Should I get my son a dirt bike?

ideliver · 09-19-2009, 02:04 AM

My wife and I are having a disagreement.

She would like to get our 9 year old son a dirtbike for Christmas this year. She grew up riding dirtbikes and has very fond memories of doing this as a child. Her father would take her about 2 hours away where their extended family had some land. I purchased 10 acres adjacent to where her grandmother used to live. We use it as a deer camp now. Her father, who was the "great outdoorsman" has since died.

I grew up playing team and individual sports. I am an avid skier and golfer. In addition, I participate in BMW club events, local track days and the like. While I have a four-wheeler, I seldom use it. In addition, getting back "to camp" is very difficult for us because of the time constrains of my career.

My son (and I have two more to follow

) is good kid, gets straight A's, is a talented athlete who plays sports year round, plays the piano and to my chagrin loves his xbox/ps3.

I am hesitant to get a bike for him because I am concerned about his safety and do not feel like I could give this hobby the appropriate attention. My wife really wants him to learn to ride because that it will make him a more responsible car driver as a teen, and may actually lessen the chances that he would get a streetbike (which we both really oppose).

So...should Santa get him a bike????

randomquickness · 09-19-2009, 02:18 AM

absolutely! being busy with motocross was my anti drug during those impressionable years

and I also made a promise to my parents not to get a street bike if they supported it. You will also find that most motocross events are very family friendly and the people are pretty cool. As far as safety, the required safety equipment is great and if you don't ride beyond your skill level or act stupid you most likely won't sustain any serious injuries...I don't even recall breaking any bones! well...except for this one time...lol

gonzo · 09-19-2009, 08:45 AM

Yes.

My first bike was a Honda XR-75 when I was 8. I shared it with my two brothers on our ranch. My dad would get home from work and we would hop in back of his farm truck and away we went. None of us ever got hurt bad and we ate some dirt and rocks too. He would kick our butts when someone near would see us out on the highway and tell him. That was the only real pain.

While he did his field mowing or whatever we had timed runs. "Go down to the gate then to the barn and then across the".....and so on. Thinking about it right now....some of the best times of my life.

I agree with her as riding did teach me many do's and don't regarding "driving/riding" that came in handy when I got my first car. 70 Chevelle. I babied that car and to this day, have never been at fault of an accident. I think much of this came from understanding the responsiblity my dad put on us at the dealership when he bought us the bike. He had BSA's, Triumphs, BMW's, Moto Guzzis and Kawasaki street bikes while we were growing up.

I'm old. Crap.

edit: IF there is any negative it is the need for speed you get. We went to street bikes as we became old enough. That is when the pain and reality of dying came in. I hit a sand patch in a corner while doing about 80 on a 750. Big ouchy.
Saw my older brother in pieces after a lady ran a stop sign. Never got on a bike after that. I just walked away and it sucked.

I ran across a picture my dad had in a desk drawer a few years back. It was my little brother on his new Yamaha dirt bike. He was probably 11 or 12.
As I sat the picture back down I saw something on the back.

My dad had written "Cat's in the craddle".
Think about it.

RiXst3r · 09-19-2009, 10:30 AM

I say yes, but he may be a bit young...

I had a little yamaha yz dirtbike when I was 12... kept me very active. I also would do all my own oil changes, sparkplugs, cleanings, etc on it... even rebuilt the transmission once... so I learned a lot about engines from that little bike.

ideliver · 09-19-2009, 11:17 AM

dammit...another lost arguement...thanks for the great stories

DevJ · 09-19-2009, 01:05 PM

Yes- just because my parents didn't get me one when I was younger..

It really did piss me off lol and what made it worse was all my friends had one. Same with boats, jet skis, etc..my parents were hardasses on me...

Don't be like that to your kid!

magmd · 09-19-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ideliver

dammit...another lost arguement...thanks for the great stories

Ok...in that case--I say NO!

LOL!

Scorpion · 09-19-2009, 02:24 PM

Get it, he'll have a lot of fun.

My dad had one when he was a kid. Never got me one, even though I asked a lot.

Blake · 09-19-2009, 02:25 PM

i think you should get him a jr. shifter cart. if i ever have a kid, that's the route i'm gonna go.

maybe one day he'll grow up to be a formula 1 driver.

immiketoo · 09-19-2009, 04:15 PM

Yes...

AllydNYC · 09-19-2009, 08:46 PM

Yes! I did gokarting for most of my childhood, 9-15 years old. I did track gokarting for competing and then off road for fun. I learned to drive alot better from that plus it kept me busy. Don't worry about the safety that much, I mean I know it's hard to when your a parent but as long as he doesn't get cocky and try to do stupid things he will be fine.

MisterSkiMask · 09-20-2009, 05:19 PM

I will echo the others. Yes, I had a yz-50 when I was 5 or 6.

If it does lead to him wanting/getting a street bike he will be much more able to handle it because of experience gained on the dirt. I think it makes you a better driver, and he will learn how everything works. Clutch friction point, oil changes, brake bleeding, spark plug changes, in short he will grow up to be a man instead of one of these p*ssies who can't change a tire or even open the hood.

b335i · 09-21-2009, 06:44 PM

Rode my first bike when I was 3. I still have a bike now and ride with friends on weekends, do local races for fun. Its a great hobby, he will enjoy it and it is usually very family oriented. Get yourself a bike too, take your son riding you will enjoy it!

Unfortunately because of the lead law ban, it will be difficult to buy him a new bike, keep an eye out on craigslist etc, you should be able to find a nice one!

Good luck.

ideliver · 09-21-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b335i

Rode my first bike when I was 3. I still have a bike now and ride with friends on weekends, do local races for fun. Its a great hobby, he will enjoy it and it is usually very family oriented. Get yourself a bike too, take your son riding you will enjoy it!

Unfortunately because of the lead law ban, it will be difficult to buy him a new bike, keep an eye out on craigslist etc, you should be able to find a nice one!

Good luck.

i just learned about this lead ban...wtf...has there been a rash of kids eating their dirtbikes

b335i · 09-21-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ideliver

i just learned about this lead ban...wtf...has there been a rash of kids eating their dirtbikes

It's a big joke with all of the politicians. It has really hurt the industry as a whole, and it's sad to see this happen to something that is so great. The arguments basically state that children are at risk because of the lead content in the casings and frame. I have never seen a child gnawing on a frame, but I guess it's politics. Dealerships have even been restricted on selling parts/gear etc that is designed for younger children, such a shame!

gonzo · 09-21-2009, 08:26 PM

^ Wha????

I rode this as a wee young lad. 1st bike. New and about 6 months later.

Tell me how safe this thing was. Found pics on the net. Not actually ours.

I drank Big Red by the buckets with BBQ too. Red dye and red meat.

I am still kick'n.
Pansies.

drift90 · 09-21-2009, 10:25 PM

of course!
and while your at it, buy him some condoms

c0nstant · 09-21-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drift90

of course!
and while your at it, buy him some condoms

Inspired · 09-22-2009, 12:34 AM

i wouldn't. I find it too dangerous..

I am one of those who would never buy a bike even if someone gave it to me..

samwoo2go · 09-22-2009, 02:44 AM

yes get him the dirt bike and then proceed to tell him that he is lucky and when you were little, you had to walk 30 miles in the snow barefoot to school everyday while fending off the wolves and eat tree bark for supper. Just like how my parents told me every time I get anything from them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinturbo335

i wouldn't. I find it too dangerous..

I am one of those who would never buy a bike even if someone gave it to me..

are you a insurance risk management analyst?

Los Angeles · 09-22-2009, 04:02 AM

Some chick from my job was out riding her dirtbike the other day and she ended up crashing so hard she had to get airlifted to the hospital.

My point: like automobiles, dirt bikes can be very dangerous. They are also harder to maneuver and when you do have an accident, your body is completely exposed and will likely end up in a rather severe injury.

Comet · 09-22-2009, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevJ

Yes- just because my parents didn't get me one when I was younger..

It really did piss me off lol and what made it worse was all my friends had one. Same with boats, jet skis, etc..my parents were hardasses on me...

Don't be like that to your kid!

Jet-skiing and boating are super safe.. :S

I was 10 when I first jet-skied. taught me a lot about safety, paying attention to everything around me, and the likes..

I'd say go for the dirtbike so long as the wife is willing to teach him.

09-19-2009, 02:04 AM	#1
ideliver Major 248 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: E60 M5, E71 X6M, E46 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: At the gas station iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW E46 M3 'vert [0.00] 2008 BMW M5 [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 [0.00] 2012 BMW X6M [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 [0.00]	Should I get my son a dirt bike? My wife and I are having a disagreement. She would like to get our 9 year old son a dirtbike for Christmas this year. She grew up riding dirtbikes and has very fond memories of doing this as a child. Her father would take her about 2 hours away where their extended family had some land. I purchased 10 acres adjacent to where her grandmother used to live. We use it as a deer camp now. Her father, who was the "great outdoorsman" has since died. I grew up playing team and individual sports. I am an avid skier and golfer. In addition, I participate in BMW club events, local track days and the like. While I have a four-wheeler, I seldom use it. In addition, getting back "to camp" is very difficult for us because of the time constrains of my career. My son (and I have two more to follow ) is good kid, gets straight A's, is a talented athlete who plays sports year round, plays the piano and to my chagrin loves his xbox/ps3. I am hesitant to get a bike for him because I am concerned about his safety and do not feel like I could give this hobby the appropriate attention. My wife really wants him to learn to ride because that it will make him a more responsible car driver as a teen, and may actually lessen the chances that he would get a streetbike (which we both really oppose). So...should Santa get him a bike???? __________________ Current: 2006 E46 M3 'vert 6-sp 2008 E60 M5, 2011 E92 328 6-sp, 2011 E70 N55, 2012 E71 X6M
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09-19-2009, 02:18 AM	#2
randomquickness Brigadier General 235 Rep 3,668 Posts Drives: 996tt Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (13)	absolutely! being busy with motocross was my anti drug during those impressionable years and I also made a promise to my parents not to get a street bike if they supported it. You will also find that most motocross events are very family friendly and the people are pretty cool. As far as safety, the required safety equipment is great and if you don't ride beyond your skill level or act stupid you most likely won't sustain any serious injuries...I don't even recall breaking any bones! well...except for this one time...lol __________________
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09-19-2009, 08:45 AM	#3
gonzo Lieutenant General 10350 Rep 14,248 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	Yes. My first bike was a Honda XR-75 when I was 8. I shared it with my two brothers on our ranch. My dad would get home from work and we would hop in back of his farm truck and away we went. None of us ever got hurt bad and we ate some dirt and rocks too. He would kick our butts when someone near would see us out on the highway and tell him. That was the only real pain. While he did his field mowing or whatever we had timed runs. "Go down to the gate then to the barn and then across the".....and so on. Thinking about it right now....some of the best times of my life. I agree with her as riding did teach me many do's and don't regarding "driving/riding" that came in handy when I got my first car. 70 Chevelle. I babied that car and to this day, have never been at fault of an accident. I think much of this came from understanding the responsiblity my dad put on us at the dealership when he bought us the bike. He had BSA's, Triumphs, BMW's, Moto Guzzis and Kawasaki street bikes while we were growing up. I'm old. Crap. edit: IF there is any negative it is the need for speed you get. We went to street bikes as we became old enough. That is when the pain and reality of dying came in. I hit a sand patch in a corner while doing about 80 on a 750. Big ouchy. Saw my older brother in pieces after a lady ran a stop sign. Never got on a bike after that. I just walked away and it sucked. I ran across a picture my dad had in a desk drawer a few years back. It was my little brother on his new Yamaha dirt bike. He was probably 11 or 12. As I sat the picture back down I saw something on the back. My dad had written "Cat's in the craddle". Think about it. Last edited by gonzo; 09-19-2009 at 09:53 AM..
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09-19-2009, 10:30 AM	#4
RiXst3r 296 Rep 6,510 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ohio iTrader: (14)	I say yes, but he may be a bit young... I had a little yamaha yz dirtbike when I was 12... kept me very active. I also would do all my own oil changes, sparkplugs, cleanings, etc on it... even rebuilt the transmission once... so I learned a lot about engines from that little bike.
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09-19-2009, 11:17 AM	#5
ideliver Major 248 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: E60 M5, E71 X6M, E46 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: At the gas station iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW E46 M3 'vert [0.00] 2008 BMW M5 [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 [0.00] 2012 BMW X6M [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 [0.00]	dammit...another lost arguement...thanks for the great stories __________________ Current: 2006 E46 M3 'vert 6-sp 2008 E60 M5, 2011 E92 328 6-sp, 2011 E70 N55, 2012 E71 X6M
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09-19-2009, 01:05 PM	#6
DevJ Colonel 156 Rep 2,727 Posts Drives: R8 V10+/YMB M4 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Texas iTrader: (1)	Yes- just because my parents didn't get me one when I was younger.. It really did piss me off lol and what made it worse was all my friends had one. Same with boats, jet skis, etc..my parents were hardasses on me... Don't be like that to your kid! __________________ ‘23 RRS First Edition '22 X7 M50i '18 R8 V10+ http://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=133578&d=1204654487[/IMG]
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09-19-2009, 02:24 PM	#8
Scorpion Major 173 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: Nothing Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nowhere iTrader: (0)	Get it, he'll have a lot of fun. My dad had one when he was a kid. Never got me one, even though I asked a lot.
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09-19-2009, 02:25 PM	#9
Blake Banned 811 Rep 4,643 Posts Drives: Chevy Aveo Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parent's Basement iTrader: (7)	i think you should get him a jr. shifter cart. if i ever have a kid, that's the route i'm gonna go. maybe one day he'll grow up to be a formula 1 driver.
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09-19-2009, 08:46 PM	#11
AllydNYC Loading... 369 Rep 2,187 Posts Drives: 91' E30 318is Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location iTrader: (15) Garage List 1991 BMW 318is [0.00]	Yes! I did gokarting for most of my childhood, 9-15 years old. I did track gokarting for competing and then off road for fun. I learned to drive alot better from that plus it kept me busy. Don't worry about the safety that much, I mean I know it's hard to when your a parent but as long as he doesn't get cocky and try to do stupid things he will be fine.
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09-20-2009, 05:19 PM	#12
MisterSkiMask Banned 153 Rep 2,014 Posts Drives: I Can not say Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: you must not know iTrader: (0)	I will echo the others. Yes, I had a yz-50 when I was 5 or 6. If it does lead to him wanting/getting a street bike he will be much more able to handle it because of experience gained on the dirt. I think it makes you a better driver, and he will learn how everything works. Clutch friction point, oil changes, brake bleeding, spark plug changes, in short he will grow up to be a man instead of one of these p*ssies who can't change a tire or even open the hood.
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09-21-2009, 06:44 PM	#13
b335i First Lieutenant 22 Rep 386 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 335i, 2012 f10 535i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: socal iTrader: (3)	Rode my first bike when I was 3. I still have a bike now and ride with friends on weekends, do local races for fun. Its a great hobby, he will enjoy it and it is usually very family oriented. Get yourself a bike too, take your son riding you will enjoy it! Unfortunately because of the lead law ban, it will be difficult to buy him a new bike, keep an eye out on craigslist etc, you should be able to find a nice one! Good luck.
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09-21-2009, 08:26 PM	#16
gonzo Lieutenant General 10350 Rep 14,248 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	^ Wha???? I rode this as a wee young lad. 1st bike. New and about 6 months later. Tell me how safe this thing was. Found pics on the net. Not actually ours. I drank Big Red by the buckets with BBQ too. Red dye and red meat. I am still kick'n. Pansies. Attached Images __________________ Crazy Diamond
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09-21-2009, 10:25 PM	#17
drift90 1st gear newbie 31 Rep 130 Posts Drives: Its rather sexy Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brampton iTrader: (0)	of course! and while your at it, buy him some condoms
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09-22-2009, 12:34 AM	#19
Inspired Colonel 156 Rep 2,368 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California iTrader: (2)	i wouldn't. I find it too dangerous.. I am one of those who would never buy a bike even if someone gave it to me..
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09-22-2009, 04:02 AM	#21
Los Angeles Steve Forte Rio 155 Rep 2,392 Posts Drives: 08' 328i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 90036 iTrader: (0)	Some chick from my job was out riding her dirtbike the other day and she ended up crashing so hard she had to get airlifted to the hospital. My point: like automobiles, dirt bikes can be very dangerous. They are also harder to maneuver and when you do have an accident, your body is completely exposed and will likely end up in a rather severe injury.
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