How old is old enough for a kid to ride on a motorcycle?

Question

I'm catching a lot of flack over in the 'newborn & infants' section. What do you MC riders think?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aje3WxynAOkEBg_MuGylqPnsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071129232332AAkAnom

Hey Firecracker,
I'm a motorcyclist. I love danger. I guess that's why I was playing with fire over there in 'Prenancy & Infants'. It's a rush!

Answer 1

some states dont have passenger age restrictions, but typically, those under 18 has to wear a helmet. check ur state here. http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp

until they can reach the pegs, i would use this: http://www.childridingbelt.com/engprod.htm

i wouldnt ride an infant on the back tho. doubt u'd be able to find a properly fitting helmet, and those under 18 is required to have 1.

Answer 2

To qualify. I am a motorcyclist and have been riding for over 30 years. I am the father of a 9 year old.

I would not ride with the baby just yet. Not because of the whole "motorcycling is dangerous" crap. But because you won't be able to tell if something is wrong with the kid behind you. For example what if he/she starts to fall out of whatever you have them in? You really wouldn't know. Or what if the kid gets something in it's eye or a bee gets inside it's clothe's and start stinging it? Just a few of many scenarios.

I started putting my boy on the back when he could communicate and I felt comfortable enough with him having the balance and coordination to stay on. This was about 4-5 years old. Even then I was a little concerned because they have no concept of the potential danger. For example: He would always stick his hands out and pretend he was a bird or Superman. Obviously this meant he was not holding on. I wouldn't always know when he was doing this and if nothing went wrong this would be fine. However, if I had to suddenly swerve or slam on the brakes it could have been disastrous.

Answer 3

Over 10years old, Don't get mad... But, A bicycle is totally different than a motorcycle. because you can jump to the side and stop a bicycle if there is a problem.... Try doing that on a motorcycle at 30/20/10 mph and you will find yourself and your kid "road rashed" or "broken bones"....And the last time i checked bro.....This is not Asia. Those people do what they have to do if there is only one form of transportation between 4 family's, You live in a country where you have the means to provide safe transportation for your children.... And they do make side cars for sport bikes.

Answer 4

Age is subjective. (My six-month-old son stood between my wife and me as I drove my new 1973 Yamaha. (He's 36 now.)

But there are other legal considerations- I think any passenger has to have foot pegs and a place to hold on to. (A car seat won't do). and in California, he/she has to wear a helmet. Not sure you'll find a small enough helmet. Nor would that little neck be able to support that much weight. (There were no helmet laws then.)

When this kid was five, I got him his first Honda, a terrific little bike called an MR50. But he was already a one-year two-wheeled bicycle veteran.

You might have noticed that bike riders tend to be more individualistic than the PC police who want everyone to behave as they do. The mommies are more "I know what's best for you" than bikers who'll tell you, "Do what you feel like."

But- why do you look for approval anyway?

Answer 5

Like setting yourself up, don't you?
Mothers are the most protective creatures on Earth.

As to your question, most of the laws I have read state the passenger must be able to reach the footpegs. This does not mean that they must be in the stock location, which is why we had no trouble. My oldest was 5 or 6 when he started riding with me. I added an extra set of pegs to the top shock mounts. Worked perfectly.

When I was small, Mom and Dad had carriers for us. Like most things that were around when I was a kid, you can't find them. It was a sturdy frame / seat / strap arrangement called a Hike-a-poose that was worn similar to a backpack. While I would trust one of these (based on experience, I'm still here) I don't know that anyone else would.

And yes, you were right. You should have asked here.
What were you thinking, walking into the lion's den with a peice of meat tied to your neck?

Answer 6

I Have personally seen a child safety seat strapped to the back of a ATV with a 12 month old going for a ride in the mountains. Very slowly ofcourse but its up to you and your better judgement.I rode with my dad when I was 4 or 5 years old and now 33. Take the kid for a ride and if they love it, Be safe.

Answer 7

I've never seen a baby on one. maybe there's an invention there that needs inventing.

You know what? The answer to your question in the other thread is a side car. That's obviously the "best way". But a baby seat for a bicycle obviously is already made to do just what you want to do.

Answer 8

I think that it is dependent on the kid. My son was six when I let him ride behind me but he had been riding a mini bike since he was 3. Kids with no experience should be at least 13.

Answer 9

The kid's feet should reach the pegs. National Safety Foundation says not to bungee or otherwise tie a child to the bike.

Answer 10

I can tell you that in CA for anyone to legally ride on the back of a motorcycle they need to be able to reach the foot pegs.