Are you seeking advice on teaching your kid to ride a motorcycle for the first time? If so, congratulations, thats great news! Experiences are always better than gifts and last week, I found myself in precisely that situation. Despite my own experience with motorcycles, I had to empathize with my six-year-old, envisioning the excitement and, admittedly, a bit of fear that comes with something new. Getting ready to teach him led me to scour the internet, hoping to avoid a negative experience that might scare him away. I clearly remember my first ride in the desert with my dad and uncle, including my first crash that caused my uncle to spill his beer, it’s still one of my favorite childhood memories. Excited to create positive moments for my son, I began by discussing the importance of motorcycle gear, exploring the bike together, and eventually getting into starting and stopping. Now, with a couple of rides under his belt and the wisdom of hindsight, I’d like to share our experience with parents facing a similar situation.
Gearing up for Safety
Before our first ride, I stressed the non-negotiable importance of riding gear in a conversation with him. Having watched numerous Supercross races with me, he was enthusiastic about getting his own gear. Trips to CycleGear and Cal Coast Motorsports, along with online searches at MotoSport.com, RockyMountainATV.com, and BTOSports.com, were part of our gear exploration. Although his gear hadn’t arrived on time, a helmet, long sleeves, and pants got him started. Thankfully, the remaining gear, including a chest protector, arrived promptly, completing his outfit. When outfitting your kid, a helmet is paramount – measure the circumference of their head about and inch above the eyebrows at the widest part of their head to figure out the right size helmet to buy. The essential protective gear includes goggles, chest protector, jersey, knee pads, riding pants, riding socks, and boots.
Breaking Down the Bike
Before hitting the road, I let him sit on the bike in the garage to go over the controls. Leveraging his curiosity, I allowed him to explore the controls, starting with the on/off switch and explaining its positions. Given that his 50cc motorcycle is automatic with a centrifugal clutch, there is no clutch on the handlebars. The levers, therefore, control the brakes, with the left lever for the rear brake and the right for the front brake. After confirming his ability to handle the levers, we moved on to the throttle, emphasizing its sensitivity. Then we moved on to footpegs, I told him to keep his feet up and explained that he can stand on the pegs in rough terrain. I also let him know that he needs to be very careful around the chain, showed him how to turn his gas on and off on the carburetor, and the importance of tire pressure, we wrapped up by checking nuts and bolts. With the bike thoroughly examined, it was time to load it into the truck, where I explained the intricacies of tie downs, emphasizing the importance of avoiding pinching wires and cables.
It’s Showtime – Starting and Stopping
On our drive to a wide, flat learning location, we discussed the choice and its benefits. Unloading, we focused on starting the bike, a key difference for him, given his prior experience with an electric bike. Geared up and ready, the show began. While he easily navigated the throttle and balancing, the challenge arose in turning on sandy and uneven terrain. Considering his height, stopping and starting also presented a bit of a challenge, but he eventually figured out how to lean to one side and put a foot down.
Taking Those First Steps
Because I have been riding for so long, not overwhelming him was challenging. One notable issue was speed, some things on a bike are just easier when you go fast, but I allowed him to progress at his own pace. Walking alongside him, offering guidance and security, was, in retrospect, the best decision. Falls were inevitable, but I reassured him that they were part of the learning process and I tried not to overreact.
In concluding our motorcycle riding adventure, teaching my six-year-old was an awesome experience with valuable lessons. Drawing on my own memories, I aimed to create positive experiences for my son. Prioritizing safety, understanding controls, and emphasizing maintenance laid the foundation for secure rides. Despite challenges and falls, the overall growth and skill-building is amazing to watch. My hope is that this blog with help other parents introduce their youngsters to motorcycles.
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