[GSX-R 750]

So my dad, who is 52, wants to get a sportbike. I totally think it's cool. He has a Honda Shadow 750 right now, a cruiser. And when we ride together, I have a 05 gixxer 750, he gets kinda jealous that I go through the canyons a little faster then he does.



There are a couple of problems I see with him getting a sportbike.

1) He's always complaining about back problems.

2) He's reckless....

...He was a taxi driver in Los Angeles for 10 years. So he spent a lot of time behind the wheel of a car. He's a great driver. Never been in any accidents, amzingly. But he likes to drive fast, race, and take chances. He's crazy. I'm just worried that he'll think that he can do the same thing on a bike and hurt himself.



So, and advice you think I should give my dad about getting a sportbike. I've already told him that's it's different. But him being my dad and all, he doesn't want to hear grown up advice from his son, know what I mean. He use to have a bike back in the late 60's and 70's, but was out of riding for over 30 years.

 

[th12t33n]

well just make sure you tell him that gear is everything. you cant stop a bull in a china shop, and if your pops is gonna get a sportbike, then all you can do is at least make sure he wears full gear, Specially if your hittin some twisties. =) and btw good luck bro i wish i could ride iwth my pops, im rebuilding his sportster for him now, but it wont be a sportbike.

 

[BSR423]

He has a Honda Shadow 750 right now, a cruiser. And when we ride together, I have a 05 gixxer 750, he gets kinda jealous that I go through the canyons a little faster then he does.

He use to have a bike back in the late 60's and 70's, but was out of riding for over 30 years.

This confuses me...

Either way, if he is an experianced rider, I say go for it. You should take him to a shop & size him up for a bike!

 

[clevis pin]

I'm confused. He has been out of riding for 30 years, but he has a shadow?
Which is it?

 

[vojacekf4i]

My dad has a katana, and he 45 years old
My uncle is 50 he has cbr1000rr

age dont matter you only live once!

 

[Sharkbait66]

Yamaha FZ1 or FZ6, both have the yzf counter part engine and they are ergonomicaly set up for us old' guys plus they perform like a sport bike.

 

[GSX-R 750]

Sorry for the cofusion. He just got his Shadow in September 05. Before he got his Shadow he was out of riding for 30 years. He just passed his MSF course last week and has his license now too.

 

[385]

I think it's funny how the kids are worried about their Dad's when it should be the other way around usually. My Dad is the same way. When he gets on my ZX9, he tears shit up. I always have to remind him not to wheelie the piss out of my bike because he clutches up wheelies on his Sportster all the time. At one point he was looking at a XB12R and a ZX12R but my Mom told him he was too old for those bikes.

 

[clevis pin]

Man, this is tough.
600s or 1000s sportbikes are dangerously fast. And they have some stability issues with the steep profile front tires in emergencies. So - I don't think people should start on 600+ sportbikes. Nor should "reckless" personalities be riding them.

So,
A. Is your dad REALLY too reckless, or just "young-at-heart"?
B. Is he a REALLY a novice style rider, or just a bit out of touch with new bikes?

I was off for a few years. I have gotten hurt, since. And I had a bunch of sportbike and motocross experience behind me. I am a very "smooth" rider.

So I [email protected] and didn't vote. :fiddy

 

[2001FZ1]

Yamaha FZ1 or FZ6, both have the yzf counter part engine and they are ergonomicaly set up for us old' guys plus they perform like a sport bike.

I agree, either bike would be great for you dad. The FZ1 is going to handle better (suspension is adjustable) and have more power but if price is a concern, get the FZ6.

 

[Ravman]

i say if he wants one he'll get one. as far as a bike. just about any sportbike will be faster than the shadow he has now. you will have to try and keep him on a smaller bike. as mentioned before an fz6 would be perfect. it would give him plenty of power and comfort to boot. i just bought an fz1 and i'll tell you that this is my first liter bike. this thing is almost scary fast compared to the fzr600 i moved up from. i'm done rambling now.

 

[RayOSV]

If you haven't already, why don't the 2 of you trade bikes for part of a ride (with appropriate cautions of course)? If he can handle your 750, then he should be fine. Don't you want him to have any fun?

 

[Smitty]

Pretty hard to say anything, reason I did not vote on the poll, for here I am just a few months from becomming 76 yrs of age with a '97 Yamaha YZF600r, '00 Honda 929, & '03 Honda 954.

Mind you I have never stopped riding in my 60 yrs of riding & driving cages plus 42 yrs of tough dirt comp. So there is a difference. My back is shot, so are my knees, left hip & left ankle plus buggered up left wrist. Also must admit that I ride fast, but I am not dangerous for I am not riding beyond 50% of my ability.

Is your Dad with full face helmet & is he wearing protective gear. I sort of doubt it if he is only riding a not so powerful cruiser. That matter & costs might slow him down OR he might decided to ride with his limit gear & be putting himself in danger due to said gear being to limited for speeds he will be travelling, not to be forgotten is coming off a sportbike at speed is more then a bit embarassing.

It is going to be up to you young ones.

 

[Max Wedge]

I say 'hell yeah' and have him look at an FZ6 ( I am slightly biased, however).

 

[SlowCBR]

Asking sportbike riders on a sportbike forum whether or not someone (who will hopefully not be a squid) should get a sportbike...what answer do you expect? And by the 24-0 vote so far, that should be obvious.

Anyway, I voted for "Yes" as well. I think at his age he has earned the right to make his own decisions; and you can guide him to make the right choices from here on out (good bike, proper gear, etc.). Of course this is all easy to say since it's not my dad.

 

[cultureslayer]

My dad is 50 and I wish I could talk him into getting a bike . As best as I can figure, he quit riding after a close call with a drunk driver while on a dual sport (went into a ditch and broke his arm). If I'm really lucky maybe he and my little brother will be fighting over the 500 by the time I get back from my internship. Gotta get busy on finding an engine to put in it. Maybe $4 a gallon gas wouldn't be all bad.

 

[telejojo]

I am 50 and ride a FZ1 and RC-51 and love to ride both bikes.The FZ1 is the best of both worlds.Sportbike performance and touring comfort...... :banana

 

[joesuits4]

I'm 58 and bought a CBRF4i last month. I have all the gear except the pants. Still trying to find a pair that will fit my belly.

 

[BooRidesSB]

Go, Dad!

Your dad is still a young man! Go dad! :banana

 

[Carl3216]

My dad just bought an FJR 1300. Whoa man, thats a fast bike! And comfy too.