Am I Being A Douchebag?
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Obviously You didn't read my post. I wouldn't have allowed it way back then with less hazards on the road. And there were less hazards on the road! I explained how I would have started him.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
As someone who used to sneak out my Dad's old CB360 and road it all over the countryside without him knowing at age 11 the sheer thought of him finding out was enough to make me extra careful. At the time you could get a motor scooter license in TN at age 14 with a 125cc limit. At 14, I was 6' and 240 lbs and could not find a moped (early '80's) that could haul my big a$$ up a hill so I rode the CB360. That being said when the THP caught my A$$ in a road block my riding days was over. Just because someone is 50 years old and covered in leather does not mean they know how to ride either...
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 13
Your smart!! I had a bad bike wreck in 77 met a guy in the hosp, nice guy. He had a goldwing, bought his 16 yr old son a new goldwing. They came around a corner the dad had the 12 yr old daughter on back, kid lost his in the corner. End result, dad was hurt, daughter ended up falling on dad, breaking her arm, 16 yr old son, hurt as well. No, you are very smart to get away from that one. Good thinking.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Newnan,Ga.
When I was that age we learned how to ride on power lines and back roads. No 500 mile over nighters. Way before lawyers were on every corner watching traffic like volchuers. You have made the right call,the so called Parents are wrong and asking for trouble.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
The dad is setting a really bad example for his kid by saying hey it's OK to ignore the law or break rules if you don't agree with them or they do not work in your favor. Guys like this love to talk about their rights but never seem to mention their responsibilities.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
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From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
It's not the first time I've heard there were less hazards back then and I think it's funny.
I understand what you meant about not being wise to send a kid out there. It's likely not a good idea.
But I am impressed by the fathers heavy involvement with his kid. I see too many ignore the kid and Chicago has so many neglected kids shooting at each other every day (real guns).
Which is worse?
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
My dad let me ride when I was under age, but that was (by myself- him following in car) and out in the country. This was in the 70's, not quite as much traffic. He'd have NEVER let me ride in a group.
Actually, thinking about it, I was 13 the 1st time and rode a Sprint out in Almaden and 14 on Hwy 88 (over Carson Pass) on a new (at that time) 1974 FXE
I guess he was out of his mind. It was sure cool for me.
Actually, thinking about it, I was 13 the 1st time and rode a Sprint out in Almaden and 14 on Hwy 88 (over Carson Pass) on a new (at that time) 1974 FXE
I guess he was out of his mind. It was sure cool for me.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: N.E. Ohio
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I'm not interested in any internet p**ing match. I was responding to someone who suggested this was akin to contribuiting to the delinquincy of a minor, because it was essentially encouraging him to commit a crime.
My point was, and is, that a driving without a license and insurance is a traffic infraction, which is a civil offense and not a crime. And suggesting that the parents actions rises to "contributing to the delinquency" is ridiculous. Period. A traffic offense doesn't rise to the level of a crime simply because something might happen. Driving without a license isn't a crime, it's a traffic offense. And if you get stopped without a license, you're not going to be charged with a felony because something bad might happen.
All the what ifs and speculation about what might happen is beyond the scope of my comment, and I'm not interested in going down that rabbit hole.
You disagree. I get it.
Last edited by Mike; Sep 9, 2010 at 06:56 AM.