What age to introduce children to riding?

[Dave H]

My son is 4.5 years old and (rather predictably) interested in Dad's obsession with all things Motorcycles! He has recently started saying he wants to ride with me and asking when he can ride. He has been riding his bicycle without training wheels for 1 year now and seems to have a good sense of balance.

Question: how young is too young? Without purchasing a MC, any ideas about how to give him a taste of it? Input appreciated!

 

[295566]

Too many variables for a black and white answer. What's your experience level? What's his maturity level? Is there another parent in the picture? If so, what is their input regarding the matter?

 

[stangmx13]

I got a 50cc motorcycle when I was ~4.5yrs old. Id say that things worked out just fine.

Some parents are starting their kids even sooner these days. Strider bikes allow kids to ride bicycles really young. There are electric Trials bikes that work well in the backyard. etc etc.

 

[Dave H]

I'm a new rider so would be looking for help from a more experienced rider. Yes, another parent in the picture who is supportive. Must admit that I'm not convinced he is mature enough right now. Interested hearing from others what they did and things to think about to help me determine how and when the time is right.

 

[295566]

I'm a new rider so would be looking for help from a more experienced rider. Yes, another parent in the picture who is supportive. Must admit that I'm not convinced he is mature enough right now. Interested hearing from others what they did and things to think about to help me determine how and when the time is right.

Honestly if you're a new rider, I'd advise against it until you have a few more years under your belt. Expecting someone else to be responsible for your 4 year old kid's safety on a moto is asking a LOT.

If it was me, I'd want to wait until I was completely 100% confident in myself, before even considering taking responsibility of teaching a young one. Wait a few years, and you'll be a much better teacher, and have the added benefit of having a more mature student.

 

[Derb]

I know everyone has these types of pics, but I will post a few of the beginning. I never had any of this stuff as a kid, I started riding pretty late in life. Just do it. 2 years old and 5 years old.

Jenna I think maybe 3 riding the quad the very first time...

 

[Maddevill]

My son started at 4 on a PW50 with training wheels. One ride around the block and he asked the wheels be taken off. Took off the trainers, he's been going strong ever since.

Mad

 

[EricD]

I've been pondering the same with regards to my toddler. I've come to the conclusion that there's no magic number.

You as a parent should evaluate your kid's abilities and willingness to listen for instructions, and then make the call.

My 2 year old has been blasting through the neighborhood on his balance bike for close to a year, and riding scooters for as long. I remember the looks we got when we were trying to buy him a helmet, and stores had nothing for kids below 3 years old (lucky for us, he has a huge head).

However, at this point, I'm holding back on the electric trial bikes because despite his well developed balance and understanding of steering input, he is demonstrating ZERO willingness to listen to instructions.

I can't be chasing him with the throttle pinned not paying attention to what's going on until I'm confident he'll do a half-decent job of listening.

 

[budman]

I've been pondering the same with regards to my toddler. I've come to the conclusion that there's no magic number.

You as a parent should evaluate your kid's abilities and willingness to listen for instructions, and then make the call.

My 2 year old has been blasting through the neighborhood on his balance bike for close to a year, and riding scooters for as long. I remember the looks we got when we were trying to buy him a helmet, and stores had nothing for kids below 3 years old (lucky for us, he has a huge head).

However, at this point, I'm holding back on the electric trial bikes because despite his well developed balance and understanding of steering input, he is demonstrating ZERO willingness to listen to instructions.

I can't be chasing him with the throttle pinned not paying attention to what's going on until I'm confident he'll do a half-decent job of listening.

:thumbup

My son started at 5 and gave it up at 8. Once he discovered Team sports the interest to do that overcame the desire to ride. I was fine with it. His little bro barely rode as a 5 yo because big bros influence meant throwing baseballs and playing hoops.

I did not want to force something like riding on them. Even at that age letting them choose what they loved to do sports wise seemed like the right call. Not like he needed to ride to get a career and life path going.

and.....Great stuff Derb!!! :thumbup

 

[ThumperX]

I would not expect any level of maturity out of a 4 1/2 year old :laughing

There are some camps for kids where bikes and gear are suppled for you to let him explore. Maybe start bicycling with him?

Would your budget allow for a CRF150 and a CRF50 or similar? Then you could really start enjoying time together.

 

[Frame Maker]

One option worth mentioning is to introduce your kids to BMX racing. Its relatively inexpensive (compared to dirt bikes). A VERY family / kid oriented community. And it will get your kids acclimated to riding on two wheels in the dirt.

My daughter began BMX racing at 3-1/2. A few years later it was an easy transition to dirt bikes. She's now 18 and I have many great memories of us riding together both BMX and dirt bikes.

[/url]20171225_110023 by andbike, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[dowlinginchico]

My sister just started my 3.75 YO nephew on a 50 cc with a throttle governor and training wheels. She just sent me a video of his first ride! I wish I knew how to post it... I am proud of the little dude!

 

[ScottRNelson]

My son started at 4 on a PW50 with training wheels. One ride around the block and he asked the wheels be taken off. Took off the trainers, he's been going strong ever since.

This.

The PW50 has a screw that lets you adjust how much throttle the kid can give it. Go to an OHV park and get started in the kids area. I know that both Carnegie and Prairie City have great beginner areas.

If the kid can ride a bicycle, I wouldn't bother with the training wheels. I wish I hadn't sold the PW50 that I used to own. My grandkids could ride it now if I still had it.

 

[ThumperX]

I was up at Frank Raines a few years ago and these kids were tearing it up. Kids, bikes, dogs, dirt all equates to family good times!
The oldest was 9 the youngest just turned 4.

 

[Dave H]

Thanks for all the replies and for sharing your stories.

I would certainly like to be the one teaching him and tend to agree with the idea that I should wait to gain more experience myself.

We already go bicycling together which has been great fun. I like the idea of BMX as an extension of this.

Buying a CRF150 and a CRF50 - not ready to commit to buying more MC's as I'd also have to get a means of transporting them. When the time comes I love the idea of being able to do this but I think I'll need to find a way of him trying it out first.

Thanks again.

 

[ThumperX]

:thumbup

I also wager that a number of Barfers will be right there to help when your ready.

 

[WWWobble]

:thumbup

My son started at 5 and gave it up at 8. Once he discovered Team sports the interest to do that overcame the desire to ride. I was fine with it. His little bro barely rode as a 5 yo because big bros influence meant throwing baseballs and playing hoops.

I did not want to force something like riding on them. Even at that age letting them choose what they loved to do sports wise seemed like the right call. Not like he needed to ride to get a career and life path going.

and.....Great stuff Derb!!! :thumbup

+1, I so approve of your decisions.

I faced something similar, but different. My son began riding at 7 and still rides. His son wanted no part of it. But his daughter had interest.

It wasn't until I let his daughter (my grand daughter) ride in front at about 8 years old, her hands on the bars, she controlled the throttle, for a little ride in the country on my VFR. I know, I know, danger. bad, all that.

SHE LOVED IT, with had no fear of the throttle, she scanned and naturally looked ahead, I think she was a naturally talented rider and interested in all aspects.

Her mother totally refused to endorse riding a motorcycle. I was asked, rather nicely actually, to please not encourage motorcycle riding with her daughter.

And so... I didn't. And she has gone on to group sports and other interests.

But it made me sad.

 

[ScottRNelson]

I would certainly like to be the one teaching him and tend to agree with the idea that I should wait to gain more experience myself.

[...]

Buying a CRF150 and a CRF50 - not ready to commit to buying more MC's as I'd also have to get a means of transporting them. When the time comes I love the idea of being able to do this but I think I'll need to find a way of him trying it out first.

In my opinion, there isn't really much to teach a kid who can already ride a bicycle. If you get a bike with almost no power, like a PW50 with the throttle restriction, all the kid is likely to do is have fun riding around on it. Nothing more to it until he wants more power and wants to try harder trails.

And I can remember sticking the one I had in the trunk of a Nissan Sentra, so nothing special required to haul it around in. If the kid want's to keep riding, then you'll have to get a dirt bike and something that you can haul both with. And you'll have loads of fun learning to ride in the dirt together.

Both of my sons got dirt bikes when they were 13 years old. It took probably ten trips to Carnegie with the younger one before he started thinking that he was better than me, but we had a great time ripping around the place. And I was able to get him to do all kinds of chores and stuff for the opportunity to go riding - until he turned 16 and started to get other interests.

 

[MarktheShark]

Never too young to start! Can't enjoy life without taking a little risk, otherwise we'd all just stay at home, in our nice, safe space lol

 

[ThumperX]

+1, I so approve of your decisions.

I faced something similar, but different. My son began riding at 7 and still rides. His son wanted no part of it. But his daughter had interest.

It wasn't until I let his daughter (my grand daughter) ride in front at about 8 years old, her hands on the bars, she controlled the throttle, for a little ride in the country on my VFR. I know, I know, danger. bad, all that.

SHE LOVED IT, with had no fear of the throttle, she scanned and naturally looked ahead, I think she was a naturally talented rider and interested in all aspects.

Her mother totally refused to endorse riding a motorcycle. I was asked, rather nicely actually, to please not encourage motorcycle riding with her daughter.

And so... I didn't. And she has gone on to group sports and other interests.

But it made me sad.

My father's very valid argument: if she herself learns to ride, we stand far less of a chance finding her sneaking onto the back of some teenage boy's motorcycle.