riding 2 up
riding 2 up
I was just on one of the touring pages only because I can't seem to find anything on the dyna forum's about riding with a passenger. I know I've seen stuff on the dyna pages, but can't seem to find it anymore. I'm sure I can use the advice they were suggesting on the touring page with riding on a dyna. But anyone have any suggestions, or refer me to one of the other pages with advice?
I've read several things about riding with a passenger to take into consideration; her leaning, not leaning, putting both feet down at stops (which I do anyway riding solo), handling of the bike changes, etc...
I changed the shocks quite a while ago, I know I need to adjust them for the added weight. My girl is pretty small, 5'6 130ish. I've installed a removable sissy bar for added comfort for her. I'm sure it'll be a little less stressfull on my knowing she won't fall off the back. haha
Just looking for some advice from dyna guys. Thanks
I've read several things about riding with a passenger to take into consideration; her leaning, not leaning, putting both feet down at stops (which I do anyway riding solo), handling of the bike changes, etc...
I changed the shocks quite a while ago, I know I need to adjust them for the added weight. My girl is pretty small, 5'6 130ish. I've installed a removable sissy bar for added comfort for her. I'm sure it'll be a little less stressfull on my knowing she won't fall off the back. haha
Just looking for some advice from dyna guys. Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 26
From: Sonoma County, CA
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!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 214
From: Delawere
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!
Good tip on them jumping on only when your ready. How's that tire to belt gap on the Bob doing? Still good?
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: Longview TX
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!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,384
Likes: 8,742
From: Texas
Some passengers have a knack for riding..., others don't (and never will)
Run into one that doesn't - don't keep trying - it never ends good
They need to be comfortable..., and remain neutral (their head over one of your shoulders - until you both have it down)
And be sure you have a sissy bar / backrest - without one - that never ends well either
Ghost
Run into one that doesn't - don't keep trying - it never ends good
They need to be comfortable..., and remain neutral (their head over one of your shoulders - until you both have it down)
And be sure you have a sissy bar / backrest - without one - that never ends well either
Ghost
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,612
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Here's an idea, to keep her comfortable with the bike put a medium height sissy bar with pad on the bike, when she rides she needs to keep her back in line with the sissy bar (be one with the bike) then the leaning will be natural. Tires inflated for two up as well as the shocks adjusted for the two of you. After all the years of riding with my wife behind me, I sometimes reach behind me to make sure she is still there.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 287
From: Texas
Never really had to tell my wife anything, she was a natural at being a passenger from the get go.
HOWEVER, the one thing we did need to work on was communicating when we stop and the dismount/mounting. More than once she's tried getting on or off when I wasn't ready or aware, or leaned over for some reason while we're stopped. If you don't have both feet planted and she pulls something like that....well it can be bad. I've been lucky not to have any layovers.
I'd say come up with the same routine for mounting and dismounting for her ever single time so there's no surprises.
HOWEVER, the one thing we did need to work on was communicating when we stop and the dismount/mounting. More than once she's tried getting on or off when I wasn't ready or aware, or leaned over for some reason while we're stopped. If you don't have both feet planted and she pulls something like that....well it can be bad. I've been lucky not to have any layovers.
I'd say come up with the same routine for mounting and dismounting for her ever single time so there's no surprises.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: New York
To be on the safe safe side, get one of these:
http://www.bitchfelloff.com/IF-YOU-C...R-T-SHIRTS.HTM
http://www.bitchfelloff.com/IF-YOU-C...R-T-SHIRTS.HTM
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: U.s.
Agree with everything posted above. Especially communication. I will give my girl a double tap on her thigh. This lets her know she needs to pay attention and react "appropriately". Usually I'll do it for bumps coming up or if the light turns green and I know she's looking elsewhere. Sometimes I'll tap her if I'm going to rip the throttle open more than usual. Basically just means to hold on and pay attention. Simple but effective.