Got my youngster a bike

[Philip]

So I found a good deal on a little project bike (96 Ninja 500 got it for $300)for my 15 yr old son, I cant wait till he gets through the MSF and gets his liscense. To say the least he's very excited!!

 

[FJRK]

Bad ***! Gonna let him take a can of flat back to the bike to match the helmet? Get that Mad Max thing going on...

 

[MotorToad]

Man, you're the coolest dad ever! My parents sucked.

The Ninja is (IMesHO) the second-best first bike ever, after the GS-500E, and it's fast enough to never get bored of it. I'm not sure I'd go with the flat-black motif, though. Maybe International Orange or that spicy yellow/green they use in Europe.

 

[RenoJohn]

You two rock. Best of fun on some great father-son miles together.

thumbs up from Reno!

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Wow!

Philip- Great post, just what I needed.

My son has taken an interest in MC riding, and asked to get his MC license. He's 17 and I totally support him to do so, knowing I will be there to guide his steps.

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How do you deal with the family naysayers; who think it's too dangerous of course?

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Seeing this is inspirational. Knowing the dangers too, as a father that's a hurdle to get over as well.

My son has eyed in on a Ninja 500 already as his first bike choice.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Good job! Get the kid started off right. My Dad got me started on a bike at a very young age and I've been grateful ever since. Those early lessons have stood me well.

Suggest that you take the MSF class together. I took it as a refresher, when I came back to riding. My 16yr son drove me there and back, with his permit and took the class with me. We both enjoyed the experience. The class is much cheaper (and required) for him, than it is for you.

How does Mom feel about the bike? I remember there being disagreements in our house, all those years ago.

 

[TCMike]

Cool father/son experience now, and for years to come! How did you get it for $300? Does it run?

P.S. :wub: My 15 yr old daughter saw his pic, and says he's cute.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Very cool. His bench racing technique looks good.

Just teach him the respect and responsibility of motorcycling.

You guys enjoy riding together.

 

[wheatonFJR]

That's very cool! My 18 yo son just bought himself an old yammy XJ600.

In a perfect world, I would have started him on a dirt bike at an early age, as guys who learn on dirt have developed some good skills...as I've noticed from those FJR riders I've ridden with who do dirt as well. However, I'm 50 and not sure I want to take a tumble learniing on dirt bike now.

 

[odot]

Don't have a youngster yet but I'm already working on his first bike.....

 

[TCMike]

Don't have a youngster yet but I'm already working on his first bike.....

:clapping: Wow! the new wife finally let you use the computer! Maybe she won't make you watch Dancing with the Stars with her anymore either. Keep your fingers crossed buddy.

 

[odot]

Me working second shift and her working first shift allows me the time to play on the computer. Which means I get my daily dose of ****. Oh, I guess I balance the check book once in a while, too......

 

[joeR6]

That's awesome! You are a cool dad. Great father-son bonding time.

My old man started me off on a 4 wheeler when I was 5 so he is pretty cool too. We both have FJRs (I had to pay for mine though) and although I'm now 31 and he is 69 we still take moto trips each year.

 

[tmc]

$300? Dayum. Most of our farkles cost more than that. A little rattle can action and you guys are in hog heaven. Great choice to get him introduced to the sport in the right way, and a great machine to learn to turn them wrenches on.

MotorToad, before the FeeJ, I had a GS500E as a toy/cheap/beater bike. A great, great ride for around town use. Plenty of power and dead stupid simple. Eggcelent beginner rig... or a fun plaything for a non-beginner(me)!!

 

[Philip]

Wow!
Philip- Great post, just what I needed.

My son has taken an interest in MC riding, and asked to get his MC license. He's 17 and I totally support him to do so, knowing I will be there to guide his steps.

.

.

How do you deal with the family naysayers; who think it's too dangerous of course?

.

.

.

Seeing this is inspirational. Knowing the dangers too, as a father that's a hurdle to get over as well.

My son has eyed in on a Ninja 500 already as his first bike choice.

well as far as the family naysayers, I mostly ignore them but point out he will be supervised, it also helps that his mother isnt completely against it.

Cool father/son experience now, and for years to come! How did you get it for $300? Does it run?
P.S. :wub: My 15 yr old daughter saw his pic, and says he's cute.

It did not run, but as it turns out it only needed a starter solenoid!! ( $28) WE have plans to add a lower fairing and paint the entire bike Kawai Green with black decals.

We spend about 6 weeks in the summer in Maple Grove, maybe we can ride together one day, Im planning a JUly 4th trip around the big lake!!

 

[Happy Rider]

Sweet deal at $300.00 bucks if it runs strong. I got started at 15 following my dad around on his old 1974 ish Honda CB350 (The green hornet). Some great times. Good Job! Just make sure he is AGTATT or no riding. :clapping: unk:

 

[mehaffydr]

I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. I bought my son a Ninja 250 he did the MSF course and we get plenty of good times together and Mom gives me more riding time Now.

here is my son now 17 years about to graduated High School

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Yep! Great times. I started my sons on a Ninja 250 and an old pristine VFR 250 Interceptor when they were about 15 immediately followed by the MSF course. It was a great start. The youngest moved up to a 650 Ninja and the oldest has been riding my old Fazer 700 since last year and he can’t wait to get home from college Friday. I couldn’t keep a secret. I made a nice down payment on a 2007 ZX 10 R for graduation that he’s dyeing to get home to see and ride. I guess I only have four more days to insure that it is mechanically sound and safe before he gets home if you know what I mean.

 

[Docholiday]

My son got his license at 16 and we did the MSF course together. We still ride together whenever we can. He's soon to be 23 and is in law school. We did a 2800 mile ride together last year and had a blast. He rides my 2003 FJR and has no problem putting a long day in the saddle. It is a great bonding experience. MSF is definitely a good start. My son started on a Ninja 500 and found it a lot of fun for short rides. Get some kind of a bike to bike intercom so he can benefit from your experience while you are out on rides.