Have a Child as a Passenger on Motorcycle
Thread Starter
|
Banned
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 256
Likes: 6
From: Alton, TX
Have a Child as a Passenger on Motorcycle
Good morning you all!
So here is my story, I am a 30 year old with 6 years riding experience (approx 25k miles behind handlebars). For a while now I have been debating on what is a proper age to let me son ride with me on my Harley. He is 4 1/2 but doesnt reach the pedals yet. I have looked into gear that will allow him to be attached to my back and was wanting to know what you guys opinions are on the matter.
What is a good riding age for a child? (personal experiences are welcomed)
Does anyone know of some quality equipment made for having an undersized passenger on my bike?
What safety gear do you think is necessary?
What are some tips you can give me if I end up putting him on my pilion?
This thread doesnt have to answer only my questions, it can serve as future reference for others wanting to know. So personal experiences, ideas, and ALL opinions are welcomed.
So here is my story, I am a 30 year old with 6 years riding experience (approx 25k miles behind handlebars). For a while now I have been debating on what is a proper age to let me son ride with me on my Harley. He is 4 1/2 but doesnt reach the pedals yet. I have looked into gear that will allow him to be attached to my back and was wanting to know what you guys opinions are on the matter.
What is a good riding age for a child? (personal experiences are welcomed)
Does anyone know of some quality equipment made for having an undersized passenger on my bike?
What safety gear do you think is necessary?
What are some tips you can give me if I end up putting him on my pilion?
This thread doesnt have to answer only my questions, it can serve as future reference for others wanting to know. So personal experiences, ideas, and ALL opinions are welcomed.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 3,085
From: Westchester, NY
The first place I would check is Texas law. A lot of states have minimum age requirements, and if you plan on hitting public roads I would definitely make sure you are legally good to go.
Other than that I'd wait until his legs are long enough to reach the passenger boards/pegs. I'd also get him a full face helmet and protective jacket/pants/boots/gloves...the whole thing. No idea where to find that stuff in kids size though.
Other than that I'd wait until his legs are long enough to reach the passenger boards/pegs. I'd also get him a full face helmet and protective jacket/pants/boots/gloves...the whole thing. No idea where to find that stuff in kids size though.
Thread Starter
|
Banned
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 256
Likes: 6
From: Alton, TX
The first place I would check is Texas law. A lot of states have minimum age requirements, and if you plan on hitting public roads I would definitely make sure you are legally good to go.
Other than that I'd wait until his legs are long enough to reach the passenger boards/pegs. I'd also get him a full face helmet and protective jacket/pants/boots/gloves...the whole thing. No idea where to find that stuff in kids size though.
Other than that I'd wait until his legs are long enough to reach the passenger boards/pegs. I'd also get him a full face helmet and protective jacket/pants/boots/gloves...the whole thing. No idea where to find that stuff in kids size though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
Ive wondered the same. When I checked it was 5yrs old minimum. Either way, I wouldn't put one one my bike that couldn't reach passenger pegs and also had the strength to hold their own body weight. The was my old man's requirement when I started riding with him. I had safety gear but buying used works well since kids outgrow things so damn fast. I normally wore Carhartt bib overalls as I did nearly every day. A leather jacket, boots, gloves of some sort and a good hand me down helmet. Made a lot of miles on the back of the shovelhead I currently own before I ever piloted it myself. Riding for a kid is an awesome thing. I used to beg my dad to pick me up from school on it, it was extremely bad ***. 
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 425
From: Right Here
Sometimes put an old child card seat on the luggage rack of the bike with a fake baby (looks realistic enough) bundled up in it. You should see the looks I get from people when I ride around with it, but I havent been stopped for it.
Last edited by Wowser; Jan 30, 2018 at 09:29 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Banned
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 256
Likes: 6
From: Alton, TX
Ive wondered the same. When I checked it was 5yrs old minimum. Either way, I wouldn't put one one my bike that couldn't reach passenger pegs and also had the strength to hold their own body weight. The was my old man's requirement when I started riding with him. I had safety gear but buying used works well since kids outgrow things so damn fast. I normally wore Carhartt bib overalls as I did nearly every day. A leather jacket, boots, gloves of some sort and a good hand me down helmet. Made a lot of miles on the back of the shovelhead I currently own before I ever piloted it myself. Riding for a kid is an awesome thing. I used to beg my dad to pick me up from school on it, it was extremely bad ***.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jan 31, 2018 at 08:36 AM.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
Thats exactly what I want to hear right there. I never grew up doing fun things. My father was away throughout my childhood so I was mainly rasied by my momma who always said NO to fun things lol. I see my son showing some interest in Motorcycles. He wants to help me turn wrenches when doing tinkering with the bike. I want him to grow up and have memories of his old man (NOT TOO OLD RIGHT NOW) showing him "the ropes" and ultimately riding next to me...safely of course!
As soon as he's old enough, let him clean it and rub on the chrome by himself, pay him in crisp dollar bills and carry him around your neighborhood on that clean bike. I was referring to mostly riding out on more open public roads, highways etc in my previous post. I have a real long driveway and I've taken my 4yo daughter to the mailbox and back when her momma wasn't looking 
just gotta be more careful than careful, since low speed maneuvers are typically when you're gonna drop it anyway if you are. You know your riding limits, and hopefully still practice basics. I still take some cones and go to a parking lot once or twice a year after riding for 20years. My dad also taught me that. Stay sharp, there's always someone in a 4 ton hunk of steel just waiting to turn you into a greasy spot on the pavement.
just gotta be more careful than careful, since low speed maneuvers are typically when you're gonna drop it anyway if you are. You know your riding limits, and hopefully still practice basics. I still take some cones and go to a parking lot once or twice a year after riding for 20years. My dad also taught me that. Stay sharp, there's always someone in a 4 ton hunk of steel just waiting to turn you into a greasy spot on the pavement. 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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 19,122
From: The Wasteland
I took my kids for a few rides around the neighborhood or local, in town rides when they could reach the foot pegs. I was never comfortable taking them out on the road.
IDK how I would have been able to live with myself if the unthinkable happened. Always remember how truly dangerous motorcycle riding is. Yeah it would probably be a fun time for both of you but the consequences of a crash could be tragic and permanent. Not trying to bring anyone down, just something to consider.
IDK how I would have been able to live with myself if the unthinkable happened. Always remember how truly dangerous motorcycle riding is. Yeah it would probably be a fun time for both of you but the consequences of a crash could be tragic and permanent. Not trying to bring anyone down, just something to consider.
