Am I Being A Douchebag?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 128
Those that say, "oh, it's not so bad", or "how's he gonna learn?". Well, it is so bad and he can learn when he's legally old enough to learn. He can learn when he's old enough to take a MSF class and get his license and insurance. To those that say it's better than him riding a CBR600 after a party next weekend, no it isn't. It's just as bad and maybe even worse because the parents are encouraging illegality. Why not just buy him a car. Why wait till he's 15 for crying out loud? Why didn't they do it when he was 12 or 10? Why not buy him a beer, or a case, or maybe a fifth and down a few with him? Wouldn't that be better than doing it at a party? Someone needs to reevaluate, but it sure as heck isn't those that think it's wrong. It is wrong and no amount of self justification can make it right. It's illegal. It's against the law. It is child endangerment. Apparently some law breaking illegality and all that is Ok under certain circumstances to some of you, but it isn't OK. They are breaking the law. They are endangering their kid, and they are putting the public at risk. Others use the roads besides that particular family.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 305
Likes: 3
From: Coffeyville, KS
E3verytime I hear that question I answer YES because it makes me laugh. After reading your post I have to say hell no you're not being out of line in any way. The kid should be taught to obey the laws and also, if you don't feel comfortable even if it's because of a weird gut feeling, listen to it because it's usually for the best. I think you did the right thing. Bad situation waiting to get worse.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue, WA
My kid rode a Road King with our group at age 17 - but he was licensed and had taken the advanced safety course. So, there's lots of factors to consider here -- the rider's head being the most important. He rode his ride, and rode fine (and loved the Road King). OTOH, the policy of our group is that no one without a license rides with us, regardless of age or experience -- not that we check, but it is a stated policy.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
I've seen them do stuff on bicycles that I though could only be done thru digital animation.
I'd be more worried about being stuck in some sort of precious family moment as an uncomfortable outsider.
"The day my son became a man,..."
I suppose you can be their camera guy at every stop.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
-- not that we check, but it is a stated policy.
If I ain't comfy with a fellow rider, I just don't ride with him.
But I dang sure ain't gonna lay out "policies and rules" for him. I don't wanna be "that guy".
He might just wonder who the fup I think I am.
Last edited by Faast Ed; Sep 4, 2010 at 12:34 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Bridgewater, MA
I have never posted to chastise another forum member, but almost did to this one. I fully agree with roadking2000. He covered every wrong about this situation about as eloquently and concisely as possible.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Trying to figure out the implication here,.... LOL
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 0
From: Danville Va, Providence NC
you are wise. ....stay away.
the boy can almost be excused...he's young....as a boy I probably would have done it myself " nothing bad is gonna' happen to me."
no excuse for the parents of the boy...they should know better and not allow it.
If possible, state your concern for the boy's safety.
the boy can almost be excused...he's young....as a boy I probably would have done it myself " nothing bad is gonna' happen to me."
no excuse for the parents of the boy...they should know better and not allow it.
If possible, state your concern for the boy's safety.
Kid might be a great rider, but a 500 mile trip? NOT for me. Parents might not be monsters, but they are irresponsible for sure. STAY AWAY. If he screws up and gets hurt (or worse) you will blame yourself for letting it happen around you.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
I would say it would be best to stay away from the situation if you are not comfortable. I have a 14 year old son and I know that no time in the near future would he be riding on a 500 mile trip. He already has his bike picked out... Taking the safe rider class and riding with dad and only dad on backroads is how he will learn. But before all that he is going to get road time on 4 wheels and learn what the road is all about.
Who knows maybe this kid has proven himself to your friend and that is why your friend has him coming along. I would at least talk to him about.
I have ridden with guys in there 20's 30's and 40's that did not have a license and have friends that are in their 40's that ride like a-holes that I would not go on a 500 mile ride with either....
You are not wrong or being a douchebag if you are not comfortable with it.
Who knows maybe this kid has proven himself to your friend and that is why your friend has him coming along. I would at least talk to him about.
I have ridden with guys in there 20's 30's and 40's that did not have a license and have friends that are in their 40's that ride like a-holes that I would not go on a 500 mile ride with either....
You are not wrong or being a douchebag if you are not comfortable with it.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
From: Wa. state
I vote for 'Don't go'... I dont think it is all that bad to allow the kid to ride , if he has experience or has demonstrated a level of proficiency. BUT...
there is a certain level of breaking the law here.
In my state they passed a law recently that, anyone caught riding without a proper endorsement the motorcycle will be confiscated.
Our son made his first road trip with the wife and I and part of that included group riding. Before leaving I gave him the rundown on rules. He did pretty good, 1200+ miles He held his position on my right and to the rear. It turned out to be a great experience and a fun ride.
OF course he was completely within the rule of law.
there is a certain level of breaking the law here.
In my state they passed a law recently that, anyone caught riding without a proper endorsement the motorcycle will be confiscated.
Our son made his first road trip with the wife and I and part of that included group riding. Before leaving I gave him the rundown on rules. He did pretty good, 1200+ miles He held his position on my right and to the rear. It turned out to be a great experience and a fun ride.
OF course he was completely within the rule of law.