I have been giving my son excuse after excuse why I won't take him for a ride on my Harley and today the shit hit the fan. Another dad called and wanted me and my son to join him and his son on a motorcycle outing this morning and I declined and let me tell you my son has never been that upset with me ever. He's 16 and is about to start college in a few years and I tried to explain to him that he has his whole life ahead of him and I don't want to take the risk of losing him in a motorcycle accident. I had a few close calls myself this summer and to tell you the truth I'm thinking about retiring from riding as well. Am I being too overprotective???
I agree with you on this. I had a motorcycle about 15 years ago and remember many close calls due to motorists not paying attention. My son is only six and will never ride on a motorcycle as long as he's living in my house.
However from your son's standpoint, you may look hypocritical because you're telling him it's dangerous but you still ride a motorcycle. It's like telling him not to smoke as you light up another standpoint.
However from your son's standpoint, you may look hypocritical because you're telling him it's dangerous but you still ride a motorcycle. It's like telling him not to smoke as you light up another standpoint.
Go out with him and hit a dog, the kid will swear off ever riding again.
Seriously though, take him for a cruise this morning then sell the damn thing on craigslist this afternoon. That at least gives the kid some closure with wanting to ride. If you sell it or just keep it and never let him ride, that will keep his desire to ride one alive...
Seriously though, take him for a cruise this morning then sell the damn thing on craigslist this afternoon. That at least gives the kid some closure with wanting to ride. If you sell it or just keep it and never let him ride, that will keep his desire to ride one alive...
Give him something more useful to do, like weigh the dog or something (just kidding I owed you one).
In all honesty I lost a buddy on a motorcycle when I was young. Lady backing out of her driveway, didnt see him and hit him. Nobodies fault, just an accident. They seem almost senseless to me to have.
Like a few others said you may have to step up and set the example and get rid of the bike. Tell him you want to do something else today. Take him to a ball game or something and then explain to him that you are getting rid of your bike and you think they are unsafe. Tough call here but you need to lead by example here. Good luck.
In all honesty I lost a buddy on a motorcycle when I was young. Lady backing out of her driveway, didnt see him and hit him. Nobodies fault, just an accident. They seem almost senseless to me to have.
Like a few others said you may have to step up and set the example and get rid of the bike. Tell him you want to do something else today. Take him to a ball game or something and then explain to him that you are getting rid of your bike and you think they are unsafe. Tough call here but you need to lead by example here. Good luck.
I am 46 and started at 9 years old but gave up my ride when my 11 year old was born. Have ridden since but do not own now.
2 wheels are great but you have to be on your toes at ALL times. I think there is more reward than risk taking your son out for a ride. Although it worries me that you are paranoid before you even helmet up.
Just got my 6 and 11 year olds mini Harleys. Could not pass on the deal. Tricked out with Chrome and lights and all. They can only ride on the property for now and I am not worried. Helmets a must.
Good luck on your decision.
2 wheels are great but you have to be on your toes at ALL times. I think there is more reward than risk taking your son out for a ride. Although it worries me that you are paranoid before you even helmet up.
Just got my 6 and 11 year olds mini Harleys. Could not pass on the deal. Tricked out with Chrome and lights and all. They can only ride on the property for now and I am not worried. Helmets a must.
Good luck on your decision.
