How young is too young? - Page 2

DM47 · 09-07-2012, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Sentor

I've heard not to put training wheels on anything, as it throws off their ability to manuever once off the bike.

I've seen many youngsters start off with the training wheels and do just fine as the grow. Like many things, it's not the equipment, but how it's implemented.

Some kids can start at 2; others, maybe not.

Andy Capp · 09-07-2012, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Sentor

I've heard not to put training wheels on anything, as it throws off their ability to manuever once off the bike.

Those pedal-less bikes are where it's at for teaching!

The little blue bike is sans pedals or stabilisers so we will be testing the theories. Plus it was cool!

Originally Posted by NoQuarter#121

I don't think there is a lower limit. (or an upper limit for that matter)

If the kid is having fun, and wants to continue riding then GO FOR IT!

Just don't be a "little league" parent with delusions of granduer.

There is a infinitesmal chance your offspring is the next Giacomo, but odds are they are just another average chode.

I had the pasion to ride all my life.
My first ride was at age 10 on my best buddies new XR75.
I was jealous as you can imagine.
My parents hated bikes, no support there.
We used to bicycle up to Burien Honda and sit on the little bikes and just be annoying little kids.
The staff always allowed it and even encouraged us.
How cool is that?

I had to save up my paper route money to get my first machine.
I had $425.
A brand new to me, used up old X enduro racer, nearly worn out.
GREEN,,,
Honda 1975 MR175.
$350 out of my pocket.
I was 12.

The rest is history...

No little league here. He can if he wants, it's all on him. Maybe he doesn't but it is available.

I was really just interested in others' great stories of passion.

NoQuarter#121 · 09-07-2012, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Andy Capp

The little blue bike is sans pedals or stabilisers so we will be testing the theories. Plus it was cool!

No little league here. He can if he wants, it's all on him. Maybe he doesn't but it is available.

I was really just interested in others' great stories of passion.

I have encouraged all my children to ride.
I never really pushed, just made sure we had a bike and kept making the bikes available.
They have all learned to ride, I assume its to humor me...

None of them have "the bug" like us.
Damn shame...
I'm hoping my wildman 3yr old grandson takes up the flag for the old man.

Some of us have it, some don't.
Damn shame...

nsrg500 · 09-07-2012, 05:35 PM

I started on a SL70 around 14-15yrs. I beat the piss out of it. I rode it every day for 6 months up at Hungry Valley ORV park in Ca.
Then Dad pick up a duel sport KM100, tinny little two stroke 100cc. It ripped for it's size. It would do 60 mph two-up!

My Dad got it as a tool, not to be having fun on! Everything was a effing tool to him. Used for work not play, he would say. He was a tool!!

Took that same KM100 and ripped the streets of down town L.A. After 7 tickets for no license. I got tested and a bigger bike.
Then moved up to a LTD550. Same streets, same stupid stunts, same stupid kid.

I started my boy riding with me a on Z50. He sat in front and I made high pegs and extended the rear brake peddle. He was two. (only have paper pics)
We went very slow to start. As he got older I would hold the cross bar and let him work the throttle.
He went to E. WA for a while with his ...Mom.

By the time he was 5 we were doing little papa wheelies and riding around at the local flat track races.
His first bike was a 1970 something Suzuki JR 50, he soon out rode it. I picked up a used KTM 50 Adventure out of Monroe, like $300? I got my self one of those 125 hopped up pit bikes so we could take it to the woods.
That was for sure some of the best times. Didn't take long for him to start getting away from me.
Told him if he didn't stop making me look slow. I'd get a bigger bike!

I think if they're not scared to putt putt in the back yard? Should be fine.

One other thing. You can take the wee ones almost anywhere to ride. Big field, huge back yard and no one cares.

Andy, should I save my child's full-face street helmet for ya?

I had so much padding on my kid, you could throw him off the roof and he wouldn't get hurt. Kids gear is cheep on C.List.

P.S. There is NOTHING better than seeing your kid take off on his own for the first time.
He rode past me and despaired down the path........

I ran to see if he was OK. He came around the corner and rode past again the othe way..........I was like OMG, he did it!! He effing did it!!!

I couldn't walk back till I got the tears of joy wiped away.
It was Feb 9-07.
We put #27 on his bike.

Juilin · 09-07-2012, 05:35 PM

Just past my 30th birthday, would have started younger but things just weren't aligned for a motorcycle. Most fun I've ever had.

mfrankpdx · 09-07-2012, 05:57 PM

I didn't start til I was 27. If I started when I was younger on dirt bikes, I probably wouldn't have crashed 10 times in the last 5 years.

Avboden · 09-07-2012, 06:01 PM

if you have to ask, she's too young.

WaGigKPN · 09-07-2012, 08:10 PM

If they got hair, i dont care!

TRAIL BOSS · 09-07-2012, 08:44 PM

27. Seem to be doing allright.

I think I'd be dead if i would have started any sooner.

Grantizzle · 09-07-2012, 08:58 PM

i started at 23 or 24.

not sure when i'm gonna throw the kids on. my wife is very against it.

davidk · 09-07-2012, 09:01 PM

11 or 12 -
Honda CT70 with a Manual tranny - Clutch and ALL!!
Christmas Present...
Then a SL100 Honda - then a Kawi 125 2-SMOKE Enduro...
Lots-o Dirt experience - MOM said NO to Street bikes until I Moved Out -
DID that for College and ended up with a Race Prepped Honda 500 that would easily hit triple digits as a Summer Commuter...
Jump ahead 20 years and here I am with a crazy FUN Monster...
GOTTA say my Dirt time has saved my ass more than a few times on the street - Just let the bike find its course and kinda let go - Scary, but it works!!

take risks · 09-07-2012, 09:13 PM

My buddies 2 yr old would tear it up on the 50. Wipeout. And get right back on. He made is older brother (4 yr old) look like a wimp. It was really interesting to see, but awesome to be a part of.

sschering · 09-07-2012, 09:14 PM

I got my first bike at 38..

I tried to get the kid started a little earlier

When our teen gets his license I'm going to sign him up for the MSF class to get his endorsement. I think it'll make him a better driver or more aware of bikes on the road anyway.

LostTheFront · 09-07-2012, 09:17 PM

I started at age 20, not quite sure how I survived those first 2 years on a 600. Been riding over 20 years now.

Started the kids on a balance bike at 3.5 yrs, 2 weeks of Fred Flintstoning it and off came the training wheels from the bicycles. OSET electric trials bikes are great for learning, I started them at 5 but should have started at 4. TTR-50 at age 6. All these starter bikes have speed governors, great way for kids to learn. My kids are 6 and 8 now, both BMX racing and riding the dirtbike, hopefully they develop some of the natural instincts that took me so many crashes to develop.

Boatdriver · 09-07-2012, 09:23 PM

9 yrs old on a 72 Honda SL70. Wish I still had that bike.

Debi · 09-08-2012, 06:37 AM

My son started at 3 yrs of age and look at him now

I started at 6 and well look at me now

BusaDave · 09-08-2012, 07:54 AM

I started riding dirt bikes at 12 then took quite a few years off. Couldn't get away from the need to be back on a bike. Now I will never be without a bike. I say start them as young as possible.

Andy Capp · 09-08-2012, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by LostTheFront

I started at age 20, not quite sure how I survived those first 2 years on a 600. Been riding over 20 years now.

Started the kids on a balance bike at 3.5 yrs, 2 weeks of Fred Flintstoning it and off came the training wheels from the bicycles. OSET electric trials bikes are great for learning, I started them at 5 but should have started at 4. TTR-50 at age 6. All these starter bikes have speed governors, great way for kids to learn. My kids are 6 and 8 now, both BMX racing and riding the dirtbike, hopefully they develop some of the natural instincts that took me so many crashes to develop.

I had to look up OSet trails bike, Very cool!

tod701 · 09-08-2012, 08:12 AM

I didn't start riding until I was 8.
The delay messed me up for life.

Each of my three kids started between 4 and 5.
Before that, they rode trails sitting in front of me, learning the controls and getting familiar with the whole deal.

One thing that I would strongly recommend is not to use training wheels on motorcycles, it causes habits have to be undone later.
Much better to start them off on bicycles and switch to motors when they have the whole two wheeled thing solid in their heads.

mxgirl817 · 09-08-2012, 08:24 AM

I think it depends on the kid. My son was 6 when we got his PW. Some kids don't understand go, stop and steer until they're older than others, and some learn it really early. The people we bought his first bike from put their son on it too soon and he ran into their house and got scared of the bike. People wanna put their kids on bikes so early, but sometimes, the kid gets hurt and scared of the bike at an early age and then you've completely undone everything


09-07-2012, 05:35 PM	#24
nsrg500 Shredder Joined: May 2011 From: Everett. WA I Ride: GS1150 Rat bike, NSR(G)500cc two stroke,CBR 900rr	I started on a SL70 around 14-15yrs. I beat the piss out of it. I rode it every day for 6 months up at Hungry Valley ORV park in Ca. Then Dad pick up a duel sport KM100, tinny little two stroke 100cc. It ripped for it's size. It would do 60 mph two-up! My Dad got it as a tool, not to be having fun on! Everything was a effing tool to him. Used for work not play, he would say. He was a tool!! Took that same KM100 and ripped the streets of down town L.A. After 7 tickets for no license. I got tested and a bigger bike. Then moved up to a LTD550. Same streets, same stupid stunts, same stupid kid. I started my boy riding with me a on Z50. He sat in front and I made high pegs and extended the rear brake peddle. He was two. (only have paper pics) We went very slow to start. As he got older I would hold the cross bar and let him work the throttle. He went to E. WA for a while with his ...Mom. By the time he was 5 we were doing little papa wheelies and riding around at the local flat track races. His first bike was a 1970 something Suzuki JR 50, he soon out rode it. I picked up a used KTM 50 Adventure out of Monroe, like $300? I got my self one of those 125 hopped up pit bikes so we could take it to the woods. That was for sure some of the best times. Didn't take long for him to start getting away from me. Told him if he didn't stop making me look slow. I'd get a bigger bike! I think if they're not scared to putt putt in the back yard? Should be fine. One other thing. You can take the wee ones almost anywhere to ride. Big field, huge back yard and no one cares. Andy, should I save my child's full-face street helmet for ya? I had so much padding on my kid, you could throw him off the roof and he wouldn't get hurt. Kids gear is cheep on C.List. P.S. There is NOTHING better than seeing your kid take off on his own for the first time. He rode past me and despaired down the path........ I ran to see if he was OK. He came around the corner and rode past again the othe way..........I was like OMG, he did it!! He effing did it!!! I couldn't walk back till I got the tears of joy wiped away. It was Feb 9-07. We put #27 on his bike. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by nsrg500; 09-07-2012 at 05:47 PM..


09-07-2012, 05:35 PM	#25
Juilin Captain Pubic Joined: Aug 2012 From: Seattle I Ride: Ninja 650 or somebody elses.	Just past my 30th birthday, would have started younger but things just weren't aligned for a motorcycle. Most fun I've ever had. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 05:57 PM	#26
mfrankpdx Retired Joined: Jul 2007 From: Washington DC I Ride: Speed Triple	I didn't start til I was 27. If I started when I was younger on dirt bikes, I probably wouldn't have crashed 10 times in the last 5 years. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 08:10 PM	#28
WaGigKPN Peg Dragger Joined: Mar 2012 From: Gig Harbor, WA I Ride: 2002 Honda VFR800	If they got hair, i dont care! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by WaGigKPN; 09-07-2012 at 08:16 PM..


09-07-2012, 08:44 PM	#29
TRAIL BOSS Defiler of Threads Joined: Apr 2007 From: Arlington I Ride: for OPRT with an 06 ZX-tenaaaaargh Fighter and an 07 SXV550 (The Darkness)	27. Seem to be doing allright. I think I'd be dead if i would have started any sooner. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 06:01 PM	#27
Avboden Moto2 Contender Joined: Oct 2007 From: from Wa, living on Grenada (island) I Ride: 2007 BMW F800S, 1999 ATK 605 ESDS/SM	if you have to ask, she's too young. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 08:58 PM	#30
Grantizzle Joined: Feb 2008 From: Mill Creek, Wa I Ride: slower than you with a bigger grin!	i started at 23 or 24. not sure when i'm gonna throw the kids on. my wife is very against it. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 09:01 PM	#31
davidk Railer Joined: Mar 2010 From: Bainbridge Island, WA I Ride: 1995 RED Ducati 900 Monster	11 or 12 - Honda CT70 with a Manual tranny - Clutch and ALL!! Christmas Present... Then a SL100 Honda - then a Kawi 125 2-SMOKE Enduro... Lots-o Dirt experience - MOM said NO to Street bikes until I Moved Out - DID that for College and ended up with a Race Prepped Honda 500 that would easily hit triple digits as a Summer Commuter... Jump ahead 20 years and here I am with a crazy FUN Monster... GOTTA say my Dirt time has saved my ass more than a few times on the street - Just let the bike find its course and kinda let go - Scary, but it works!! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 09:13 PM	#32
take risks Chicken Strips Joined: Jul 2011 From: Edmonds I Ride: with a :)	My buddies 2 yr old would tear it up on the 50. Wipeout. And get right back on. He made is older brother (4 yr old) look like a wimp. It was really interesting to see, but awesome to be a part of. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 09:14 PM	#33
sschering Knee Dragger Joined: Sep 2008 From: Kennewick, WA Blog Entries: 32 I Ride: Whatever old bike isn't broken, 1977 XS-400D (broken), 1978 GS1000E, 1960 BSA C15 (missing pieces), 97 ZX600E ( It's a lover not a fighter)	I got my first bike at 38.. I tried to get the kid started a little earlier When our teen gets his license I'm going to sign him up for the MSF class to get his endorsement. I think it'll make him a better driver or more aware of bikes on the road anyway. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by sschering; 09-07-2012 at 09:17 PM..


09-07-2012, 09:17 PM	#34
LostTheFront Licensed Joined: Feb 2009 From: Bellingham, WA I Ride: 2007 CBR1000RR, 2006 WR450F	I started at age 20, not quite sure how I survived those first 2 years on a 600. Been riding over 20 years now. Started the kids on a balance bike at 3.5 yrs, 2 weeks of Fred Flintstoning it and off came the training wheels from the bicycles. OSET electric trials bikes are great for learning, I started them at 5 but should have started at 4. TTR-50 at age 6. All these starter bikes have speed governors, great way for kids to learn. My kids are 6 and 8 now, both BMX racing and riding the dirtbike, hopefully they develop some of the natural instincts that took me so many crashes to develop. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-07-2012, 09:23 PM	#35
Boatdriver Peg Dragger Joined: Dec 2008 From: El Mar I Ride: 07' Triumph Tiger, 08' KTM 450 EXCR, 02' GSXR 750 Track, 07' Aprilia Tuono	9 yrs old on a 72 Honda SL70. Wish I still had that bike. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-08-2012, 06:37 AM	#36
Debi Novice Racer Joined: Apr 2009 From: Renton, WA I Ride: 05 KTM450SMR, 04 YZF250 and one bad ass Truck hehe	My son started at 3 yrs of age and look at him now I started at 6 and well look at me now __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-08-2012, 07:54 AM	#37
BusaDave Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2010 From: Lacey, Wa Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: Busa, KTM	I started riding dirt bikes at 12 then took quite a few years off. Couldn't get away from the need to be back on a bike. Now I will never be without a bike. I say start them as young as possible. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-08-2012, 08:12 AM	#39
tod701 Endorsed Joined: Apr 2011 From: Stanwood, WA I Ride: CRF250X	I didn't start riding until I was 8. The delay messed me up for life. Each of my three kids started between 4 and 5. Before that, they rode trails sitting in front of me, learning the controls and getting familiar with the whole deal. One thing that I would strongly recommend is not to use training wheels on motorcycles, it causes habits have to be undone later. Much better to start them off on bicycles and switch to motors when they have the whole two wheeled thing solid in their heads. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-08-2012, 08:24 AM	#40
mxgirl817 Endorsed Joined: Jan 2010 From: Klamath Falls, OR I Ride: '99 SV650	I think it depends on the kid. My son was 6 when we got his PW. Some kids don't understand go, stop and steer until they're older than others, and some learn it really early. The people we bought his first bike from put their son on it too soon and he ran into their house and got scared of the bike. People wanna put their kids on bikes so early, but sometimes, the kid gets hurt and scared of the bike at an early age and then you've completely undone everything __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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