Discussion: Two-up riding
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 5
From: Coweta, Oklahoma
I'm kind of like Rooti on this one. I usually ride solo, but at times the wife will go with me for a ride if the weather is ok with her. She really surprised me last Feb. when we took a trip and trailered the bike to Tampa. I had never ridden there before so the roads were new to me. After riding downtown to the HD and back at the RV park she said she really enjoyed it. I try and ride safely especially with her on the back, but you can never tell what a cager will do. If I dumped the bike and she didn't make it I don't think I could live with myself for long.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 111
Likes: 11
From: The (808) State
I can appreciate the gravity of the fact that my girl is putting her life in my hands when we ride together. I am relieved she's a little too petite to handle anything much bigger than my Yamaha Razz because I don't think she'll develop the alert distrust for car drivers that would make me comfortable with her riding on her own.
The wife started on the back of my bike tell she needed more control, She bought a Sporty & completed safety course, and off she goes. It was hard for me to drive two bikes at the same time. I came from the race track so I was Talk over V/H pipe when teaching her how to drive. So I was blamed for shouting at her O ****. Twelve years later it's good she went through Sporty, Dyna now FLHTCU and I need to install a parachute on the back of her bike to slow her down. I have a grate deal of trust in her driving to run in parade is not a issue. When we're in turns she lets me go and rub metal off my floorboards that makes me happy.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
You have more experience riding than your wife don't you? Therefore you are more able to avoid wrecks. I would imagine she'd be safer with you.
My wife has had a coupla bikes. 'till the day she ran a red light because she thought she couldn't stop fast enuf when it turned yellow.
We had a discussion. Afterwards she decided even tho' she likes taking risks she feels safer on the back of mine where she doesn't have to ride assertively should an emergency come up.
I have two bikes so one is for both of us, the other is for me as it's too uncomfortable for her (which is OK wit me)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Never bothered me two up till I hit 60's; the body just isn't as reliable as it used to be, and even though I love going for rides with my daughter, it worries me sometimes what could happen if I had a heart attack or stroke. Been many times I wanted to call her and say lets go for a ride, but only did 2 or 3 times this past year, when she asked to. But she's riding now, too, and I think that worries me even more. Doesn't help that I have to goose the Glide in the straightaways cause it won't corner with her on the sporty. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 133
From: TEXAS
wife likes to ride on the back
i would worry alot more if she was on her own bike
riding is dangerous, thats just the way it is, but it should not be scary, if it wasnt fun i wouldnt do it
i would worry alot more if she was on her own bike
riding is dangerous, thats just the way it is, but it should not be scary, if it wasnt fun i wouldnt do it
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 723
Likes: 5
From: Grand Rapids MN
One of the reasons we got back riding is because my bride loves riding on the bike. She takes a ton of pics! My daughter road behind me many times and when she decided it was time to ride her own, I was very supportive. But, that doesn't mean I am not concerned. They both know the risks of riding a motorcycle but, also enjoy it very much! A conscious choice they have both made. Sharing the joy of riding is what it is all about.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Denver
My wife never really enjoyed riding two up on my larger bikes (when we first met I had a BMW RT100), but loved riding on the back of my 80cc scooter. After a year or so of being mocked and maligned for my defensive driving ("No honey, It's NOT excessive and it's not paranoid!") she bought her own 50cc scooter.
She rode her scooter everywhere putting over 10k miles on it the first year alone. Was I concerned about her safety?
She passed away from cancer at 54 without ever getting a scratch on her scooter.
.
She rode her scooter everywhere putting over 10k miles on it the first year alone. Was I concerned about her safety?
She passed away from cancer at 54 without ever getting a scratch on her scooter.
.
Last edited by fogline; Jan 1, 2014 at 01:35 PM. Reason: format
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
I have thought of how I would feel if something happened riding two up. It took my wife a few months to forgive me for buying a bike. She then decided she couldn't beat em so might as well join em. She is a grown woman of sound mind so it was her decision to get on. Would I feel bad if something happened, hell yes but we are not going to stifle life by worrying or not doing what we've grown to love.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
My wife never really enjoyed riding two up on my larger bikes (when we first met I had a BMW RT100), but loved riding on the back of my 80cc scooter. After a year or so of being mocked and maligned for my defensive driving ("No honey, It's NOT excessive and it's not paranoid!") she bought her own 50cc scooter.
She rode her scooter everywhere putting over 10k miles on it the first year alone. Was I concerned about her safety?
She passed away from cancer at 54 without ever getting a scratch on her scooter.
.
She rode her scooter everywhere putting over 10k miles on it the first year alone. Was I concerned about her safety?
She passed away from cancer at 54 without ever getting a scratch on her scooter.
.