2LZ
10-07-2021, 04:30 PM
So the neighbor kid, (well....is 25 still a kid?) has been bike shopping. He's a rookie but smoked the MSF course, got his license, has a few hundred miles under his belt on his dads RX3, and is really excited about getting his own. Honestly, I've ridden with him a couple times on some multi-hour rides. He's always been careful, doesn't ride over his head, no big mistakes, and is aware of others around him.
He likes his dad's RX3 but wants something with a bit more gusto. He'll be commuting on some open roads during the riding season.
Then Monday night, we're out in the shop and he asked if he could take my V-Strom for a short ride on Tuesday. I thought it would be fine so the next morning, he hopped on the Suzuki and I rode Mrs. 2LZ RX3. We were out of a couple hours and he was doing fine, even on some lousy roads and gravel.
On our way to town for a burger, we took the twisty grade down. I picked up the pace a little as I figured he was bored riding behind my ultra slow pace. About half way down, I was just rolling out of a tight left and I hear the retched sound of a tire skidding on the pavement.
I turned just to see him sideways and then he and my V-Strom high-sided and slapped the asphalt. That really is a sickening sound. He proceeded to start a 30' burrito roll with my bike skidding along, chasing after him. Fortunately, it stopped a couple feet shy of him, as he lay in the ditch next to the road. Rookie move got him. Came into the corner too hot for his talents, on a strange bike, and completely forgot about his front brake, locking the rear.
By the time I got back he was standing up gathering his wits. He was ok. Just some road rash, a crushed Iphone, a skinned up full-face helmet with the shield ripped off, and an ego that may have been mortally wounded. Then he started the rant about wrecking my bike.
We got the bike up and rolled it over to the dirt area next to the road. It had taken a beating. Most everything on the right side was smeared or scarred.
Lots of parts are now on order but I'm just happy he's doing ok. Plus, he promised his "Funcle" (me) he'd pay for everything. Luckily he has a real good job. It ain't gonna be cheap.
He likes his dad's RX3 but wants something with a bit more gusto. He'll be commuting on some open roads during the riding season.
Then Monday night, we're out in the shop and he asked if he could take my V-Strom for a short ride on Tuesday. I thought it would be fine so the next morning, he hopped on the Suzuki and I rode Mrs. 2LZ RX3. We were out of a couple hours and he was doing fine, even on some lousy roads and gravel.
On our way to town for a burger, we took the twisty grade down. I picked up the pace a little as I figured he was bored riding behind my ultra slow pace. About half way down, I was just rolling out of a tight left and I hear the retched sound of a tire skidding on the pavement.
I turned just to see him sideways and then he and my V-Strom high-sided and slapped the asphalt. That really is a sickening sound. He proceeded to start a 30' burrito roll with my bike skidding along, chasing after him. Fortunately, it stopped a couple feet shy of him, as he lay in the ditch next to the road. Rookie move got him. Came into the corner too hot for his talents, on a strange bike, and completely forgot about his front brake, locking the rear.
By the time I got back he was standing up gathering his wits. He was ok. Just some road rash, a crushed Iphone, a skinned up full-face helmet with the shield ripped off, and an ego that may have been mortally wounded. Then he started the rant about wrecking my bike.
We got the bike up and rolled it over to the dirt area next to the road. It had taken a beating. Most everything on the right side was smeared or scarred.
Lots of parts are now on order but I'm just happy he's doing ok. Plus, he promised his "Funcle" (me) he'd pay for everything. Luckily he has a real good job. It ain't gonna be cheap.