Riding with kids

[Brodiepunker18]

Any tips or tricks for helping me with my son riding for the first time? He’s 6 and wants to ride with me sometimes.

 

I got him his own helmet and I got him a jacket today—albeit is probably too big…

 

I also bought and installed adjustable child foot pegs for him to have solid foot placement.

 

I have a 99 R1100RT with a trunk so he has a place to lean back as well.

 

 

Thanks,

Eric

[TEWKS]

Give him something to hold on to. 

 

They have harnesses that the kid clips to you, I’m not sure if that’s a great idea though. 

[Brodiepunker18]

4 minutes ago, TEWKS said:

Give him something to hold on to. 

 

They have harnesses that the kid clips to you, I’m not sure if that’s a great idea though. 

That could work. Would definitely be interesting. 
 

thanks!

[Brodiepunker18]

@TEWKS

 

i wonder if something like those handholds couldn’t be fabricated to attach to the frame instead of me. Then it’s solid. 
 

that’s how my tank bag attaches on the seat side of the tank…could probably make something similar. 🤔

[Hosstage]

I think he'd be more inclined and comfortable hanging on to you rather than the bike.

I took my 8 year old grandson for a ride on my Harley, it has armrests on the trunk that wedge him in a bit for a little more peace of mind. If you're really concerned, it might be an accessory you could bolt on.

[TEWKS]

I forget what your saddlebag handles look like and can you operate the bike with them up? (as in the carry position) 

 

These would extend the handles up enough for him to grab on to.

 

I do kinda agree with the above suggestion, you’d have a better feel for how he’s doing back there by the different tugs on the belt. Constant tugging, he’s excited, random tugs, he’s enjoying himself, no tugs, oh shit he fell asleep! 

[Hosstage]

Putting arms down to the side to hold on doesn't come as naturally as putting them out in front of you.

Think of riding as a passenger in a race car, would you rather have hand holds down at the side of the seat by your hips, or a grab bar out in front of you?

[Brodiepunker18]

20 minutes ago, Hosstage said:

I think he'd be more inclined and comfortable hanging on to you rather than the bike.

I took my 8 year old grandson for a ride on my Harley, it has armrests on the trunk that wedge him in a bit for a little more peace of mind. If you're really concerned, it might be an accessory you could bolt on.

That’s kinda what I was thinking…some sort of bolt on grab handles that would strap between the seats.

 

and for communication, I was considering getting another cardo so we could talk back and forth. We have walkie talkies in the van that I just got him for his birthday last month and he loves chattering on that with me.

[Brodiepunker18]

The handles do come up however I’d be worried they aren’t high enough to grab onto yet. He’s only 6. 😂

[TEWKS]

Just now, Brodiepunker18 said:

The handles do come up however I’d be worried they aren’t high enough to grab onto yet. He’s only 6. 😂

Understandable, but I was thinking strapping the handles to the bag handles for an extended reach. These might actually be better than the ones I posted above.

[Brodiepunker18]

That’s an idea for sure. That’s kind of what I was thinking with the frame by the seats as well. 👍🏻

[Hosstage]

I'm not sure I would trust those carry handles on the bags to carry that type of load. They're made to carry the weight of the saddlebag and contents, not the weight of a shifting body, even if it's only 40 to 60 pounds. Plastic handles held by thin pins. Not my ideal anchor system.

[Hosstage]

I was thinking something like this. Many choices available other than this particular one.

 

https://www.wunderlichamerica.com/BMW_R1200_RT_R1250_RT_Passenger_Armrest_Set

 

 

[Brodiepunker18]

5 minutes ago, Hosstage said:

I'm not sure I would trust those carry handles on the bags to carry that type of load. They're made to carry the weight of the saddlebag and contents, not the weight of a shifting body, even if it's only 40 to 60 pounds. Plastic handles held by thin pins. Not my ideal anchor system.

I agree. Plus I wouldn’t think there’s enough clearance to have the handles down and locked with those on there. I like the idea but I’m more in line to do that with the frame which won’t move or break.

[Brodiepunker18]

2 minutes ago, Hosstage said:

I was thinking something like this. Many choices available other than this particular one.

 

https://www.wunderlichamerica.com/BMW_R1200_RT_R1250_RT_Passenger_Armrest_Set

 

 

That is awesome and I wonder if I can have something made that’s similar…. Removable so if he isn’t with me I can take them off easily…and attach to the rack like those do

[Hosstage]

I googled motorcycle armrest, then BMW motorcycle armrest. All kinds of options out there. I believe the ones I showed will fold up out of the way.

[Brodiepunker18]

Thank you. I appreciate all of the help and ideas. 

[RogerC60]

56 minutes ago, Brodiepunker18 said:

The handles do come up however I’d be worried they aren’t high enough to grab onto yet. He’s only 6. 😂

Lifting one of the handles unlatches the panier from the bike. Lifting both of the handles lets the panier lid open. Neither one would be suitable for riding.

[Hosstage]

Lucky kid that gets to ride with dad!

[Brodiepunker18]

Yeah. I’m excited. My ex wife isn’t agreeable whatsoever though. But it’s not her choice. Hopefully I can make a short ride happen soon. Just need to find someone to watch my daughter and I can. lol