Son's Dirt Bike / Clutch Instructions

[Lotsokids]

I just bought a 100cc dirt bike for my son for about $400. It needed many small repairs which I accomplished in a couple hours yesterday. Then last night I entered the stage in my life where I taught my son how to use a clutch. It's a kick-start, so every time he stalled it, he had to kick-start it.
He got frustrated at himself for not learning immediately. But after a few minutes he started catching on.

[Bones]

What make of bike is that! Looks like a Honda clone motor, but the rest looks a bit ungainly. Never seen a swingarm on an angle like that before . But I suppose looks don't matter when your young, it's the joy of learning to ride that matters most.

[Country Joe]

I just bought a 100cc dirt bike for my son for about $400. It needed many small repairs which I accomplished in a couple hours yesterday. Then last night I entered the stage in my life where I taught my son how to use a clutch. It's a kick-start, so every time he stalled it, he had to kick-start it.
He got frustrated at himself for not learning immediately. But after a few minutes he started catching on.

Mark,
Good on you for teaching your son to ride. As soon as I get the carbs and gas tank cleaned out on his 250 Ninja, I will attempt to start teaching my son how to ride. Once I get him halfway comfortable with some simple parking lot drills I will take him to the next BRC in Arkansas for some 3 rd party training. I am somewhat apprehensive about turning him loose on the road, but I think if I wasn't a little concerned there would be something wrong with me. I also do not intend to let his training stop with the Basic Rider Course. I am already looking into Total Control, American Supercamp and a couple others to take when I think he is ready for them.

Joe

[Lotsokids]

What make of bike is that!

It's a Derbi. I also have a Derbi 50cc sportbike clone (considered a scooter here in Hungary) and has an Aprilia engine. It's got a lot of recent technology, like inverted forks and high center exhaust, which is cool.

I am somewhat apprehensive about turning him loose on the road, but I think if I wasn't a little concerned there would be something wrong with me.

So true!

[Lotsokids]

Went out today with a fresh start. He got it perfectly! Even shifted to second and third gears with no problem.
Seems a lot like when I get frustrated while working on a vehicle. If I stop, rest, and come back to it the next day, it seems like everything works smoothly.

[andyb]

Good stuff!  Reminds me a bit of learning to ride (on a borrowed XR80)... I got the shifting, clutch, and gas figured right out.  Stopping?  Notsomuch.

[FJscott]

The smile on his face says it all
Kookaloo!

Scott

[Dads_FJ]

Went out today with a fresh start. He got it perfectly! Even shifted to second and third gears with no problem.
Seems a lot like when I get frustrated while working on a vehicle. If I stop, rest, and come back to it the next day, it seems like everything works smoothly.

Awesome!  Now "Dad" needs a dirt bike to chase him around on.

[The General]

Have reviewed the video a number of times. Ten out of ten for focus & concentration. We reckon he went to bed the night before, dreaming on how to make it all come together. (Works for me too!) Also noticed his line of travel was almost Perfect! He`s got a natural style..... but that smile, Priceless.

[Yamifj1200]

" but that smile, Priceless"

+1 but wasn't it like that for all of us back in the day. Good on you for teaching your son to ride. I'm sure both of you will remember that day for the rest of your lives. That pure joy is the reason I still ride today. Everyday is an adventure when you get to ride!

Eric M

[Burns]

What make of bike is that!

It's a Derbi. I also have a Derbi 50cc sportbike clone (considered a scooter here in Hungary) and has an Aprilia engine. It's got a lot of recent technology, like inverted forks and high center exhaust, which is cool.

I am somewhat apprehensive about turning him loose on the road, but I think if I wasn't a little concerned there would be something wrong with me.

So true!

I don't believe that bike belongs on the street and I wouldn't let him set a wheel on pavement with it.  It doesn't look street legal and the pavement is not friendly to knobbies, especially wet pavement.

Also he NEEDS good boots and gloves and should not be allowed to ride without them EVER. Wearing proper riding gear is an essential riding habit and the best way to break a bad habit is to not form it I the first place.

[Firehawk068]

Great stuff!
I love it!
I can't wait to get my boys involved..........