Need outside opinion on daughters riding freedom

[tmc]

final report:

Initially asked here a couple years ago about ability of 135lb female to handle an FJR. Got a lot of repsonses that helped, most importantly advice to lower the FJR and get some training in addition to what I could teach her.

1st year (2008)she rode only with me on Ninja 250. learned a lot, dumped it once turning around.

2nd year (2009)rode GS750 then graduated to TL1000R (her favorite) and FJR. Together did 5 days advanced riding instruction and two track days at Brainerd Raceway. We BOTH learned how to ride. worth every minute and every penny. End of summer rode to Yellowstone with Amanda on the FJR and me on GOld WIng with younger daughter.

3rd year (2010) daughter announces she's going in the Marine Corps end of June so now my riding buddy is gone for the next 5 years. Maybe we'll get to take a trip during her 30 days annual leave a couple times in the next 5 years.

Turns out there are lots and lots of sport bike riders in the USMC so I'm glad she's already learned how to ride and (hopefully) ride responsibly. I made her promise never to go "canyon racing" if she's stationed in southern CA or elsewhere they might have activity like that.

Many thanks to everyone here that provided input over the last few years.

Mark in MN

Love it. I've got 16 years to worry about this, but I think your solution might be one to remember when the time comes.

Pre-thank your daughter for her service, for all of us. :thumbsup:

 

[Frushlorton]

Here in VA, when I took my daughter to get her DL, I had to attend a session where we heard state police describe accidents and parents gave testimony about losing kids to trees, cars, etc. However, the best thing they did was to have ALL parents of minors pick up the license in a court setting and gave the DL to the parents to give to the kids. THe judge told all in attendance that the DL was the parents to control and take away. They make all decisions on when and where. Parents have more rights to control the DL than the judge does. He told them "his authority was based on law and the parent's were based on anything they wanted to base it on". He can take it for speeding, etc. The parents can take it for not cleaning room, rolling eyes, bad report card or....experience and maturity level.

Control it the way you see fit. My daughter now has a Ninja 250 and I have the task to teach her and my wife to ride. Then to the basic course, a lot of riding WITH ME and then the ERC..

 

[wfooshee]

Be aware that the military has really cracked down on motorcycle safety in the last few years. Started with helmets and hi-vis vests, but now they make you take THEIR course if you want to ride on base. My son went through that, had been licensed for years, went to a new post, had to take the course to get the vehicle decals.

This is a Good Thing, as they won't tolerate squidly behavior from their boys and girls.

 

[Scope]

Be aware that the military has really cracked down on motorcycle safety in the last few years. Started with helmets and hi-vis vests, but now they make you take THEIR course if you want to ride on base. My son went through that, had been licensed for years, went to a new post, had to take the course to get the vehicle decals.

This is a Good Thing, as they won't tolerate squidly behavior from their boys and girls.

Do you know if this also applies to civilians on base?

 

[fjrbrad]

I completely agree with the dirt bike idea. I grew up on dirt bikes, my boys didn't. When the topic came up of them getting a road bike I always insisted that they buy and experience a dirt bike first. In my opinion until you know how much it hurts to hit the dirt you will never appreciate how much it may hurt to hit the road or the many other hard objects out there. I am sure that most of the squids I see on the road these days have gone straight to the road or most of them wouldn't ride like they do. You have to do what you feel is the right thing to do, and keep in mind that on any bike your first accident can be your last.

 

[RavFJR]

I don't think you're at all unresonable... I started out my son riding at age 5 (he's now 25) on dirt bikes. He's been riding a good number of years now, but even his experience didn't save him from a stupid, youthful move this past September. On his CBR600, he and a friend decided to attempt to outrun the cops from a speeding violation. Long story short, he went head-on with a car, flipped over the car and broke 5 vertebrae and his sternum, spending a month in the hospital and nearly became paralyzed. To this day he's still recovering... Even with experience, youth seems to make poor decisions. Decisions you can't take back...

 

[wfooshee]

Be aware that the military has really cracked down on motorcycle safety in the last few years. Started with helmets and hi-vis vests, but now they make you take THEIR course if you want to ride on base. My son went through that, had been licensed for years, went to a new post, had to take the course to get the vehicle decals.

This is a Good Thing, as they won't tolerate squidly behavior from their boys and girls.

Do you know if this also applies to civilians on base?

I don't think so, but helmets are required, regardless of state law requirement (or lack thereof,) and as with any motor vehicle, current tag and driver license.

I'm saying that thinking of visitors to the facility, not as contractors working there. They may be required to fit the stricter rules, I just don't know.

 

[Bounce]

Do you know if this also applies to civilians on base?

a lot of times it's the base commander's choice. years ago, my first exposure to anything MSFish (prior to MSF) was a base rider's safety class i had to attend before i could ride on Tinker AFB as a civilian employee (fed, not contractor). this was all classroom but it was my first exposure to tips on lane position for visibility. it was in the very early 80's.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Be aware that the military has really cracked down on motorcycle safety in the last few years. Started with helmets and hi-vis vests, but now they make you take THEIR course if you want to ride on base. My son went through that, had been licensed for years, went to a new post, had to take the course to get the vehicle decals.

This is a Good Thing, as they won't tolerate squidly behavior from their boys and girls.

Do you know if this also applies to civilians on base?

I ride onto bases in the DC area now & then and the one constant for anybody is that they all require hi-viz colors. I'm just riding on as if in a car for these occasions, and am not a regular to any of the bases. A lot of the Harley riders have a cheapo hi-viz orange plastic hunting bib that they throw on before going through the gate. I understand that to get a parking permit or be a resident may involve training or other requirements at the call of the base command.

 

[wheatonFJR]

wow...this thread has been around for awhile...must have touched a chord.

I notice TWN's answer just a few days before he passed on to riding motorcycles in the next life...