How Old Should They Be?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
Last year was the first full season that my son rode with me all the time (age 9). Being able to reach the footboards provides a huge amount of stability, I also bought the passenger grab rail which locked him down if he wanted to hold on. As much as the little ones trust Dad or Grandpa, its the other motorists on the road that make these rides tense. I ride very differently when my son is on the back. A crash with that precious cargo is unthinkable. If mom thinks the child is too young or too small to go for a ride, mom is probably right because she's the one you'll be answering to if anything were to happen. All that said, there is nothing better than looking in the mirror and seeing that smile on a kids face or watching cars pull up and smile when the little man is on the back. I understand that there will come a time where it's not gonna be cool to be on the back of a bike with dad, so I'm taking every opportunity with him to get out and ride. Good luck and be careful. It's worth the wait.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
My youngest son was about 3 when I started taking him on rides....I just put him in front of me with his feet on the gas tank and off we went.
Used to take him up to Alices Restaurant on Skyline when I lived in the bay area, it was about a 30 mile ride each way.
He's 28 now and still talks about those rides.
Used to take him up to Alices Restaurant on Skyline when I lived in the bay area, it was about a 30 mile ride each way.
He's 28 now and still talks about those rides.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 282
From: Long Island NY
An answer to your question and an opinion- my grandson was 21 when he first rode with me, of course he had been riding dirt bikes with his Dad for years...and I'd NEVER forgive myself if whether my fault or through no fault of my own something happened to the most precious people I have in my life. Good luck and God Bless...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 63
From: westland Michigan
I heard a story that haunts me everytime I hear of a child riding on the back of a bike. Dad and daughter were riding along got t boned by a car and she got killed on the spot. Dad asked about his daughter they told him she passed he had a heart attack and died right there too. I've rode with my son before he got to manly looking on a few short rides and my daughter got brain washed by my ex that motorcycles will kill her so she wants no part of it for now. I want her to ride with me while she's young and still thinks dad is cool but then I think of the t boned guy and I'm glad she dont want too. It's a double edge sword to say the least. Good luck with the OPS decision on it at least make sure they can reach the floor boards and have the proper gear to protect them.
Batman
Batman
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
From: Southern Maryland
My oldest is 22 and always says any time we are heading out on the bikes and mom is on hers ( not riding with me) to be sure to call and see if she wants to go with us. The 19 year old will go sometimes. I wish they could have ridden when they were younger.
Check your state laws, most states require that children be able to reach the footpegs/floorboards with feet firmly planted and no stretching to reach the footpegs/floorboards. Both of my daughters used to ride with me sometimes, but they were 10yrs old before they could comfortably reach the floorboards.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
Likes: 57,081
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 92
From: Michigan
[QUOTE=Greezey Rider;14979335]My youngest son was about 3 when I started taking him on rides....I just put him in front of me with his feet on the gas tank and off we went.
QUOTE]
Ouch! So much for the paint!
QUOTE]
Ouch! So much for the paint!