Well here in the UK we have a similar setup already in place
For new starters at the age of 16 you are limited to a capacity of 50cc-100cc.
Being originally from the UK myself, I have, when this subject has arisen, given my opinion on this subject. Once even writing my premier about it during a particulary "brutal" summer of motorcycle related injuries and deaths a couple of years ago( under 20's). I addressed the merits of something akin to what
speedwaymaniac had previously described as it makes alot of sense. Those who are mature and responsible enough should know the merits of earning the privilege of power, and, by the time afforded them by "restrictive riding", they'll have a TON of elementary skills and abilities procured through "real life" riding on something that wont totally leave them paralyzed if they hit the ground one day. The benefit of a mere sprained ankle or a little road rash can with a restricted bike far outweigh the perils of a "wheelchair accessible only" eventuality that is more likely to happen with an inexperienced and immature "
I'm invunerable" type of rider who gets "coaxed" into a litre sportbike by his "buds".
However, in North America, unfortunately with the distances and "attitudes" intrenched in society of "bigger is better", from the land of the "muscle car", having riders go down to a 125cc bike or there abouts is a trifle impractical and unrealistic to have the majority embrace, yet still allow for growth in motorcycle society. I suggest a 500cc limit for all new riders for ONE year of insured, registered riding, IF they've taken the safety course, if not, then that 1 year becomes 2. I cant see some 18 kid thinking hes gonna drag race his buddys R1 if hes on a 500CC ninja; hed be too "
cool" to try, as humiliation would be the unavoidable outcome. Even if this "kid" did try and do stupid stuff, he probably is less likely to actually kill himself on the 500cc ninja, and if he does hurt himself, he'll live to tell about it and perhaps, LEARN from it..along with the skills required to avoid what got him into that situation to begin with, hello folks..school of hard knocks here!
Yes, there'll be some naysayers, who claim "big brother" is in the room, I can appreciate that perspective. Not unlike the "anti-smoking" thing in public places we are being pushed to embrace, but being an ex-smoker, as much as I wouldnt like the restrictions placed upon me(when I was smoking), sooner or later, one of those restrictions will just make me "wake up" and stop defending what is going to kill me eventually, and be the "proverbial straw" that "broke the camels back" in getting me to quit for my own health!. y'know, "If i knew then what I know now" type of thing?. Besides, in the "Big Picture" some form of restriction like this is not only inevitable as the amount of casualities continue, but simply better for
everyone involved, even if "everyone" doesnt know it yet or cant see the merit today. Its not saying you cant ride what you want to, it, just like the "testing" and "age" restriction a getting a "car licence" or "age of legality" when it comes to drinking alcohol, or age of consent; these all come about from a definate need for such arising, i.e considerations of abuse, immaturity, impressionable young minds being suckered into advertising etc. etc.. blah, blah, blah!
SO yes , I voted to limit newbies. and as for those 50 year olds who have been riding for 30 years but never got their licence to begin with, well, a little "humble pie" for 30 years of "defiancy" of the laws that we all have to live with will do them good.
As for the stupid people?.. well, I think in a civilized society, there ought to be some legislative power that provides opportunity to "get somewhat smarter" and arise from the ignorance of "a chimpanzee intellect", especially if it not only helps the "moron in question", but the other people that otherwise, that "moron" might kill one day doing something hes not prepared to handle i.e
275km/h on a hayabusa down main street trying to evade a police helicopter! !.
