Did I do the right thing?

Question

24 hours ago I gave the keys for my dressed Honda to my stepson for his 20th birthday. What do you think, good thing, bad thing, what? And yes, it was in front of his mother.

Duh,
Motorcycle questions that get car answers will always get a thumbs down (or a finger up!)

Yes, Mom approves. She was the one that first told me of his interest. He did earn it by his actions and show of responsibility over the years we spent together. He has gotten a job, bought his own car, paid room and board, etc.
No, he hasn't learned to ride yet. I told him "Show me a permit, and I'll take you someplace and show you how to crash it." Mom just smiled. Just the reaction I should have expected.
I think a 750 is too big to learn on. Even though both he and his mother trust ME to teach, I insisted he take the MSF course. They have the advantage of knowledge and experience that I don't. And smaller bikes, too.

For those of you wondering, I am not passing on the responsibilty of teaching. The course is in addition to my limited (17yrs.) experience. And we are aware of the need for the proper gear. Since I believe that personal preference is very important he will have to select his own. It must fit and he has to like it. People don't wear what they don't like. All this will take time. The bike will most likely not see many more miles this year. Unless I take it out that is.

Answer 1

Yes you did. Mother was alright with it, he has earned something by "paying" his way (a lot of 20 y/o don't even, nor do they want a job). And telling him show me a permit was good too. I think it's a good idea for you to teach him to ride AND a safety course also.

Answer 2

I don't think handing over your keys to an unexperienced rider is a good idea. Like you said, have him take the MSF course and get him a smaller bike to learn on. A 750 is not an appropriate 1st bike in my opinion.

Riding is also an investment...in time, in money, in aquiring the proper riding gear, in learning self restraint, in learning good riding habits, etc. These are things that most courses will not teach. Being an experienced rider, I would fill in the gaps as best I could and try to keep him as safe as I possibly could.

Answer 3

If you still have a bike, take him out to the local parking lot and practice the basic moves with him. Some MSF classes fill up fast and you have to go on a waiting list for an open spot.
Talk to him about riding safe, how to watch for cars and the stupid things folks do (like smile, wave at you,, then proceed directly into your lane) Share your road experience with him so he might soak in some of it and be able to avoid a bad situation.
750 is not too horribly big to learn on if it fits his body right. Alot of folks I know have started on the Suz Intruder 800 and not had any problems.

Answer 4

at nineteen i bought my first motorcycle. it was a cb350g honda i had no prior experience, paid cash for it and had it on the ground within 45min. i went into a horshoe turn at 60mph. thank god for a helmet and a levi jacket ,long pants and a cheap pair of leather gloves. my bike was slightly bent , i made it back to the dealer very embarrased. the top part of the yoke was broke off on one side and the other side was cracked. total mileage on my bike was 14mi. the dealer put me on a 750k for a loaner untill mine was repaired. yep went from a 350 to a 750 in 14 mi. my very first lesson in respecting my bike. i only had minor scrapes and scratches and my ride was repaired in a few days. my dad was partly paralized in one leg racing indans bikes back in the fifties.he never rode again. it would have been best if i had a safety course. i was just lucky. i started my boys on dirt bikes when they were 7 and 9 they both had broken bones and a few trips to the hospital.even after the dirt bikes they both took rider safty courses. now both are riding harleys at 26 and 28 and me i still saddle up at 53. we all putt down the road at the speed limit most of the time, and we still practice at the high school parking lot doing salomons and emergency stops. before rides we inspect each other's scoots tire pressure fluid levels and saftey equipment. i.e. helmets, gloves, long pants, a jacket and boots. my old cb350 was replaced a year later with my first harley. more respect was due for me but thank god and luck my boys have kept there bikes in one piece.sounds like your on the right track dad. motorcycles what a life! but to keep it safety has to be # 1 ride safe & ride free

Answer 5

Is your stepson already an experienced cyclist with a motorcycle endorsement on his drivers license? If so that would be a good thing, there's nothing like getting a Honda ~ it's an excellent gift. But if not the only way it would be a bad thing would be if you didn't stay by his side teaching him every thing you know about it and teach him all about motorcycle safety until you felt he's ready to do it on his own regardless if you are getting along with his mother or not.

Answer 6

YES...or...NO
It depends on the boy. I started riding at 18 and have never had any problems with motorcycles. If you and your wife trust him, I say you did the right thing.
Owning a motorcycle is a responsibility--yes, but it is a lot more fun. I miss riding down HWY-1 in California, or through the tall trees in Fla.
Starting early is a great way to create a life time of great memories.
PS Make him pay for insurance.

Answer 7

yes, you did. Riding a motorcycle is a great way to meet new people and to see things that you miss while riding in cars. It's also great that you insisted on taking the course. It will help when he gets his own bike with the cost of the insurance being lower.

Answer 8

Y ou're in a similar circumstance as I am. I taught the old lady to ride 6 years back. I started her on a Honda,then a sportster,then a big twin which I have done a ground up customization on. She rides fairly well but from where I stand, if she ever" ate it" I would fell responsible. After all ,I taught her to ride and put her on a bike. I have asked her,"If I had'nt put you on a bike would you still have ended up riding" She said yes.

Answer 9

All depends on how responsible your son is. I think that would be a wonderful present. At 20 years old, he should know how to act somewhat responsibly, though. Just be sure to sit down w/ him at sometime and have a talk about drinking & driving, speeding, reckless driving, etc... All those mentioned could ruin a young man's life if he should happen to take somebody else's life. Got me???? Plus, the court costs are outrageously expensive these days. Now, as for his mother, I don't know.............

Answer 10

I believe you've done a good thing and in the right way.

In Rider Magazine, Clement Salvadori asked, "how do we pass down the love of motorcycling to the next generation?"
I believe you have.

I ride, my wife rides, as does our son. Hopefully I'll pass on a VLX to my 21 yr old daughter when SHE passes MFS in a month, or so .