Late afternoon bimble with my grandson

[BrianS]

Grandson Mackenzie (aged 8 years and mad about motorcycles!) comes to tea with us after school each Thursday and has been hassling for a ride on the A10.

The A10 seems to have spent more time "resting" than it should have of late but we managed a short shake down ride last week. Firstly to check how Mac behaved as pillion (ADHD so usually lacking in concentration!) and secondly to test out a belt affair I bought that straps him to me and also gives him two handles to hang on to.

All went well so we went further tonight and got as far as Budleigh Salterton beach where Mac had the chance to dismount and have a play in the children's park area. Whilst there it started to rain and the light was fading so we beat a hasty retreat to home for tea.

Mac was a good passenger but I had to pull over several times when he started shouting at me. Turned out to be him giving me directions or asking to stop somewhere for a pasty (!!!) and nothing life threatening. It would be good if we could chat easily to one another whilst riding so I will have to dig out an intercom I bought a few years ago and see if it still works.

Great fun and I am pleased that the bike seems to be running sweetly after various issues.

Brian

[Bsareg]

That brings back good memories. Dad wouldn't let us ride pillion on his BSA G14 until we could put our feet on the pegs ( no helmet though... ). Couldn't wait

[RichardL]

So, you didn't ride pillion on the way back?

[jimbo]

Are the handlebars standard? They look like they offer a nice riding position.

[BrianS]

I doubt the bars are original. They came with the bike. Somewhere down the line I would like to change them for a pair with less rake. My favourites are the Renthal Dakar Enduro High bars which give a bit of extra width as well as height but aren't raked back so far.

[terryg]

Well done Brian. Doing your bit to encourage younger A7/A10 forum members.
Get him on the spanners too!

[muskrat]

Good one mate. He'd feel safe sandwiched between you and the top box.
8 year old should have one of his own. Would certainly take his mind off the adhd thing.
Cheers

[Butch (cb)]

Yeah my young folks (I have two daughters) were transported to and from when they were younger, though bigger than that I think. I also ran a Busmar D/A on the side of a T3 Guzzi for a while that they were always terminally embarrassed about being seen in. The youngest, who probably did most of the pillioning was not so happy at speeds beyond 60 (mph). Neither of them have any enthusiasm for trying biking for themselves now.

I’m running earlier US spec Triumph type bars (kind of cow horn style) on my A10. I like the rise and additional leverage.

[Topdad]

Thats great Brian, hope he enjoyed being out with his grandad  plus gives you a change to make him feel as special as he is