How old would you kids be before you take the pillion?
Discussion
My seven year old has been pestering me to take her on the back of my new bike, but I have told her no, it is too dangerous. I could never forgive myself if ever she got hurt.
Yeah, yeah, I know, a Sportster is Hardly Dangerous (pun intended
) but you dont have to go fast to get hurt.
Do any other bikers here take their kids out, and at what age?
Yeah, yeah, I know, a Sportster is Hardly Dangerous (pun intended
) but you dont have to go fast to get hurt.Do any other bikers here take their kids out, and at what age?
My Dad used to pick me up from school on his in the late 80's, no protective gear, open face helmet 
Love handles would be good for them to cling onto, my mate Tim put the box on the back when I went out on his Sprint ST a few weeks ago to keep me on, I was like a Koala at first but it felt really nice sitting back enjoying the scenery
Love handles would be good for them to cling onto, my mate Tim put the box on the back when I went out on his Sprint ST a few weeks ago to keep me on, I was like a Koala at first but it felt really nice sitting back enjoying the scenery
My kids go on the back of my bike and have done since they were about 6. The rule my wife and I had was that they had to be able to ride their own push bike (so they understood about balance) and they had to be able to reach the pegs without stretching.
They’ve only been on short runs (up to about 30 minutes) and I use a Pillion Pal for them to hold on with but they have all enjoyed it and have all been very good and very well behaved.
Like any parent, I don’t want to put my kids at any more risk than I have too but I also understand that much of enjoying life comes from doing things that may carry some degree of risk. I would much rather that my children grow up understanding how to manage risks and are able to make decisions based upon their own risk management. This requires that I, as a parent, guide them through various dangers rather than simply stopping them from gaining the experience.
They’ve only been on short runs (up to about 30 minutes) and I use a Pillion Pal for them to hold on with but they have all enjoyed it and have all been very good and very well behaved.
Like any parent, I don’t want to put my kids at any more risk than I have too but I also understand that much of enjoying life comes from doing things that may carry some degree of risk. I would much rather that my children grow up understanding how to manage risks and are able to make decisions based upon their own risk management. This requires that I, as a parent, guide them through various dangers rather than simply stopping them from gaining the experience.
My 7 year old has only just come out with me for a few [gentle] rides. Kitted him up with the correct gear and am just teaching him to get a feel for riding on a bike - lean, hold on, etc. Timing the ride is important though... my main concern is making sure he doesn't fall asleep whilst on the back!
However, I never take a motorway if he's on the back and stick to just A and B roads.
However, I never take a motorway if he's on the back and stick to just A and B roads.
black-k1 said:
My kids go on the back of my bike and have done since they were about 6. The rule my wife and I had was that they had to be able to ride their own push bike (so they understood about balance) and they had to be able to reach the pegs without stretching.
They’ve only been on short runs (up to about 30 minutes) and I use a Pillion Pal for them to hold on with but they have all enjoyed it and have all been very good and very well behaved.
Like any parent, I don’t want to put my kids at any more risk than I have too but I also understand that much of enjoying life comes from doing things that may carry some degree of risk. I would much rather that my children grow up understanding how to manage risks and are able to make decisions based upon their own risk management. This requires that I, as a parent, guide them through various dangers rather than simply stopping them from gaining the experience.
I think I may be a little over protective as a parent, as I won't even let my little 'un cross the main road alone, whereas some of the other kids in the street, half her age, wander hither and yon on their own, anywhere they like.They’ve only been on short runs (up to about 30 minutes) and I use a Pillion Pal for them to hold on with but they have all enjoyed it and have all been very good and very well behaved.
Like any parent, I don’t want to put my kids at any more risk than I have too but I also understand that much of enjoying life comes from doing things that may carry some degree of risk. I would much rather that my children grow up understanding how to manage risks and are able to make decisions based upon their own risk management. This requires that I, as a parent, guide them through various dangers rather than simply stopping them from gaining the experience.
What do your kids wear on the bike? Helmet obviously, but just normal clothes, no leather stuff?
King Herald said:
What do your kids wear on the bike? Helmet obviously, but just normal clothes, no leather stuff?
A proper fitting helmet and proper biker leathers designed for small kids. Expensive on their own, but worthwhile for the experience imho. He also uses the leather jacket as a normal jacket 'cos he thinks it's cool 
King Herald said:
black-k1 said:
My kids go on the back of my bike and have done since they were about 6. The rule my wife and I had was that they had to be able to ride their own push bike (so they understood about balance) and they had to be able to reach the pegs without stretching.
They’ve only been on short runs (up to about 30 minutes) and I use a Pillion Pal for them to hold on with but they have all enjoyed it and have all been very good and very well behaved.
Like any parent, I don’t want to put my kids at any more risk than I have too but I also understand that much of enjoying life comes from doing things that may carry some degree of risk. I would much rather that my children grow up understanding how to manage risks and are able to make decisions based upon their own risk management. This requires that I, as a parent, guide them through various dangers rather than simply stopping them from gaining the experience.
I think I may be a little over protective as a parent, as I won't even let my little 'un cross the main road alone, whereas some of the other kids in the street, half her age, wander hither and yon on their own, anywhere they like.They’ve only been on short runs (up to about 30 minutes) and I use a Pillion Pal for them to hold on with but they have all enjoyed it and have all been very good and very well behaved.
Like any parent, I don’t want to put my kids at any more risk than I have too but I also understand that much of enjoying life comes from doing things that may carry some degree of risk. I would much rather that my children grow up understanding how to manage risks and are able to make decisions based upon their own risk management. This requires that I, as a parent, guide them through various dangers rather than simply stopping them from gaining the experience.
What do your kids wear on the bike? Helmet obviously, but just normal clothes, no leather stuff?
In addition to a helmet, our kids start by wearing gloves (bought new at BMF show in Peterborough) stout boots (they have them for walking anyway) leather trousers and a textile jacket that we bought off e-bay. That fits them from about 6 to about 8 or 9. (Starts loose and ends up being a bit tight.) We managed to pick up a set of 2 piece, full zip together leathers that my step-daughter wore from about 9 to 12 and my eldest son is just about to grow into. Again, these are an e-bay purchase and cost about £30 delivered. (Good quality just a naff Suzuki design on them – but the kids don’t care!) At 13, my step-daughter now wears my wife’s gear.
With 3 kids, I’ve been lucky that they are aged so that at each of them grows out of a set of kit, next one is ready to grow into that set, so we’ve got good use out of each of the items.
I reckon my biggest problem will be getting my wife to let the daughter on the bike. I feel safe on the bike, but even after riding with me for years, in the most crazy of third world countries, she still doesn't appear to trust me. 
I agree, it is worth spending a bit on getting the right gear for the little 'un, come the time.
I agree, it is worth spending a bit on getting the right gear for the little 'un, come the time.
My 6yo daughter is gagging to go on the back, but I think I'm a fair way from taking anyone on the back yet, and im sure Jo would kill me if I even suggested taking Issy it !!!
Issy loves the bike much to Jo's disgust...
But if she was going on the back, she would have some decent gear, and be able to reach the pegs. She can ride her push bike ok so understands the balance but thats a good point. I'd also restrict it to short rides for now maybe 15 mins and quiet roads..
G
Issy loves the bike much to Jo's disgust...
But if she was going on the back, she would have some decent gear, and be able to reach the pegs. She can ride her push bike ok so understands the balance but thats a good point. I'd also restrict it to short rides for now maybe 15 mins and quiet roads..
G
Edited by Graham on Tuesday 12th August 13:36
trumpet600 said:
y2blade said:
old enough to reach the pillion pegs
Tis one of the few legal requirements for pillions. also not allowed to make hand signals.So no 6yo's giving you the finger!
King Herald said:
trumpet600 said:
y2blade said:
old enough to reach the pillion pegs
Tis one of the few legal requirements for pillions. also not allowed to make hand signals.So no 6yo's giving you the finger!
happy days
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