Riding with kids

[zip]

My young kids, nearly 5 and 3, love Daddy's "bloo motacycle" and are occasionally allowed to sit on the seats under supervision. My daughter, nearly 5, is very tall for her age and can already reach the rear pegs. I hadn't thought of taking her riding until she was about 7 or so, but wondering at what age others of you might've started kids on the pillion?

I looked to find anything under Massachusetts law about it, but couldn't. Are you aware of age minimums for motorcycle passengers?

Also, anyone used or considered those waist belts that either create a handle for kids or even strap and attach them to you?

Thanks

 

[worldbound4now]

Oooooo boy.

A child's size should only be a part of the question about riding on a motorcycle with you. Their mental/emotional development should also be of HUGE consideration. Do they understand limits? Do they understand safety concepts and will they respond to verbal reinforcement (positive and negative) regarding risky actions that have potential for disaster. I've seen some 6-8yr old kids do fairly well on their own on tiny dirtbikes. I've also seen many of the same age that are not emotionally ready ride on 2 wheels as a passenger, let alone to pilot one.

Most kindergarten aged children do not have this critical thinking ability yet, though it is developing. IF you had a small dirtbike and wanted to do 1st gear slow speed across your grassy yard with proper safety gear, then you may be able to ensure some acceptable margin of safety. No faster than your ability to stop the bike completely if you feel the child falling off such that you could be stopped before they hit the ground.

Can the child ride a bicycle? Can the child ride a bicycle on adverse terrain (dirt, bumpy lawn, on and off of the curb, loose gravel, show/ice) to show balance and control. Will the child hold on, sit down, and shut up while maintaining a smile on their face while riding with you?

I started riding with my father when I was about 6 years old, only on grass or open dirt fields (springtime before crops were planted in rural IA) or snow. He never left 1st gear and always ended the ride immediately if emotions were not kept under control (I recall walking back to our "shop" several times after being kicked off because I wouldn't sit still).

My 2 cents.

 

[TheAxeman]

My son started riding with me when he was about 6 years old. The rule was that he had to be able to sit on the seat with both feet on the footpegs at the same time. Weekly for months he would go out to the garage to "check" his fit. One day he came running into the house screaming "I can touch!" Before the bike even got started, I made sure he had a quality, fitting helmet, jacket, pants, boots, etc....We started out with just short rides around the neighborhood and around the village and as he got older we progressed to longer rides at higher speeds until he was probably the most experienced pillion I ever traveled with. His riding with me lasted until he was about 13 and then it just wasn't cool anymore. I think about those times often now, they were some of the finest memories we had together....

 

[Big Sky]

My son was probably 3 when I first strapped him in front of me via a rubber tarp strap hooked through my belt loops. This was on an old Honda SL 350 "scrambler" which had a brace across the bend of the handlebars that my kid could grab. We had five wooded acres and we'd go motoring around in first gear up and through the trees, etc. Later we used this arrangement to putt along the gravel roads in this rural subdivision.

When he was five I took him for a 65-mile highway trip on my CB 1100 F. 35 miles into the trip we took a break and this is when I realized the handling dynamics of a motorcycle (leaning over in turns) frightened him. He was looking down and saw the ground coming up. But a corndog at a C-store lifted his spirits and off we went to complete the loop. He went on his first over-nighter at about age 10. The danger discovered that time is he would get drowsy with the potential of falling asleep. By the time he was 12, he went over the notorious and technical Beartooth Highway and elsewhere that had us out two nights. On that trip, we had five bikes and four kids as passengers, ages 10-14 or so (all of them today are very skilled and responsible motorcycle enthusiasts). When he got his driver's license, he got a bike within a year or so, after passing an MSF course, perhaps age 17 - a 1996 Seca II. Nice, tame machine without killer power. He started riding the tail behind Marilyn and I when we had the Honda Blackbird and after we got the FJR. He was home for about four weeks in June. This time he rode my GSXR 750 (Seca was sold) as we did a 650 mile loop up through the Yakk country of northwest Montana. Here's the kicker to that story: about 550 miles into that trip I discovered cords showing through the rear on the FJR (man that tire went away fast!), so Marilyn rode behind the kid on the GSXR about 60 miles into the next town with an open dealership. She praised his ability and judgment. and said she felt safe.

ln this time he has exhibited a fairly healthy fear of road rash and broken bones and rides with a good deal of common sense, not to mention skill. He's also learned that dad's experience adds up to wisdom - not a bad thing for a youth to consider - he actually listens and listens carefully, then acts accordingly. He's naturally athletic (doesn't get that from me) and athleticism is a big help in the eye/hand coordination department, reflexes, eyesight and ability to anticipate what is GOING to happen and to react to it quickly.

I think he has become a lifer. It is difficult to consider exposing your child to this kind of danger, but Marilyn and I believe the rewards are worth the risk; the joy is worth the fear.

Big Sky

 

[Phugedaboudet]

If they're small enough they'll fit in the trunk

 

[Tenchi]

Dad took me on the bike at age 10. Even if he hadn't I would have followed in his footsteps and gotten a motorcycle anyway...

... but being a pillion at age 10 definitely gave me a shove in the right direction

EDIT: I was only tall enough to comfortably ride the motorcycle after 10yo. Must be able to hold the pedals and hold on to Dad. He also had two side panniers and one rear one so there was a little more support than just sitting on the saddle. Late model Honda CX500.

 

[kulwen]

Child Riding Belt

I used one of these sometime back and it was great. A freind of mine with two kids wanted to go a bike/camping trip with with both his kids. His youngest was still using the belt and the kids traded off at gas stops with me or dad.

 

[zip]

You know, I'm glad I asked this question for the advice, but even moreso for the great stories you've got about riding with your kids and riding as kids.

Axe, your story was particularly moving and I doubt I'll ever forget it.

Big Sky, also a super story. Your son is lucky to have a proud, caring father like you.

John, I was thinking of trying one of those when I choose the day to take them riding.

Thanks, all!

 

[Big Sky]

Hey, my dad took me fishing when I was five. Dad's gone now but I remember landing my first bullhead on the hood of his '56 Plymouth like it was yesterday. And guess what?... yeah, I still like fishing. I never could get him interested in riding motorcicles, though. And my son started going hunting with me at about age 10 (not carrying, of course), then after passing Hunter's Safety at age 12, started packing a .30-.30. Then I got him a left-handed bolt-action Savage .30-.06. Careful nurturing of him and his skills and abilities. He is now an avid hunter and he and I have enjoyed some spectacular times watching the sun come up on a crisp November morning at 7,000 feet on a ridge top, and watching the sun go down, more often without filling tags than with. Nevertheless, priceless moments, great memories for this old man. Yes, whatever you can do with your kids, do it! Play with them, be their friends, share your passions.

 

[ynotride]

My son is seven and has been riding dirt bikes since he was 4. He is now into racing with other 7-9 years olds and I am still not allowed by mom to have him on my street bike. I had him on the back going up and down the street but mom found out and put an end to that B)

Here is my son at his first flat track race. I think he was 5 at the time

He is seven now and just finished 3rd place racing on a real dirt track

 

[Braenen]

This is not ment as an endorsement of any products, just some places to look for items.

Kid gear site: https://www.Motorcycle-Superstore.com/kids

Buddy Belt site: https://www.buddybelt.com/

Another harness: https://www.spankysparts.com/product483.html

Nachman International harness: https://www.amazon.com/HARNESS-NACHMAN-INTE...D/dp/B000UK3R32

 

[Big Sky]

That kid pictured above with the trophy is one happy dude! Wonderful. What he learns in the dirt will give him a real edge on the mean streets. I've watched these tykes race - man, some of them are very, very, good...and brave! What a fabulous thing to learn and teach! Good goin', Dad!

 

[daveski]

I have two boys ages 12 and 14. The 14 year old has been on the back 3 or 4 times with all the gear on. The 12 year old only once and he only saw the inside of his eyelids (I will try later).

The real problem for me is that we have congested traffic in new jersey and no real place to ride in the dirt to start. So after they get hooked on riding on the back of mine, how do I get them riding safely and still sleep at night? I was thinking of some of the small enduros and a driver safety course to start, but them riding on the street still gives me cramps.

 

[Back In The Saddle]

I have boy/girl twins who just turned 8. I took them on their first ride on Sunday.

First in the neighborhood to get their bearings, make sure they got accustomed to the noise and vibration - never out of 2nd. Then asked if they were comfortable enough to go a little farther.

Next, went about 1.5 miles - top speed about 50.

Both told their mom - it was better than jet skiing (which they love).

They ask if we can ride every other day. So far, it's been great (for them, and for me!).

 

[palerider]

My young kids, nearly 5 and 3, love Daddy's "bloo motacycle" and are occasionally allowed to sit on the seats under supervision. My daughter, nearly 5, is very tall for her age and can already reach the rear pegs. I hadn't thought of taking her riding until she was about 7 or so, but wondering at what age others of you might've started kids on the pillion?
I looked to find anything under Massachusetts law about it, but couldn't. Are you aware of age minimums for motorcycle passengers?

Also, anyone used or considered those waist belts that either create a handle for kids or even strap and attach them to you?

Thanks

If they're newborn, they fit nicely into my Givi 52.

 

[KnuckleHead]

My boys are 9 and 7. I haven't taken the 7 year old out yet, but took my 9 year old out for the first time when he was 7 (on my VTX). Same as many other posters, a couple short trips around the neighborhood to get his bearings. Never took him too far on the VTX because it wasnt set for 2...solo seat. When I got the FJR I bought the Yami trunk specifically for him to have something to lean against (and because I am paranoid that he would fall off the back) and since then we have gone on a couple longer rides, but haven't hit the freeway yet. He absolutely loves it. My wife, not so much.

Oh, and WA state law says they have to be at least 5 to be on the back.

 

[Harald]

My son started riding with me occasionally as soon as his feet could touch the pegs. He's on my Blackbird with me in my avatar. I modified a leather belt with handles so he would have something to grab onto because his arms couldn't reach around my waist (and no I'm not fat by any stretch). Kids don't have the strength to hold onto a grab rail IMHO.

He's now 15 and has ridden a lot with me over this summer because I've been picking him up on the way home from work at his summer camp job. I have the factory trunk on the FJR and this gives me some peace of mind knowing I won't lose him off the back due to acceleration. The falling asleep problem is a big concern though. I had a lady in a car next to me at a stoplight tell me that my passenger was asleep. Even after stressing the importance of staying awake, a week later a friend from work told me he saw him sleeping again on the back of the bike. I'm hoping my gruesome tales of what will happen to him if he falls off while I'm cruising the freeway will stop him from sleeping back there. Or maybe I still need to get one of those harnesses that hook him to me. :angry2:

 

[devanator]

I've been taking my kids with me both since they have been about 7-8 years old. They only scare I had was on the MN1000 with my boy. I was trying to push it a little to much on the way to a motel and he was getting tired. Nothing happen but taught me a lesson. Now your kids limits for longer distance. Your story reminded my of that Harald. It scared me to when he said he was tire. Just because I can go long means nothing. Its all about your kids.

I'm taking my girl to CFO for 5 days of riding. We are going to make plenty of stops and take our time. They both feel very comfortable on the bike, we have communication to talk to one another. My girl actually likes riding better than my boy. She has a National Park Pass and we are going to visit as many parks as we can while out there in South Dakota/Wyoming.

 

[krashdragon]

My ex used to take my son to junior golf on his way to work.... I think Mike was 8, no problems there, state law in Hi said 8 and can reach the pass. pegs.

When the kids were way younger we used to go bicycle riding.

Mike had his own bicycle and was fine. I had a seat that went in front of mine and footpegs, I think Chris was about 3, we also all wore helmets.

Chris kept falling asleep, fixed that with a pair of kid goggles, the wind would get into his eyes and he would shut them....

Mary