The B fell off
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,516
Likes: 1,994
From: Vancouver BC
Show her how to properly open the saddle bags without scratching them. Mine is forever tossing her purse in there whenever we go for a ride. That, and teach her not to drag her foot across the top lid when swinging her leg over.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
To me, it would be a combination of telling her and then showing her the easiest way to get on the back of your bike and how to hold on and then start out with short runs to get her used to riding behind you and then gradually increase the runs as she gets used to riding with you. Good luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,400
Likes: 19,455
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
I'll Add.
Be sure to emphasize that she needs to trust your skills and not to overcompensate, or counteract your leans. Practice these in a safe spot before hitting the streets.
Assuming that your intent is to develop a riding partner and not scare her off, take it easy on those leans until she get's it, and is good with them.
Be sure to emphasize that she needs to trust your skills and not to overcompensate, or counteract your leans. Practice these in a safe spot before hitting the streets.
Assuming that your intent is to develop a riding partner and not scare her off, take it easy on those leans until she get's it, and is good with them.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 189
From: Louisiana
Get her on the thing, pop a few wheelies, and she'll figure out how to hold on.
Seriously, tell her not to get on or get off until you tell her to - have almost dropped bikes several times when I'm putting on my helmet and the passenger just starts getting on the bike -YIKES). Tell her to always look over your shoulder on the INSIDE of turns. New passengers always want to counteract the way the bike is leaning. Also, let her know that if she needs to shift position, don't just jerk her butt across the seat (like most people do in regular chairs). She has to lift her butt up and gently re-position her butt.
Seriously, tell her not to get on or get off until you tell her to - have almost dropped bikes several times when I'm putting on my helmet and the passenger just starts getting on the bike -YIKES). Tell her to always look over your shoulder on the INSIDE of turns. New passengers always want to counteract the way the bike is leaning. Also, let her know that if she needs to shift position, don't just jerk her butt across the seat (like most people do in regular chairs). She has to lift her butt up and gently re-position her butt.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
If you are calling her a War Department now, what do you think is going to happen when she is on the back of the bike?
Tell her if she wants to go with, then she should follow on her own bike.
Tell her if she wants to go with, then she should follow on her own bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
You've got a valid question, especially with a heavy tour bike. These are the directions my lady follows.
I firmly plant my feet, and stand up, holding onto the front brake. She puts her left hand on top (not on the side) of my right shoulder, steps onto the floorboard (footpeg in your case), and swings her right leg over. She sits down and tells me when she is firmly planted in the seat, at which time I sit down.
She knows not to move when the bike is slowing down or not moving, such as at a stop sign. I think that is the hardest thing for a passenger to do.
I firmly plant my feet, and stand up, holding onto the front brake. She puts her left hand on top (not on the side) of my right shoulder, steps onto the floorboard (footpeg in your case), and swings her right leg over. She sits down and tells me when she is firmly planted in the seat, at which time I sit down.
She knows not to move when the bike is slowing down or not moving, such as at a stop sign. I think that is the hardest thing for a passenger to do.