Taking your Child on your Motorcycle?

[Streak]

Taking your Child on your Motorcycle?

So my daughter is 10 years old, and knows full well she is old enough to go on the bike, she has done a bit of mucking around on the back of trail bikes and also on the back of the the ST at home, and she has a very natural seat on the bike.

we have a blanket donation run on sunday that i thought would be nice and easy for her to come with me on.

I am putting Teela's Bluetooth unit in my daughters helmet so she will be able to talk to me, to make it easier for her

Any tips, advice or experiences that you can tell pass along to help me make it easier for her?

Thanks and Cheers

Streak

[gibbo57]

Hi Streak,   I have a 10 year old soon from a previous relationship who absolutely loves riding on my Sted.   I travel 80km each way to pick him up most weekends. then if he doesn't want to stay the night, 80km to take him back home again.   I think the only advice I can give you is to make sure she is comfortable and relaxed on the bike.   My son only hangs on sometimes and mainly in wind conditions, other than that, he just relaxes his hands on his lap.   Confidence is the biggest thing that your daughter can have in you.   If she is confident in your abilities as a rider and I'm sure she is, then just get her to relax, otherwise it will take you an hour or two too pry her hands off the grab rails.   I briefly look quickly back at him every 10 or 15 mins just to check his seat position and to yell a few words of encouragement to him.   I don't have the luxury of headsets yet but I will be investing in some shortly.   Just have a normal casual conversation with her, like you were still sitting around the lounge room.   The moment she think something is wrong, well you will be up for a new set of grab rails, just kidding.   That's about all the advise I can give you mate.   Other than giving her the normal safety drills on the bike, just enjoy the moment with her.
Cheers
Gibbo
 

[Brock]

If she can reach the foot rests, then she should be good. As she is familiar with riding pillion and has comms, then relax and enjoy the ride.

[Chatty]

Go for it Streak - make her feel comfortable (don't ride too fast, don't corner too hard, that sort of thing) and I'm sure she will be fine.

Just a personal tale from my experience...

Took one half of my twins on my bike when he was about 10 - the other twin was on my wife's bike and she was riding behind me.  Anyway, things went alright for a while, but coming into Mittagong (we lived in Narellan then) the bike started to handle really funny, swerving over the road without warning, feeling off balance, that sort of thing.
So, we're doing around 110 km/h and I'm really working to handle the bike and having to concentrate on getting this d***ed bike back under control and pull off somewhere safe to see what was wrong.

Finally find a safe spot to pull off having exited the freeway into Mittagong - I'm really thinking I don't want to stop beside the freeway with a couple of loose 10 year olds - pull the bike up and climb off.  A few moments later Trish pulls up beside me, wetting herself laughing and I'm thinking "What the hell?".  Finally she calms down enough to ask me if I was having trouble handling the bike, I of course answer yes.

Trish then tells me that my son (not a small boy, by the way) was happily sitting on the back of my bike at 110 klicks "being an plane" - arms fully out to each side, rolling and swooping like a fighter jet.  I didn't see him because I was more concentrated on trying to pull off somewhere safe than on looking in the mirrors...

[StinkyPete]

Streak, I've sent you an e.mail in reply to this post , as I can't work out how to put an attachment to a PM.   

[Streak]

Streak, I've sent you an e.mail in reply to this post , as I can't work out how to put an attachment to a PM.   

thats good info Pete 

I have cut and pasted below for everyone:

Pete’s Pillion Briefing

I am acutely aware of my responsibility for your safety, and we are going for a ride, and not for a race.   Motorcycling is a close as you can get to flying without leaving the ground, and bikes can have exciting power to weight ratios.   It’s an intense sensory experience, and you may experience the hot, cold, rain, smells, noise, and road surface at a level not possible in a car.  You are riding “in” the environment, and not “through” it.   Relax and enjoy.


Instructions for Pillions:

•   If you don’t own dedicated motorcycling protective clothing, then wear jeans, long socks and decent shoes like hiking boots, a warm jacket, sunglasses and gloves.

•   Only mount and dismount when instructed

•   Keep your feet on the pegs at all times, even when stationary

•   There is a grab rail behind you if you feel the need to hang on to something,  but there is not really any need to hang on.

•   Relax and sit upright on the bike like a “lump of luggage”.  You don’t have to lean or move in the seat during cornering, as the bike will do that for you.  Take your lead from the rider’s body position

•   If you feel disoriented when cornering, just point your chin into the corner, so that your head remains vertical.   Take your lead from the rider’s head position

•   Sit still, particularly when cornering or at slow speed.  This is really important, as any movement at these times makes controlling the bike much more difficult for me.

•   Under heavy braking, squeeze your knees together to grip the seat, and if necessary brace your hands against my waist or butt,  but not my shoulders.

•   But most of all, relax and enjoy the ride


Communication:

Unless you have a helmet with built in communications, it is almost impossible for us to speak with each other, so some very simple signals are commonly used.

Two Taps         Are you OK?      I’m OK  or  I agree

Three Taps         I’m stopping shortly or when it’s convenient (rider)
                            Please stop when it’s convenient (pillion)

Four Taps                   Emergency Stop Now! I’ve chopped my fingers off in the wheel…  or     I’m falling off….

Punch Rider in Kidneys   Slow Down!   You’re going too fast!    Don't you ever go 'round a corner that fast again!

[Couch]

Both my boys used to love riding pillion with me on my VStar, but James now 15 has only ridden once on the ST and didn't really like it, he felt it was too high off the ground and preferred riding on the Yamaha, and Michael 17, is far too busy with girlfriend, so I always ride solo now!  Go for it Streak, as previously said, take it easy on corners, and don't ride too fast!!

[Nigel]

                                                                    Pete’s Pillion Briefing


Good info and well put together. I have my 14 yo daughter I am trying to get involved with riding. Shes been riding quad bikes since she was 6 so should be an easier task than what my other half is proving to be. But most of all, its  a confidence journey for all concerned. Moi included and something that cant be rushed! Thanks Pete

[Biggles]

Here's a few other tips, some just elaborating on Pete's.

Eight Tips for Riding Two Up on a Motorbike

When approached properly, and with due care, riding a motorcycle two up can be one of the best experiences on two wheels. Motorcycling is a great two person activity especially when you’re taking your special someone camping or on a road trip around the state and not just kicking across town. There is just something classically romantic about a motorcycle road trip with your best girl (or guy I suppose) at your back.
 Passengers: Before EVER getting on the back of someone’s motorcycle make sure you trust the rider (with your life) and that you are comfortable with the experience. A passenger not in the right state of mind may fight (not physically) the rider and the bike leading to added danger on the roads. If you’re excited to try it, follow these tips and LISTEN TO YOUR RIDER.
 
Riders: Before EVER carrying a passenger, make sure you are comfortable with the idea. Know that the weight of the passenger will change the weight distribution of your motorcycle and as a result the handling of your ride. Be a bit dictatorial and give clear instructions to your passenger to be. If you’re ready to head out two up, follow these tips and you should have a great trip.
 
The following are a series of tips which will help the rider and motorcycle passenger to have a safe and exhilarating riding experience:
 
Tip #1 – Get to know your passenger. Have they ever been on a motorcycle before? If not, take a few minutes to explain some of these tips to them. Let them know what to expect and help get them in the right frame of mind to be an active passenger.
 
Tip #2 – Develop a method for communications. Talking at stop lights in the city is easy enough, at 110 on the freeway, less easy. If you have a helmet to helmet device for communication this isn’t as important but still good to do. Technology is far from perfect so a back up communication method is always a good idea. You can probably get away with three basic thoughts. 1 ) I need to stop NOW! 2) I need to stop at the next servo/restaurant etc. 3) Slow down idiot, you’re scaring the crap out of me. Any physical cue that
doesn’t involve startling the rider or touching hands and/or arms works. A simple pinch, or taps, on the left thigh or right thigh works well.
 
Tip #3 – Gear up properly. Both of you. Some people already have an appropriate riding outfit. For those who don’t, as a minimum a quality helmet, sturdy boots or shoes, denim jeans and a jacket are a necessity. If you don’t have a full face helmet with a visor, get yourself some shatter proof sunglasses as well.
 
Tip #4 – Don’t get on the back of the motorcycle onto the rear seat pad, or pillion, until the rider is ready for you and instructs you to get on. Lower the passenger footpegs. In most cases, the rider should mount the motorcycle first. If the rider is already on the bike, place one hand on her or his shoulder and utilize the footpeg to mount the bike and settle into the riding pillion. Note for riders: it is usually easier to ride your bike out of the garage or driveway alone without a passenger first. They can be slippery and involve sharp slow speed turns which are made more difficult with your new weight displacement.
 
Tip #5 – Hang on and enjoy the ride. If the bike you’re riding doesn’t hand rails or a sissybar, the passenger should reach around the rider’s waist and clasp their hands around the driver’s abdomen, or hold their hips. Do NOT hold on to the rider’s upper body, your grip won’t be as solid and it restricts the rider’s range of movement.  When the motorcycle is moving, the passenger should pull their knees in and squeezes his or her thighs onto the bike securely. The stronger your grip on the bike, the easier it will be for you to move in unison with it.
 
Tip #6 – Participate in the ride. When the motorcycle turns, the passenger should maintain their grip on the bike with their thighs. Make sure that the hips remain connected to the bike and, to a lesser extent, the rider and that their body stays in position with that of the rider. The passenger should not lean off the side of the bike or resist the turn. Follow the rider’s body and stay in line with the bike as it leans into turns. Passengers note: do not resist the turn, lean into it with your rider. The shifting of weight is part of what turns the bike and the lean is normal.
 
Tip #7 – Passengers should keep their feet on the footpegs at all times. Don’t try and put your feet on the ground either when stopped or moving. You aren’t in control of the bike and don’t know when it will start moving. The last thing you want is to have your feet dragging as the rider accelerates from a stop.
 
Tip #8 – Dismounting. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, servo, rest stop, scenic vista point (don’t skip these, some of them are beautiful) it’s time to hop off. The passenger should dismount the motorcycle first so the rider can offer stability. Dismount similar to the way you mounted, grasp the shoulders of the rider and use the footpegs to get off the bike. Dismount on the side to which the bike is leaning unless the rider requests otherwise.

[WendyL]

My kids have been going on the back since they were 5 and 7 (they're now 14 and 16).  Biggest problem I've had is them going to sleep.....

[Biggles]

My kids have been going on the back since they were 5 and 7 (they're now 14 and 16).  Biggest problem I've had is them going to sleep.....

I've actually ridden with a guy who pulled over and put an occy strap around the kid and him to keep him on-board when the kid was falling asleep.

[Yorkie]

I would be looking at the legal side of the plan, in WA it is illegal to carry a pillion if they cannot place their feet on the pegs, would lead to a lot of hassle if an accident occurred.

[Streak]

I would be looking at the legal side of the plan, in WA it is illegal to carry a pillion if they cannot place their feet on the pegs, would lead to a lot of hassle if an accident occurred.

This is taken off the Queensland transport website:

All passengers on motorcycles are required to be a minimum age of 8 years old (except those in a sidecar). This is in addition to current requirements that motorcycle pillion passengers wear an approved motorcycle helmet and those seated behind the rider need to be facing forward with their feet on the pillion footrests.

She had been able to touch the foot pegs for a couple of years 

As for riding a bike she loves it, her grand dad used to cart her around the paddock in a milk crate strapped to the back of his postie bike  ask my mother 

[Pezzz]

My kids have been going on the back since they were 5 and 7 (they're now 14 and 16).  Biggest problem I've had is them going to sleep.....

I've actually ridden with a guy who pulled over and put an occy strap around the kid and him to keep him on-board when the kid was falling asleep.

I didn't know I had ridden with you.  Hahaha.
Kiera has fallen asleep on the back a few times. I once rode from Bunbury to Mandurah one handed to keep her upright. After that I started carrying a small ratchet strap.

[Old Steve]

I've just gone through the process of gaining my wife's confidence in her riding pillion

The major item which concerned her was would she be warm.  And I've got to admit that being cold is no fun, so have her wrap up, mutliple layers so she can take some off if it's warmer on the way home.  Remember there's one degree chill for every 10 km/hr wind speed.

[Brock]

If she has a good jacket, pants and gloves, then she should be fine. Maybe a jumper under the jacket. Similar clothing to that which you wear. Try a few short trips to find whats good for her. Too hot isnt good either, or so rugged up you cant move.

[Chatty]

I've just gone through the process of gaining my wife's confidence in her riding pillion

Easy way to solve that problem - get her her own bike!  Trish refuses to ride pillion, she much prefers being on her own bike.

Chatty

[Streak]

Update, Jaimie-Lee was a superb pillion today, 140km, 2 and a bit hours taking in all the twisties and having fun, she kept tapping me on the shoulder and saying "this is awesome!" she was singing the song from the lego movie "everything is awesome!" funny as.....

she was really good, sat properly let me do all the work, only thing she did was headbutt my back once, but every pillion does that at least once!





here is a bit of a map that we did

[Brock]

 

[ST2UP]

That's brilliant having a father/daughter day......my father/daughter days now consist of her coming to me with both arms out stretched and leaving with the contents of my wallet......


 

[StinkyPete]

Update, Jaimie-Lee was a superb pillion today, 140km, 2 and a bit hours taking in all the twisties and having fun, she kept tapping me on the shoulder and saying "this is awesome!" she was singing the song from the lego movie "everything is awesome!" funny as.....

Goodonya Streak.    Days such as this are simply gold, and you have built a memory for Jaimie-Lee that will last a lifetime.   

[Couch]

Fantastic mate, I wish my younget would still ride with me!

[Wild Rose]

  Fantastic  Just great to spend precious time together 
Both my girls love going on the back of my bike when they get the chance even though they are 24 and 27
They say they wouldn't trust anyone else 

[Sabie]

Good stuff  . I've taken my son for a ride a few times now .......... mind you, he's 27...

[Shiney]

Awesome work mate, it looks and sounds like she had a great time