View Poll Results: Did you stop riding when
You had your first child
58
29.90%
You had your second, third, etc children
18
9.28%
When your kids were between 5-14
20
10.31%
Never stopped riding
99
51.03%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 194. You may not vote on this poll
How many stopped riding when they had young children?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Orlando
I stopped for a few years when my daughter was born. I wanted to fit in with the other parents and act like a grown up. Stopped drinking and doing drugs to - for a while. Missed riding and figured as long as I didnt fall back into the lifestyle I'd be OK
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I picked up my first Harley when my daughter was 5 months old this August. All I had to do was argue how much safer a Harley is than my sport bike because I won't be tempted into the crazy high speeds. my logic worked long enough for her to say....O.K. I guess....the sport bike was gone, and a Road King appeared! I was getting too fat for a sport bike anyways.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
I started riding when I was 26. Wife got pregnant with twin boys at 33. I sold my Vulcan right after the news. I DID ride Father-inLaw's Ultra Classic on the rare occasion I could get away. I'm now 36 and bought a Ultra Limited last spring. I still stand in the garage and think "Damn, that thing looks good!"
I do wear a full face helmet while cruising around, and I find now that I enjoy riding more with it. Both for the physical ride and the mental relief of being a little safer.
I do wear a full face helmet while cruising around, and I find now that I enjoy riding more with it. Both for the physical ride and the mental relief of being a little safer.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 636
Likes: 1
From: Boise, ID.
I have a 7 year old son and never stopped riding, usually take him to school during the summer on the back of the bike. Definitely don't get as many miles on the bike as I used to but couldn't give it up totally.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 1
From: East Central Florida
I held off learning to ride due to having an ER Nurse Mom and then getting married and us having a child in my late 20's. I just learned to ride and got the bike when she graduated HS and started college.
I figured that was old enough for her to emotionally and financially do without me heaven forbid and also I was better financially ready to have an expensive toy.
Holding off on riding in ones youth and not knowing what you are missing would be easier than stopping after years of riding I would imagine.
I figured that was old enough for her to emotionally and financially do without me heaven forbid and also I was better financially ready to have an expensive toy.
Holding off on riding in ones youth and not knowing what you are missing would be easier than stopping after years of riding I would imagine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
I didn't start riding until my youngest was out of high school. I am glad I lived to see that they are all on the right path. I am worth more dead than alive, so I know everyone would be OK, if TSHTF. Of course I would love to stick around long enough for Grand Kids.
Never rode when my kids were little. If I had, I probably would have been less cranky and easier to get along with. And my wife was pretty hot and coulda probably replaced me with a better model. And my kids might have turned out fine. So you have to decide for yourself. Good Luck.
If you keep riding wear a helmet at least.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 2
From: Naples, Florida
I actually got my first bike when my son was 2.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 811
Likes: 53
From: Emmett, Idaho
Many here have said it so well--give up the cycle for the sake of your wife and young children. I do not care if you are the best rider in your state, someone will eventually cripple or kill you if you ride enough. Others will likely be at fault. Most likely you will be crippled and not die. Then, your wife and children take care of you for the rest of your life.
Insurance for the wife and kids? Is that all you mean to them--just a dollar figure? If so, then I would re-evaluate your family situation exclusive of your cycle riding. Motorcycle riding is an indulgence, not a necessity. Your family's welfare is in fact a responsibility both legal and moral.
Go back to riding when the kids are grown. Not only will you like it more, but you will even be a safer rider, because I remember how I behaved on a cycle when I was lots younger.
Insurance for the wife and kids? Is that all you mean to them--just a dollar figure? If so, then I would re-evaluate your family situation exclusive of your cycle riding. Motorcycle riding is an indulgence, not a necessity. Your family's welfare is in fact a responsibility both legal and moral.
Go back to riding when the kids are grown. Not only will you like it more, but you will even be a safer rider, because I remember how I behaved on a cycle when I was lots younger.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: North Cackalacky
Perhaps I should have made another poll choice. Who stopped riding when they had kids for financial reasons 
! Great answers I appreciate them all. I know I will seriously cut down on miles (which I don't mind because I am doing better things like playing on a playground and wiping diapers). But not sure I want to totally give up the bike. I do appreciate all the responses.
! Great answers I appreciate them all. I know I will seriously cut down on miles (which I don't mind because I am doing better things like playing on a playground and wiping diapers). But not sure I want to totally give up the bike. I do appreciate all the responses.