Riding on the road with kids

[Docholiday]

I have a son who rides regularly with me. He got his motorcycle license when he was 16. We attended the MSF course together even though I had been riding since I was a teen, but took off a bunch of years to be a responsible father. We have ridden together on the road for over 4 years and use an intercom system to keep in touch. He is a very responsible and safe driver. My son has ridden a FZ6 while I have ridden a 2003 FJR. I recently bought a 2008 FJR and was planning on letting my son ride the 2003 FJR. Do you think the FJR is too much bike for a 21 year old? Do you have kids that ride on the road? What bikes do they ride? Advice and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[NoCage]

Calling Scab... he bought an FZ6 after totaling his FJR. PM him if he doesn't catch this thread.

Edit to add, the FZ6 ain't no slouch, so he should be able to handle the power. The weight and slow maneuvers may be a concern.

 

[twowheelnut]

Depends on how 'mature' your 21 year old is regarding riding. But then, that holds true for anyone who is experience challenged.

 

[rushes]

All my kids learned to ride at an early age and I'd trust them on any of my bikes.

But knowing them like I do, I'd guess they would be more apt to get in trouble on the lighter/sportier bike.

If you can trust him on the FZ6, I'd say he'd be OK on the FJR.

 

[Docholiday]

Thanks guys. I'm feeling better about this.

 

[wheatonFJR]

When I was 20, I bought an XS Eleven.

It depends on the person...course there is risk anytime you get on a bike...anytime.

 

[scubabiker]

My 14 yr. old son rides my old Katana 750 around quite well. I don't have any qualms about his skills, just remember when I was young. So I'm OK with it as long as I'm there. I know if I wasn't, he'd push the envelope of his skills. Since he's strong enough to hold the FJR up, I wouldn't be afraid to let him ride it too. I don't, just on the off chance he did fall over. That would be a hard one to explain to the insurance company since he does't have a license yet. Just be thankful your son wants to spend time with you at that age. Many don't. It's a cliche, but bikes really do bring families together.

 

[HotRodZilla]

He's been riding the FZ6 for FOUR years? Sounds like he may have more experience then a lot of people twice his age who are now riding bikes. If you trust him with the FZ6, why not the Feej? I say let him ride it. If he's uncomfortable on it, I would bet he'll tell you and get back on the FZ.

 

[Old Michael]

They made XS Elevens that looooong ago? :lol:

 

[NightShine]

When I was 20, I bought an XS Eleven.

Beat me! I waited until I was 21 before I bought an XS Eleven, but it was the first year Yamaha introduced it!

 

[Docholiday]

I am grateful that my son still wants to hang with me. It has been a great way to bond. I tried buying a custom seat for the FZ6, it's great for a couple of hours but not for all day riding. The FJR is much more comfortable. It is not unusual for us to put in 6-8 hrs in the saddle. I guess I still worry alot about the risk and the mixture of high testosterone and high horsepower. I love riding so it was natural to share the sport with my family. Scuba sounds like you have an FJR trainee in your house. I just wonder what is the best way to share the sport but keep it safe and enjoyable.