Son wants a scooter

[Yellow Jacket]

A few months after I bought my Nomad in 2006 my oldest son, 38 at the time, told me that he wanted to get a bike and go riding with me. He had ridden with me when he was little but had never ridden by himself.

I told him that if he was serious about it that he needed to take a MSF course first. Then if he still wanted to do it to buy a used smaller bike no larger than about 650cc. Then I told him that he needed to talk it over with his wife before he made any decision.

So far he hasn't gotten one.

It is difficult when you have a hobby or profession which you really enjoy but which can be dangerous. Motorcycle riding, hang gliding, sky diving, scuba diving or any kind of racing for example. How do you say to them, "This is OK for me but it's too dangerous for you?" Ultimately, I think they have the right to choose for themselves just as we do. All we can do is try to prepare them as best as we can.

[coacha]

Sorry I posted this and haven't gotten back here to read any of the responses until now, football practice has started and a ton of other crap has been going on.

I have discussed the inherent dangers and what my expectations of him would be (MSF course, practicing in the parking lot, gear, etc). I would rather him learn and practice with me watching and getting pointers while he is here than wait until he is a little older and do it on a whim with out someone lording over his maturation as a rider.

I told him I wasn't trying to be hypercritical in my views but that I was genuinely concerned about his welfare on the bike. We have had a couple discussions and I'm sure we will have a few more before we get to the end of this adventure.

I may have to find more room in the garage for bikes, wife wants one too!

Well, I must reiterate my advice: Get him proficient on a dirt bike first.