This was my Son at 7 years of age. He is now 11. When he gets 16, Dad and Son will ride on there street bikes LEGALLY. B/4 the age of 16?,...na,we NEVER did that! lol
Am I Being A Douchebag?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 0
From: Danville Va, Providence NC
I still say no. But after thinking about it, the parents will set the speed, and can show him what kind of distance to use when following bikes. He WILL get good experience. But it is a bad way to get it. A very bad way.
I hope he makes it OK, and the trip is a safe one. I would want no part of it myself.
I hope he makes it OK, and the trip is a safe one. I would want no part of it myself.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
Wow, all the "stay away" replies. No wonder our country is turning into a wuss state. Geezus, let the kid ride, give him space. How the heck is he gonna learn??? It's his bike, his parents responsibility, if something happens, it's on them, not you.
Unless folks aren't confident of their own riding abilities, I say go with them, giv'em space and enjoy....
Just as long as members of the group know this, and don't outride him, he should hang just fine.
But that's just me, so..do what ya gotta do..
Unless folks aren't confident of their own riding abilities, I say go with them, giv'em space and enjoy....
Just as long as members of the group know this, and don't outride him, he should hang just fine.
But that's just me, so..do what ya gotta do..
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Beav said it best! I'm 68 and some of the best memories I have from my growing up, is when my parents thought enough of me to kick my *** when I was wrong. I can't believe these Parents are allowing this. How do the other riders feel about this? The point's that some are missing, I don't care if this kid is a young Evel Knievel, He does not have a License or insurance. If the unthinkable were to happen on this 500 mile overnighter, it would take a law Professor to sort out the charges that would be brought against his Parents. You are doing the right thing by staying away from this.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Panama City, FL
Since you said "buddies" and not "friends", that tells me the relationship is not at the point where you can have much influence on the parent of that boy to prevent his gross lack of judgment.
A parent that allows a young person to ride a dirt bike on a track with all the safety gear required is allowing them a cool experience while being responsible. But the situation you describe is out of line!
I commend you for "boycotting" the ride. I pray the young man makes it ok tho.
A parent that allows a young person to ride a dirt bike on a track with all the safety gear required is allowing them a cool experience while being responsible. But the situation you describe is out of line!
I commend you for "boycotting" the ride. I pray the young man makes it ok tho.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Heaven
Wow, all the "stay away" replies. No wonder our country is turning into a wuss state. Geezus, let the kid ride, give him space. How the heck is he gonna learn??? It's his bike, his parents responsibility, if something happens, it's on them, not you.
Unless folks aren't confident of their own riding abilities, I say go with them, giv'em space and enjoy....
Just as long as members of the group know this, and don't outride him, he should hang just fine.
But that's just me, so..do what ya gotta do..
Unless folks aren't confident of their own riding abilities, I say go with them, giv'em space and enjoy....
Just as long as members of the group know this, and don't outride him, he should hang just fine.
But that's just me, so..do what ya gotta do..
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: DFW
It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Unfortunately the truth is that we live in a litigious country. It's illegal to ride without a license and insurance. Supporting or putting someone in a position where they could hurt themselves or others just is not a wise move in this day and time.
However, that being said, the parents are adults and can make the judgement if they are willing to accept the risk. That does not mean though that you have to accept the same risk.
However, that being said, the parents are adults and can make the judgement if they are willing to accept the risk. That does not mean though that you have to accept the same risk.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 2
From: Pacific Northwest
My feelings, if you want to ride with your kid, do it legally on an off road bike or something. Not only will you spend quality time with your child, the child will learn invaluable riding skills that will only help him or her when they ride the open road.
I think if the parents allow their child to ride with them it is very selfish. All it takes is one mistake, in one split second; maybe a slight bit of day dreaming or a slight loss of focus and the 15 year old kids life is forever changed. Not to mention how the other motorist would feel if they hurt a child, whether it was their fault or not.
Not a smart move IMHO
I think if the parents allow their child to ride with them it is very selfish. All it takes is one mistake, in one split second; maybe a slight bit of day dreaming or a slight loss of focus and the 15 year old kids life is forever changed. Not to mention how the other motorist would feel if they hurt a child, whether it was their fault or not.
Not a smart move IMHO
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 0
From: Danville Va, Providence NC
If there is a wreck of any type, even if it were 100% obvious that it was the other drivers fault, that whole family is screwed.
Run, don't walk, AWAY. Now.
That's my opinion. Put a dollar with it and buy a Coke.
Run, don't walk, AWAY. Now.
That's my opinion. Put a dollar with it and buy a Coke.