The only thing better than riding a motorcycle is sharing the experience with another biker. And if that companion can be family, well, even better. Since it can be tough to fit in a riding session with busy schedules, getting the family enthused about motorcycling is the best way to maximize time with your bike and your brood. Cycle Trader has more on how you can make motorcycling a family affair.
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Start ‘Em Young
Like any pursuit, the earlier you start, the easier it is to get good at it. Kids who are around motorcycles from an early age learn to not fear them, yet earn a healthy respect for the inherent dangers a bike can possess.
There isn’t a kid who doesn’t get excited about motoring around on two tiny wheels. It may not be fast, but a mini bike is often the first foray into wildly fun, gas-powered freedom.
Each of the major Japanese motorcycle companies offers a full line of dirt bikes ranging in size from tiny 50 cc mini bikes through 85 cc, 110, 125, to 200 cc and beyond. Some companies like CFMoto are introducing small electric dirt bikes, too. This gives kids the opportunity to start at a young age and grow with the sport. Plus, the smallest of these bikes have automatic clutches, so the complexities of shifting can come after they’ve mastered the basics. By starting them when they’re small and when they have their inevitable first few falls, they’re so low and slow on these bikes, nobody gets hurt. Instead, they fall, get up, and ride off again. Of course, outfitting the little ones in proper riding boots, thorax protection, gloves, and helmet is crucial.
To start, there are countless riding academies around the country that cater to bikers of all levels. For years, Honda has done a great job of getting new riders into the sport by supplying new motorcycles to various rider training programs. Author’s note: Over the years, my own son has done a few of them and each time he comes away smiling ear to ear and excited to ride more.
On the Road with Kids?
For pavement riders, getting a young family involved can be trickier, but not impossible. A side car can be a great way to bring along small children (or a dog!) for rides, and once the kids are old enough, they can try riding on the pillion seat behind you. There’s no better bonding time than having your child hugging you tightly while sharing in your favorite pastime.
Make It a Couples Thing
How about riding together as couples therapy? If your partner has expressed even a hint of interest, encourage them to sign up for a rider training course. By letting the pros do the teaching, it takes the pressure off the partners, and lets people learn the right way to get into riding. Plus, riding schools offer a choice of bikes suited for new riders, meaning you won’t need to try to teach your beloved on your prized machine.
When your partner falls in love with riding too, remember that there are all sorts of great bikes out there. Just because you’ve always ridden a Hayabusa doesn’t mean your partner wants one. You love your Harley, but your partner loves a Honda? That’s great! What’s important is that they share the love of riding.
Of course, some partners are happier being a passenger and enjoying the scenery without the worry of controlling the bike. Why not make the destination more enticing to your partner to help encourage their participation? Rather than riding to hang out with another dozen bikers at the sports bar, what about going for date night on the bike to some place your better half loves?
Author’s note: For my partner and I, our rides together vary from multi-day trips to a quick after-work ride to our favorite ice cream shop. The point is that we ride together.
Multi-Generational Family Affair
Do you have a parent who used to ride? Now that you’re a rider, get them back into bikes as something you can do as a family.
Author’s note: My partner’s sister and her husband ride, as do my in-laws, and motorcycling has not only been a great multi-generational activity to do together, but also the subject of endless discussions (and good-natured teasing) about our respective motorcycle choices over the years.
Wrench Together
Lastly, the easiest way to get the family involved in motorcycling is to work on the bikes together. Kids love being helpful (at least until they’re teenagers), and if they can help check tire pressures, do an oil change, or add some accessories to the bike, they’ll be more engaged in motorcycling and take greater ownership of their own. And since motorcycles are usually simpler to work on than a car, it’s less daunting to do that basic maintenance at home.
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Having the family become excited about motorcycling is the best way to spend more quality time with loved ones, and it’s a great excuse to have more bikes around, too. Remember to keep them safe by teaching them to ride safely, wear all the gear, and keep their bike properly maintained. If you’re on the market for different motorcycles for each of your family members, or you’re looking for your own ride, check out the nation’s largest selection of new and pre-owned bikes for sale on Cycle Trader.
