Gday guys, my son has turned 8 and is keen for a double with dad. 

The bike is a brand new forty eight that so I've added rear pegs so far. First question is what 2 up seat would you recommend for a little person. I want him to feel safe, so nothing minuscule. I'm also on the little side so I'd like a seat that isn't too high. I find the stock 48 seat good. Another question regarding kids safety gear? Helmets (open verses full face, weights etc) and jackets? I know when I was a kid on dads bikes I could barely move and felt claustrophobic in those old helmets. It sort of made it less enjoyable.

i definitely won't be doing any freeway stuff, just cruising slow around town.

Thoughts?

Not sure if you'd find a road style helmet to fit the little bloke, you might need to look at dirt bike helmets, the same goes for other safety gear. I don't expect there's a huge market for road gear in his size. Maybe some sturdy lace-up leather boots & denim jeans would do the trick for a gentle squirt around town?
I'd be interested to know what you find. I have a grandson who'll want a ride with Pop in the next few years.
Roo.

I would be inclined to put a small back rest on for added security..

nobody would ever want to see a kid hurt or anyone for that matter but


how did we live to even get to have kids or grandkids??
I must come from a different world, lace up boots, leather jackets, serious
the OP says he wants to take his little one around town, slow and gentle
shoes, long pants, jumper and a good fit helmet, why would we complicate it.

unless you were going to the expense of a sissy bar anyway, I would not bother, the lad will do as you instruct him and hold on, you are only going slow and gentle

now please don't have a cow, I will never say how you (insert your name) look after yours is wrong or even suggest it

Put him in front of you for the first few trips, then you got him under control until he understands whats going on.

My ten year old girl comes with me quite a lot. Nightrod VRS. She started out at 9yo. Although she has ridden dirt bikes since she was 4. Ladies XS leather jacket, motorcross gloves, Jenny Reb long boots with footy socks. Full face sports bike helmet with visor in XS ladies. Make them comfortable, spend a little more on their gear and they will love it for life.
Can't hep you on the seat issue tho. A tap on the leg means your going to accelerate so brace and hold on.

Yeah cheers dudes. Good advise. Secretly, I think the same as you Soapbox but you know how society is these days. I ride in an open face hoodie jeans and skate shoes and have been for ever but for some reason I feel like a shit parent putting the young bloke on the same.

Yeah cheers dudes. Good advise. Secretly, I think the same as you Soapbox but you know how society is these days. I ride in an open face hoodie jeans and skate shoes and have been for ever but for some reason I feel like a shit parent putting the young bloke on the same.

You are a shit parent by putting him on at all..
I think 12 is the legal age.
But at 8 your son could not hang on for long
First decent bump and he's on the black stuff.
Dickhead, Justin .
And so are these other blokes supporting you

Ok,, so I might have gone off half cocked,, but the risk factor gets higher with an eight year old on the back..

We might think we're all great riders but it dosnt stop other shit happening..

An eight year old doesn't stand much of a chance in an emergency situation.. 

My children have had bikes from a young age , they are young adults now and still riding

But I didn't take them on the back of me until they were a lot older than eight

Each to there own.. 

8yo is legal age, BUT only if Both feet can sit on the pegs properly, If not, then have to wait until they can.

Soapy, a little common sense was what I was getting at.
Boots & denim jeans, for when his foot slips off the footpeg and touches the exhaust, which will most likely happen. Gotta be better than melting sneakers & track pants to his leg.......

And Stewy, ffs, why the attitude? Nevergrew asked for our thoughts with all good intentions on how best to look after his boy. What did he get? A spray from a clown like you! Classy, real classy!

For what it's worth, 8 years old is legal in Tassie for a pillion or sidecar passenger.

Roo.

 

PS; I like the backrest idea Sparra.

You could be the best rider in town

BUT how about that drunk cager coming towards you that doesn't see you or the stop sign?

Still think the kid can hang on?

Get a seat where he can comfortably reach the peggs without stretching.

And get one of those belts that allow the pillion to hand on.

 

Nevergrew, well now you have a bunch of opinions, and like they say 'they're just like arseholes, everybody has one'.
I say go out & have a great time with your boy. He'll love it and never forget it. You will too. Memories forged. Priceless.
Some of us don't get that chance anymore.
Roo.

Thanks guys, and the angst doesn't worry me, I've got broad shoulders. I knew it would be a touchy subject. My normal riding crew are made up of all bike types and all have kids and a different view on this subject. I just wanted a Harley specific view. We seem to be a tad more relaxed than our sport bike friends.

More relaxed.....

More than likely older and grumpier.