Caddoview
Member
What is the general consensus on riding kids pillion? I have twin 11 year step sons who love to ride with me, but I'm terrified they will fall asleep and fall off. Especially on longer rides. Any thoughts on this?
Kids on bikes.
- Thread starter Caddoview
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Dirt_Dad
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They definitely do fall asleep back there. I always knew when my daughter was sleeping because her helmet would hit the back of mine as she rocked back and forth.
With the big Givi top case and two huge Givi side cases on my V-Strom never once worried about her falling off.
She would have to climb her way off. Without the cases it was a different story. When the cases were off, she was more nervous all around. Kept her awake, and eventually off the bike.
I also had the benefit of my wife riding behind us and being in contact over the bluetooth. Not that it was ever necessary.
Get big cases. They make everyone feel better, and they are safer. For the cases you are showing you might consider strapping a couple of camping bed rolls to the top until you get a feel for how he's going to react.
With the big Givi top case and two huge Givi side cases on my V-Strom never once worried about her falling off.
She would have to climb her way off. Without the cases it was a different story. When the cases were off, she was more nervous all around. Kept her awake, and eventually off the bike.
I also had the benefit of my wife riding behind us and being in contact over the bluetooth. Not that it was ever necessary.
Get big cases. They make everyone feel better, and they are safer. For the cases you are showing you might consider strapping a couple of camping bed rolls to the top until you get a feel for how he's going to react.
When I was about that age, every summer my step dad took me on a "father\son" trip, consisting of 3 other bikes of Dad\sons.
Be a shame if they really want to ride but "what-ifs" get in the way.
Having said that, even if they are wide awake, riding bikes is a substantial risk.
Lots of fun stuff is.
Be a shame if they really want to ride but "what-ifs" get in the way.
Having said that, even if they are wide awake, riding bikes is a substantial risk.
Lots of fun stuff is.
I am not saying this as a start to some discussion of the pros/cons of safety issues, but only info that they exist to prevent kids from falling off the back. There are harnesses out there which connect like a five point, then attache around your waist in case they start to fall over. Another thing to do is to get a set of communications for helmets to keep chatting or for music. One other way is to use them as a navigation tool so they can become more involved and learn demographics of a map for their own well being in the future.
Just some thoughts.
Jeff
Just some thoughts.
Jeff
As a father of three, ages 6, 10 and 12, I'm not thrilled about the idea of having the kids on the bike. I did borrowed some gear and took my two eldest on a short 2 mile ride through the neighborhood and that was plenty for me. My 12 year old daughter on the other hand wants daddy to take her on a longer trips. NOT HAPPENING. In fact I'm setting up my bike as an exclude 1 up rig.
Last year a former Co-Worker of mine and his 9 year old son were killed riding his Monster. Yes he was an an in experienced rider etc but I just can't get the story out of my head. And NO, MY WIFE DOES NOT KNOW THIS STORY!!!
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/09/23/quincy-father-killed-with-young-son-had-just-purchased-motorcycle/xkAqs3yzYZxReOautaGYzN/story.html
Last year a former Co-Worker of mine and his 9 year old son were killed riding his Monster. Yes he was an an in experienced rider etc but I just can't get the story out of my head. And NO, MY WIFE DOES NOT KNOW THIS STORY!!!
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2012/09/23/quincy-father-killed-with-young-son-had-just-purchased-motorcycle/xkAqs3yzYZxReOautaGYzN/story.html
I have an 11 year old daughter and just this year took her for her first ride. For a long time I didn't want to take her because I didn't feel it was worth the risk. I just couldn't live myself if she got seriously injured or killed. However she is now tall enough to easily get on and off the bike, reach the pegs and understand the safety rules. We go on short rides....Nothing long enough for her to dose off on.
Here we are on her first ride.....we were going to the shop to get her new gloves
Here we are on her first ride.....we were going to the shop to get her new gloves
As a father, I feel all those apprehensions. As a son, those are some of my motorcycle all time favorite memories.
It's a dichotomy.
It's a dichotomy.
apprehensive yes, but I have an 11 year old and 12 year old daughters and the youngest gets mad when I don't take her. Both enjoy riding my youngest loves it. Have had them both since birth ( in baby bjorn) on ATV, snowmobile, street bikes and boats. No sons so had to get the girls started early As said I ride much more cautious and aware with daughters on back. Done several distance trips with both, take lots of rest don't push it and keep it fun. No problems so far, and we get some dad daughter time!!! LOVE IT
As said I ride much more cautious and aware with daughters on back. Done several distance trips with both, take lots of rest don't push it and keep it fun. No problems so far, and we get some dad daughter time!!! LOVE IT
skyRIDER55
Member
I can see both sides, but I do treasure those times my daughter and I rode thru the North Ga. mountains together. She was 15 and up then. She is now 25 and has two sons. It was a bond that can never be broken. She is also one those that understands why I ride.