A new Bike in the garage

[MNBill]

This spring I offered to pay my 21 yoa son's way to the Beginner's Rider's course if he was intrested. He was and has the class in April. Helped him pick up a black 2005 1300 VTX C  yesterday. I now have a riding partner anytime I want to go (and his VTX to tear around on if I want to hear loud pipes). (sorry I can not post pics). 

[JimL]

I had my son take the beginning riders course also, and I am glad that I did.  I feel that it is the best money I ever spent.

I know this sounds a bit strange, but I really never wanted my son to ride a motorcycle; but I intentionally introduced him to it when he was 15 so that I could influence his behavior and instill the respect needed to ride as safe as possible.  I have had other riders ridicule me for what I am about to say....but I also made certain that he had a certain amount of fear of what could happen from circumstances both under his control and beyond his control.

I get some comfort knowing that he is not as STUPID as I was at his age, but unfortunately I will always worry about him riding when I am not with him.

[valkmc]

My son, who I started hauling around when he was 9 yrs old is now 28 and rides a ZX-14. I always worry about him but not because of him or his skills. I worry because of other drivers. He use to have a pristine 1993 gsxr 750 until a 90 yr old lady pulled in front of him on a clear sunny Florida day with no blocked sight. She actually hit him with the bumber of her car, he went up and landed on his backside on her windshield, He went through it. He was wearing his full face helmet and riding jacket. Only had jeans on the bottom and that is where the damage ocurred, several long deep cuts in both cheeks, complete with scars. Needless to say he did not pay for the ZX-14.

I don't seem to worry about myself when riding, but I guess you never stop worrying about the children. 

[stude31]

I had my son take the beginning riders course also, and I am glad that I did.  I feel that it is the best money I ever spent.

I know this sounds a bit strange, but I really never wanted my son to ride a motorcycle; but I intentionally introduced him to it when he was 15 so that I could influence his behavior and instill the respect needed to ride as safe as possible.  I have had other riders ridicule me for what I am about to say....but I also made certain that he had a certain amount of fear of what could happen from circumstances both under his control and beyond his control.

I get some comfort knowing that he is not as STUPID as I was at his age, but unfortunately I will always worry about him riding when I am not with him.

JimL,

Poor kid he looks just like you but w/o the wrinkles on his face and black hair 

On a serious note I think it is probably one of the best things you could have done for your son.  It gives you a chance to spend time with him and go on trips together and you are giving him the reality that he is becoming a man and danger is in a man's heart.  Men love adventure and what better way to experience it but together on a quite rode in the back woods on two wheels w/ your son (or in his case his "pops") 

I remember dad taking me on his yamaha when I was younger and I was freaked out but it sure was fun.  I will never forget the rides he took me on.  Now as I have aged like wine     I bought dad a bike last year on my birthday so him and I could go riding around together. 

Quality time spent with your dad is like no other.   The older I get the more I long to go fishing with dad or fix his car so he doesn't have to.  I have even kept an extra vehicle in the times that he can't get his jeep running he can drive my truck.  I leave it at his place usually just so I know he has wheels.

I am now 32 and I realize my mortality and I losing my great uncle a couple months back makes me know that every day that God gives me the gift of life it is another day to cherish my folks and all they did for me.   I was a pain in the butt growing up, but I got my fair share of whipn's but I know I deserved them.  It has only gave me that much more respect for him.

Jim it looks like you and your son will have similar joys as the years go on.

May you enjoy the moment of his release in the near future you are doing a great job I am sure....   

Stude31

[MNBill]

My dad put me on a 80 Yamaha when I could not reach the pegs. I would ride around the field and when I wanted to stop I would beep the horn. Dad would come out, stand in the field as I would drive up and pull in the clutch, he would catch me and the bike. I rode and owned a bike until I got married. Always loved riding, hope to get my son exposed to it so he can enjoy it too. I have to go, mods for the bike are here UPS and time for us to work together on the bike.

MNBill

[JimL]

Well said Stude31 (Joe) (except for the part where you poked me in the eye about gray hair and wrinkles)!  MNBill...gotta say that story about beeping the horn brought a smile to my (wrinkled) face!

[Gear Jammer]

I get some comfort knowing that he is not as STUPID as I was at his age, but unfortunately I will always worry about him riding when I am not with him.

Experience is a hard teacher,,, it gives you the test first, and the lesson afterwards.        So far, my two MC riding sons and I have survived the "stupidity" tests, and have hopefully learned some lessons.       Though I'm still withholding final judgment on my oldest...