What would you do?
What would you do?
In 2005 my best friend was killed on his 1993 Sportster 1200. Since then, his mother, (a dear friend of mine) had his bike repaired and has since been kept it in storage to possibly give to my friend's son (her grandson) when he is old enough to responsibly own/ride it.
Anyway, she lives on a fixed income and the place that has been storing the bike the last 7+ years has told her they can no longer store it for free. She can not afford to pay for the storage. She asked me if I wanted to buy the bike, if not she is going to sell it.
I don't really have the extra funds to buy it right now, but could probably swing it if I tightened the belt for a little while. I sent her a message asking her if she would like me to look into storing it for her free of charge but I haven't heard back from her yet. (This would be the best option IMO, but suspect she just really needs the money)
Was wondering what people thought about buying a bike with this sort of history or giving a bike to someone who's father was killed on that bike in the past? Would you want this kind of bike or would you consider it "cursed" or something like that? My friend has a daughter as well. Would it be unfair to give the bike to the son and not the daughter? My friend's ex wife and I don't have the best relationship so I don't really want to ask her for her opinion, but it's quite likely she doesn't want her dead ex husbands bike going to her kids either.
In my mind, I keep thinking my friend would want one of his kids to have his bike. I was considering buying it from her and giving it to one of the kids some day as his mom had planned but just not sure if I should just stay out of it and let the bike be sold and ridden by someone who wants bike now.
Don't even know what a fair offer would be for a 20 year old Sportster.
I'm confused lol.
Anyway, she lives on a fixed income and the place that has been storing the bike the last 7+ years has told her they can no longer store it for free. She can not afford to pay for the storage. She asked me if I wanted to buy the bike, if not she is going to sell it.
I don't really have the extra funds to buy it right now, but could probably swing it if I tightened the belt for a little while. I sent her a message asking her if she would like me to look into storing it for her free of charge but I haven't heard back from her yet. (This would be the best option IMO, but suspect she just really needs the money)
Was wondering what people thought about buying a bike with this sort of history or giving a bike to someone who's father was killed on that bike in the past? Would you want this kind of bike or would you consider it "cursed" or something like that? My friend has a daughter as well. Would it be unfair to give the bike to the son and not the daughter? My friend's ex wife and I don't have the best relationship so I don't really want to ask her for her opinion, but it's quite likely she doesn't want her dead ex husbands bike going to her kids either.
In my mind, I keep thinking my friend would want one of his kids to have his bike. I was considering buying it from her and giving it to one of the kids some day as his mom had planned but just not sure if I should just stay out of it and let the bike be sold and ridden by someone who wants bike now.
Don't even know what a fair offer would be for a 20 year old Sportster.
I'm confused lol.
Last edited by dgdamore; Jan 29, 2013 at 07:41 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Singleton
Not really related, but my good friend was killed while we were in Iraq, and I still to this day use some of his gear.
If my dad died on a bike, would certainly ride that bike. I'm not very superstitious, and I feel like history in an item- even bad- can keep good memories around.
IMO your best option is to store it for free. If you do buy it, I think a fair offer is 1000 bucks if it runs, more if you feel charitable.
If my dad died on a bike, would certainly ride that bike. I'm not very superstitious, and I feel like history in an item- even bad- can keep good memories around.
IMO your best option is to store it for free. If you do buy it, I think a fair offer is 1000 bucks if it runs, more if you feel charitable.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
From: central texas
It's one thing if she knew her grandkid wanted the bike, and she could store it no problem, but it sounds like it is more trouble than it's worth to keep it. If she needs the money; your friend would probably be OK with her selling the bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
In 2005 my best friend was killed on his 1993 Sportster 1200. Since then, his mother, (a dear friend of mine) had his bike repaired and has since been kept it in storage to possibly give to my friend's son (her grandson) when he is old enough to responsibly own/ride it.
Anyway, she lives on a fixed income and the place that has been storing the bike the last 7+ years has told her they can no longer store it for free. She can not afford to pay for the storage. She asked me if I wanted to buy the bike, if not she is going to sell it.
I don't really have the extra funds to buy it right now, but could probably swing it if I tightened the belt for a little while. I sent her a message asking her if she would like me to look into storing it for her free of charge but I haven't heard back from her yet. (This would be the best option IMO, but suspect she just really needs the money)
Was wondering what people thought about buying a bike with this sort of history or giving a bike to someone who's father was killed on that bike in the past? Would you want this kind of bike or would you consider it "cursed" or something like that? My friend has a daughter as well. Would it be unfair to give the bike to the son and not the daughter? My friend's ex wife and I don't have the best relationship so I don't really want to ask her for her opinion, but it's quite likely she doesn't want her dead ex husbands bike going to her kids either.
In my mind, I keep thinking my friend would want one of his kids to have his bike. I was considering buying it from her and giving it to one of the kids some day as his mom had planned but just not sure if I should just stay out of it and let the bike be sold and ridden by someone who wants bike now.
Don't even know what a fair offer would be for a 20 year old Sportster.
I'm confused lol.
Anyway, she lives on a fixed income and the place that has been storing the bike the last 7+ years has told her they can no longer store it for free. She can not afford to pay for the storage. She asked me if I wanted to buy the bike, if not she is going to sell it.
I don't really have the extra funds to buy it right now, but could probably swing it if I tightened the belt for a little while. I sent her a message asking her if she would like me to look into storing it for her free of charge but I haven't heard back from her yet. (This would be the best option IMO, but suspect she just really needs the money)
Was wondering what people thought about buying a bike with this sort of history or giving a bike to someone who's father was killed on that bike in the past? Would you want this kind of bike or would you consider it "cursed" or something like that? My friend has a daughter as well. Would it be unfair to give the bike to the son and not the daughter? My friend's ex wife and I don't have the best relationship so I don't really want to ask her for her opinion, but it's quite likely she doesn't want her dead ex husbands bike going to her kids either.
In my mind, I keep thinking my friend would want one of his kids to have his bike. I was considering buying it from her and giving it to one of the kids some day as his mom had planned but just not sure if I should just stay out of it and let the bike be sold and ridden by someone who wants bike now.
Don't even know what a fair offer would be for a 20 year old Sportster.
I'm confused lol.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 618
Likes: 16
From: beaumont texas
she needs the money, why else would she want to sell. its probally killing her inside but reality has set in bills pile up sometimes
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I am strongly considering this option. If I was this kid though, it would be nice to make my own decision about the bike someday when old enough.
Yes, I too, would absolutely want the bike my dad rode whether he was ultimately killed on it or not.
This is an excellent point as well.
Not really related, but my good friend was killed while we were in Iraq, and I still to this day use some of his gear.
If my dad died on a bike, would certainly ride that bike. I'm not very superstitious, and I feel like history in an item- even bad- can keep good memories around.
IMO your best option is to store it for free. If you do buy it, I think a fair offer is 1000 bucks if it runs, more if you feel charitable.
If my dad died on a bike, would certainly ride that bike. I'm not very superstitious, and I feel like history in an item- even bad- can keep good memories around.
IMO your best option is to store it for free. If you do buy it, I think a fair offer is 1000 bucks if it runs, more if you feel charitable.
This is an excellent point as well.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
I agree with Hoggy.
Recontact her and repeat the offer of storing it for her. If she doesn't want that then offer to buy it. But, stay out of family business. It's best for everyone.
PS. If you store it for her, and she passes away, what happens to the bike?
Recontact her and repeat the offer of storing it for her. If she doesn't want that then offer to buy it. But, stay out of family business. It's best for everyone.
PS. If you store it for her, and she passes away, what happens to the bike?
I don't know, good point. The kids are about 14/15 now. I think I'd hang onto the bike until they're in there mid 20's then give it to them. They could do with it what they want at that point. But at least the decision would be theirs.
Last edited by dgdamore; Jan 29, 2013 at 08:45 PM.