[SantaCruzRider]

Gave in and took my son on his first motorcycle ride (as a passenger) this last weekend. He’s 11.

The night before, he couldn’t stop asking about it: where are we going to go, what pants should I wear, what happens if my visor gets foggy… he was pretty excited.

He got geared up with a mix of borrowed gear (already fits his mom’s leather jacket) and his new helmet.

Started with 10+ minutes in garage, going over signals, things not to touch and what not to do. Then hit a nearby parking lots so he could get a feel for lean and how to look thru turns. Then we proceeded with an hour long ride along the ocean and up into the mountains (Old San Jose).

He’s hooked — couldn’t wait to tell mom about the ride (and wisely avoided mentioning that one straightaway when we wound it up just a tad). He’s already pushing for his next ride.

Now I wonder how it’s going to go the first time I pick him up from school on the bike. I’m sure the reaction will be a mix of jealousy and scorn, and I’ll either be the “coolest dad” or the most irresponsible parent on Earth.

[megaspaz]

Or… you could be known as the coolest and the most irresponsible parent on earth…

No two-up for me though… I have enough issues riding 1-up…

[SantaCruzRider]

I have a couple years experience riding 2-up with my wife — but don’t mind admitting that I still spend a couple hours thinking thru the route I’d take for my son’s first ride. No freeway and I threw in an un-needed stop for gas to give him a break and be sure he was having fun and didn’t want to head home early.

2-up definately changes the game. Fun to share the ride, but you do lose some freedom. Took a solo ride the next day!

[Jim]

I take my son (he’s 10) to school on my bike when the weather is nice. It is a straight shot on back roads of about a mile, with no other cars. I know he feels like a badass when he gets to school in front of his friends and pops of his helmet. LOL

[RobM]

That’s a great story about your ride with your son. You have given me some things to think about before taking my son for a ride. I appreciate your caution and thoroughness in preparing for the ride. I’ve been riding about 4 months and my son (who’s 10) is ready to go. He has gear from his BMX racing (helmet, goggles, gloves, armour and pants). The jacket is the only thing that worries me about it. Need to keep thinking about that one.

Thanks for relating your experience. It has helped me keep thinking about the important things.

[Sangria7]

I would opt for a 110lbs female instead….plus it wouldnt probably look right with a 220lb man pressed up against behind you! LMAO

[SantaCruzRider]

Pretty much the only way it “looks” right with a 220# guy on the back is if he’s carrying a big red gas can. Gives you that “hey, I’m just trying to help a brother out!” look.

BTW: Thanks for going there Sangria. Nice transition from father-son experience to …???

[wbsprudels]

I actually look forward to the weather warming up, so my wife will ride with me again. So far, among the highlights of learning to ride a motorcycle was the bike date my wife and I enjoyed back in the fall–a 15 mile jaunt to a BBQ restaurant while the kids stayed with the grandparents. It was beautiful!

[boulevardboy]

I used to take my son (aged 7) to school on my Vespa and he thought it was so cool. He never wanted me to take him too early as he always wanted to be able to be seen by the other kids when he got there!! I used to have a top box on the Vespa though, which was why I felt more comfortable with it so there was no way he could fall off the back. I didn’t have too far to go, and it was all on surface streets. I don’t think I will be able to take him on the bike though until I get a back rest for the same reasons. That, unfortunately may not happen for a while as I am cut off from spending any more money!! He does keep asking though.

[boulevardboy]

That makes me think of William H Macy sniffing John Travolta’s cologne in Wild Hogs, which I think is a very funny movie. I watched it after I got my bike and I know that I would always be more of a Wild Hog than a Del Fuego!!

[Clay Dowling]

I’m hoping my step-daughter will be willing to ride with me, as least for delivery to school. Not sure if I’ll be ready for two-up at that point though.

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