Children riding pillion?

[powelly]

Whats the legal age for a child to ride pillion? and if your chold was old enough would you take them for a spin?

Saw a kid of about 10 on the back of a bike this morning and it got me thinking, I know my 8 year old will want a go when I pass my test but I dont think she's old enough and even if she was Im not sure I'd let her.
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Yamaha RXS 100 > Gilera Runner 50 > Suzuki SV650SY

[Whosthedaddy]

As long as they can rest their feet on the pillion pegs then they are 'big' enough to ride on the back of a bike if I remember correctly.
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[Dot_Comm]

I don't think there's a legal age, it's just up to you. If you don't feel comfortable with it, don't let her on it.

I know when I was 8 I went on the back of a 50cc automatic scooter. My mum was riding it, she didn't have a bike licence. Not sure she'd ever ridden a scooter before. We made it to the shops and back OK cos I'm 22 now and still here!

I think it's just one of those things that you have to decide. Make sure she knows to lean with the bike, and not the other way, make sure she's got suitable gear on (a well fitting helmet, jacket, jeans, boots etc) and maybe just take her out for 5 mins to make sure she's OK with it and you're OK with it.

I have a nephew who's 2, and when he's older I'd love to take him out on my bike. I don't think his mum would be too keen though!
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My bike: Suzuki Bandit 600 (33bhp)
Previous bike: Peugeot Speedfight 2 100

[Dazbo666]

AFAIK there's not a specific age.... (but I'm sure someone will enlighten us if I'm mistaken).

Just as long as the child has a road legal helmet, and can reach the pegs etc

OK beaten to it, but at least it sounds like my suggestion was correct. And for the record, I already take my 12 y.o son and two teenage daughters out on the bike occasionally
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[powelly]

i kind of like the idea of taking them for a ride when i have the confidence (and hopefully skill) but at the momeent Im not sure I trust me, or even here to hold on.

Maybe I could strap her to my back
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Yamaha RXS 100 > Gilera Runner 50 > Suzuki SV650SY

[Whosthedaddy]

[map]

Covered a number of times on here.
Basically the law states that they have to be able to sit on the bike and reach the pillion footpegs. That's it as regards age/size.

Obviously will need a helmet and I would recommend other protective gear. Certainly for me the kids are the most important things I'll ever carry on the bike and have them in the right kit. However, it's a real problem when they're still growing because of the cost. Managed to get stuff from eBay, auto jumbles, shows like BMF & NEC, etc. Having said that still see kids turn up at Squires on the pillion with helmet, gloves, jacket then jeans and trainers

IMO get some practice and experience first. Then get a bigger bike. Carrying a pillion on something like a 125 is actually quite hard. On something bigger you'll hardly notice. Another tip would be to invest in one of the pillion pal type devices (it's a belt you wear with 2 handles at the back).

As said, do a search on here for pillion and the like and you'll find some helpful tips.

Also don't know where you are but if there's something like BUMPY (click link) then your 8 year old can have a go herself

Hope this helps
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[sagalout]

I take my 8 year old as pillion on short journeys. The occasional trip to school, into town etc. He loves it, as I did at that age.

I ride like I've got a glass of water on the back seat, and he's fully kitted up at all times though.

[Richard Green]

WHOSTHEDADDY WROTE

[DEN MONKEY]

saw a asian woman the other day with a kid on the back of one of those electric moped thingies.

She had a helmet on but the kid perched on the back didn't .

Near gave her a gob full as I drove past but thought it may have scared the kid.

Its law here to have a helmet even on a push bike.


Oh and she was on the road at the time
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meh

[ken]

I have taken my son on the back of my bike aged 10. On an R1 that’s the only comfortable size you can take… however he has strict instruction on what to do and what not too, like leaning around me to view the road is a no no and to hold as tight to me as he does his favourite toy a (football).

However I have seen many children on the back of bikes smaller than him with insufficient bike clothing and ill fitting helmets. That scares me for them . I also make a rule of never going over 50mph and on roads where traffic should not be a problem. And he loves getting his bike gear on with his dad, and I to love it. it's a real bond.

then I go down the pub smiling
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latest bike 03 R1 in zee red and black

[powelly]

https://www.joe-ks.com/archives_jun2004/PoorKidInMiddle.jpg

well at lease this kid isnt likely to fall off


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Yamaha RXS 100 > Gilera Runner 50 > Suzuki SV650SY

[ken]

well not untill the towel wraps it's self in the rear wheel
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latest bike 03 R1 in zee red and black

[T.C]

Where the law does get a bit silly is that the law does not state which way round the pillion must sit!

If the passenger wishes to face backwards, that is perfectly legal, and it allows for the likes of film cameramen who will be on a bke during the Tour de France, London Marathon and so on!

But still perfectly legal for Joe Public to sit the same way, although not adviseable.
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It is better to arrive 30 seconds late in this world, than 30 years early in the next

[phk6]

as soon as their strong enough to hold on when the front wheel lifts 4 foot from the floor over some of yorkshires fine crests and hump back bridges
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Current .. 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure ..
Before .. 2003 Yamaha Fazer 1000 .. 2004 Kawazaki Z1000 .. 2003 Suzuki Sv1000s .. 1999 zx6r Track Bike .. 1999 CB 500 Cup ..
/Phil

[Chriss]

[phk6]

[T.C]

[quote="phk6"]

[queen of string]

As per sagalout's post, I have been taking my boy as a pillion since he was 8(now 13). He loves it, none of his friends have mums with bikes . I think it's hard to beat the kudos of your mum or her bf picking you up from school on a bike LOL.
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"Eat food, not edible, food-like items. Mostly plants."

[Diggs]

My eldest son (now 9) loves going on the back. I do feel nervous when he does though, and ride like a sissy... I bought an old GS550 specifically for him, as it is small enough for him to get both feet firmly on the pegs, a smooth (read 'sloooowwww') power delivery plus it has a 'proper' seat.

I think my two year old daughter may be a bit small yet though...

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/DiggsUK/DSC00032MA15853423-0002.jpg
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Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[kingnathski88]

If I ever have children, the ony time I will take them on my bike is up and down the street or through town at no more than say 30mph. Because I couldn't live with myself if I was to have an accident at say 50+ on a dual and they were to die. I personally would never be able to forgive myself.

My stepdad takes his son, my half bro out all the time (aged 7) has his own helemt, gloves, textiles and boots. Loves it, but i'll only take him up and down high steet.

[cestrian]

My boy is nearly 6 and can't wait to get on the bike. I'll probably take him around the back lanes at 30mph tops. I'll wear the pillion pal and I have an extra belt to clip him onto the pillion pal for extra safety. Some would say it is too dangerous, but letting him play out after school poses threats too. We can't wrap them up in cotton wool forever.

[Jull]

My daughter (11 yrs old at time) went out a few times on back of hubby. No further than 3 mile radius from home.

After my off, 30mph road, 800 yards from front door knocked off by local bloke who lives 900 yards away, she is no longer allowed to ride pillion.

Saying that she doesn't want to now anyway.