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Senior Mihir Patel rides a 2015 Ninja 300 SE ABS, a passion sparked by his dad, and says the wind, engine noise, and maneuverability keep him hooked even as he sticks to shorter trips while gaining confidence.
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“2 years ago my dad taught me how to ride the bike,” Mihir said. “After that it was all my learning from trial and error. I drive it very carefully while others are on the road. I also have a helmet and gloves.”
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Mihir relaxes on his bike in the driveway.
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Mihir’s bike parked along the street, small and light enough to fit into tight spaces and easy to maneuver, just as he describes.
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“It’s a very fun experience,” Mihir said. “I love the wind going all around me and it’s all open so you can hear the sound of the engine and the shifting gears sound amazing especially down shifting.”
That’s the sound of an engine.
Not a car engine but a motorcycle engine.
The noise increases and then fades as he speeds up and slows down.
Driving in between cars, switching lanes, and picking up speed.
For senior Mihir Patel, this is a common feeling.
For most students, getting places means a school bus, bike, or car, but Mihir uses his motorcycle.
But he’s not ready for a cross country trip, and keeps his driving distances to a minimum of 9.2 miles
“The furthest I’ve gone on the bike is all the way to Preston cause I still don’t feel that comfortable with the bike,” Mihir said.
Mihir’s dreams of riding a motorcycle started when he was young. From the looks and feelings, Mihir knew he wanted to ride.
Mihir’s dad, Rinkal Patel, was also his driving instructor.
“Teaching [Mihir] was a fun experience because I got to teach him something new which is a rare occurrence now that I’m older,” Rinkal said.
According to Research Gate, 70% of riders had instructional training, however for Mihir, it is mainly based on what he was taught by his dad and his instincts.
“2 years ago my dad taught me how to ride the bike,” Mihir said. “After that it was all my learning from trial and error. I drive it very carefully while others are on the road. I also have a helmet and gloves.”
Even though riding a motorcycle and driving a car follow the same road rules, there are obvious differences, and some things that aren’t so noticeable.
“The bike is a lot smaller so it can fit in spaces a car can’t. It’s also a lot lighter so it can be easier maneuvered,” Mihir said. “You need a different license for [the motorcycle] but you have to have a car license first then if you are under the age of 18 you must take a msf course which is a motorcycle safety course which is two days of training and one day of riding on a closed course.”
Even though he currently keeps close to home, a ride on his motorcycle has a special vibe.
“It’s a very fun experience,” Mihir said. “I love the wind going all around me and it’s all open so you can hear the sound of the engine and the shifting gears sound amazing especially down shifting.”
