Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Riding with Dad (alternate)

Dave's good fortune made me think to post about my life with Dad and bikes. My dad has always admired motorcycles. But when he was a wee lad, an aquaintence gave him a chance to "kick over" his bike, probably an old Harley or Indian. He got thrown a$$ over apetite, as they say, and never tried to ride a bike again. He got scared off of the idea of riding. He always slobbered over my bikes, after I was old enough to start riding, but would never even consider getting one. Until about ten years ago, when he bought his first little scooter, a Honda 50. He rode that thing all over town, and enjoyed it immensly. He moved up to a Honda 80, and enjoyed it some more. Now, my dad is a pretty good sized guy, but not fat. And he's not really cool, but a really good guy, and a good dad. Trouble is, a couple of his "peers" here in town would make sarcastic comments about his little scooter, so it took a little fun out of it. Made him self conscious.(Jerks, probably don't even ride). Well, last spring, his little scoot was giving him a litte trouble, and he saw a good looking, i.e., more "motorcyle" looking scooter at a local used car dealership for sale. They sell these things as a sideline. My dad traded his old reliable Honda for one of these Chineese things, and was happy as a clam. Now it is this year, and it is not running right, and the guys at the dealership (who promised him they could work on these things, no problem) can't really straiten it up. Truthfully, I rode it once last year, and I hated it. The steering feels like it is going to fall apart, and the quality is obviously short, although it is nice looking. I haven't the heart to tell him it is a piece of crap, cause he is so proud of it. We're going to take it to my dealer later in the week, where my friendly mechanic has promised to try and fix it.

You're a good kid, Rich. And his "peers" can go P!&& up a rope.

It's pretty cool how you and your Dad share a similar passion. Hope things get sorted out in good order for your Dad and his bike!!

I'll tell you how we deal with "jerks" like those giving your dad a hard time on another forum I belong to. We light them on fire and kick them in the nuts. Figuratively speaking, of course.

The fact that your dad is out there, having fun on 2 wheels, and sharing an interest with you is enough for me. Good on both of ya!

In my dads younger years, he used to ride an Indian...and when I was a kid growing up, he got his whiney 9 year old kid (thats me) a brand new 1977 Honda XL75...then, a used 1977 Harley SX250 two stroke, then a new Yamaha 1981 XT250...of course, I worked very hard for these toys, he certainly made me earn them...but he fostered my love for motorcycles, and through that he helped me to gain a lot of independence and responsibility at a very young age.

A couple years ago I bought a second bike to have for visitors to use. It being Florida, no insurance required, so it doesn't cost much to keep a bike. I got a 2001 Triumph TBird with 3k miles on it from Craigslist. The point is, I was talking to my dad about the fact that my cousin (his nephew) was coming to visit, and we were looking forward to riding together. My dad told me that he really wished that he could ride with me, but he had back problems and also, his legs were fairly weak due to circulation problems from diabetes and also heart surgery. I was quite familiar with his medical history, since I would leave work and take him to all of his appointments. I told him that I wished we could ride together too, but I understood that at 86 years years old, he couldn't, and probably shouldn't, do it.

This was the last face to face conversation I had with my dad. He died in an arson fire about a week later, one month and two days ago...the person responsible has been caught, and the grand jury should convene this month.

Now, when I ride, its always with my dad.

Arstaren, hope you get your dads bike sorted.
Condolences Radiator, you had good times with your dad by the sounds of it. Main reason i got 'into' bikes was watching my dad on his old c50 when i was 15

Robert,(Radiator), My heart is breaking for you. Hang in there, your dad will always be riding with you.

Rich, I hope your dad's bike gets sorted out. What kind is it? Hyosong or something? Just curious, don't know much about Chinese bikes... except for that I wouldn't get on one. China doesn't have a good record with quality lately (or ever really).
Bummer that other people try to rain on his parade.

Thanks everyone, for the condolences. When I saw the thread title, I just couldn't help but write my entry. I just realized that I hijacked this thread, so I apologize Arstaren. I wasn't thinking.

I used to cop the crap from bike riding work mates when I had my scooter.Thing is they couldn't say too much because it was pointed out to them that I rode my scoot everyday rain or shine while they drove cages everyday!
The wife and I loved that Korean made scooter for 4 ultra reliable years until a lowlife decided they wanted it more than me.Condolences Radiator,hope your dads scoot gets fixed soon Arstaren.