Well this is how it happened for me. I am 25 now, I bought my first bike when I was 18 (of course a rocket). I told my dad and he said "You are going to kill yourself and I am not going to have. If you buy that bike you will no longer be my son and I will not help you out any more." Luckly I just bought the bike and didn't put that many miles on it only the ride home. So I took it back to the dealer and they took it back. I let it die down a bit then I went to buy another (Rocket). Told him and again he said the same thing, well this time he was out of town and with one of my uncles and grandpa. He made me talk to my uncle (harley rider since he was 18) and grandpa. Both said I shouldn't do it and that I would kill myself, so I didnt go through with it. Let it die back down for a while. Age 19 or 20 I was down at my parents, dad and I went down to a local Harley dealer. They had a awesome, great shape, and low milage Honda Magan on the lot in front of the building. I told my dad I liked it and wanted to know how much they wanted. He said NO. Well I talked him into it and finally he said "You take the safety course and you pay for it. I am not helping you at all." So I talked to the salesman and we sat down and did the paper work and I finaced it alone. That day went down to the community college and signed up for the safety course. So I have been riding ever since. I have since then taken the course again with a friend. I agree ANYONE no matter what age should take the course at least once no matter how long you have been riding. It is great and you will learn something promise. Now I own a new 07 Midnight I have had it since mid to late april and have approx 13k on her.
~Everyone RIDE SAFE and GOD BLESS!