Is a 5 year old to young to ride?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
My vote is no--too young. Think in terms of having to take evasive action. If you have to swerve,change lanes or make an emergency stop. Does a young child have the grip to hold on tight enough.
I might reconsider a side car situation with a harness to help keep the child in place.
I might reconsider a side car situation with a harness to help keep the child in place.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 6
I have seen people ride their kids between them and the tank when their feet couldn't touch the pegs. It sounds like your kid is comfortable on a bike. Ft. Mountain is a heck of a ride, did that one a couple of weeks ago.
Risk is what this world is full of, it is what makes us realize the fragility of life. I am sure you will be taking care to reduce the amount of risk to a point that is comfortable for you and her mom.
Risk is what this world is full of, it is what makes us realize the fragility of life. I am sure you will be taking care to reduce the amount of risk to a point that is comfortable for you and her mom.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 447
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis
A Serious Judgement Call
I rode both of my kids one at 6 and the other at 12. They are very good with listening to instructions and could both reach the pegs. They were both wearing jeans and quality prtective gear. My 6 year old was limited to short rides down the street at slow speeds until she was comfortable. a lot depends on your riding skills and the maturity and size of the child, as well as good protective gear. If shes tall enough, and listens well, I would say a few short trips down the street first to get her accustomed to it, then slightly longer trips.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: DFW, Texas
My grandfather put my brothers and I on his bike from the time we were 3yrs old. We sat in front of him with our hands planted on the tank. I was smart enough to know how to act on a bike. It doesn't take an adult to know the road flying by underneath will kill you.
That being said, I would NEVER put my 3yr old on my bike. I think my grandfather was a little crazy. Once they can touch the pass. pegs I think it's alright. I guess it all depends on the child. My daughter is scared chitless of my bike when it's running. If the kid is falling asleep back there I don't think they're right for a bike yet.
That being said, I would NEVER put my 3yr old on my bike. I think my grandfather was a little crazy. Once they can touch the pass. pegs I think it's alright. I guess it all depends on the child. My daughter is scared chitless of my bike when it's running. If the kid is falling asleep back there I don't think they're right for a bike yet.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 4
From:
No when the child seat is rear facing but as soon as you can turn it around your fine, just bungee it on there and you're good to go.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,984
Likes: 8
I had a minibike at around 9, I use to ride with my dad when I was 10. I let my daughters ride a little at around 12. I do not think there is anyway in the world I would put a 5 year old on the back and feel comfortable about it. If I did, it would be with a properly fitted helmet and other gear. I do not really think you need to ask us, ask your conscience how you would feel if anything happened.