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Preface:
I work for a large corporation but in a small department. There are 11 of us in my department, including my boss. Two of us were motorcyclists prior to joining the department.
In Spring of 2001 while on a two week business road trip in the Atlanta area, I convinced another guy in my group to try motorcycling. When we got back from the trip I "made" him get gear and sign up for the MSF course, taught him how to ride, lent him a bike to practice on, recommended a good bike for him and he is now a competent and safe rider piloting his own SV650S.
Another guy in my group has been saying for years that he wanted a bike and finally pulled the trigger. Due solely to my advice and recommendations, he is enrolled in an MSF beginner class this coming weekend, is buying a First Gear Kilimanjaro Air jacket/HT pants combo today, has a Snell certified helmet on order, and is awaiting delivery of a 2004 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. Last night, I lent him some gear and a bike and taught him how to operate the bike in a large parking lot. He's a natural rider, took to it quite quickly, and was grinning from ear to ear after 1.5 hours of zipping all over the parking lot. He's already competent at panic braking, clutch use, up and down shifting, slow speed outside leaning, higher speed inside leaning, and counter steering.
There are now 4 riders in a department of 11 people. Am I a good influence or what?