I agree with Gerard,
I was a biker, until one day... well tell him to wear a full-face helmet and wear moto-cross armour below his jacket:
I was a biker before dubland back in the '60's......gave it up for 4 door cars the next 30+ years and became a biker again a few years ago. I bought a full dress Harley Davidson and had some really great rides. But you have to pay constant attention to everything around you and have sharp reflexes for a lot of drivers who really don't see the bike. I had to brake hard a few times to keep from hitting and getting hit by this type of car driver.
But last October after a nice ride, the hard braking did not help me. I was just 3 blocks from my home and got broadsided by an 86 year old man who probably should not have been driving anyway. I had the right of way and he had a stop sign. Well, that stop sign didn't keep him from pulling right through and hitting me. I saw him but could not stop fast enough. I flew through the air and that huge motorcycle was totalled.
That day was cool and I had a helmet on and a leather jacket and gloves. Usually I look like the typical Harley rider with just a t-shirt and sometimes no helmet. PA took the helmet law away one month before my accident. I'm sure glad I wore it that day because I still had a slight concussion.
Hospital trauma units are not fun at all but at least I have no lasting injuries. His insurance company paid me for the mc and the rest is still in litigation for getting paid for lost work and Dr. bills.
I have not written this to scare you even more......but the bottom line is.......INSIST that your son take a motorcycle safety course. Completing the course will save him money on insurance. And even though riding without a helmet might look cool......INSIST that he always wear one along with other safety equipment.
One motorcycle accident was enough to bring me back to the present and not try to live the "Born To Be Wild" and "Easy Rider" life that I had some 35 years ago. I will stick to 4 wheels under me now....my pick-up truck! (but never a 4 door car again)
HappyDad