Kids as pillions - What age?

[Biff]

My little uns keep asking for a ride on the back of the Biff Bird. The furthest I've taken them, as a direct result of their constant whining, is 20 yards up the road (at a speed of no more than 15kmph), into a cul-de-sac, then back to our drive (no more than 100 metres). Other than that I refuse to take then out onto the open road at their age (daughter 4 - son 6).

Now while my daughter is far too young to be taken on a 'proper' ride, my son is possibly no more than 24 months away from being strong/wise enough to be taken on a slow ride to school or around the town.

So - at the risk of just admitting and being lambasted for being a bad parent and/or breaking the law, at what age are you legally allowed to take kids as pillions? And at what age did you first allow your child to first be a pillion on the open road?

Ta.

[RT527]

As i understand it the age is 10.
Thats what i`ve heard.
try searching the ltnz site.

[Jantar]

I used to take my kids for very short rides on my dirt bike when they were still at a very early age by either carrying them between my wife and myself, or by sitting them on the tank in front of me.

As far as taking them for a proper ride as a pillion, it isn't a matter of age so much as having them fit the bike. Its when they are tall enough to properly sit on the seat with their feet on the footpegs.

[Highlander]

Our youngest is 12 but small for her age. I can't feel her behind me or see bits of her in the mirror so keep thinking I have lost her off the back. Scares the crap out of me so don't take her if I can squirm out of it.

[Patrick]

As far as taking them for a proper ride as a pillion, it isn't a matter of age so much as having them fit the bike. Its when they are tall enough to properly sit on the seat with their feet on the footpegs.

There it is in a nutshell. Have to be able to have feet firmly on footpegs, not flailing around for obvious reasons...Ouch...and with the right gear on tooof course!

[MidnightMike]

I reckon if they are big enough for you to feel comfortable and not worry with them on the back then its fine, but i would say 10+ no less.

[kickingzebra]

Get them addicted young I say... Going to try and get leathers made up for my kids... might not actually use the,, but kids will have little peewee bikes to do wheelies and stuff on... On the back of the bike with me, yeah, when I can trust them to do what I say, and not wriggle, and can fit all gear. On the front of dirtbike, maybe from a bit younger.

Unaware of any legality, but footpegs would be the ideal measure.

[Highlander]

I reckon if they are big enough for you to feel comfortable and not worry with them on the back then its fine, but i would say 10+ no less.

Just as soon as you get some wheels ay Mike.

[MidnightMike]

Just as soon as you get some wheels ay Mike.

And some kids to put on the back :bash:

[Jantar]

And some kids to put on the back :bash:

Highlander has one or two he might lend you. :corn:

[FROSTY]

gimme a yell mate --I guess its old news --baby bikies been riding with me basicly since he was born. -0210354615
But be VERY carefull --its easy to scare em at this age.
Basicly I covered it off elsewhere---Ski Shops are your freind.
kids ski suits are cheap second hand
BB has --Ski suit,ski Jacket,body armour,6th hand size11 (kids) MX boots. (no point in latest fashion theyll outgrow em) A youth small helmet -HJC and xxs ladies gloves. He also has a leather jacket but the ski gear is cudura and in my opinion offers better protection.
The only thing new was his helmet but thatll last em years anyhoo.
Ive got a pic of BB on my Venture royalle (yamaha goldwing) with his open face lid in his car seat.
You can see in my profile pic BB on the ol GTRthou -Hes in gummies--He'd "lost " his boots.
You'll Just make out the car seat

[kiwifruit]

ive been on bikes since i was 6 months old,
first ride on a road bike for any distance was about 7 or 8 on the back of the old man's rz350.

[sunhuntin]

dad used to take me on the highway when i was a kiddo.....younger than 10 as well....but then id been well used to them by then...went through the photo album last night, and theres pics of me sitting in front of dad at age 2 going around the back yard.

i think the road code said they have to be able to reach the pegs, but id also prefer to go by weight/site as others have mentioned. i think with a cissy bar/top box thered be less chance of them coming off the back, but may encourage them to relax against the support and forget to hold on with their hands. if you have a cissy bar though....you may be able to bungy the little buggers on! :innocent: :nono: :motu:

[Scorpygirl]

Don't have kids so don't know stuff all on this one! However seeing some riders (not all) that have kids at the charity rides, I would say (the riders) have a lot to learn. Just cause the kid wants to come on a charity ride and it's a good cause. I have seen kids so ill-prepared that it's a joke - the Westpac ride is a classic for this!! We had an accident on this year's one that really illustrated the fact.

You guys that have been riding for years know best. Best policy - take care of your loved one always.

[Lias]

I've taken my 4 year old on the back, just around town thou, wouldnt take her on the open road. If nothing else makes you obey the speed limit and drive like a nana, having yer kids on the back will thou!

[Streetwise]

I have had my kids on the bike since they where about 2 years old, (Small rides of course) But once they started to hit the 4-6 year mark they where keen as to come on rides with me. Now i cant keep them off.

[sunhuntin]

Don't have kids so don't know stuff all on this one! However seeing some riders (not all) that have kids at the charity rides, I would say (the riders) have a lot to learn. Just cause the kid wants to come on a charity ride and it's a good cause. I have seen kids so ill-prepared that it's a joke - the Westpac ride is a classic for this!! We had an accident on this year's one that really illustrated the fact.

You guys that have been riding for years know best. Best policy - take care of your loved one always.

i agree with that....ride i was on earlier this year...one rider had a young girl as pillion, she was tall, so im guessing 12, but may have been younger. she had a thin jacket, no gloves, pathetic pants, open faced lid and nothing to protect her eyes....and this was going in excess of 100k at times....and most of the riders were all at least in their 30s, and been riding years. in saying that though, dad used to pillion me with no protective gear other than a full faced lid that was likely 30 years old!
ive also seen some female pillions dressed to distress.....high heel "boots", thin jeans, too small jacket, thin gloves and lid. amazing how some people dress, specially for highway rides. :no:

[sugilite]

I've been taking my kids on bikes for 20 years (1st lot were the step kids)
I took them to school when I lived down Wellies, if they are to small for the back, I popped them in front of me, from 3 years old, as soon as they could get their feet on the rear foot pegs firmly, they were demoted to the back (not as good a view they all complained!)
I dress them all accordingly in multiple layers and decent helmet/gloves/boots etc
I rode past plenty of cops with the littlies on the front, and never got pulled.
I used to give them choices of routes to take home, I always called the twisty one "the motorcycle way" which of course they always picked :yeah:
Since I got the 750 road bike, I've taken them on a few decent rides now.

[Insanity_rules]

I've been taking my junior riders on the driveway at first since they were 2ish. My 13 Year old daughter wants me to take her on a decent ride and my mother reminded me that I have been riding since I was 8 and maybe I should take her out. Want to get Miss 13 a good jacket first (she has a helmet) but have caved to the pressure. Cant understand why people wouldn't properly gear up their kids though.
I used to see a slightly younger kid than me when I was at primary got dropped off every day on a bike wearing a helmet that was waaaayyyy to large, gumboots and shorts.

[Mental Trousers]

Age isn't so much the problem as size. Anybody that can't reach the pegs comfortably or can't get their arms right around you waist easily (assuming you aren't a fat bugger of course) shouldn't be a passenger.

[Scorpygirl]

ive also seen some female pillions dressed to distress.....high heel "boots", thin jeans, too small jacket, thin gloves and lid. amazing how some people dress, specially for highway rides. :no:

I so much agree with you Sunhuntin... How many times have I seen dress to kill pillion on a sprotbike... Skirt up to her knickers, high heeled sandles, thin-strapless crop-top (AKA Bare-mid-rif). Oh she has a helmet!!! :shit: They are doing 100 km on the motorway!!

[terbang]

My oldest daughter fitted onto trusty Bandit at age 8. She rode with me (4600 KM) to the centre of australia (the rock) and back from Darwin at age 10. She is sold on bikes rides a trail bike on our property and now at 15 is wanting a licence..(Gulp). Her and I are planning a Wellington trip on Busa in the near future..

[T.I.E]

you may be the greastest the best rider on the planet,
but what about the cages out there?
do you trust them?

its your child.

[T.I.E]

cages, others.
if you had a country road without cages, witout obsitcles, hell i would no matter what age. if i was in control.
helmets, gear etc.
but on a public road shit it's bad enough with us riding it, with idiots, and it only takes one.
not to be a arty pooper, but put the bloody odds in your favour i say.

[terbang]

So you don't take your kids in cars as well because cage drivers also take out other cages.

[babyB]

my baby was on front of bike around 2months old (lol he was a proud dad). up until she was 3 when my arms got too short. she been on the back of a couple of very trusting experanced ppl since then.
at 5yrs she reaches pegs on cbr 1000 & has done a couple of good roadrides. but the scary thing is she falls asleep. but totaly loves it.
has own helmit, leather jacket & gloves but yet to find leather pants for them
i myself will not put pillion anyone especally my kids.

[ajturbo]

i had "mud boy " on the back of my XJ900 at the age of 1!.. then when he turned 2 we had a side chair so all 3 of us could go for rides(his mum), then i got sick of that and luke wanted to go faster(?... the thing could do 200ks!!)but i missed the FREEDOM.. and so from about 3 years old to this day luke has been on the back.. one does take less risks, and you really kick yourself if you fuck up a corner..we havent' fallen off the turbo yet, ... the scooter yes...lol

he has his dt175 now and he will have his onw road bike as soon as he is old enough to get his licence..

what i'm saying here is.... get the little buggers out there on the back.. and have fun with them!!!!
tell em to hang on tight and when (not if!!) the fall asleep.......like a certain person on this site did on a ride back from rotovags one day..................
just know that they are relaxed and some how they shouldn't fall off....:hug:

[Sensei]

My oldest boy has been on my Z50 since before 2 years old & has been on my xt 500 , klx 650 ,triumph , ducati , gsxr1000 ever since even my youngest boy nearlly 3 has been on the Z50 before he could walk , As long as you remember they are just kids then go to what makes you & them feel safe and Happy . No one wants to come of with one of your own or friends kid on the back . Make their ride something to remember not to FORGET !

[inlinefour]

I was riding in frount of the old man at a very very young age, well before I was even aware of the footpegs down below. I used to just hold onto the cross bar on the handle bars, but not so tight to allow the old fella to steer. Now as for my son, thats a tough call. We have a public domain accross the road (the kind where people walk their dogs:Pokey: ) and I'd take him down there for a ride quite happily on the drz, otherwise he can ride the z50 by himself.:niceone: I trust him to do what I ask of him and he is very tall for his age (6, just) and should be able to get his feet on the pegs of the cbr easily. However, I do not trust the other road users one bit and my boy is way to prescious to me to risk it. Also, he is atm right into trucks, apparently the hilux counts as a truck. That suits him and me fine, however I know that will eventually change.:corn:

[Streetwise]

you may be the greastest the best rider on the planet,
but what about the cages out there?
do you trust them?

its your child.

In that case maybe no one should ride a bike,,, Who cares about the car drivers we take that risk everyday. :bash:

[FROSTY]

Um those of ya going open faced helmets bad bad just keep in mind that There are issues with bike helmets. Its got to fit propperly. Its got to be in good condition BUT most important it can't be too heavy for the persons neck. A 2 year old with a full face helmet is just plain stupid. Sure if they face plant at 100or even 50km/h they will have a messed up face --But with an adults Full face you're gonna break their neck. Even if ya dont crash the weight aint good for em.
As for reaching the pegs-Yep thats the rule.I did the ol wooden blocks on the rear pegs bit bikes have been my main means of transport always.Baby Bikie was in a car seat till his feet could reach the pegs.

[Oakie]

By the time I got back into biking my kids were 16 and 19 so no issue with them. I have however been giving short rides to 3 nieces and 1 nephew aged between 4 and 8. I reckon the main thing is just getting them up without scaring them so I only take them out when they ask and I only toodle along the cul-de-sac at about 10kml. It's a big enough thrill for them believe me.
I always give them the safety lecture before we go out and make sure they're kitted up with whatever's available just so they get the message that biking and appropriate gear go together on the off chance that they become bikers in the future.

[Dont_die_wondering]

my little cousin is only 2yrs old, he loves bikes , his dad just sits him infront of him (on the dirtbike) and he just holds the tank or middle of handlebars lol too cute, he goes all round the farm like that too :yeah:

[sunhuntin]

I so much agree with you Sunhuntin... How many times have I seen dress to kill pillion on a sprotbike... Skirt up to her knickers, high heeled sandles, thin-strapless crop-top (AKA Bare-mid-rif). Oh she has a helmet!!! :shit: They are doing 100 km on the motorway!!

quite often get the scooter girls pulling into work like that....heck one girl comes in wearing as little as possible, but the worst thing is she doesnt even have the helmet done up! im seriously thinking of takin her plate and reporting her, cos i cant be stuffed lecturing myself.....

had a pair in the other week thinking of riding out to wiritoa lake/scoutlands....maybe 20 mins from town at 100k [they were on 50cc scooters] and i knew there was a patch of fresh gravel.....i told em heaps to watch gravel [no attractive skin to to show off if you got stones buried in it, ladies] but i doubt they listened.

all i can say is i hope darwin makes it as quick and painless as possible!

[beyond]

Things are a lot different now of course, but over twenty years ago, I had a Kawasaki CSR chopper styled, belt drive, 250cc.
My son was four when I started taking him for regular rides. I would sit him in front of me and use a large leather belt around the both of us, just in case I had to brake hard.

He thoroughly enjoyed and we did bump into HP's who didn't seem to mind a bit back then.

In hindsight, I am glad I had these times with him as he died at the age of sixteen from Cystic Fibrosis. He was fit enough as a young fellow to take on the bike then, but wouldn't have been able to, soon after that.

My daughter was just one back then and never got to go on a bike till I got my 1400 in January last year. The she wanted me to go faster than I had with anyone on the back before. :) Girl after my own heart, that one.

[T.I.E]

In that case maybe no one should ride a bike,,, Who cares about the car drivers we take that risk everyday. :bash:

thats right we risk it.

[slimjim]

mate, all three of my children ,i have riden with them behind me, i have added blocks to footpegs and seat strap, yup youngest was six now she is 22yr, younger one is nine, and we do 800kms trips, and she will be the first to show a tin driver her finger on bad driving,yup thankfull all three were of similar size in growmen up, but their gear is parmount, their enjoyment is as equall, and if you need to keep checking in your mirrors to see them, well your eyes are not on the road,, a simple hand touch onto their leg and they touch your hand,, speak to them before the ride and tell them what you need them to do if they are in discomfort, dont second guess, road is for riding not looking behind,

[Biff]

Thanks for your input y'all. I can now confirm that Biff Jr was taken on the back of the Bird yesterday for his first proper (well - once around town) ride. Despite the fact that we didn't go over 40k he was suitable shaken up not to be wanting another ride for a while.

Well - at least for another week or so.

[SARGE]

ive had Shelby on the FJ at 5 years old ..

[Hailwood]

My daughter went on the back of my old Ducati at 9 and my son at 7 but that was for a 5 minute ride to the shops and back. They are now 13 and 10and both have had been on the back of the Harley for about 30min ride.

They have both ridden an old Honda trike at the beach and a Yamaha 200 quad. They then both nagged and nagged as kids do and now they jointly own a PW80 to be used at the beach and the local school etc.....now waiting for the next question? Dad when can i get my license? :no:

[Motu]

This is what you do when you have kids! That's in 1981 and my daughter is about 2 months old.At around 18 mths I used to ride around on my trials bike with her in front of me.At 4 she was my riding companion in my VW powered Ural sidecar.Later with a bike as a second vehicle I shuttled both my girls around on the back of a bike,C50,XS650,whatever I was using that day,the younger was 7 or 8 then.On practice days at the dirt track my wife and I rode around the track with them on the back to give them a thrill,my wife on the TM400,me on an XR200.So on race day they knew what I was doing out there.My boys haven't had as much contact with bikes,apart from riding the Peewee.But I took the eldest for a spin on the back of the DT230 for his 13th birthday.

For the safety Nazi's - forget it...both mother and daughter are doing well over 24 yrs later.And I'm not chinless from wearing an open faced helmet for over 25yrs...in fact I now have two!!

For those who wonder why I put a sidecar onto a featherbed Norton - because it was there.It was proving difficult to fit it on my BMW R60/5...one day I parked the Norton next to the chair and it bolted itself on.

For the sidecar buffs - that is the first customer JB child adult sidecar,although I was the second owner.They were suposed to have a Morris 1100 wheel,but the customer wanted a bike wheel,it was a Jawa wheel I think.

[FROSTY]

Biff--If it helps yopu're welcolm to borrrow baby bikies last helmet--XXS shoei

[Biff]

Biff--If it helps yopu're welcolm to borrrow baby bikies last helmet--XXS shoei

What a gent you are.

[lb99]

If your gonna put your kids on the back you should try to get them in a decent kit, not like the plonker I saw today with a young girl on his harley 8-9-10yr ish with only scuffs or sandals or something on her feet, jeans, and a hoody, in the rain, she did have a FF helmet though, thats something.

[Velox]

I used to take one of my lil boys (neighbour) on the back when he was 8, kinda more like a 6yo though physically. I prob wouldn't take them on the motorway at that age but round town is fine I reckon.

[Buddha#81]

I've got two boys 4 & 2, they are bike mad. I dont ride on the road so that decision has been made. Each kid/parent is different if the shoe fits wear it. with the right gear and in the right situation why not let them experiance what we have already. Check the photo out, about as young as rider/pillion can get taken on Xmas day, two happy boys!