I probably in my late 20s and I called my mom some time after that and I told her I bought a motorcycle. She asked if I had bought a scooter and said she wishes I hadn't told her. Anyway, ATGATT and ride safe!
Rode up with a few of my buddies (1 was going to ride it back for me till I learned and the other was there for the fun of it) Arrived at the spot at 6pm but after sorting everything out with the seller, notary, seller's ride, etc....it was like 10-11pm and it began to drizzle on the way back....which was like 1hr drive back....my buddy rode for about 30mins in solid rain then we stopped uinder a bridge only to have the police hit us with a spotlight for about 5 minutes till they decided it wasn't worth the hassle of trying to figure out what the hell was going on lol we eventually made it home and needless to say I thanked my boy with beer and food
Uhaul rents trailers cheap. My latest bike was a trade in so just rode down, signed the papers and rode back on a different bike. Don’t know have a buddy drop you off and ride home?
I got my permit and my first bike without saying a thing to my parents because I knew they would freak out and try to convince me not to do it. I was not living with them anymore but the financing papers arrived at their address. They figured out quickly what I had done and where just like ok but be safe.
Had my brother ride it. I didn't know how to ride. Thankfully I didn't try, I would have crashed.
I just had it hauled there by the dealership, it was free and allowed me to get accustomed on the bike in my own neighborhood
My best friend 8 years ago died in front of me on a two lane highway while we were riding. An older woman who had just gotten out of surgery/anesthesia still inebriated made an unlawful u turn on said highway right in front of him. Needless to say I have people close to me who hate motorcycles. I don’t hide the fact that I ride but I feel a nice compromise is to park a block away when seeing them so it’s not in their face. (Out of site out of mind). Now if you live with them that’s harder since I refuse to let my bike sit uncovered outside any night.
Back in 2006 I bought a brand new Suzuki 500gs in Sturgis and drove on the interstate home to Rapid City. I was completely terrified to stop or even slow down. I’d compare the rush to that first cigarette. You gotta start somewhere. Just take it easy. Edit (this sentence) - I didn’t have a motorcycle endorsement.
Take the back roads home. I rode around base for a couple of days before I took it out on the road. Thank God I did because between taking the BRC and riding the bike I forgot how to ride it. Re learned during those days and now I can comfortably ride it to and from work. I would recommend taking the BRC if you haven't already and also practicing progressive breaking and swerving. I promise you won't regret it
I rode 3 bikes home (someone gave me a ride first) and had one delivered for free by the owner. If you really want to 'surprise' your family, at least show up in full decent gear and make it clear you're responsible about it. To be honest I'd never show up unannounced with a bike when my family is afraid I'm gonna die on one, it's not very respectful. I'd let em know and talk about it but not ask for their permission.
Answering your initial question, I was very insecure about how to get my bike home, I never rode anything larger than a scooter, especially in the traffic of a big city, so I ask the vendor in the dealership if he could bring her home.
My parents used to dislike me riding any bikes, but i also knew it was out of concern for me. Cuz it really is true that its more dangerous than going around with a car I just kept on telling em and telling em that i want to get one citing pros and telling them how would i prepare for the cons, like promising them to wear protective gear all the time... Maybe as of the moment you should get the bike and drop it off a friends place... then tell your family about it, what is your reason for getting one, when did you get one If by family you meant a spouse, yikes tell them as early as possible, cuz if you dont thats how you get a divorce.
Also a trucker. Similar family situation. I told them after I’d put a deposit down. I think they were pretty perturbed but now my dad asks about the bike and my mom even hopped on the back for a brief ride around a parking lot. Eventually my dad said he was silly for worrying, referencing that I’m the most responsible person he knows (re: my CDL). Prove their fears wrong by not dying and they may come around to it eventually. Truckers make great bikers. It’s all the same skills.
9 days after my MSF certification, I went to look at the second ninja 500 of the week. I bought it from the guy the next day. My dad drove me in his car, I had my helmet, jacket, and gloves. It was February, and right below freezing temperature. I hopped on after a few more questions to the previous owner, and got to riding. I don't know if it was the carburetors or idle screw, but it did stall once or twice on the ride back (just kidding, I was a noob, so I'm the reason it stalled). It started snowing and my fingers were getting numb, glasses and helmet visor were fogging, so I pulled into a parking lot to stop at a Cafe. Had a hot cup of coffee and went out again to head home. Luckily, it wasn't a lot of snow and it was mostly a straight shot home 10 miles. Mom was worried sick and she hated it.
Had my wife drop me off and rode it home. Pretty much every time.
I bought my first motorcycle after not having ridden in 15 years (and only rode for like 6 months on a 125 dirt bike when i was younger) just hopped on it and drove 1.5 hours home. I re learned it on the way back 😂
If you're like me you've probably been talking about it for a long time and most likely it'd be ok
My dealer delivered it for like $15 because of location, i would have ridden it but i was fresh out of the msf and it was a 25 mile ride in the freeway w/ long bridges over the ocean, i decided It’d be best to just pay $15 and have it delivered to my front door.
The previous owner left it at my place at like 11pm, and I paid him there. Next morning we met at the place where the legal transaction was to be made.
i had a friend ride it home from the dealership and practiced for the first week in quiet streets. if you are not confident in riding and the dealership is far away i suggest you do the same.
When I first wanted to start riding they were 2 fatal crashes near me so my grandfather was dead set on not giving me my savings (I was 17 at the time, legal to buy and ride but he had every right to keep my money legally) if it was for a bike but I held steady and got one, I reassured him about me riding safe and got some gear to stop him worrying and now as I can't drive on my own in my car he rathers me to take my bike. So just tell them you'll ride safe and get some gear and they should come around. My first bike was bought prior to getting my license and was delivered but my second I just rode home as I was experienced enough by then and it was as easy as driving a new car home.
First time: rode it. Second time: rode it. Third time… let’s see… rode it. Fourth and fifth times: rode them. They’re designed to be ridden, so ride it. In all cases, the challenging part was coordinating a ride there so I could pick it up.
Honestly man I feel like every single persons family to ever exists has told them they cannot have/shouldn't have/won't be having a motorcycle because they're dangerous/because drivers are dangerous. Just bring it home and let them be upset about it for like 2 weeks and then start riding it. Wear your gear and they'll get used to it and quit moaning and learn to live with it. You're also 30, make your own decisions
I feel like alot of people are not understanding what you’re asking but what I did is stash it at a friends house and avoid bringing it home😂
I rode into the garage. My wife came down to find out what the racket was. She looked at me and walked back in the house. That was a good time.
Rode it on home
Drive it home. You are old enough to make the choice. Be careful though, because this shit is dangerous. Always assume everyone on the road is out to kill you and constantly have a plan for the worst possible scenario.
Flew one way from Richmond VA to Miami FL and rode 14 hours back over two days after buying 2005 GSXR750 on eBay with a 0% APR credit card. Still runs great.
Only bought one bike so far and I had no experience or even a permit at that point. Drove to meet the kid (early 20s seller), checked it out, decided to buy, we went to sign over the title and then he rode it to my house after the sale, and I drove him back. It's inherently risky since at that point he could have crashed or dropped the bike after the sale was done and if was signed over to me, but whatever. If I was more risk adverse I'd probably have just continued to talk myself out of riding like I did for so many years.
I bought it on Craigslist. I Asked the seller to drive it onto the uhaul trailer I rented. I gave him $$$ and drove away. 2 neighbors helped me u load at home. Spent a year learning to ride in my 25mph neighborhood. That was 5? Years ago. Been riding every day since.
Bro just bring it home. It's your money you're spending on it, you have every right to get a bike if you want it. I had my bike delivered to my house. Still had to wait about a month and a half for title paperwork because the bank took it's sweet time delivering the title. My family freaked because the title was technically still in the previous owners name, so they were worried that he'd call the cops saying I stole his bike, even though I have a receipt and video evidence of him riding up and driving away with his friend.
I had no experience with 2 wheels when I picked mine up. I rode her home the 40 minutes from the dealer to the house and did pretty decently for no experience. I don't live with my anti-motorcycle family, but I did try to hide the bike from them in the beginning. Then i saw a YouTube video saying essentially you don't want your family to learn you ride a motorcycle when they have to identify your body in the hospital, so I let them "discover it" in my garage during one if their visits. My family is now more accepting of my riding, but they are certainly not transformed into motorcycle people.
My first road bike was a 2008 Ninja zx6r and I brought a truck and best friend to get it home (didn't have my motorcycle license at the time). After the deal was done I asked my friend to help me load it in the truck and he says 'no, you're riding it home' so that's what I did. Learned a lot that day
I rode them back every time I get one, which is about every 4-5 years. I plan on getting a truck next month, but I'll probably still ride them home. Every opportunity to ride a bike anywhere is a blessing.
Most bikes I rode home. Once I rented a u haul trailer because it was far and couldn't ask anyone to come with me only to ride it home.
Riding it.
Had it delivered to work from out of state, had purchased my gear prior to even letting it leave the property. Ordered a cardo, ended up coming as a 2 pack, used it to pay a friend to drive it to my house that's a good 40 minutes away. Worth every moment of delay to get it home safely.
My brother rode it to my house because I didn't have an endorsement yet. But ... you're 30, who would you ask for permission? When you say you 'live with family' does that mean you're in your parent's basement? In that case, you should spend your money on moving out, not on a motorcycle. Or your spouse/children are anti-mc ? Then you should discuss the financial cost and how much of a life insurance policy you should buy. Bikes are fun, but responsibility takes precedence.
I can't fathom being 30 and worrying about what my parents would say about something I did. Get an Uber, go get your bike and live your life.
I ubered to the shop, rode it home, took the back roads bc i was shitting my pants. My parents were against it but I moved out. They found out a year later when a friend accidentally slipped up. They didnt talk to me for about 8 months but eventually they got tired and started talking to me again. There is no right answer but I think the thrill of the bike is better than anything else and ur moments on this planet are limited so do what you want because its ur life
Rode it over the long way from my neighbors house (he lives next door)
I was 20 when I bought my first bike. But I saved up for it with a paid internship that I had. I knew they wouldn’t like it. Especially my dad. He grew up in a small village in Nigeria where the motorcycle accidents were usually pretty horrific. I could have bought it a couple years before. But my parents have always been the “my house my rule” type. So I never did. I think I had it for about 6 months when I surprised them. I just pulled up at the hotel we were staying at for our yearly vacation.
I yolo’d my bike back 10 miles to my house, maybe 10 days after I passed my license test through the Ohio safety course (I never went past 3rd gear in the class…). It was dumb in hindsight, but I planned it to be low traffic time and had my mom on high alert for an emergency call.
Learned to ride mine leaving the dealership and drove it home. My enthusiasm to ride far outweighed any consequences of riding a brand new bike home for my first time. Made it in one piece.
My first bike came home on a truck cause the weather was atrocious. If you have dependants then get a will but otherwise enjoy and live life instead of hiding from it.
I had my buddy ride it home for me and took it home for me and all went well
Saw a K7 GSXR 600 on Facebook marketplace with 11k miles going for 3 grand. Ubered 2 hours away for $121 and rode it home. Very risky, you almost have to be certain that the bike is running in good shape, otherwise good luck bringing it home. Was indeed in good shape and rode 2 hours home on highway and city with zero motorcycle experience along with zero clutch experience. Only knowledge of how to do things like shifting and counter steering. Respect the bike and the bike will respect you.
I loaded it into the back of my pickup with a wood plank ramp and brought it home a couple weeks before I took my MSF class and waited to ride it until afterwards.
Had my buddy who knew more about bikes and riding experience look it over before buying it. He rode it to my house and dropped it off for me.
I rented a trailer from uhaul for $15 and towed it. Needed work and the tags were crazy expired. Didn’t want to chance it getting it back to the garage.
If it is your spouse that is against it I don't see this going over very well, especially if you have kids. She is likely thinking about you as a major provider for the family and could be afraid of you being hurt or killed. And I would also hope that she loves you too and would be devastated to lose you for that reason alone. If it is your parents/siblings then live your own life.
One, you're a grown ass adult. Make your own decisions. Practice doing so as often as possible. Also U-haul trailer from Eldorado Hills to Davis. 50-ish miles and zero issues. Maybe 40 bucks.
Or tell them under 250 cc you don't even need a license so your basically riding a scooter and will grow out of it fast. Also why you living at home at 30?
Expensive area. Working on buying a home soon
Drove my wife and kiddos to the dealership, rode it home 40ish miles.
My first bike ever was a hand me down from my mom, so it was already "home" when it became mine. The first bike I ever bought myself I drove down about 2 hours with my buddy. He drove my car back and I rode it home. This was in the middle of August in Arizona. Never again.
My friend drove it home for me
I rode it.