How Old Should They Be?
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 484
Likes: 74
From: Central Valley, CA
This conversation really brings to mind the new Harley commercial with the dad and kid on the big wheel.
We want the best for our offspring and want to keep them safe. We also want to teach them to try new things and live their dreams.
I took my oldest for her first ride when she was 9, and she was hooked. We still ride but not as much as we used to. (guess that's my cue that it's time to ride with her again)
My wife was ok with it after she rode with me first and saw that I wasnt riding like an a hole. I got her helmet and gloves and such at Cycle Gear, they carry a lot of kids riding stuff and its a reasonable price. Now my little one, 8, is getting the itch and climbs on my bike every chance she gets and begs me to go, but she is still a little short, so another year we wait.
We want the best for our offspring and want to keep them safe. We also want to teach them to try new things and live their dreams.
I took my oldest for her first ride when she was 9, and she was hooked. We still ride but not as much as we used to. (guess that's my cue that it's time to ride with her again)
My wife was ok with it after she rode with me first and saw that I wasnt riding like an a hole. I got her helmet and gloves and such at Cycle Gear, they carry a lot of kids riding stuff and its a reasonable price. Now my little one, 8, is getting the itch and climbs on my bike every chance she gets and begs me to go, but she is still a little short, so another year we wait.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
As others have said, it's not an age thing - when they can reach both footpegs firmly. My eldest was about 6. He LOVED riding with me, but after a few short rides, I couldn't take it; if some idiot had taken me down, even a good case of road rash on my kiddo would have racked me with guilt. I sold the bike for a few years after that, then got back in when the kids were older.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 16
From: West Branch, Michigan
How Old Should They Be?
Or, How young is too young? Each child is different, but the more various things you have children do, the better they are.
Raising a couple Grandchildren, Jadon has put thousands of miles on with me. He put over a couple hundred miles the last few days, back roads and highway. He is now 7, but been riding since 3 or 4. On the Ultra he has 3/4 helmet with intercom, so we talk when riding, helps keep him awake. On the top saddlebag guard rails I have a foam leathered covered round pad to place his feet or rest back of boots. Also, a Harness, Gloves, Vest, Jacket, boots, Sun Glasses. Even rides his own chopper. Granddaughter is 4 and just started riding, so up and down driveway and local road, low speeds for now. Most of my Grandchildren love the wind in their face, Later-
Raising a couple Grandchildren, Jadon has put thousands of miles on with me. He put over a couple hundred miles the last few days, back roads and highway. He is now 7, but been riding since 3 or 4. On the Ultra he has 3/4 helmet with intercom, so we talk when riding, helps keep him awake. On the top saddlebag guard rails I have a foam leathered covered round pad to place his feet or rest back of boots. Also, a Harness, Gloves, Vest, Jacket, boots, Sun Glasses. Even rides his own chopper. Granddaughter is 4 and just started riding, so up and down driveway and local road, low speeds for now. Most of my Grandchildren love the wind in their face, Later-
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 424
Likes: 36
From: El Paso, TX
My granddaughter started riding with me last year when she was 6 and is hooked. She is tall for her age, so reaching the passenger boards was not an issue. She has her helmet and full riding gear. She even wanted her own vest, so I bought her one. For now, we only do back road rides around the neighborhood, no faster than 25 mph. That is more than enough fun for her as she is grinning ear to ear the entire time. She even wants me to get her her own bike for her 7th birthday.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Been riding with my two boys since they were 8. I bought a set of the Rivco adjustable passenger floorboard mounts and they allow adjusting so that their feet touch well and comfortably! Great fun with your kids!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Personally, I don't feel comfortable with riding with a child that isn't big enough to securely sit on back. Came up with a different solution.
I gave my 4 year old grandson a ride sitting in front of me on my short block cul de sac, and he loved it. Rode around the yard on a trail bike a couple times. When he was 5, got an old Ural sidecar rig, and just rode the neighborhood residential streets. The next year got a newer, way better Ural, put a seatbelt in it, and we ride dirt farm roads that are easy access from here on back roads with few cars. Last year, his mom wanted me to take her and pick him up from the last day of school, and that was a real thrill for him. Three generations on three wheels.
The old thing, first ride - he liked it better than 2 wheeling.
Last year, he got the biggest treat yet. He can reach the driver's pegs on the Ural (none of any of my bikes' rear pegs) and push down on the gear lever, but can only get it in first, and the Ural is geared real low, slow ride. He did fine steering and stopping with the front brake, and I can reach the controls from the sidecar if need be. Farm trail, this won't happen with cars around. Mom in the sidecar here. Think he'll ever forget this?
I'm getting to an age where I wouldn't feel comfortable taking kids on two wheels anyway, but for while we can make memories on 3.
Now I could kick myself for not getting a sidecar for my daughter. She still rides with me occasionally, and rides herself - and gave me my first ride in a sidecar. Here with her boy in the sidecar. We're getting enough use out of this contraption I'm really tempted to drop some substantial money into a sidecar for my Tour Glide.
I gave my 4 year old grandson a ride sitting in front of me on my short block cul de sac, and he loved it. Rode around the yard on a trail bike a couple times. When he was 5, got an old Ural sidecar rig, and just rode the neighborhood residential streets. The next year got a newer, way better Ural, put a seatbelt in it, and we ride dirt farm roads that are easy access from here on back roads with few cars. Last year, his mom wanted me to take her and pick him up from the last day of school, and that was a real thrill for him. Three generations on three wheels.
The old thing, first ride - he liked it better than 2 wheeling.
Last year, he got the biggest treat yet. He can reach the driver's pegs on the Ural (none of any of my bikes' rear pegs) and push down on the gear lever, but can only get it in first, and the Ural is geared real low, slow ride. He did fine steering and stopping with the front brake, and I can reach the controls from the sidecar if need be. Farm trail, this won't happen with cars around. Mom in the sidecar here. Think he'll ever forget this?
I'm getting to an age where I wouldn't feel comfortable taking kids on two wheels anyway, but for while we can make memories on 3.
Now I could kick myself for not getting a sidecar for my daughter. She still rides with me occasionally, and rides herself - and gave me my first ride in a sidecar. Here with her boy in the sidecar. We're getting enough use out of this contraption I'm really tempted to drop some substantial money into a sidecar for my Tour Glide.
Last edited by Imold; Apr 24, 2017 at 11:25 AM. Reason: photo links changed
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,068
Likes: 5,320
This is sobering:
http://www.galvnews.com/news/free/ar...14c3b2827.html
http://www.galvnews.com/news/free/ar...14c3b2827.html
...Griffin was wearing an adult-size helmet that fell off during the crash, Cagnon said...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 693
Likes: 67
From: LI, NY
Folks talking about 3-4-5 year olds as passengers... No one said it, so I will. They need to be old enough to 100% understand the need to hold on 100% of the time. Some little ones are fearless, some get distracted. That's Ok when falling off a couch onto the rug, not so good at any kind of speed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Folks talking about 3-4-5 year olds as passengers... No one said it, so I will. They need to be old enough to 100% understand the need to hold on 100% of the time. Some little ones are fearless, some get distracted. That's Ok when falling off a couch onto the rug, not so good at any kind of speed.