Should I get a motorcycle?

Riding a road bike is much easier than riding a dirt bike. The problem with road riding is debris and the other drivers on the roadway.

The minimum size you want for the street is a 500cc. I ride a Honda XL 500R to work on decent days and take it to the trails on weekends - when I am not riding my "other" dirt bike.

If you are going to hit the expressways or are going to carry a passenger, you need a 500cc. If you are just going to be riding around town, then you can get away with a 250.

Do I think you should buy a bike? Absolutely. I had a bad accident in 1982 that ended my pro racing career. I have three lovely permanent pins. Two in my ankle and one in my shoulder. I still ride. I don't race anymore, but I still hit the motocross track.

When you do get a bike, make sure you get protective gear. SNELL approved helmet, gloves, riding jacket, long pants and boots. Don't be one of those "I'm cool, I got on sunglasses, tank top, shorts and flip flops". Wear your protective gear whenever you ride.

The problem comes in that you live with your parents. If you respect your parents, then you have to respect their wishes. It's their home and their garage. If they don' t want a bike on their property, you have to abide by their rule. You can fix this obstacle easily by moving out.

Since you really want a bike, you need to sit down with them and talk to them. Tell them how economical they are, how they have low maintenance costs, better fuel economy and then tell them that you love to ride. You miss riding a motorcycle. You have tried to replace it with a bicycle, but it just isn't the same. Yes, motorcycles are dangerous, but so is taking a shower (most slip and fall accidents occur in the bathroom).

Now if they are just going to be upset with you about getting a bike and did not tell you that you cannot bring one to their home, then just get the bike. Life is too short not to get the most out of life.

Can you crash your bike and end up a paraplegic? Sure. Can you go to sleep tonight and die from an aneurysm in your brain? Sure. So, get the most out of life that you can while you can, because none of us know what tomorrow holds for us. If you wait for everyone to agree with you and support you in all of your endeavors, you will never accomplish anything in life.

There is that old saying: "you never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrists office". Nuff said.

If you want to respect your mother's wishes, wait until you move out again. At age 26, I imagine that you're not planning on staying with her very long, anyway. Your first step should be to take the MSF course. You may already know the mechanical operation of a motorcycle, but a good refresher on the risks of riding on public streets, and how to deal with traffic, is a good idea.

As an instructor, I see many students that we refer to as "re-entry" riders--people who have riding experience, but no recent riding. They learn a lot: some stuff they have forgotten and some stuff they never got right in the first place.

Driving a 4 wheeler and driving a two wheeler are two distinct things. They are also poles apart. If you are resting on 4 wheels, weight does not matter. On two wheels, it is the most important thing and the lighter the better. You can always upgrade later if you feel comfortable with a 250cc Honda to begin with. You could go for a Rebel or even a Yamaha twin. Your road sense will come in handy. Other than that, you are making a fresh start so it is better you start at the bottom. You will understand the logic after a while.

there's nothing wrong with a motorcycle, as long as you're responsible. since you haven't ridden in about 10 years and have virtually no experience with road bikes, i'd highly advise you to get something with a smaller engine. riding on pavement is a big difference than dirt, i'd start out with a 250 if i were you. street bikes with engines this size are made for experienced riders. i know you bombed around as a kid, but this is a completely different ballgame.

This is not the time to give mom a heart attack. Yes I think you should get a bike , If you want a good chance to end up in a wheelchair like me you can buy a street bike. If you are smart enough to get a decent dirt bike and a pick up you are going to go a long way keeping peace in your family. . Whats the price ? I dont know, whas it worth it? I dont know did you plan it this way I doubt it.Try to get them all on yout side in the neginning

Don't get a 600cc+ bike for your first. You haven't ridden in over 10 years. Get a 250cc. I (as I always do) recommend the Ninja 250R or the Honda CBR250 for your first. Easy enough to ride where you won't get seriously hurt because of the bike and you will drop it but won't feel like you are wasting money because they are much cheaper.