Took my 14-yr-old son on his first GT ride last night...

[messenger13]

(This is not meant to be a GT thread. More about a dad, and his boy.)

My kids like riding with me...but it's no big deal to them. It's not like they're begging me for a ride the way I used to beg my older brother to take me for a ride. Perhaps they just take it for granted that they can ride whenever they want to. Growing up, I didn't have that luxury.

Last night I decided to go for a ride, so I asked my son if he wanted to go. He said, "Sure...I guess it's time to try out that new GT of yours.". Within a few minutes we were geared up and headed out. Within the first mile, he flipped up his helmet and yelled, "IT'S SMOOTH!". I told him that was the part that was like the old LT. We then hit a little stretch of road and I went through a few gears rather spirited-like. He flips his helmet open again and yells, "IT'S FAST TOO!". I told him that was the part that reminded me of the Ninja. He told me later that the bike really is like having both bikes combined into one. I agreed.

We rode over to a friend's house. I showed my buddy the new GT. Meanwhile me son played with his two daughters, which he has known since before he could walk. Good friends...and good times...life is so good.

An hour or so later, we mounted up and headed back home. The moon was HUGE! :eek: The air was exceptionally warm for a northeast Ohio night. I set the cruise control, reached back and placed my hand on my son's knee and we rode back home . . . together. I like my new GT alright. But it's just not in the same league as that boy of mine.

Thanks Nick! For a great ride. :)

[motorman587]

I sure this wasn't his first time on a motorcycle, so I have a new dad question? How old was he went he went on his "first" ride. My little girls, little over 2 years, love to sit and go around in the yard. When they hear the motor start, they come a running and have to seat on the bike. Just wondering how old he was for his first ride. Hope I did not hijack your post.

[messenger13]

No hijack...it's a great question. Little rides around the neighborhood, and longer rides are two entirely different things. I wouldn't take my child onto a major ride until they are old enough to hang out tightly, and understand the dangers of falling off. This is where a parent's discernment and discretion come into play, as all kids mature and develop at different rates.

How's that for a non-answer? :o

[motorman587]

How about gear? Like helmets, the most important?? I guess I could start looking for childrens helmets. Thanks, you got me thinking.

[gulfxray]

How about gear? Like helmets, the most important?? I guess I could start looking for childrens helmets. Thanks, you got me thinking.

Same question here Joe... I have a 9 1/2 yr old son who has patiently waited for a couple years now... :)

[nightcrawler921]

My son was 5 when I started taking him for short rides on my road king. I made him hang on to my belt with both hands, if I felt 1 hand let go I would pull over immediately. Did not go over 30-35 mph. When I got my 1st Ultra he was almost 7 and I took him for longer rides, 10-20 miles. Now he is 14 and likes to ride longer. One thing I have told all 3 kids is no helmet no ride. Also no shorts or flip-flops allowed. After his first ride on the LT he said, "Wow, my butt doesn't feel numb and I can actually hear the stereo."

[messenger13]

My kids have always worn my wife's helmet...which is pretty small anyway. And if/when my boy out-grows his mother's helmet, I'll just have to buy him his own...no big deal. Here in Ohio, even though there isn't a mandatory helmet law, all children 14 and younger MUST wear one. And as far as I'm concerned, as long as I provide the roof over my kid's head, they're going to wear a helmet no matter their age. :)

[gulfxray]

... as far as I'm concerned, as long as I provide the roof over my kid's head, they're going to wear a helmet no matter their age. :)

Amen!

Thanks for the info Joe.

[Woolly]

And as far as I'm concerned, as long as I provide the roof over my kid's head, they're going to wear a helmet no matter their age. :)

Joe, reading all these posts in this thread, plus many others, I'm impressed - you're not 'Just Joe', you ARE Joe. You should be proud to change your sig.

[messenger13]

Joe, reading all these posts in this thread, plus many others, I'm impressed - you're not 'Just Joe', you ARE Joe. You should be proud to change your sig.Thank for the kind words. :) But no thanks. I'm "just Joe". What you read is what you get. Happy go lucky, with more than my fair share of sarcasm just to bring some levity to any situation. ;)

[mikeinpgh]

This week my 18 year old son had his wisdom teeth out and for a little while he let me baby him
It was like having my little boy back
It was nice

[motorman587]

I just ordered two 1/2 helmets, small, size was 49-50 cm, cause of Joe. Thanks Joe, you got me thinking. When we in the yard I will pratice putting on "their" helmets, to get them use to wearing one. The will put on there bicycle helmets, from time to time. I will work my way up to full face, so I fiqure get them us to to 1/2, 3/4 and then full face.

[jayz9705]

Joe, you best realize you are talking about YOUR son!

At 14, I'd be a bit leary of him "playing" with your friends same-age daughters!!;) :o

I suspect you'd best start referring to his "visiting with", instead!

[messenger13]

Joe, you best realize you are talking about YOUR son!

At 14, I'd be a bit leary of him "playing" with your friends same-age daughters!!;) :o

I suspect you'd best start referring to his "visiting with", instead!Not too worried. It's not like I'm talking about MY daughter here! :D :D :D

[meese]

Don't worry Joe, she'll start dating soon enough. May even fall for one of those tough biker types. :) But I'm sure you'll have things well in hand. Just don't leave any permanent scars on the poor boy, OK? :D

[hschisler]

Don't worry Joe, she'll start dating soon enough. May even fall for one of those tough biker types. :) But I'm sure you'll have things well in hand. Just don't leave any permanent scars on the poor boy, OK? :DOn the contrary: permanent, visible scars have a real, positive deterrent effect on others! ;)

[messenger13]

Nope....I won't be leaving visible scars. In fact, find the entire body will be a chore in and of itself. :D