New Rider Restrictions?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 850
Likes: 8
From: Tennessee
I started riding at 19, and I wish my dad rode and could have advised me. But nobody in my family rides so I had to figure it out for myself. I thnk because of that, I am the rider I am now at 33.
As a sidenote, by the time I started riding I had already joined the Army and had been through airborne school, so if someone had tried to impose restrictions on me I would've told them to take a flying f**k at a rolling doughnut.
I think it's cool that you advised him to take it easy at first, and you ride so he knows he's listening to the voice of experience. I think as his confidence level and skill level increas over the next few weeks he'll be ready to ride 2 up, at night, and whatever/wherever.
Hell yeah to what another poster said about having him practice riding 2-up with you on the back. You can let him practice and then show him what happens when a passenger does stuff like leaning too much or moves around on the back.
Let him know to take a curve, and that you're going to lean a little too much so he'll know what that feels like and how to compensate. Also, that should help him tell whatever girlie he's gonna ride around what they should do....just keep their shoulders behind his, etc.
As a sidenote, by the time I started riding I had already joined the Army and had been through airborne school, so if someone had tried to impose restrictions on me I would've told them to take a flying f**k at a rolling doughnut.
I think it's cool that you advised him to take it easy at first, and you ride so he knows he's listening to the voice of experience. I think as his confidence level and skill level increas over the next few weeks he'll be ready to ride 2 up, at night, and whatever/wherever.
Hell yeah to what another poster said about having him practice riding 2-up with you on the back. You can let him practice and then show him what happens when a passenger does stuff like leaning too much or moves around on the back.
Let him know to take a curve, and that you're going to lean a little too much so he'll know what that feels like and how to compensate. Also, that should help him tell whatever girlie he's gonna ride around what they should do....just keep their shoulders behind his, etc.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 850
Likes: 8
From: Tennessee
Here's a good one that the military enforces that you could suggest to your son. While riding at night wear contrasting colors and or reflective gear. I have a nice harley jecket with pads and tastful dark grey strips thats reflective at night. Not to mention the HD reflective vests they sale.
I think some Army bases still enforce it.
No idea about the Air Force or Navy.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 1
From: Leonardtown, Maryland
Sounds to me like you are not only being a Dad but a mentor which is +1 in my book. Hell, my son is 37 years old, a Chief in the Navy and his first bike is VRod Muscle. You don't have to guess that I advised him from my experience on what I think he should do. The door is always open between us and I'm looking forward to many rides together.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Grandview, WA
My son just turned 18, he got his endorsement before his 17th birthday. I did give him a few rules he had to follow as long as I OWN the bike he is riding.
1. No drinking.
2. No passengers unless the wife or I are riding with him.
3. He wears full gear. Including boots and gloves.
Now that he has had a year of riding under his belt the passenger thing is being relaxed, BUT the girls he is giving rides to first have to have their dads call me and tell me it's OK for them to be on the bike.
1. No drinking.
2. No passengers unless the wife or I are riding with him.
3. He wears full gear. Including boots and gloves.
Now that he has had a year of riding under his belt the passenger thing is being relaxed, BUT the girls he is giving rides to first have to have their dads call me and tell me it's OK for them to be on the bike.
Under my Roof ...My Rules.... now for my rules for a new rider... No Passengers, No Night Riding & No dragging main street/racing. They will be properly attired for riding!
Now when my kid(s) get their own bike/Insurance and don't live under my roof..Whatever they choose to do but I would be making the above suggestions still for a newly licensed rider.
Now when my kid(s) get their own bike/Insurance and don't live under my roof..Whatever they choose to do but I would be making the above suggestions still for a newly licensed rider.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Rural Northern CA
May I suggest you reward him with a HD mesh armored jacket, & as long as the "restrictions" are in place, he be required to wear it, no matter how hot it is. Of course, if you don't have one, you'll need to get one, too, & wear it whenever you ride durig the restriction period. He'll learn that protection is wisdom, too.
I really hope you enjoy every nano-second of riding together. This period of time will pass 'way too soon.
I really hope you enjoy every nano-second of riding together. This period of time will pass 'way too soon.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
May I suggest you reward him with a HD mesh armored jacket, & as long as the "restrictions" are in place, he be required to wear it, no matter how hot it is. Of course, if you don't have one, you'll need to get one, too, & wear it whenever you ride durig the restriction period. He'll learn that protection is wisdom, too.
I really hope you enjoy every nano-second of riding together. This period of time will pass 'way too soon.
I really hope you enjoy every nano-second of riding together. This period of time will pass 'way too soon.
We went for our first ride together today and had a great time. I plan on enjoying every second we ride together. I have an older son as well (and a younger daughter) and know just how fast time goes by!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 4
From: Central IL
I agree fully with the "my house, my rules" concept. I have 3 children from the ages of 18-25 and that has worked well for me. As long as I'm paying the bills, I get to make the rules. The oldest didn't like it so he moved out at 20. IMO that IS teaching them responsibilty because there are rules throughout life that must be followed, be it at home, at school, at work or wherever.
Those on here that advocate "cutting the cord" are fooling themselves. You NEVER fully "cut the cord" with your children. You just give them enough to hang themselves.
Those on here that advocate "cutting the cord" are fooling themselves. You NEVER fully "cut the cord" with your children. You just give them enough to hang themselves.
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 34
From: Newport news, Virginia
Well Dads house his rules. Plus if dad is footing the bill i.e. paying his sons insurance or placing him and his bike on his insurance and registration than the father can place any restrictions he wants. I would....in a heat beat. If he doesn't like it then he pays his own bills.
Nuff said
Nuff said
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: southeastern, ma
my son is 17, riding a bike since he was 10 (very well), just took the safety class and now will ride one of my bikes with me. rules until 18 are that he can only ride if i am with him and we talk safety all the time. we debrief situations after or during a stop on a ride also. when he's 18 - he will still be at home when he is not in college and i'm sure we will have some rules around riding, but will be a little less stringent. i know there is talk about cutting the cord, but i think we all have a responsibility to protect as long as we feel it is necessary. good thread.