riding 2 up
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
From: Right Behind You
RE: riding 2 up
I feel for you brother. I have been wanting my wife to get her own bike, and the dream may be coming true. I have not put a passenger seat on my Street Bob and will never do so, but I have my softail that still has not sold yet. So, two days ago the wife gave me her blessing to take the motor & tranny off the softail and use them to build her a bike that fits. This to me is a win-win. I get to do a custom bike build and I get to keep a second bike. Now don't get me wrong, she's a lot shorter than me, but I'm building it out to where it's low but big enough for me to still ride. Sometimes life is good.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From:
RE: riding 2 up
After about 100 miles on the back of my WG, the wife decided it was most uncomfortable; I didn't want to spend the bajillion dollars on a corbin 2 up seat with all the backrests quite yet, so we started looking at other options.
She learned to ride on a 500 Shadow, so we decided trying to put her on a TC88 was out of the question, and the sportys she just didnt like. Ended up getting her a 06 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800cc softail wannabe); got it out the door for around 8K, so not much price difference compared to a 883.
She loves it--plenty of power for highway cruising, but still small enough for her to handle with no problems
She learned to ride on a 500 Shadow, so we decided trying to put her on a TC88 was out of the question, and the sportys she just didnt like. Ended up getting her a 06 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800cc softail wannabe); got it out the door for around 8K, so not much price difference compared to a 883.
She loves it--plenty of power for highway cruising, but still small enough for her to handle with no problems
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 82
From: Mountain View, California
RE: riding 2 up
MikeC: I thaught someone might ask that, especially since my ride is carbureted. To my surprise I had no noticable trouble. I remember taking a '72 For Econoline van with a 302 bbl engine up there, and I had some REAL trouble getting it going on an up-hill incline once I brought it to a stop. The bike ran like a charm though it might have lost a bit of power. Not enough to really notice though, in spite of carrying--between my lady, our gear and the contents of my bags--a load of about 400 lbs.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 14
From: Houston, Texas
RE: riding 2 up
If your wife is interested in riding, let her set her own pace. She may end up feeling comfortable on a Sportie or Deluxe, but why push the issue that can ruin her learning curve?
It is unfortunate when the interest is there, but the comfortability factor is pushed. I have seen this happen several times. Saddens me when I hear a woman talk about how excited she was to learn to ride in front, only to end up being scared of the tork and size that was under her because she was convinced she needed something bigger to start on, rather than what she wanted.
I am speaking from some personal experience as well as talking to numerous women riders. My background riding includes 25+ years in the front. Progressed from a 450, 550 740, 1340 and now have a new 06 Superglide.
Smaller bikes aren't that expensive and she will grow in her experience and confidence. Started my 17 yr old son this exact way. He picked up a GREAT starter bike - Kawi 500. He is now saving to up to buy a Sportie. Who knows... he's gotten on my Superglide and is feeling more comfie - he may end up with a Superglide or a Deluxe.
It is unfortunate when the interest is there, but the comfortability factor is pushed. I have seen this happen several times. Saddens me when I hear a woman talk about how excited she was to learn to ride in front, only to end up being scared of the tork and size that was under her because she was convinced she needed something bigger to start on, rather than what she wanted.
I am speaking from some personal experience as well as talking to numerous women riders. My background riding includes 25+ years in the front. Progressed from a 450, 550 740, 1340 and now have a new 06 Superglide.
Smaller bikes aren't that expensive and she will grow in her experience and confidence. Started my 17 yr old son this exact way. He picked up a GREAT starter bike - Kawi 500. He is now saving to up to buy a Sportie. Who knows... he's gotten on my Superglide and is feeling more comfie - he may end up with a Superglide or a Deluxe.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From:
RE: riding 2 up
1) As far as two up goes , it will never be as good as solo becuase of the added weight and how it effect vehicle dynamics, however I found that the 95 inch kit , good shocks and a Sundowner with a good back rest help. My teenage daughter loves it (although she wants her own )
2) My wife has her own ride , now a 1200C and she loves it , won't even ride 2 up .
She had considered a Softail deluxe because of the low seat , but it is too heavy.
2) My wife has her own ride , now a 1200C and she loves it , won't even ride 2 up .
She had considered a Softail deluxe because of the low seat , but it is too heavy.
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From:
RE: riding 2 up
I don't mind riding 2 up, but will be getting a sundowner seat for my wife. I get to drive alone at times so it isn't so bad. My wife is pretty good about it all and is the reason I have a Harley.
My dealership has a prgram where you can buy a Buell and after a year trade it in at full price on a Harley. Maybe your dealer has something like that.
My dealership has a prgram where you can buy a Buell and after a year trade it in at full price on a Harley. Maybe your dealer has something like that.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From:
RE: riding 2 up
My wife took the MSF course
I bought her a SV-650 Suzuki..(74 hp) at 368lbs.
goes faster than my Dyna with 80hp
she loves it,,,she is 5'4"...used a shock lowering link to drop it 2'
rides great...I just have to work my butt off to keep up with her now that she's been riding for 2 years.
I bought her a SV-650 Suzuki..(74 hp) at 368lbs.
goes faster than my Dyna with 80hp
she loves it,,,she is 5'4"...used a shock lowering link to drop it 2'
rides great...I just have to work my butt off to keep up with her now that she's been riding for 2 years.
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