Re: Parents are changin their minds about moped

• Author: Bert (---.dsl.klmzmi.ameritech.net)
• Verified User: laxfan25
• Date Posted: 07-06-08 10:08

Tim, I can give you the parental viewpoint. My son was all over us last summer to let him get a moped (his buddy had one). We resisted, thinking they were too dangerous (only because cars don’t treat two-wheel things with any respect, and a friend who is an orthopedic surgeon tells stories about the kids he has to piece back together on Saturday nights – he hates motorcycles – just because of the carnage).
One day in August the Ghost Riders had their rally in town and I saw these little motorized bikes zipping all over, and changed my mind.
He went out the next day and found a Puch on line and took me along to look at it. It was crap-tacular – overpriced (it turns out), non-running, rusty, flat tires. I asked Andrew what he wanted to do – “buy it!”
Took it home, they couldn’t get it running, so I stepped in and asked if they checked the points. “What are points??” Doh. Showed how to adjust them (they weren’t opening) and it started up – victory!
It seemed like fun, so I bought one myself (a Moby), a month later I bought another, and a month after that – a Puch. The Puch was in great shape, so my son said “I’ll take that one!”. For X-mas I got all sorts of kit stuff for him, and we rebuilt it in the basement. It now rips close to 50.
I took his crummy one and rebuilt that one, last week got it powdercoated, and it looks great!

I agree with those that say that getting a good helmet will help with the parents – that was one of my rules. When Andrew got the kitted bike I told him he needed to get a full-face. If your gonna wear a helmet, your face area is the most likely place you’ll crash, so full-face makes a lot of sense.
Once you get the moped, your parents will see how manageable it is. If you can get them to even take it for a ride, even better. I started taking some rides with Mom this weekend – she liked it, even though 20 mph is plenty good for her.
I agree that kids trashing your bike, putting stuff in your tank, etc., is the greatest danger of taking it to school, although my son does with no problems. The other thing is, my original concern is still valid – you need to drive defensively!! I never go by an intersection without glancing both ways. Always be checking your mirror to see what’s coming up behind you, especially if you’re slowing or stopping. You can rage at the cagers all you want, but it is up to you to keep yourself safe. Don’t do stupid things. We lost a great moped kid this past week, his memorial services are today and tomorrow – so bad things can happen.
You’re best bet is to not argue with the ‘rents if they’re letting you get a bike. Wear them down with kindness, it’l get you farther. Good luck and be safe!