Have a Child as a Passenger on Motorcycle
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 14,262
Likes: 15,532
From: Tulsa
I'm sure the ATTGATT and safety nuts here won't approve, but idgaf. They didn't live my life. I put my youngest on the bike with me first time when he was 2. He sat in front of me behind the tank. Oklahoma doesn't have any laws regarding the age at which they can ride, only that under 18 requires a helmet, which he had. Back then I had 2 boys at home (2 and 6) and alternated years taking them on toy runs. We didn't do highway travel at that age, but did spend a decent amount of time on surface streets and in parking lots. No one ever fell off, got burned or otherwise disfigured. In addition, I still have both my eyes despite numerous spitball, rubberband, and bb gun fights. YMMV.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 114
Likes: 24
From: St. Augustine, FL
Lots of good answers and reading here. Only you can truly decide.
I was riding in front of my father on his bike before I could walk. My sister started the same way until Dad got stopped by the police and given a polite warning. I was probably 4 or 5 when I started riding behind him and couldn't reach any pegs.
I started my kids out around the age of 4 or 5. They couldn't reach the pegs but they couldn't get there feet bent around enough to get them someplace that would hurt them either.
Lots of great memories riding with Dad, and then (and still now) riding with my kids.
I was riding in front of my father on his bike before I could walk. My sister started the same way until Dad got stopped by the police and given a polite warning. I was probably 4 or 5 when I started riding behind him and couldn't reach any pegs.
I started my kids out around the age of 4 or 5. They couldn't reach the pegs but they couldn't get there feet bent around enough to get them someplace that would hurt them either.
Lots of great memories riding with Dad, and then (and still now) riding with my kids.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,054
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
Minimum age here is 14 and Im all for that. I think a passenger should be at least the size of a small adult and in some cases at 14 (like my son) he's taller than my 86 year old father.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 714
Likes: 126
From: Westchester cty. NY
Probably a little more than she can spend right now. Where are you located in Westchester?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3,072
Likes: 1,727
From: Dallas, Texas
In 1975, I would take my oldest son for a ride on my 71 Bonneville. Picked him up and set him in front of me. Booth feet on the carbs. He had a death grip for 2 minutes. After the first curve, he was one with the bike. Times changed. My youngest daughter wanted a ride. She waited till her feet touched the pegs. The year before I took her with me, She slid off the seat to the left and said Look Dad, my feet reach the pegs. Unfortunately for her, the right foot was 8" off the peg. Simply wait till their feet can reach the pegs and their arm length can hold onto you. Just remember when you ride with a kid on the back, you have precious cargo onboard.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 12
From: Utah
My rule is no go until they can flat foot the peddles. I use a BackRider harness with my boy if the ride is over 20-30 miles.
https://www.riderzragz.com/index.php...d=18&chapter=1
They are pricey, but I've never been impressed with the others out their. The build quality is excellent and the built-in handles for the kid is a nice addition.
https://www.riderzragz.com/index.php...d=18&chapter=1
They are pricey, but I've never been impressed with the others out their. The build quality is excellent and the built-in handles for the kid is a nice addition.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 145
Likes: 7
From: Houston
Mine is 12 now and has been going with me since he was 10. He's a short little thing and I wouldn't let him go until he could flat foot the passenger boards and I make him wear a full face helmet. At first more than about half an hour and he was bored. We're up to about a hour now before he starts getting restless. Usually take him somewhere good to eat that's about an hour away!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post