Taking your kid pillion

[J0Al1]

I know, plenty of pillion threads...

Took my son out for the first time, he is 9.

I didnt push him into it. I said if he would like then he can. BUT it has got to be taken seriously, you hae to be very grown up, do as I say because bikes can be very dangerous . . etc

He was a complete star. Sat very still, held on nicely (lovehandles). . . told me he didnt want to head home. I didnt go over 65 and only for 30 seconds.

It was brilliant having him there. BUT . . I cant get my head around the position I am allowing him in. . . . I could not live with myself if something happened.

He told my parents who both went very silent.. Then both said, that can't be legal.

He whittled on saying about how fast I wen aruond corners, chich of course I didnt, I went alot slower and not over 30 LOL. . . So I made a joke and said yes 300MPH on that double backs.

Im not sure I can menatally hack taking him out... Im not going to ask him if he ants abother go. If he asks me alot I might just pop to town occasionally...

Hod did it make you guys feel? For those that have taken kids.

[CaNsA]

You need a new keyboard

[Rizzix]

I personally wouldn't let other people inflict the stigma they hold over biking. Their opinion is often an uneducated and narrow minded one due to the stereotype that a bike instigates.

If you and your 9 yr old enjoy doing something together then go ahead and do it. It will certainly allow him to be more close to you as he is spending time with you knowing that its something you're all enjoying.

That being said; of course there are risks. But with adequate gear, and you being careful it can be a relatively safe experience for you both.

For the record, I'm looking forward to doing the same with my kids as I also feel it will teach them to respect machines at an early age and not be stupid when they are older.

Edit: fucking stupid autocorrect!!!!

[J0Al1]

Hey Rizzix,

Sound advice.

Definatly good quality time. He has always been left with my folks in the past. I've gone off to do days out etc. Now my partner is just about to pass DAS (not his Father), then we will be doing things together on the bike and my son witll be at my folks, so in lots fo ways for him to be included occasionaly is a really good thing.

Respect for the bike, also a good point.

I think it ill improve my riding - slower and stronger.

He wont be going back on without all the gear.. He had a borrwed helmet (adults) I will buy kids a one and a decent back protector and boots etc...

It's a mental headfuck tho... I am a sound rider but can do the odd really dick head thing; We have a dual carriage way here... that means you cross one half then wait in crossover roan to slot into your carriageway... 9/10 you have to slip into the fast lane. . . I did just this only to find it had been traffic coned off.... ! Was dead scary as I had to 'fit' into the slow lane last min...

Taught me the importance of looking right on a one ay road...

How old are your kids? What age will yuo take them?

[Kradmelder]

I ve been taking my son regular since was 9. At nearly 10 he went with me to the Free State. About 300 km each way. A cage was with and I only put him in the cage crossing joberg. Very busy and they drive like nuts.

You feel a sense of responsibility yes. But you can't shelter him from life.

I figure since he knows bikes he won't ride like a nut when he is old enough since it won't be a new thrill and he will remember dad doesn't do these things. I would figure a daughter is more important as some BF will want to show off. She will know enough to say dad doesn't do that with me pillion.

Mum probably worries too much. Dad would just take him. Now you must play dad.
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2009 BMW 1200 GS

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

If you don't feel comfortable with the idea then don't take him.
If you're thinking 'maybe my roadcraft isn't upto it'.... Don't take him until it is.

How does it make me feel? Probably the coolest Dad in the street

Seriously..Anyone I take pillion should know that I'm riding the best I can. That's all I can do.
Still not answered have I ?
I feel just fine. Aware of my precious cargo sure, but feel confident in both our abilities on the bike. Having a pillion that totally understands what is required makes for a safer journey too.

My gut feeling...Leave it a few years, especially if you also have use of a car. If it's blowing a gale or icy I don't take pillions.
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[Rizzix]

[Kradmelder]

Here is my son in the Free State when he was 10> we rode gravel as well. I still feel wary off road as the risk of a fall are greater> But i take it easy and done take him where it is muddy, sandy, or very rocky



And on a lunch with a mate. He got to ride some rain and high wind



https://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m270/hvandermerwe62/IMG-20110924-00567_zps9539eceb.jpg

https://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m270/hvandermerwe62/IMG00855-20110312-1038-1_zps3f0671ea.jpg
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2011 KTM 990 Dakar
2009 BMW 1200 GS

[J0Al1]

[Boris the spider]

I took my oldest lad out on the 7 when he was 9. Had him on for 2 minutes around the estate. Didn't like it. He's never been back on.

Took the youngest out when he was 8. Same deal around the estate. He loved it.
He's nearly 11 . Now has all his own goretex gear. The photo was his first time.
It's like riding with a rucksack on. I have had him on the motorway and done over 40 miles in a stint with him on the back. One of the best pillion passengers i have had.
He loves the acceleration and going round sweeping bends.
But as you say , it really does play in your mind that there is a child on the back. YOUR child.
It might not be what you do out there. More than likely someone elses mistake that will cause the accident.
And my bike aint exactly pillion friendly.

https://img854.imageshack.us/img854/251/dscn1590s.jpg

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Yes I'm a pig....And yes... The working public do pay my wages. Tho I contribute to your benefits you lazy c##t. You do not pay my wages. So go fcuk yourself.

[nowhere.elysium]

Provided he understands that sodding about = potential death/injury, he'll be fine.

As far as I'm concerned, I've never had any issues with taking my kid on the back of the bike; she's well-behaved, and has a handle on the potential dangers, so she listens if I tell her to sit still. People will always judge you for it, but you've started to cement some really strong memories that your child will always have of time spent with you, that most people will never experience. Treat it as free training on how to ride even more safely, and don't be put off by other people's opinions. They're not you, they're not in your position, and they've got neither the right nor the authority to stop you.
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[Kradmelder]

[Boris the spider]

I've had the question of legality of taking a kid pillion.

I asked one of the traffic guys , as far as taking a kid on the back. They must be big enough to have feet on pegs and able to hold onto handles / rider.

And more importantly , be sensible enough to be aware of what to do regards holding on and the way to sit and be safe.

Some kids might be big enough to go on the back. But not be anble to understand the foregoing.

If you know what i mean.
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Yes I'm a pig....And yes... The working public do pay my wages. Tho I contribute to your benefits you lazy c##t. You do not pay my wages. So go fcuk yourself.

[J0Al1]

Thanks for all the replies.

It is nice to know I'm not the only one that feels the responsability. Guess id be a very crap parent if I didn't.

I am going to re-build up m road skills (been off road for months now - since end of Sept) and if in a few months he askes then we might pop out for short rides. He as amazingly grown up about it. He is sensible.. wont go on certain fair ground rides and tend to tell me to stick to speed limits in the car LOL.

Mine is an R6 and he was sitting on the same seat al me LOL.. felt very cosy and yeh like a nice comfy ruck sac.

[Boris the spider]

My first bike ride was around the same estate when i was a wee lad.
Perched on the tank of a KH250.
The lad even let me " ride " it. , using the throttle as he held my forearms.

Shorts , tee shirt and trainers on.

Ohh were things different back in the 70s
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Yes I'm a pig....And yes... The working public do pay my wages. Tho I contribute to your benefits you lazy c##t. You do not pay my wages. So go fcuk yourself.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

^^^No they're not.
I taught my daughter how to ride a 250 by pushing her down a hill.
She didn't crash, so next I showed her the brakes.
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[andyscooter]

take my daughter round the road on mine now she is* 4/5

wouldnt take her on the road yet though

also in my job i have to shout at people for not riding with lids

i take her without one


*and i do knnow how old she is she is 5 in just under a month
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[Boris the spider]

[Clanger]

I hassled and hassled my parents to let me go on the back of my Dad, and they finally relented when I was 7yrs old, and I loved it. I used to try and make my Dad go out on the bike more often.

I have no idea how my Dad felt about taking me...back then we didn't wear the proper kit either. I remember wearing just jeans and a denim jacket and an open face helmet...but then Dad only had a 250 Superdream, not exactly a speed machine.

I have a couple of friends from Emsworth, who both rode bikes and always took their kids on the back from when they were little too. In fact I know a lot of parents who take their kids...it seems a natural thing, especially when biking has been 'normality' in the kids lives...

I think your lad is a lucky lucky lad to be able to experience the joys of bikes so early on in his life, good on you for letting him do it. He'll remember it forever you know.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[darthbuttchin]

I first went out when I was 7 on a BMW K100.

It was fine really, I could reach the pegs and hold onto my grandad easy enough. He didn't take me too far, but I still had a leather jacket on and a lid and gloves. Wasn't long after that before iwas always going out on the back, and using the grab rails.

I think it's important to teach kids that motorbikes aren't something to be frightened of going near or that will kill you the moment you get on one, which was the message given off when I was at school.

So long as you tell them what they should do, and are confident taking them out, you'll be fine. Just don't go too mental (grandad never took me into triple digits, honest )

Db
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CG125-K1 (1978) - 35 years old and (mostly) going strong! (Restored and rebuilt by my own fair hands).
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[Supermoto_Fan]

Sitting on the back of a modern R6 is a challenge in itself.
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[sidewinder]

This is something i have never done before but now the eldest is coming up to 8 yrs maybe she would like a ride out with me goes off and searches ebay for little bike gear.
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[recman]

[radicalrabit]

All the gear all the time.... even if dani is just going up the road to school its full leathers gloves boots and lid ..
The girls have been riding on my bikes with me since I got them, they would have been 10 and 12 at the time.
Danielle wore an equestrian body protector under her leathers protects back chest and shoulders, now she has a proper spine protector. The biggest problem I used to have with Danielle was her falling asleep on the back !
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[Boris the spider]