Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Kids - Pillion

[gary-g]

My daughter started coming for rides with me when she was 7.

We sourced the right gear from the bike shows; a lid from a bargain bin, because all bargain lids are either xxxs or xxxl.

A type B is also a good bet, as they are lighter than an A.

Leathers were bought from a company called Baby Biker, based in Leamington Spa.They operate a part ex deal against new gear, when junior has grown out of it (except lids) and go to all the shows.

I made a pillion belt long before you could buy them and the only difference was that the handles were closer together. that way, under braking he/she can just lean forward and push against the rider for support.

This was the most essential bit of kit, as they lean with you.

The bikes grab handles are useless and passengers are more likely to sit up in corners.

The shop ones have handles at the side, which is a long reach for folk with short arms.

I recently took my 11 year-old nephew out for his first ride and he had no problems with it.

The only legal requirement apart from wearing a lid, is that a passenger must be able to reach the footrests, the rest is down to common sense.

I never went over speed limits or took chances with her on the back.

Other than that, kids enjoy it loads and it's good to have another member of the family on your side !

My daughter has since ditched the biking thing as it ruins her hair - teenagers, pah !!

[Ian]

I started taking my 7 year old son out this summer, - he loves it. "love handles" is the brand name for those pillion handle thingies, - Lizzie put me onto them along time ago, - they give confidence to the pillion, - I made it a rule that he was not allowed to let go, if he wanted me to stop he had to bang me whilst still holding them. It was great to see his happy face peering over my shoulder in the mirror. I would love to bring him out to a DSC meeting as riding in a group of Ducs is the best experience in the world, - and I know from being a youngster (many years ago) on the back of my brothers Triumph bonnie chop it makes you feel like the most important person in the world!

Perhaps we could have a DSC meeting with kids on the back?

[KeefyB]

My daughter is 9 years old and regulary rides on the back of my Multi.Before that she used to be on the back of the Mrs Monster.She absolutely loves it.She has an extra,extra small sized helmet and a decent armoured Hein Gericke kids cordura jacket.We got her some small leather gloves from Baby Biker.(They also do kids leathers and boots.)
Obviously I dont go hooning around the same as if I was riding solo.I'm very gentle on the throttle and brakes.
Its nice going for a gentle ride with her on the back and the Mrs behind on the Monster,....proper biking family.

[monstermob 998]

this thread just made me cringe of some distant happy memories--i use to ride pillion on my dads 650 road rocket when i was 3 maybe 4 years old no helmet just a wooly hat and i couldnt reach the foot pegs either- i use to put my hands into his jacket pockets to hang on- travelling distances of around 20/30 miles to see nan and grandad --- great times the sixties!!!!!!!

[jeff st4s]

Originally Posted by Ian

Perhaps we could have a DSC meeting with kids on the back?

We should, I've already had Oliver out once with the DSC and I think he liked it, bit of a quiet boy at times, but then the noise the Surrey lot make it's hard to get a word in some days.

[phoenix n max]

Ooo nooo - I'd never get her off it if I said she could have a go now

[Ian]

Originally Posted by jeff st4s

We should, I've already had Oliver out once with the DSC and I think he liked it, bit of a quiet boy at times, but then the noise the Surrey lot make it's hard to get a word in some days.

go for it Jeff, kids could be savior of this club!! No politics with kids, - only arguments when swapping Pokemon cards/tags!!

How about a Saturday or Sunday PM meeting at Boxhill? - My son has footie training Saturday AM's and tournaments Sunday AM's. He asked this Sunday PM if I could take him out on the bike.

[Herb]

Thanks everyone, some interesting replies.

I only took my lad for a short spin, no more than 15 minutes but he loved it. My bike does not have provision for a pillion but will be giving that consideration for my next bike. I think he is old enough to come out and have fun with his old man.

My problem will be the wife. She considers all bikes to be death traps and the people who ride them to be reckless and irresponsible. I only get away with it because I have had bikes since I was 17, a long time before I met her.

I am in two minds about whether I am being sensible in encouraging this. To be honest I am not sure if I would be happy with my lad riding a bike himself when he is older. I think as a parent you want to try to minimise the risk.

Originally Posted by Ian

Perhaps we could have a DSC meeting with kids on the back?

Thats a great idea, indoctinate a new generation into the joys of Ducati ownership. Condemn them to poverty for the rest of their lives because they have just spent the mortgage money on a 12K service or on some needless carbon bling!

[jeff st4s]

Originally Posted by Ian

go for it Jeff, kids could be savior of this club!! No politics with kids, - only arguments when swapping Pokemon cards/tags!!

How about a Saturday or Sunday PM meeting at Boxhill? - My son has footie training Saturday AM's and tournaments Sunday AM's. He asked this Sunday PM if I could take him out on the bike.

Sunday I will be out in the morning with the DSC but the afternoon could be fine, just got to check if he's free and up for it, will post back later.

Jeff

[duc daz]

ive seen so many dads arriving at bassetts pole with there kids on the back the dad has top of the range leathers and there child has track suit bottoms and trainers on as protection now that is bloody stupid in my eyes..are these parents brain dead or what