In 2005 we went back to bikes. When Chris was 18 we helped him get a Ninja 250 to get started. He was an ironworker apprentice at that time while working part time for us.
He started doing wheelies on it in a couple of months and crashed it a few times. I bought one at the same time to ride with him.
Riding motorcycles together was a bonding experience worth every dime.
The Ninja's didn't last long. They were too weak. You know it's bad when you go to the drag strip and your wife makes fun of you on camera. lol.
That video was just the beginning, he was just learning then. He practiced so much that a year later he was asked to join a stunt group that performed at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He finally quit that after crashing a few times and hitting so hard once it put a hole in his crankcase.
After that we went on to sprocket changes, lowering practically down to the ground and an extended swingarm. That ZX6 was carburated. We did all we could on it but I think the best time he ever got was 9.85 or so. The best I ever got was in the low tens with the ZX9. You couldn't use a tuner on those carbs. But I did learn how to sync carbs. It sure is sweet when you've got four carbs purring like kittens.
2005 Ninja 250
2004 Suzuki Katana 750
2002 Kawasaki ZX900
Some of our most memorable times together.
1) Went to bike night at a big restaurant. Chris met a lot of guys and girls. After a little while I asked him what about all this? He said, "I just like riding and hanging out with you Dad". He probably doesn't even remember saying that, but it meant a lot to me.
2) Met the Rough Riders on the way to Pahrump at the foot of a mountain road. We asked if we could ride with them. They said we could but if we couldn't keep up we had to pull off the side going up and wait there till they pass us when they come back down. (to embarrass us) Then they put us behind one rider and put another rider behind us. We made it to the top and back down. This was winding mountain roads. Our speedometers never dipped below 100 and numerous times we hit 150. Once we got back down the the bottom the rider in front of us, who we were struggling to keep up with, got of the bike and came over to congratulate us. We were surprised when SHE took off HER helmet. Man, that girl could ride! Chris was shaking so badly at the bottom he could hardly light a cigarette. We hung in there and God kept us safe.
3) Topping out on a straight stretch at 174 on the ZX9 and Chris at 156 on the 6 on a 20 mile straight stretch when there was no one else around.
4) Watching Chris perform stunts.
5) Standing outside the Drag strip on the top of the camper watching Chris do one final run.....against that pitiful looking Eagle Talon from the 1990's. ...... Then watching him get thoroughly spanked! I think that car did the mid 8's! Chris was in shock.
We had a lot of fun. These bikes brought us together and made us best friends at just the right time in our lives.
