My boy is 9. I bought him a KLX 110 a couple Christmases ago. He is still really timid on that thing and I'm trying to get him over his fear of bikes. I think his fear is why he seems kind of disinterested in riding his bike. He never really asks to ride; I always have to suggest it.

I started by having my dad pick him up in the sidecar.

Pic:

https://goo.gl/photos/Zav539TqMVK5F21w9

Then I took him around the neighborhood on the 14.

After he relaxed a bit, we rode to football practice.

Pic:

https://goo.gl/photos/6VWrHWmPpNKgiAas6

Now I can't get him off the thing!

Here's hoping that turns into more KLX time for him!

Thats so cool Dad, way to go!

That is cool! May you have many years of memorable rides together!

* Last updated by: mad5674 on 5/12/2016 @ 8:00 PM *

I think you sparked his interest. At 9, a 110 might be a pretty big bike. Learning to operate a motorcycle is intense but if he's into it, he'll do it a little at a time which is how I think everyone should go about it. Make sure he has a course that's easy so he's not overwhelmed. I'd start by just feeling the clutch. creeping forward a bit and the pulling the lever back in until he progresses to taking some very short 0 throttle rolls. After he experiences how to use the clutch to take off, he's ready to putt along in first gear. I guess he might already be past that stage. If he is, maybe he just likes being with Dad. Either way, it's win/win all around.

My son started riding dirt at 4. Rode until he was 10, then just lost interest. With his permission we sold his bike and gear. Then, at 15 he announced to me, "dad, when I get my license I want to get a bike." Since then he's ridden to Oregon with me and just bought a Z1000. Sometimes kids just need a break.

Mad

His 110 is clutchless. He's had it over a year now and has only ridden it up and down the sidewalk in front of the house, and around the tree in the front yard a few times. The kid is outgrowing his riding gear before he can even break it in!

His interest in the 14 (other than plain fear) has only sparked this week. I'm hoping the bug has bitten him and I can get him to spend some real time on his bike this weekend.

I see a real opportunity to get a Dad sized dirt bike here. Then in a few years, a teen sized sport bike.

^^^ This is a pretty good idea. Dad needs to downsize so's the son is not intimidated by riding with him.

A 150-250 cc dirt bike, or a 250-300 cc street bike, is just the ticket to O Boy! fun with son.

...and sometimes, they just don't respond. That's actually kinda typical with teens today. No interest in driving, or motor sports. Very typical, I see this a lot.

I have a dad sized dirt bike. Husky TE630. It's even 2-up capable.

You are so set, my man! Now snowmobiles and watercraft!