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Do you let other people ride your bike?

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Posted by: The^^Rock---------------------

Hi All,

This questions came to mind a while back, so I thaught I might post it.

Do you let other people ride your bike? Im 17, and seem to be getting so called "friends" rocking up to my house asking to ride my XR250, and I always have to turn them away becuase the fact is they have no respect and I know they would absolutley trash it.

Most of them have never ridden a bike before in their life either.

This pritty much results me getting a basically "tight" reputation with them...

Do other people here have the same problem? I soppose this question is more towards the teenage breed, as im guessing that most adult readers would have adult friends that have respect for other people's bikes etc.

How do you guy's deal with this? Stories?

Thanks
Jimmy :D


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

Stories...how about a 5'6 guy trying to mount my CR...he held the throttle wfo with the clutch in hopping along the ground...I told him to turn the bike off and go stand to the side of the trail. Another friend landed my xr100 on the front fender and cost me $100. Another friend drove my xr into the woods (no trail....) and wrecked. Another friend absolutely revved the crap out of it. Another friend did a somersualt off the xr in a turn...I don't let people ride my bike anymore.


Posted by: dell30rb---------------------

I dont let inexperienced people ride my bike. Some of my dirtbiking buddys get to ride it though


Posted by: MXP1MP---------------------

I only let friends who ride and I know that they ride well will I let them ride my bike and are good friends. With the rule of if you break you bought it and I hold thier bike hostage as colaterale

Otherwise they can only look and if they give me attitude screw'em cause they ain't my friends. Friends respect your things not break them, I've had friends who had bikes and wanted to ride my newer bike. But because they trashed thier bikes hell no they never got to ride my bike. Most of the time I won't let anyone ride my bike just cause I get alittle physco about things if they break something. If I crash and break it I can only blame myself and besides motorcycles arn't cheap. Its not like inviting your friends over to play something like nintendo heh.


Posted by: mackay---------------------

The only other people that ride my bike are experienced riders...PERIOD...and this is for two reasons, 1) if they don't know what they are doing, they could get hurt...my Dad broke his tailbone when he flipped my 125 (he wasn't experienced) but that was over 20 years ago...I learned a lesson then. And 2) they might hurt My ride and in overall terms that would be the real tragedy!!!!IMO


Posted by: oldguy---------------------

we also will only let experienced riders on any of our bikes. As said the bikes are more powerfull and tricky to control- skilled riders make it look so easy everyonre thinks they can jump on and be an instant pro.
Our bikes have also on occasion been loaned out to race in emergencies but only to people I trust to repair anything they break (other than normal wear). most these people will also reciprocate in emergencies.
Let your 'friends' buy bikes and learn how expensive they are to maintain let alone repair


Posted by: Danman---------------------

I only let experienced riders use my bike. I to have had bad experiences with lending my cars and bikes. Some people have no respect for other peoples things and other just don't know how to use them. The "if they have bike of there own" rule is a pretty good rule of thumb unless they just trash a lot :D I have let a few people who are responsible ride my bike that don't own one, but its usualy showing them how to ride in a flat field or on a dirt road. My bike is pretty old and bullet prof so I don't get many requests.


Posted by: Unit74---------------------

I will let people ride my bike if I feel they have the experience to handle it, with the understanding that if something breaks they buy it. That is nonnegotiable. Otherwise, tear the shiznit up!!


Posted by: cr125_king---------------------

I only let experienced riders on my bike. And with that they got to be in my sight at all times. I'm really strick on letting people ride my bike but they know u break u buy!


Posted by: 01HondaCR---------------------

I let my two best friends ride it (they both ride and are experienced). I know that if they broke something they would pay for it. And then my dad rides it every once in awhile. He is afraid of it though.


Posted by: Enduro_Nut---------------------

OLD GUY said it correctly - ONLY experienced riders who truly understand it!


Posted by: MONKEYMOUSE---------------------

I'll let some of my friends ride my minitrail bike but thats only because just about all my friends know how to ride a dirtbike. but NO ONE but me rides my YZ not only have I had to put enough of my own money in to it but is a scary bike.


Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------

I let experienced riders ride mine but I usually take a look at their bike. If it has bent bars and plastic flapping I give it a little more thought. :D


Posted by: motometal---------------------

the worst part about letting others, experienced or not, ride a bike, is when there is minor damage. Such as scratched plastic caused by an easy tip-over. What are you going to do, demand new plastic? I'm talking about the kind of scratches where you wouldn't replace the plastic, but are still bummed that it happened. If the borrower actually breaks something, to me that's not as bad assuming they will replace it.

I crash more on borrowed bikes than any other time!


Posted by: JuliusPleaser---------------------

I have many a story to tell, but it is a rare occasion (such as this) that I do.

I had my shiny, brand-spankin' new YZ250F at Dirtweek last year. The F had maybe 5 or 6 hours on it. I was camped next door to BigLou and other members of Team NTAC, and one of 'em struck up a conversation with me about the differences between my F and his YZ125. I'm not gonna name any names, but his initials are KC Big Dog. Anyway, KCBD asked me if he could take a couple of laps on my shiny, brand-spankin' new YZ250F, and I agreed after a moment's consideration. He was an experienced 125 class racer, and it seemed like no big deal.

A couple of us walked over to Turn 2, and waited for KC to come around on his first lap. I remember thinking to myself "Self, that is one beautiful, shiny, brand-spankin' new YZ250F coming at ya." as KCBD passed by and headed into the double/double combo just outside Turn 2. I got to admire the bottom of my shiny, brand-spankin' new YZ250F as KCBD got the section all wrong and vaulted over the bars. I had to give him a 9.5 for style and a 10.5 for degree of difficulty on his aerobatic feat. KCBD is a pretty big guy, but he sailed through the air like a petite and dainty flower.

I remember (vividly) watching my S,B-S-N YZ250F do a perfect, slow-motion endo with a half twist, followed by an air to air fakie, before it landed on its right side with an audible "SMACK". I remember thinking "That's GOTTA hurt!", but I'm not sure if I was thinking about KCBD or my S,B-S-N YZ250F. Actually, all thoughts about my bike vanished as the whole group of us ran to see if KCBD was still alive. It was a pretty gruesome crash (second only to BSwift's artful dismount in the same place) and for a second I really was afraid the guy was hurt.

Thankfully, KCBD was able to sit up after a couple of minutes of R&R, and no major injuries were sustained. I went over to my S, B-S-N YZ250F, picked it up, and examined it closely. The subframe was bent about two inches to the left, and the the right peg was mangled, too. The handlebars were deformed, and the exhaust was bent over to the left, matching the subframe bend. The swingarm sticker on the right side had morphed from "YAMAHA" to the more aerodynamic and snappier sounding " YAMA", and there were lacerations and abrasions everywhere.

All in all, not too bad, considering the severity of the crash. I was relieved when KCBD came over and pronounced himself healthy, and he even volunteered to help straighten the bike out. A couple of blows with a BFH, and eveything was semi-aligned (even thought the subframe STILL has a slight Democratic lean).

The moral of the story? (Pay attention, cuz this is the only moral I have.)

If you are afraid that your bike will get bent, broken, tweaked, blown-up, dirty, mangled, or otherwise defiled, politely decline when someone asks for a free ride. (Especially if the guy is named MISTER.)


Posted by: trivial---------------------

If they are experienced (and can afford to repair what they break) I will let people take it for a spin. If they are not experience...I will usually turn off the gas and pull the plug wire (while they are not looking) and tell them that if they can start it...they can ride it


Posted by: RMXkid---------------------

I only let my riding buddies ride my bike. there is no way i would let someone that has never ridden a bike out on mine.


Posted by: JUSTRIDE415---------------------

i put my hard earned money into my bike so i don't want it to be beaten up i am the only one who rides the pretty new cr sitin this persons garage


Posted by: endo426---------------------

The next time someone asks to ride, ask them if they have a helmet. No helmet, no ride.. If they have a helmet they brobably can ride. All the rules apply. You break it you fix it!!


Posted by: motometal---------------------

Was that opening quote from a Primus tune, Julius?


Posted by: Timr---------------------

Quote:
I had my shiny, brand-spankin' new YZ250F at Dirtweek last year.


JP, was that before or after I rode it. I, on the other hand had no dismounts on your beautiful steed. I did have one stall, and couldn't get it restarted. Zoomer had to walk out from the pits and start it for me. Thanks for the ride on your bike. I look forward to riding it again.

BTW, I tried Bobby's F in the woods on that last lap at Lorretta's. That thing rocks in the woods. His bike is stock except for Handlebars, BB, and E-Series pipe. My impression...the seat is too firm, and the suspension could be a little more compliant for woods work. It was fun none the less.


Posted by: gospeedracer---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by motometal
I crash more on borrowed bikes than any other time!

Hmmm.... note to self, don't let motometal borrow my bike.
just kidding

When you say you have friends coming over to your house wanting to ride your XR250, do you mean they want to ride it as in taking it somewhere to go ride without you?
If that is the case, up until about 5 months ago I would have probably said "no way" but here’s a little story that has me rethinking that:

It’s not about loaning my bike out but another DRN member, oabike. In addition to his new CR450F he also has a TTR125L. I really wanted to teach my friend Anne to ride but because she’s vertically challenged I didn’t want to stick her on my bike and scare the bejeebers out of her. I asked oabike if he would consider loaning me his TTR. I had never met the man before. The only communication between us was on DRN and a few e-mails. He responds and says sure, no problem, with pleasure!! I was completely blown away, as was my friend. We went to his house, picked it up, he even helped us load it. Then we took off for the day so I could teach her to ride. Anne had such a good time and was so grateful she wanted to wash it before returning it. He says, no problem, you can just bring it back tomorrow if you want. The man loaned his bike to a woman he had never met before so her friend who had never ridden before could learn to ride! I will be eternally grateful to him for his generosity. Because of him one of my best friends has a bike of her own and is enjoying this sport just like I do.

Or how about this one,
Spodefest 00 – I meet TTRGuy and admire his bike. He insists I take if for a ride, not only does he offer to let me take it and go ride he says, “in fact, if you see it parked around here anytime, even if I'm not around, feel free to just go ahead and take it and go ride.” At that point, I had only been riding for about 9 months.

I've never told anyone they couldn't ride my bike (yet) in fact I encourage it. Being a female makes me a minority in this sport so I’m always on the look out to ‘recruit’ more women. If they’ve never ridden before and they want to try (I never try to force) I slap all my protective gear on them and give them all the basics I can. I now have two female friends who have bikes of their own because of it.

I guess it just really depends on who is asking and what type of bike you have, but one thing is for sure, it appears I'm one of the few people who don't subscribe to the "you break it you bought it" ideal. In my opinion if you're going to loan your stuff to someone, you assume the risk. If you can't afford the risk then don't do it. I'm not going to let something like money be the cause of not letting a friend, or someone I'd like to expose to the sport, ride my bike. This doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t offer to help fix someone’s bike if I damaged it while riding it, because I would and it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t accept someone’s help to fix my bike if it was damaged while they were riding it, it just means I wouldn’t expect it. If they broke my bike while riding it and I said they could, oh well. I would probably just ask them if they were having fun up until the point they crashed. :confused:

Like TTRGuy always says, “Ride em’, break em’, fix em’!”


Posted by: JuliusPleaser---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by motometal
Was that opening quote from a Primus tune, Julius?

Uhhh, BUSTED!!! I'm NOT a plagiarist, but sometimes I "forget" to foonote my sources. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/supergrin.gif

That quote is from the song "Tommy The Cat", which is track #9 on Primus' Sailing The Seas Of Cheese. I'm astounded that someone recognized it.

Timr, I think you rode AFTER KC did his lawn dart impersonation. I remember being a little worried when you didn't make it back around in a reasonable length of time. I'm just glad that no one got hurt.

I wanted to scam a ride on Bobby's bike, too, but I hate to ask.


Posted by: desertrat---------------------

exactly, when you let your friends, or your so called friends ride your bike, its always left a mess... over labor day I let my "friend" ride my quad...... after 2 minutes when he came back the brake handle was broken in half. I didn't think that was even possible! I was like, what the heck did you do? How? But I guess he ran into a barbed wire fence + rolled it. These other guys I didn't really know who were my friend's friends kept crashing or running into things with their quads...... good thing they didn't ask to ride mine! So man, be carefull who you give your quad to- and just tell them our stories so they'll listen.


Posted by: 70 marlin---------------------

If you can't afford to fix it don't ride it! I tell'em you crash it you own it. then I give them them a high price of what I think it worth. and that's for the experienced rider's only. for young'ins I have a old RM 125 as a loner bike. and I only let them ride after detailed instructions! plus "it my rule or get off" no air, no reving. and if they wreck it, they buy. I quit riding other folk's bikes, due to my bad luck, I've repaired a few bikes in my time. from my wipe outs. "even though I truely want to take a nice long ride on one of them KTM 400 EXC's before I buy one"


Posted by: Michelle---------------------

It really depends on the person. I lent my bike to someone (who was sharing her son's) and she came back, covered from head to toe (rather head to butt) with mud. She'd come off, so after working out she was okay, stopping myself from laughing for a minute, had a glance at the bike - all was okay. We worked out later she'd broken the headlight switch, which worked out well, as I got sick of it turning itself off, so it's now permanently wired on.

I also lent my bike to a guy who was sharing his bike with a friend, just so the two of them could go for a ride together (i.e encouraging the friend that riding with more than one is more fun than on your own - get a bike matey), and found a new friend because of it. The new friend felt stink because my kickstart had jammed, but that just needed a clean-out. As to whether he'd done any damage, I have no idea, never noticed, didn't care, I was just concerned that the kickstart worked again (a: so I could go riding some more, b: so he didn't feel stink).

If anyone came up to me, asking to test ride my bike as they were considering a KDX, they'd be more than welcome to try it, so long as I knew they could ride. I will, however, offer it to other women who want to try a dirtbike, even if they can't ride (so long as they're comfortable with the height). But I will always be around, they will not borrow it to take it on a day's riding, unless they're damned good friends (and their bike's out of action due to some unforseen circumstance).

By the sounds of your friends, don't worry if they think you're tight, better than they think you're a sucker and trash your bike.
Hope that helps some
Michelle


Posted by: Boozer---------------------

Julius, that was one sad story. i'm reaching for my tissues and may need some therapy after reading that. seriously, i can imagine how you felt. maby some mojo will make you feel better!


Posted by: JuliusPleaser---------------------

Thanks, Boozer! The important thing is that KC got up and walked away. I know he felt bad about crashing my bike, but it would have REALLY sucked if he'd gotten hurt. He did have some nasty bruises later that day, but he kept riding.

If he makes it to Dirtweek this year, I'm gonna ask him if I can ride HIS bike.


Posted by: SndyRds---------------------

Basically offer up the same advice:
People who rev the bike to 32,000 rpm. uh no.
Best friend who, when is without a bike and borrows mine. Has always returned my bike with new grips or a new tire. UH Yes.
Though I have told him he does not have to upgrade my bike, it always comes back in better shape than when I lent it out. My friends are the type, that even if there are small scratches, will offer to repair the damage.


Posted by: _SOLO_---------------------

JP, I can't belive that after all of that you let me ride it at the SF. I let anybody that I ride with take my bike take a spin if they want too. I don't know how I feel about the break it, buy it thing, but nobody has broken anything yet must be why. If they break it they buy me someting better I guess. :confused:


Posted by: oldguy---------------------

I guess to clarify my break it fix it is that if they break a major component due to stupidity. Plastic and other everyday breakdowns would probably occur from our own riding I figure it is part os the day. Besides the oldbeast I ride nobody ever wants to try it so I am safe.


Posted by: yzeater---------------------

My parents make me pay for all of my friend's first crashes on my bike


Posted by: btencate---------------------

I have an extra bike that I let my friends ride, BUT it is known that if they break something THEY pay for it, and they only use it when I am with them.


Posted by: SpeedyManiac---------------------

I let my dad or other close relatives ride my bike, as I know they will fix it if they break it. There's no way I would let my friends ride my bike, even the ones with bikes. They ride their bikes, I ride mine. The 100, is a different story, some friends are allowed to ride it on the powerline behind my house with supervision and instruction. I do not left people ride around WFO on my bikes as it is hard on the engine and doesn't make that much power up that high. I've spent too much money to have my bike trashed by some inexperienced 'friend.'


Posted by: Hucker---------------------

Only my friends. Members from DRN excepted (I will hopefully learn a couple of things at the NorthEast SpodeFest @ Paragon in 2 weeks). Usually there are 3 people besides me riding bikes together on the weekends. James (kdx_rider), Blair (B0nfire), Captian Diode (crazy head mod guy, see thread in Basic Main.) and myself. Captain Diode came home one day with a TSR200, i almost lost my lunch, this guy can't keep $5 without spending it, I'm REALLY glad he got a bike. Week after that I was like, Diode, um... When you taking me out riding? Well we ended up going out and I had the time of my life, just awesome, I had no idea how I went through life without owning a dirtbike. The next week I'm the new owner of a pretty wore out 90 RM250. Well, after alot of $$$ the bikes working perfect, then Blair gets into the picture. I take him out to the local spot, tell him what to do (not like i knew anything) and we had a blast, 2 weeks later he is the proud new owner of a mint 96 KX250. So now its Diode, Blair and myslef ripping it up every weekend until the snow flies. Thanks to DRN I met James (kdx_rider) we had a great first time ride, been great friends ever since. Now all 4 of us get out probably every weekend if not more. And why did this all come about? Cause in the start, my buddy let me ride his bike. If it wasn't for him, I never would have got on a bike, and wouldn't have bought one.

My house this winter was the local bike storage depot I got to take kdx_riders brand spanking new '02 KX250 out for the first ride of the season. Wow, how did I swing that. I was even more hesitant than him, he didn't give it a second thought "Sure go ahead, make sure to keep the front wheel down" Awesome, simply awesome. Great first ride, althought I got it stuck in about 3 feet of water I had a lady ask me if her brother could ride my bike at a local riding area. I felt bad, but simple said "Nope, sorry, I don't know him, I don't know you" I'll let any of my riding buddy's ride my bike. They know how to ride and have respect for other people's stuff. If I busted something, I would fix it. Plain and simple, I don't care what my buddy's say, even if its a $5 part or a $100 part. I broke it, I'll fix it. Thats just me, I personally usually say, "Forget it, its just a lever, or plastic or whatever" No big deal. I had a non riding friend out on the bike last year and somehow, don't ask me, snapped the damn shifter off. I laughed, so did everyone else. I needed a new one anyhow..

Oh yeah, I will never turn down a ride on a CR500AF so um, if anyone @ DW'02 wants to offer one up, I'll be more than happy to take her for a spin


Posted by: KDX220rm---------------------

If the person is an experienced rider and owns a good bike, then I'll let them ride my KTM250exc and I tell them, you damage it, you either buy it or pay for it or I am taking your bike.

Also I tell them, if you put a scratch in the plastic, your replacing it.

Boy, I am MEAN, just as _SOLO_


Posted by: FLYIN_KAW---------------------

I only let experienced riders ride my bike.
I was going to keep my old kdx as a hack bike but i ended up selling it.
Put a ton of money in it, so why trash it when I can sell it right????


Posted by: KTA---------------------

ive let a couple friends ride (or try to ride) my kx , but its been nothing but trouble and new handlebars. I let my brother ride it but he is experienced and i trust him on it.


Posted by: YZ250---------------------

I let one of my good friends ride my YZ250 ONCE. Hey came up to a triple and grabbed just enough throttle to case the first one. Upon casing it he grabbed a whole lot of throttle and cased the thrid one. Upon casing the third one he grabbed more throttle. With his feet flapping in the breeze he headed for the 6.5 foot bearm and jumped about 10 feet in the air nearly coming down and hitting a big tree. He was pretty shook up, the bike was scratched, bars bent, bent rads, bent sub-frame, bent levers. All in all, bad idea.


Posted by: mx_4_life---------------------

I dont let other people ride my dirtbike, because my dad gets mad at me! hehe


Posted by: Idaho Charley---------------------

With all big boy toys you want to be carefull. Owning a street bike, dirt bike and a snow machine I get requests from co-workers (non-riders) and neighbors who have always wanted "one" but have never purchased "one" for a spin.

I only allow persons whom I have personnally riden with (and trust) to ride my equipment: part of it is I'm anal; part of it is I don't want the hassels associated with any accidents, etc.

BTW - Only time I deviate is when I'm selling a "toy" - I make a judgement call on the person who is looking at the toy. Is he really interested and serious and asking the right questions?: or is his girl friend sitting in the truck and he is going to impress her with a ride on my toy? What does his car or truck look like value wise? A few times I've told people I was just "anal" and not allowing anyone to ride the toy - buy it and then ride it!! Truth is, when selling I allow "check-out" runs on the equipment, because I know I would not buy without riding it first!!


Posted by: whyzee---------------------

Idaho, ...DITO. Except it would only apply to the dirt bikes, I would have to be dead for someone else to ride my Fatboy.


Posted by: dirtbike59---------------------

i only let them ride my bike if they have a better bike then me. if they break mine i will use theirs until they fix mine.


Posted by: COLEMANAPP---------------------

I have only learned hard lessons by letting others ride my bike. Recently I purchased a 'buddy bike' those coming to our farm to ride. Its a '83 IT 175. Purchased for $400, runs great, don't care if it gets wrecked. Three friends ride it and share in any expenses (new tire, oil, etc.). My bike has never been better as a result and 1 friend recently upgraded to a 93 yz 250.


Posted by: 99CR125OK---------------------

I don't have a problem with any of my friends riding my bike, I know all of them are respectfull of my bike, just as I am when I ride theirs. However, I think is is a VERY different situation when you're talking about teenagers.

When I was a kid my dad had three rules about my motorcycles.
Always wear a helmet
Nobody rides it but you
Never ride it on the street

After I got older I understood the "Nobody rides it but you" rule alot more.

Ironically, the only person, other than myself, who has damaged the bike I have now is my dad! He looped it out, fender sticking straight up in the air, etc., etc.


Posted by: Matt 193---------------------

ive only let really experianced riders ride my bike and that is even rare call me over protective of my bike but i love it and i dont want it broke


Posted by: IndyMX---------------------

I'll let anyone ride my bike.. Just as long as I get to ride yours while you are riding mine.

Otherwise, nope.. Sorry. Ain't gonna happen.


Posted by: thebleakness---------------------

I've let most of my friends ride mine. I've even taught a few how to ride on mine. A few months ago though I was riding with a friend in the woods and he crashed his XR80 and went to the hospital for stitches. I rode his bike home and its been sitting in my side yard every since. Thats the new "buddy" bike. Most of my friends dont have dirt bikes themselves so they come over and use that little thing.


Posted by: loudandproud---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by IndyYZ85
I'll let anyone ride my bike.. Just as long as I get to ride yours while you are riding mine.

Otherwise, nope.. Sorry. Ain't gonna happen.



pretty much the same here.

But i dont let anybody ride my bike with out me around, either im riding with them or sitting on the side of the track waiting for them to give it back.


Posted by: 76GMC1500---------------------

My friends and I are all on a very tight budget and we save every penny to pay for gas to go riding. After spending nearly all day trying to get our bikes together and then arriving late in the afternoon at the place we were going to ride, my friend broke a hub on his CR250. We were all bummed and returned to the staging area. A couple there told us about some of the stores in the area where we could try to get parts. We were unable to repair the hub and a new one was out of the question at the time. We went back to the staging area the next morning expecting to have to leave someone at the truck while 2 went riding. The same couple was there, they asked us if we were able to fix the bike. We told them our story and they called their son and told him to bring the brand new KTM 200 E/XC for my friend to ride. We didn't even know these people's names yet.

As for my loaning policy; if you break it, you buy it. I know very few people who ride, so I try to get as many new people in to the sport as possible. It hasn't been until recently that I have had a bike to loan out. I try to get someone on it every time I go out. I understand that some unexpected damage can be very expensive. That is why I loan out the air-cooled bike. Broken levers and bars are cheap, but a busted radiator adds exponentially to the cost.

As for the guy with the shiny new bike that got a scratched and he's debating whether or not to charge the rider for new plastics... It's a dirt bike, it's supposed to have scratches. Get out there and ride it, stop worrying about how it looks.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c...00/DSCF1851.jpg


Posted by: thebleakness---------------------

What goes around comes around. If I have any parts that someone else might need, I'll give them too the person in need. It's all karma baby. I've invited many people to go riding and I think that someday I'll get invited to do something extra-ordinary.

Plus I want to get as many people in the woods and enjoy them before the eco-terrorists manage to get them closed.


Posted by: TRIS---------------------

i'm 16

my gp 100 (yes the on road bike....used for off road) was basically the whole villages bike. everyone rode it, only cost me 25 quid. it got crashed on a regualar basis and i never charged them. there was some serious crashes on that thing.

....like when me and a mate jumped it down this hill through 5 foot crops and nearly lost it, that was soooo scary, eventually it was too knackered to keep so i sold it for 75 quid profit.

i very rarely let people ride my other bikes, if i do let them its only a small go round a field in gear 1 and 2.


Posted by: High Lord Gomer---------------------

I couldn't count how many people I've let ride my bikes. Most people are more than willing to repair/replace anything they break.

Riding is a brotherhood and, especially with those from DRN, yes it does pay back. I also could honestly not count the number of bikes I've ridden from freinds in different places. From Oklahoma to Chicago to Dallas to Atlanta to California.

How many of us east coast spodes only dream about riding some of the tracks we've read about for years? Granted, it is a YT, but it was a YT borrowed from a great friend with other great friends in attendance....

http://themxtrack.com/Elsinore/Landing2.jpg

Bottom line...it's a brotherhood. If you're in it just for yourself, you're by yourself.

I do have one rule...never let anyone named Ivan ride it if he asks how well it wheelies...


Posted by: thorman75---------------------

Not only have I let people ride my bikes I've even let them race them. Wardy and AJ have both actually raced my bikes and then went on to get CR500's of their own.Wardy turned it over on me when he let me race his CR500AF at Redbud then naturally I had to have one, actually it was kinda wierd because I rode the first one AJ built at MotoCrazy and didn't like it.
I remember when I told AJ before he raced my bike, "just remember you can't flick it around like you do that CR250". I found out what Crow tastes like.


Posted by: Pushin50---------------------

I allow anyone to ride our bikes, but there are rules. They must wear a helmut, goggles, gloves and over the ankle shoes or boots. They have to start on a small bike (Honda 50 or 70). They don't get to try a bigger bike until the have mastered the smaller bikes. Everyone needs to learn to ride. I have never met a natural (a kid or adult that can hop on an MX'er and whip it) everyone starts at the bottom. I have taught dozens to ride over the years and some have become hooked like me.


Posted by: kawicam250---------------------

i generally let people ride my bike(s) if they ask, but sometimes i'll ask if i can ride theirs too .


Posted by: wirefryer#85---------------------

Our group is pretty tight so we constantly ride eachothers bikes, but it is understood that if you break something you replace it as quickly as possible. As far as some someone coming up to us in the pits wanting to try one out, that would depend on what class they happen to be in.

I did have an old XT500 back in the '90s' that I would tell people " if you can start it, you can ride it" and then sit back and watch them wear themselves out or get their right leg shortened from a kickback , goood times!


Posted by: High Lord Gomer---------------------

At one of the spodefests we had in the late 90s we rode Saturday and Saturday night at Freddie's near Saluda, SC then went to Turkey Creek MX for their Sunday race. Since we had enough people, the owner let us have our own class of 15 or 20 riders where we drew numbers to see whose bike we would race. We then switched bikes again for the second moto with no one riding their own bike. I got someone's 125 and then MXTuna's RMX250.


Posted by: Dewster---------------------

Gotta kid in the neighborhood who's been asking me to ride my one of my dirtbikes for about 6 months now. He’s 8. I'm ashamed to say that it's taken me this long to allow him to ride. We've been sued twice in the past few years so needless to say, I was a little hesitant to let him ride. We live in a neighborhood so there is very little space to ride although there is an empty lot at the end of the street. Both of my boys ride 60's and I was wary to let him ride the 60 although he's tall enough. I figured he could do little to no damage on a XR50 being an inexperienced rider. The little boy constantly hangs around with me in my shop as I turn wrenches on bikes. Full of questions and very intuitive… sometimes I wish he were mine. He seems to lack the attention little ones need. All too often, all the neighborhood kids are out in the yard playing football while this one is hanging out with me anticipating that today might be the day. Just a few days ago, I was washing my 40’ toy hauler, (all day job), when here he comes asking if we could ride today. It was obvious I had a big job ahead of me so he asked to help expecting that if we get done early, he may get to ride. I fixed him a bucket of soap and water and he went to work on the wheels and tires. When we finished… it was dark. I gave him a few bucks for his help but I could tell that did not satisfy him, he wanted to ride. So the next day, (Sunday), all the boys are playing football as usual and I called the little boy to my backyard. I told him I needed some help. He says, “we don’t have to wash the camper again today… do we?” I said “no, I need you to put on these motocross pants, boots, jersey, chest protector, gloves, and helmet”. He said, “why?” I said, “because I need you to ride the 50 today”. I wish I had a camera to capture the expression on his face. That kid rode laps around a flat, one acre, grass lot for an hour… and if it didn’t get dark on us, he probably would’ve rode more.


Posted by: FruDaddy---------------------

That was very kind of you, but I hope you got the kids parents permission first. My son is a good rider, but I don't want him riding without my knowledge and supervision.


Posted by: Dewster---------------------

Oh yeah, we walked over to his house and I talked to his parents first.


Posted by: truespode---------------------

Quote:
I do have one rule...never let anyone named Ivan ride it if he asks how well it wheelies...


I have a hunch a picture is going to crop up showing my wheelie prowess

Ivan


Posted by: IndyMX---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by truespode
I have a hunch a picture is going to crop up showing my wheelie prowess

Ivan



Oh I hope so!!!


Posted by: High Lord Gomer---------------------

Well.... since Indy asked.....

http://themxtrack.com/truespode_small.jpg


Posted by: VintageDirt---------------------

Heck yes I let people ride my bikes. In fact, I let complete strangers take my bikes out for the weekend and race them. I always keep my bikes clean and race ready for who ever needs one. All I ask is that they slow down when the kick them off the truck in front of my house. Come on by and get one anytime


Posted by: tonibaloney---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by VintageDirt
Heck yes I let people ride my bikes. In fact, I let complete strangers take my bikes out for the weekend and race them. I always keep my bikes clean and race ready for who ever needs one. All I ask is that they slow down when the kick them off the truck in front of my house. Come on by and get one anytime


soooo, where do ya live then?


Posted by: VintageDirt---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by tonibaloney
soooo, where do ya live then?

PM me


Posted by: truespode---------------------

Gomer... that is the wallpaper on my cell phone.

That is my 15 minutes

Let's just not bring up what I did to Danny's bike or when I was in West Virginia and wheelied and slid out on wet pavement and almost went over a cliff or the time I... well, you get the point!

Ivan


Posted by: tonibaloney---------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by High Lord Gomer
Well.... since Indy asked.....

http://themxtrack.com/truespode_small.jpg


great, now ya got me scared to even TRY a wheelie!


Posted by: polarishardcorerid---------------------

I only let expereinced friends ride my old kawasaki, but i dont let any one ride my cr


Posted by: BBking25---------------------

if they can dirtbike yea

but it'll be hard if i get a CRF250 or YZ250F

then i doubt it (except my dad because he's paying for some of it)


Posted by: just_a_rider---------------------

Heck no, even though I have an 96 KX250 I still wouldn't. Why? Well for one thing it's all but new, I,ve spent a small fortune on my baby and if it's gona get something broke or bent I'm gona do it.


Posted by: 150rguy---------------------

Nope, I've had a bad experience with that.


Posted by: just_a_rider---------------------

Well me to, I let my cousin ride my gone but not forgotten KX125. He took off and went through a shollow ditch while sitting down, the bike kicked his big but up in the air and when he came down he caught his self with his legs and broke one of them, the bike kept going right strait into a big oak tree and bent the left fork. Needless to say I could not find a used fork and was no way I could afford a new one, thats why I don't let people ride my bike.


Posted by: MX86---------------------

i let my buddy matt ride my bike sometimes.. ya know just to rub it in on how he should had got a 250


Posted by: adam728---------------------

I let people with experience that I trust ride my junk.


Posted by: mrliquid---------------------

I never ask or will I start asking to ride other riders bike's. I expect the same from others hehehe What ever bike I have at the time is gold to me

(WARNING: If a guy says he's the brother-in-law of MrLiquid DO NOT LET HIM RIDE YOUR BIKE hehehe He can ride fast, it's the stopping that gets him everytime. you could put him in a 100 acre field with a port-o-potty in the middle of it and he'd find some way to run smack into it and screw up your bike)


Posted by: drrty---------------------

Nobody rides my bike but me. Why would I put someone else on a bike that is completely custom-fitted and set up for me? I'm 6'2", 250 lbs. If I let someone who is 5'5", 150 lbs. ride my bike, he will get absolutely no valuable experience out of it, other than maybe learning what it feels like to ride a bike set up for a much bigger person. In the end, I built it for me, and only I ride it.


Posted by: soxfan24---------------------

Well, I had a 06' TTR-125 for about a month...... I paid for almost 65% of the bike
with stocks that my grandparents give me each year, and my dad paid the rest.
When i got out riding, my father and I noticed that i was spending more time with it in 3rd and 4th pinned on the track (A big no no on a ttr) than on the trails, and about a month of this, the thing was like a pit bike to me. So we went down to our local dealer and got a brand new 2005 rm 125 for about $4500 with freight etc.... (Which i paid in full with stocks because with my dad getting a bike, money is a little tight around here) The original plan was to sell the ttr and use the money to pay for some of the RM. But after a month of procrastinating selling it, we decide it would not be worth it to sell the ttr for less than $2000 since we paid almost $3500.

This was a very good idea because we are starting to get some relatives in from every where and my dad can't help but offer them to ride.And what do I say each time to my dad? NEVER let anyone else ride my bike, because if anyone is going to break something on it, it better be me. My dad rides his ttr-230 and my uncle who is about 6'3, 200-250 pounds ride my little ttr 125.

I know it might sound selfish but the anger that it would cause me to have my RM broken by someone besides me would be much great than if it were broken by me. And that is anger & stress that i don't need nor want.

Short answer: Nope, anyone else that wants to ride with me can ride the pit bike (if so, they better be ready to pay for any damages) or buy their own.


Posted by: ThumperCJH---------------------

i rarlyl let people ride my bikes



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