riding 2 up
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 498
From: Alberta
Wife and I traveled thousands of miles on our FXDXT. It had a sundowner seat, passenger floorboards and the largest backrest I could get in the HD catalog. If you goggle image "FXDXT touring", it's the blue one that comes up on first page or two. In short; she was as comfortable as possible. She also knows how to ride (now has her own Low Rider) and that helped a lot, I'm sure. Communication when getting on and off is very important, as pointed out here...I've seen expert riders go over at a stop because the passenger didn't communicate before getting on/off.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 380
Likes: 203
From: Toronto
After learning about this method (relying upon the jiffy stand), I use this exclusively:
[ame]http://youtu.be/fUZOdicKgbA[/ame]
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 7,042
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Originally Posted by EricInNCa
Of the 33,000+ miles on my Fatbob, I've probably ridden close to half of them 2-up. Some of the tips I can give you pertain to good communication between you and your rider. I always make sure I've got both feet firmly planted before she gets on. I've trained her to tap me on the shoulder and wait for me to nod my head that I am ready for her to put weight on the peg to mount up. Also, slow speed maneuvering can be tricky, especially if there's gravel involved. Make sure she keeps very neutral and does not try and "help". Her remaining neutral is important for pretty much all riding but especially when you're going slow. When you're riding around at speed, there's not a huge difference, although you won't feel quite as nimble, mostly due to the extra weight and it being loaded at a higher center of gravity. Another thing, don't forget that now you're carrying some extra weight, so you will have to compensate when it comes to stopping. Good luck and most of all, enjoy riding together. It can be great fun!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 251
Likes: 9
From: New Mexico
EricNCA said it all, good post. The big one for me is her getting on and off, the ol'lady taps my shoulder when she thinks I am ready and that lets me know here she comes at the same time. The lowrider only has pegs so stopping can be a little annoying at times when she does not slid her foot back cause then my heal hits her toes and I can't completely control the slow down ( I usually shift with my heals so it not to big a deal but when I switch to standard control position it is annoying.). I think I remember my safety driving instructor ( 13 years ago) saying to have them be still like luggage strapped to the bike when turning (I think) and I tell that to new passengers also, I think it helps. Good luck have patience and it will be the best thing you two do together.
Thanks everyone for your advice. Sounds like communication is key. I'll definately be going over a few things before she gets on the bike. I was also thinking about maybe having her get on and off a few times with both feet planted before actually getting moving. Hopefully keep from looking like an *** at a stop light if I happen to drop it. I did install the mounts for the QR sissy bar the other day and have a backrest for the sissy bar. So I'm good there. I definately wanted to get that on the bike before she got on it. Plus I'm sure it'll make her more comfortable and more secure without felling like she's gunna fall off the back. I like the suggestion about having her keep her chin on one side of my shoulder. I guess that way her weight stays pretty much on one side...idk...at least till I get used to her being back there. It sounds good anyway. :-/ I think having her sit on the bike will help with foot placement (on both our parts) like the suggestion about the guy hitting his heels and her toes. We'' be able to figure out where we need to keep our feet...or where SHE needs to put her feet so I can shift and brake and stop without causing us to go down.
AGAIN, thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm a little nervous about it, but I know it'll be fun traveling and riding together. Will update you guys on how it went.
AGAIN, thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'm a little nervous about it, but I know it'll be fun traveling and riding together. Will update you guys on how it went.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 523
Likes: 70
From: Vancouver, WA
The main reason I bought my Harley was for hauling around the ball and chain. The main reason I got into cruisers in the first place was long stretches with a passenger on the sportbike was tiring and lame.
Every new passenger I give the 30 second speech which includes the following:
#1. The bike will lean when we turn, if you resist or try to stand up we will wreck.
#2. Keep your dam feet on the pegs, even when stopped.
#3. Don't unexpectedly wiggle around and low speed or stop or you might cause me to dump my bike.
#4. If I slap your thy hold on for dear life
#5. I know chicks love things that vibrate between their legs but try not to make a mess.
Every new passenger I give the 30 second speech which includes the following:
#1. The bike will lean when we turn, if you resist or try to stand up we will wreck.
#2. Keep your dam feet on the pegs, even when stopped.
#3. Don't unexpectedly wiggle around and low speed or stop or you might cause me to dump my bike.
#4. If I slap your thy hold on for dear life
#5. I know chicks love things that vibrate between their legs but try not to make a mess.
The main reason I bought my Harley was for hauling around the ball and chain. The main reason I got into cruisers in the first place was long stretches with a passenger on the sportbike was tiring and lame.
Every new passenger I give the 30 second speech which includes the following:
#1. The bike will lean when we turn, if you resist or try to stand up we will wreck.
#2. Keep your dam feet on the pegs, even when stopped.
#3. Don't unexpectedly wiggle around and low speed or stop or you might cause me to dump my bike.
#4. If I slap your thy hold on for dear life
#5. I know chicks love things that vibrate between their legs but try not to make a mess.
Every new passenger I give the 30 second speech which includes the following:
#1. The bike will lean when we turn, if you resist or try to stand up we will wreck.
#2. Keep your dam feet on the pegs, even when stopped.
#3. Don't unexpectedly wiggle around and low speed or stop or you might cause me to dump my bike.
#4. If I slap your thy hold on for dear life
#5. I know chicks love things that vibrate between their legs but try not to make a mess.
LMAO! if you don't mind I'm going toplagiarize that?
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,458
Likes: 8,288
From: Inland NW
Eric and Josh nailed it. LOL
The wife and I took our first ride together damn near 30 years ago before our first date, on a FJ600. Me in shorts, no shirt, Vuarnet sunglasses, and a pair of Adidas, and her in a bikini. No helmets back then, but bless her heart, she was a natural. Totally neutral on the turns. Thank God we lived through being teenagers, and are together today. She is still a great little passenger.
The wife and I took our first ride together damn near 30 years ago before our first date, on a FJ600. Me in shorts, no shirt, Vuarnet sunglasses, and a pair of Adidas, and her in a bikini. No helmets back then, but bless her heart, she was a natural. Totally neutral on the turns. Thank God we lived through being teenagers, and are together today. She is still a great little passenger.
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Feb 18, 2011 08:53 AM