Topic: Riding with Child (Read 3304 times)

Free · « **on:** December 12, 2005, 06:57:09 PM »

I am taking my 10 year old son on a motocycle camping trip from San Francisco to British Columbia. I just ordered my SE UCEG and plan to do the trip next summer.
Any experience on whether to "tie" my son into the back seat with various contraptions i have seen or am i okay without tying him in given the configuration of the bike. I have not taken him on a long trip yet so dont have any experience.

FastFreddie · « **Reply #1 on:** December 12, 2005, 07:04:39 PM »

Great bonding time with you child, and teaching him about life and this county. I ride frequently with our 10 year old son, he is less than 4 foot tall and only 74lbs. I have not traveled as far as you are planning yet but have found that with the Ultra passenger back rest and speaker pods and with the addition of a rider backrest for the child to help hold onto they are very secure. The most important thing is to find a good fitting helmet for them to wear.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2005, 07:34:32 PM »

Free, I moved this to "Other Topics" thinking you might get more responses.

I agree with Freddie, the design of the Ultra's going to have your boy pretty well committed to the back seat. The rider's backrest would help as long as you find it comfortable yourself. Also, like Freddie says, a high-quality (i.e., lightweight, quiet,) well-fitting helmet along with the ride clothing is going to improve his comfort level back there considerably.

I'd suggest you work up to the long ride with several progressively longer (say up to a day in length) trips to condition him for the long-haul that you guys will be going on. Also, search the web for literature on tips for riding with a passenger that the both of you can read and familiarize yourself with before you go. It will help you get ready while at the same time build your excitement about the ride.

Congrats on ordering the new scooter, welcome to the site, and have fun with your boy on the trip next summer!

SEUC-OCD · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2005, 07:40:39 PM »

On one hand, the thought is to get clear of the bike in unfortunate circumstances. However, in a child's situation, I can almost guarentee you that he will fall asleep at some point (most likely after lunch), and being strapped in is the safest bet.

Weigh it in terms of what has the largest odds of occuring: getting in an accident, or him falling a sleep and tilting.

For a long trip, I'd go with a strap, or atleast bring one along.

hd-dude · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2005, 07:49:01 PM »

Free;
This past Summer I spend the weekend on the bike with my 12 year old on to our CVO gathering to Yosemite. Others have already said it, be sure he has a good helmet (Mine wears a 3/4), and good leathers. Several short trips as well will help him get used to being on the bike. Its also really important to be sure he does not fall asleep. Be sure that he know if he feels like he's getting sleepy to have you pull over so he can walk around and wake up a bit. Maybe give him a soda or something. Good music (although it may be difficult to find something that you both like

) and scenery will help as well.

I can tell you that it was a great experience for me and my son both. We had a good time together and did some great bonding! At the end of the trip he thanked me and said that "It meant the world to him" to have taking the trip. I hope to do more trips with them!

16HD117 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2005, 09:45:48 PM »

Some people have recommended tying your son to the bike.

Free · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2005, 09:58:23 PM »

Thanks for all the feedback

his feet comfortably touch the rear boards. It seems to make sense to me to tie him in a bit just to avoid a sudden jerk if/when he nods off. I will experiment.

thanks

Andy

jeffj · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2005, 09:59:40 PM »

Your in luck with your new CUSE you will get the intercom system and 1 headset, spend some extra cash and get a 2nd headset and as you travel keep a conversation going every so often just to know he is alert and awake. Might not hurt to have a couple of bungee cords if he does get tired to keep him in the seat. Take lots of breaks and make sure he has Fun as well as you. I think this is a great thing to share with your son, memories should last forEVER.

SEUC-OCD · « **Reply #8 on:** December 13, 2005, 12:14:00 AM »

oh, and don't forget sun screen! I've been smacked upside the back of the head for that one! figuratively speaking of course!

And like others here have said, ENJOY!

I try to take one of my kids every time I go on a ride, if my wife is not going. They love it, and so do I. Someday, those rides will be the smiles on their adult faces as they think back to simpler times.

Coolbreeze · « **Reply #9 on:** December 13, 2005, 03:49:42 PM »

Hey,! I felt like I ought to throw my 2 cents worth in here. My girls are 13 and 14, and have both been riding with me for years. They sleep. Little ones do that. They sleep on my SEEG, they slept on my softtail, they slept on my FXD convertable, they sleep on the quad runner, and they sleep on the dirt bikes. Kids just sleep on bikes. On the Ultra you may be able to move the tour back far enough forward to trap him so he can't fall to the side. That would be the best answer, but remember, he will lean forward as he falls asleep, and could then tumble to the side, which is a crappy way for a little on to wake up.... (IT didn't work on my SEEG... no rails on the back rest) I would NEVER tie my kid to the bike. NEVER. Just seems wrong on SOOOO many levels. I bungie cord them to me. Lightly. One cord aropund the chest. They just put it on me like a seatbelt when we get on the bike. That way if I eject from the bike, they do too, and If I tumble in the fall, they stretch out away from me and the tumble stops and we slide. (We like the way it works out on the dirt.... luckily we haven't had to check the system on the street...) We also made it a rule that they always have to have a hand on me that I can feel. At least one hand. They've made such a habit of it now that the hand stays there even when they sleep, and it helps to keep them upright instead on sliding down the freeway... [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Twolanerider · « **Reply #10 on:** December 13, 2005, 03:58:37 PM »

Sorry everyone. Got hamfisted here. Was attempting to do a little housekeeping in a post and instead deleted at least one. I think the only one I killed was my own. If somene else has a post missing I am very sorry.

Fatboy · « **Reply #11 on:** December 13, 2005, 04:58:14 PM »

IMHO,

Have you considered a side-car?

Strapping would scare me........to the bike that is. [smiley=nervous.gif]

Tough question........with no easy answer............ [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

spydglide · « **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2005, 05:15:48 PM »

Just another use for VELCRO.

Har! spyder

spydglide · « **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2005, 05:17:47 PM »

Quote

Sorry everyone.

Coolbreeze · « **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2005, 06:18:43 PM »

Hey Spyder, you jest, but a buddy of mine does just that. He has a big panel of the soft stuff on the back of his jacket, and the hooks on the chest of his little one. Sticks the little chit on the bike, leans back once, and the kids can't leave! I laugh my a$$ off every time I see it, but the kid seems to like it...

SEUC-OCD · « **Reply #15 on:** December 13, 2005, 06:28:19 PM »

Quote

Just another use for VELCRO. Har! spyder

Ya know, that's actually not a bad idea! [smiley=idea.gif]

I just thought of something pretty simple. Imagine some nylon straps (like on a back pack) that makes an X in the back. Basically, 2 loops attached to a belt piece |_|, then crossed X. A piece of cloth sewn across the X.

Now, you have 2 of these, and each cloth has industrial strength velcro sewn on to it. One is fastened to the seat back, and one to the child. Strong enough to stop from slipping off, but not to strong as to strap to the bike.

All of this material could be purchased at any fabric store, and practically any cleaners that has a seamstress or a sewing machine could stitch it together.

You might also want to incorporate some of those strap quick-release latches in front so the child can easily take the harness on and off, and it also makes it adjustable. Also the same thing as on a back pack.

In another life, I'm a billionaire because I actually moved on all of the ideas I've had!

Free · « **Reply #16 on:** December 13, 2005, 06:41:27 PM »

Okay, based on all the postings, I think it comes down to a number of choices for me

1. Strap him to the bike (doesn't seem very popular)
2. Strap him to me ( a bit more popular)
3. Dont let him fall asleep (unlikely)
4. DVD player in the driver backrest to keep him engaged (just kidding)

thanks for all the ideas. My boy is very excited about the trip.

Andrew

spydglide · « **Reply #17 on:** December 13, 2005, 06:56:39 PM »

the truth is oft said in jest !

har! spyder

Free · « **Reply #18 on:** December 13, 2005, 07:10:03 PM »

no wonder why my mother-n-law doesn't find me funny

MJZ · « **Reply #19 on:** December 13, 2005, 08:19:24 PM »

The most important thing, someone mentioned earlier, [highlight]make plenty of stops[/highlight].
My son is now 18 but from the time he was 4, I would take him on both my dirt and springer. He loved it and everyone is right, it was incredible bonding. At ages up to 12 or 13, his attention span was limited. I found that plenty of stops worked great, snacks, stopping by neat stuff like lakes and places with video machines. No big meals (or both of us would fall asleep).

Free · « **Reply #20 on:** December 13, 2005, 11:10:49 PM »

good stuff

thanks

hd-dude · « **Reply #21 on:** December 14, 2005, 02:09:29 AM »

I saw this ad in American Iron on Child Restraints for bikes, They look pretty cool But i'm not sure if I like the idea of being tethered together [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

www.beprsystem.com

Twolanerider · « **Reply #22 on:** December 14, 2005, 09:22:34 AM »

Quote

I saw this ad in American Iron on Child Restraints for bikes, They look pretty cool But i'm not sure if I like the idea of being tethered together [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

www.beprsystem.com

Cool idea or not $120.00 for what is basically a couple of nylon straps and a couple of D-rings is a bit much.

hd-dude · « **Reply #23 on:** December 14, 2005, 09:37:36 AM »

Quote

Cool idea or not $120.00 for what is basically a couple of nylon straps and a couple of D-rings is a bit much.

ccr · « **Reply #24 on:** December 14, 2005, 10:10:57 AM »

Well, I don't have kids, nor am I qualified to ride with a passenger, but a quick search found an interesting article on the topic;

1. MVA Riding with Children

[smiley=cherry.gif]

greglyon · « **Reply #25 on:** December 14, 2005, 12:00:29 PM »

good article. makes sense.

HUBBARD · « **Reply #26 on:** December 14, 2005, 02:52:51 PM »

Yeah, 'er 'uh, freefxrs,
I've been Blessed with two beautiful Daughters, Carly, 19, and Carlyn, 10. I took them for their first rides at age 4. I can still hear the never-ending giggles, from the time they got on, 'till the time we got back! Given the passenger area on an Ultra is more supportive, and protective, than a lesser Bike, I straped them in with a bungy cord, and a full-face helmet. You can rest assured, I was always at my cautious best. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Funny, when I have the pleasure taking them for a ride even now, they both still say, "Faster, Daddy!" I guess the Apple don't fall far from the Tree! [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif] Later--HUBBARD

Free · « **Reply #27 on:** December 14, 2005, 04:29:31 PM »

Hubbard

sounds like you have some good experience with the kids
have you taken them on any long trips (multiple days)? If so, any secrets/wise advice about what to do/keeping them engaged etc.?

I do plan to take some short trips with my son before the longer 5 day trip and will of course plan to stop often and try and see some interesting sites along the way. We will be taking the coast up from SF to Cananda so there are a lot of cool things to see (redwoods, dunes, tourist attractions, mountains etc.).

spydglide · « **Reply #28 on:** December 14, 2005, 05:29:41 PM »

Quote

they both still say, "Faster, Daddy!"

Fired00d · « **Reply #29 on:** December 14, 2005, 07:28:11 PM »

Hmmm, I'm reading this thread and hearing everyone talking about kid(s) falling asleep, and I'm thinking did I marry a "Kid"? I have this problem with my better half when we go on long rides. I've lost count of all the times I've received a helmet but from the rear as she nods off.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #30 on:** December 14, 2005, 08:40:48 PM »

Quote

Hmmm, I'm reading this thread and hearing everyone talking about kid(s) falling asleep, and I'm thinking did I marry a "Kid"? I have this problem with my better half when we go on long rides. I've lost count of all the times I've received a helmet but from the rear as she nods off.

Fired00d · « **Reply #31 on:** December 14, 2005, 08:47:26 PM »

Quote

Have never had a formalized all legal better half; but have had a couple of the temporary variants do the same thing.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #32 on:** December 14, 2005, 09:11:16 PM »

Quote

I usually get the verbal abuse along with smack to the helmet if I've done something wrong (in her eyes anyway)

Author Topic: Riding with Child (Read 3304 times)