How old is old enough?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,655
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From: The Frozen Tundra
How old is old enough?
my daughter turned 7 today (pictured below) and I was wondering how old was your child when you first let them on your bike for a ride? She's well behaved and my '98 FXDS has a little higher foot pegs. I didn't allow my other children on the bike until they could touch the foot pegs on my old '91 FXRP (pictured) which was at about 10 years old.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: PA
RE: How old is old enough?
I've been contemplating the same thing since the end of last year. I have a 5 year old that I was hell bent on taking for some rides this year. At this point I won't even attempt it yet. I think it is important that a kid can reach the pegs and get a good grip/wrap around the rider to hold on. At seven I would definitely do short spins around the neighborhood and go from there. There's also a harness you can buy that'll strap your child to you. Looked at those too but decided against it. I figured if my boy needs to be strapped on then he's just too young to ride yet. Someone else on here also had a bad experince with her daughter falling asleep while riding. I'd keep the first rides pretty short like I said. Just my thoughts on the subject.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: How old is old enough?
For short neighborhood rides it's a parents call I think. If you think they'll sit tight and hang on you'll probably be fine. Be careful of anything longer tho, kids have a tendacy to nod out due to the white noise. I've had more than one friend talk about their kid almost falling asleep on the back of a bike. Common sense usually prevails here so have fun!
Banned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,982
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From: Polygamy Plains, Utah
RE: How old is old enough?
I used to ride mine around the neighborhood in SoCal and Hawaii. Started riding her around with me when she hit two. Used to sit her on the tank of my FXR. She's now 18 and runs around on a scooter... she wants a Vespa. Go figure..
My wife, when she's not riding her FLSTCI will fall asleep on the back of my Train.. even when I'm doing 90.
My wife, when she's not riding her FLSTCI will fall asleep on the back of my Train.. even when I'm doing 90.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,322
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From: Somerset County
RE: How old is old enough?
Sorry Rudedog - no way I can make that call for ya - I would feel terrible even giving you input - Only you can make the call as too when the time is right - I have an 8 year old Gentleman ( My son!) I would be happy to introduce her too though -They might make on hell of a couple!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,475
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From: Knoxville TN
RE: How old is old enough?
I dont know. But I did by my son a honda 50 mini bike when he was about 7. or was it 6. his mommy had a fit. dang that was 19 years ago. or was it 18.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Fortville, IN
RE: How old is old enough?
My daughter is 8 and I take her for rides on my bike. Started off around the neighborhood and such until I knew she was comfortable with riding. Her feet still don't reach the pegs but she kicks them back on the saddlebags. She is a natural rider...very comfortable. Heck she doesn't even hang on for dear life any longer. 
Just holds on to my belt.
Just holds on to my belt.