Passenger minimum age Limit
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 459
From: Here and now
In CA the passenger has to reach the foot rests. My six year old Grand Daughter wanted a ride and I told her she could if she could reach the pegs. She's tall and she couldn't reach them on the Softail but she can reach them on the ultra so she got a ride.
I don't think giving her a ride on my bike is selfish as long as mom and dad are OK with it (which they were). I don't think it's much more dangerous than riding her own bicycle up and down the street or riding the dirt bike that I will be teaching her on soon.
I don't think giving her a ride on my bike is selfish as long as mom and dad are OK with it (which they were). I don't think it's much more dangerous than riding her own bicycle up and down the street or riding the dirt bike that I will be teaching her on soon.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Goode, Va
You're are being selfish IMO; we all love the affection and smiles grandchildren provide--nothing compares. But, putting a small child on the bike is not without risk and I'm especially risk averse when it comes to little kids. I'd bet your son/daughter don't like it but are too deferential to prevent you from doing it even in the neighborhood.
Wait a while and enjoy the kid as a passenger.
Wait a while and enjoy the kid as a passenger.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
Danger ? Hell I used to hitch a ride into town with my dad by standing on the 3-point hitch dodging the power take off shaft ! I made it.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 139
Likes: 4
From: Nags Head, NC
Riding since birth
This story applies to both of my daughters:
The first time my daughter rode my Night Train she was a baby in a kangaroo pouch strapped to my chest. After a couple years of riding around the neighborhood in front of me on the tank, she got to big, and the modifications began. I added a sissy bar and a set of Kuryakyn passenger pegs that mount to the rear fender struts just under the seat. A four year old cruising the beach road during bike week will turn some heads.
Last year we were in a dealership and they saw the Ultra Limited with the "rear throne seat" with speakers; they wanted it. A few week later we saw the Ultra Limited in purple, and they had to have it. I bought it and added saddle bag covers, and the HD Adjustable Auxliary Passenger Footpeg Mounts. They are my best riding buddies.
The first time my daughter rode my Night Train she was a baby in a kangaroo pouch strapped to my chest. After a couple years of riding around the neighborhood in front of me on the tank, she got to big, and the modifications began. I added a sissy bar and a set of Kuryakyn passenger pegs that mount to the rear fender struts just under the seat. A four year old cruising the beach road during bike week will turn some heads.
Last year we were in a dealership and they saw the Ultra Limited with the "rear throne seat" with speakers; they wanted it. A few week later we saw the Ultra Limited in purple, and they had to have it. I bought it and added saddle bag covers, and the HD Adjustable Auxliary Passenger Footpeg Mounts. They are my best riding buddies.
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: over here
I follow the same rule, if they can reach the foot pegs and hold on they are good to go.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
When my kids were little, I'd just tie a rope around their neck from the luggage rack. They stayed on pretty good. 
P.S. Use a slip knot, it comes off quicker in case of an emergency.
P.S. Use a slip knot, it comes off quicker in case of an emergency.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
I checked with ND state law. It says that the passenger pegs must be able to support the passenger weight and that the pegs must fold up or back. It says the passenger must have reasonable access to the foot pegs, oddly it does not require that the passenger must be able to touch the pegs. I would not want to take my kid/grandkid with me until they could reach the pegs, but it is not sounding like it would be illegal. There is no age requirement in ND state law for a passenger.