.. Exactly, she probably is more worried about me, but she is ready any time.
Passengers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,845
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
I would get a thousand miles on it solo, before taking your wife on it. If you haven't taken the MSF course I would do that.
If you have, I would think about taking the Advanced Rider Course. Having a passenger is a serious responsibility. Don't apologize for being careful.
I rode for 8 years before taking my wife as a passenger.
If you have, I would think about taking the Advanced Rider Course. Having a passenger is a serious responsibility. Don't apologize for being careful.
I rode for 8 years before taking my wife as a passenger.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
it is your mind set that is the problem.
You are thinking in a negative way.
I suggest going to a parking lot, church, school etc.. that is not in use and practice doing 2 up. You will soon see that other than the extra weight when she gets on or off there is very little difference. Depending on your bike you may notice a power drop but that is normal.
Think positive.
You are thinking in a negative way.
I suggest going to a parking lot, church, school etc.. that is not in use and practice doing 2 up. You will soon see that other than the extra weight when she gets on or off there is very little difference. Depending on your bike you may notice a power drop but that is normal.
Think positive.
I ride with wife all the time. I understand how you feel, as I am responsible for her while she is on back. I just tone it down as much as possible and take it real easy. I would hate to crash and have her get hurt, or worse, but she loves it and realizes the risk is always there. Just take it easy.
What everybody says. I am a lot like u...have not had a passenger in a lot of years. Have been riding but other peoples stuff. Wife wanted to jump on the other day and i was a little hesitant as she had not been with me in over 20 years on a bike. Only thing diff was stopping at lights and stuff. The rest was fine. Oh and i do find myself riding like a ole b stard LOL Helmet on LOL Wifes sometimes are a good thing. Just get up real early on a sunday morning before the idiots and dont fret It will be fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 12
From: North Texas
Make sure you are ready before she gets on. I will stand the bike upright before she gets on. Remember that the bike will not accellerate as quick nor stop as quick. No sharp turns until you are used to the extra weight.
Other than that, get on and go.
Other than that, get on and go.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
I think of it as riding in the rain, slower stops and easy on shifting gears. I had to teach mine to ride with me it didn't take long. A few times of me screaming lean with me!!!! I would be trying to lean in to a turn and she would try to stay up and that left me fighting the bike to turn and what she was doing was making the bike wont to keep going straight.
I would get a thousand miles on it solo, before taking your wife onw it. If you haven't taken the MSF course I would do that.
If you have, I would think about taking the Advanced Rider Course. Having a passenger is a serious responsibility. Don't apologize for being careful.
I rode for 8 years before taking my wife as a passenger.
If you have, I would think about taking the Advanced Rider Course. Having a passenger is a serious responsibility. Don't apologize for being careful.
I rode for 8 years before taking my wife as a passenger.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and votes of confidence and also how to gather that confidence.. She is ready, just patiently waiting for me to get my confidence up.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
For What It's Worth
I can't believe some of these answers Grow a set. Just go. OMG!
Riding 2 up is a learned experience! If you lack experience, no biggie. PERSONALLY, I would take a MSF or similar course that is made for 2 up riding. As experienced as she is, she AND you will learn from it. It's also a great way to spend a day together.
Of course you could just have her jump on and learn as you go along! When my wife started riding with me, I was able to obtain a "what the rear seater should do" guide from my local HOG chapter. It made her an instant great back seater and NO, I don't still have the copy she read. Do what you are comfortable doing but remember, the first few rides (or less) will set the tone for her eagerness to ride with you. Good luck!
Riding 2 up is a learned experience! If you lack experience, no biggie. PERSONALLY, I would take a MSF or similar course that is made for 2 up riding. As experienced as she is, she AND you will learn from it. It's also a great way to spend a day together.
Of course you could just have her jump on and learn as you go along! When my wife started riding with me, I was able to obtain a "what the rear seater should do" guide from my local HOG chapter. It made her an instant great back seater and NO, I don't still have the copy she read. Do what you are comfortable doing but remember, the first few rides (or less) will set the tone for her eagerness to ride with you. Good luck!
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
Ain't it the truth! My wife has gotten on when I wasn't ready and I had to plant my feet and grab the bars PDQ! Now she asks if I'm ready.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
Jeff,
I know, we can talk about it all day and night, but experience from others is a learning curve than hit a curve and not know. I will take the big plunge sooner than later.
Chickin,
Thanks man, and thank you for your service. I just retired in 2011 after 21 years in, the Air Force though. Much respect to you. I will get her on for a balance test and then find an abandoned parking lot (there is one near by that used to have a grocery store but has been closed for quite some time.. thus the perfect area.
Joe
I know, we can talk about it all day and night, but experience from others is a learning curve than hit a curve and not know. I will take the big plunge sooner than later.
Chickin,
Thanks man, and thank you for your service. I just retired in 2011 after 21 years in, the Air Force though. Much respect to you. I will get her on for a balance test and then find an abandoned parking lot (there is one near by that used to have a grocery store but has been closed for quite some time.. thus the perfect area.
Joe
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I always get the helmet to helmet smack when stopping and someone else is not paying attention, o and the extra weight coming forwards also. Usually after the first couple of stops and starts that settles down. Most of it is my fault because I don't add enough stopping distance. My second favorite is when she decides to take a picture as you are going into the corner and then adjusts to the corner so I have to adjust the bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 7
From: SLC, UT
Its super easy, mostly just intimidation. You'll get the hang of it so quick. I laugh now but, when I was first riding I put on a back pack with a bunch of heavy stuff in it to try and get used to a passenger... It didn't really do anything at all looking back on it now, but it'll give you a confidence boost needed to have her hop on. Just give it a go! Have fun!
