dad wants a bike - son is worried

[06_wi_vfr]

My brother and father are both HD'rs and they're tough to talk to.  I'd tell dad to take the MSF at the HD dealership.  It's more expensive than other locations but at "graduation" you get a coupon for use in the HD Accessories shop (there is literally nothing that HD doesn't sell with an "HD" on it).  

Then when he's got his license he can rent rides from the shop to really get a feel for what he wants.  It's all safe for him - nothing but pirates around, except the MSF instructors who tend to be pretty cool.

My MSF instructor was a Madison Motorcycle cop and taught at both the technical college and at Capital City Harley.  

Hell - buy the class as a gift for the old man.  The only thing dads hate worse than advice from their sons is when their sons pay for something!!

[Grainbelt]

My Dad got back into it after 30 years last summer. He took the MSF, looked around, and bought a BMW R1200RT.   It is a big bike, but not real fast, not as heavy as you'd think, and pretty well balanced. He did decide to get some real boots and pants recently.

I don't lecture him about anything, just talk and relate my experiences. So far, so good.