Bowhunter
Well-Known Member
Today I had the pleasure of taking my MD's son for his first motorcycle ride. His father had a stroke 2 years ago and has been unable to ride since, so he had passed his Harley Fat Boy down to his now 16 year old son last week. His dad called and asked me if I would be willing to help out since he was unable, I gladly offered to be the replacement 'dad' or 'grandfather'.
The bike had not been started since his stroke so I went over last Friday with my trailer and picked up the bike and the excited son and I taught his son how to service his 'new' bike.
First order of business was the battery, then the fuel. After I drained the tank of the 2 year old nasty fuel we filled the tank with fresh premium fuel and I showed him how to change the plugs. First time I hit the starter it fired right up. After a good warm up with the rear tire in the air and the transmission in gear, he did the service of engine oil & filter, tranny oil, and primary fluid.
He followed me in his pickup as I rode the bike over to a very large company parking lot nearby and we spent the next 3 hours learning to ride. He had never rode anything more powerful than a bicycle and I don't mind telling you that it was a stressful lesson.
I got him to take the Rider Safety Course on Saturday which he passed easily, he got his driver license on Monday, and then picked up insurance on Tuesday. So this morning I went to his house and took him on a 250 mile ride to the Cherohala Skyway. It was a great day to pass on the joy of riding to the next generation and thankfully we had a uneventful ride. Nothing but smiles from my new biker buddy and of course two very concerned parents awaiting our return. Since his mother is a doctor, she admittedly was concerned about her only son becoming a biker.
Here is a picture of the young man after 125 miles of riding, I just wanted to share this boys joy with you guys.
The bike had not been started since his stroke so I went over last Friday with my trailer and picked up the bike and the excited son and I taught his son how to service his 'new' bike.
First order of business was the battery, then the fuel. After I drained the tank of the 2 year old nasty fuel we filled the tank with fresh premium fuel and I showed him how to change the plugs. First time I hit the starter it fired right up. After a good warm up with the rear tire in the air and the transmission in gear, he did the service of engine oil & filter, tranny oil, and primary fluid.
He followed me in his pickup as I rode the bike over to a very large company parking lot nearby and we spent the next 3 hours learning to ride. He had never rode anything more powerful than a bicycle and I don't mind telling you that it was a stressful lesson.
I got him to take the Rider Safety Course on Saturday which he passed easily, he got his driver license on Monday, and then picked up insurance on Tuesday. So this morning I went to his house and took him on a 250 mile ride to the Cherohala Skyway. It was a great day to pass on the joy of riding to the next generation and thankfully we had a uneventful ride. Nothing but smiles from my new biker buddy and of course two very concerned parents awaiting our return. Since his mother is a doctor, she admittedly was concerned about her only son becoming a biker.
Here is a picture of the young man after 125 miles of riding, I just wanted to share this boys joy with you guys.
I'm sure you made a biker for life.
