They're finally legal!

[Serk]

Since the Triplets recently turned 5 years old they've finally reached the legal age (In The Republic) to be passengers on a motorcycle, and I finally made the time yesterday to take 'em for brief rides around the neighborhood on public roads.

Interesting thing, Brian Jr, the one that's absolutely motorcycle MAD was suddenly terrified and refused his chance to go for a ride unless I let him sit in front of me (Which I'm not gonna do on public roads)

The other two however, were all over it, and are already begging for another, longer ride...

(And Jr. will come around soon enough, I'm sure.)

Blake all geared up and ready for his first ride on the road:



And then it was Kaelynn's turn:

[Gryphon Rider]

My daughter was legal (law of Mom) when she turned 10.  The law changed and my son was legal at 9. 

The helmet looks too big in both of the photos.  In the last few years youth-sized helmets have become much more available. Tourmaster had a Jett jacket in youth sizes, so you may find one second hand or still in stock somewhere, though I think it's discontinued.

[Chrisj CMA]

Here in FL I  don't think there is a minimum age to be a passenger but their feet must reach tbe passenger pegs.

You are not doing them any favors by putting them back there when they are too small and with the wrong gear.

[mike72903]

Cute kids but they all look the same to me   I never allowed my kids and now grandkids to ride with me.  Just too dangerous.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Cute kids but they all look the same to me   I never allowed my kids and now grandkids to ride with me.  Just too dangerous.

It is dangerous. But so are many things. I have my grandson ride with me on occasion . I'm really looking forward to when his Mom will let him go out of town.

[Serk]

Thanks for the concern ya'll, the helmet they're wearing is a youth helmet, and while not SUPER snug it's not a bad fit, I gave them each the "Grab the helmet and see if I can jiggle it off" test, and it passed...

I checked and double checked, Texas law only specifies they be at least 5 and have on a helmet, no requirement to reach the pegs.

And yes it's dangerous, but as my elder spawn has grown up on the back of my Valk, with age and maturity level appropriate length trips, I wouldn't trade the time we've spent together for anything.

[Danny McMillin]

Great memories, Serk! They will never forget that first ride, and you won't either. I have ridden all three of my Grands, on their fourth birthday. I usually ride them on a Wing, with armrest, and I bungy cord the armrest closed. They are instructed to place fingers in belt loops. I am very selective on roads, speeds, traffic, and other variables. My Daughter was raised in a sidecar, and that enabled her to experience things that other children only dreamed of! Wouldn't change it for anything! Keep on keepin' on!!

[BradValk48237]

Good for you Serk!!

I got my first ride on a motorcycle around 6 is... Dad actually went out and bought the approved "youth helmet" for 1970..... used it until i could wear and adult helmet (which doubled as a snowmobile helmet.. before that we rode on the snowmobiles with wool hats)
It looked like the helmets you see the soapbox derby kids use.... basically a batting helmet with no ear flaps....  leather straps and laces inside to "Adjust"... Dad has some pictures someplace... I need to steal em all from him and copy... but kids need to start early and learn outdoor stuff before their asses get welded to the couch....

My 2 cents

B

[f6gal]

...unless I let him sit in front of me.

There's a kid that want's to be rider, not passenger.  I'm with him!!

[mike72903]

Good for you Serk!!

I got my first ride on a motorcycle around 6 is... Dad actually went out and bought the approved "youth helmet" for 1970..... used it until i could wear and adult helmet (which doubled as a snowmobile helmet.. before that we rode on the snowmobiles with wool hats)
It looked like the helmets you see the soapbox derby kids use.... basically a batting helmet with no ear flaps....  leather straps and laces inside to "Adjust"... Dad has some pictures someplace... I need to steal em all from him and copy... but kids need to start early and learn outdoor stuff before their asses get welded to the couch....

My 2 cents

you make a good point.  I suppose one could argue that, long term, being a couch potato is more detrimental to longevity than riding on a MC. Especially if the driver takes care, as I know everyone here would. 

[old2soon]

My oldest-Daughter from first marriage-had her first ride at about 3 years of age in front of me on my 73 C B 500/4. Found a good fitting helmet for her or it was a NO GO. We had a LOT of fun-til Mama found out.  She remembers that ide as do I.  Wouldn't swap that memory or any of the other 5 kids first ride either. RIDE SAFE