I don't know how you can let your son ride a bike...

**shrub** · 16th December 2011, 11:06

I got a lecture from a well meaning but confused friend when she heard that my 21 year old son has a Street Triple that I helped him buy as an 18 year old school kid. I have had my moments, like the time I got a phone call "your son has had a crash and is an ambulance on his way to hospital" (a smidsy on his mint CBX250) and the worst, when I noticed he wasn't in my mirror when he had a VT250. I turned around thinking he had broken down or something and when I came round a corner and saw his bike in the middle of a paddock and a big group of people on the side of the road my heart stopped. ATTGATT meant he had a bruised elbow and a sprained finger and fixing his broken bike taught him mechanics to the point where he is now training as a vehicle mechanic in the army.

He hasn't had an off since then (4 years ago) and has ridden over 30,000 ks on his Street, many of them at speeds Paula Rose would be unhappy about and a fair few on his back wheel. He is my most frequent riding buddy and motorcycling is something that gives us a very special father and son connection. I wonder how many other parents ride with their kids? It's a good way to stay connected with them but also to help keep motorcycling alive, and my son is a far better car driver because he has learned to stay safe on a bike.

**Deano** · 16th December 2011, 11:14

I'm hoping to get my boys into racing rather than road riding. But I'll support whatever they want to do, such as if they want a road bike. Hopefully they will listen to any advice I give, not like when I was a yoof.

**Tosser** · 16th December 2011, 11:24

How long has he been in?

**yungatart** · 16th December 2011, 11:30

Our youngest got his first bike at 15. We rode together all over the North Island, Mum Dad, and son. It was certainly special times and a great way to build relationships. He is also a better car driver because of his riding experience.
He's 20 now, almost 21, just back from six months in France, broke as, but happily riding my bike to work. Who knows whether he'll buy a car, a bike or bugger off to Europe for the third time, but whatever happens we all have great memories.

**riffer** · 16th December 2011, 11:31

I used to ride with my Dad before he stopped riding, and my Granddad too. I pillion my kids now, and will definitely ride with them when they get bikes.

**SMOKEU** · 16th December 2011, 11:34

My mum has been a nurse for around 40 years so she has seen what happens when bikers crash. My old man has been living in Taiwan for about 10 years and motorbike crashes happen with alarming regularity over there seeing many riders don't wear helmets or any protective gear. My old man hates bikes!

I got my first bike (a CG125) when I was 18, my mum wasn't overly thrilled but she supported me and didn't try to talk me out of it. I'm 22 now and she let me buy a GSXR600 so I really can't complain.

**onearmedbandit** · 16th December 2011, 11:36

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I'm 22 now and she let me buy a GSXR600 so I really can't complain.

22 and she let you buy a bike? Only child, Chris?

**unstuck** · 16th December 2011, 11:38

Both my boys (22 and 20) are not interested in bikes even though they used to come riding with me when they were kids. My daughter(16) loves bikes and comes for a ride on the back of mine whenever she gets the chance.My mum(bless her wee yorkshire heart) is forever telling me how dangerous motorbikes are, even though I have never seriously hurt myself in 30+yrs of riding.

**nodrog:Me** · 16th December 2011, 11:49

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

22 and she let you buy a bike? Only child, Chris?

bitty now?

**Fast Eddie** · 16th December 2011, 11:56

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

22 and she let you buy a bike? Only child, Chris?

haha its a south african thing, we hang around under the parents wing for a bit. its cheaper

my parents didn't really have a say, I told my parents I was just sticking to a 250.. well one of the cylinders IS 250... and so are the other 3..

**baptist** · 16th December 2011, 12:04

Umm... must be great to ride with your kids, can't see it happening for me. My youngest takes after her grandmother, she hates bikes (My mother makes it clear every time we speak what she thinks about bikes - and I'm 45!- even though she married my dad and not only did he ride them he raced them!!). My oldest daughter pillions with me (she is 15) and so there is hope but she has not shown much interest in getting her licence even though she could have earlier this year.

**Stirts** · 16th December 2011, 12:13

Originally Posted by nodrog

Last edited by nodrog; Today at 12:50. Reason: a worm stuck its head out of my bum looking for a biscuit and distracted me

Best we get you to the Vet then!!

**shrub** · 16th December 2011, 12:17

Originally Posted by Tosser

How long has he been in?

2 years. He's just been posted to Burnham from Trentham.

**skippa1** · 16th December 2011, 12:18

Originally Posted by Stirts

Best we get you to the Vet then!!

nah

to cure those worms, youve just got to master the art of dragging your arse along the carpet (watch out for pins, sharp crumbs, dropped staples and be sure not to leave a little "marker")