I bought my first motorcycle at 18 years old. Parents weren't happy but didn't try to stop me and I was a responsible young adult. That was almost 30 years ago. Still ride now (in fact even more now than ever before since I began commuting on a bike to NYC about 2 years ago). I started on a 250 Kawasaki which was non-intimidating, lightweight and easy for me to flat foot. I had zero previous experience and learned to ride on the streets of suburban NJ about 20 miles from Manhattan.
Yes its better to learn on a dirtbike, yes its better to learn in the middle of bumblefook nowhere so you're not exposed to the density of idiots...however sometimes you don't have ideal conditions and you go for it anyway with eyes wide open and an understanding of the risks.
The surgeon general has determined that living is hazardous to your health...may as well enjoy the ride people.
