Riding 2 up
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 35
Likes: 190
From: katy, texas
Riding 2 up
Hey everyone!
I am a small female rider. I ride a street glide special. My husband rides a road king. We have been making more and more friends with people that don’t ride themselves, but would like to ride as passengers with us. I have been riding solo for about 10 years, but I have never ridden with a passenger.
What tips/tricks/recommendations can y’all make for learning to ride 2 up with someone on the back that might be heavier and taller than yourself? I am almost 5’5” and 135 pounds so most of my passengers will be bigger than I am.
Thank you!
Dana
I am a small female rider. I ride a street glide special. My husband rides a road king. We have been making more and more friends with people that don’t ride themselves, but would like to ride as passengers with us. I have been riding solo for about 10 years, but I have never ridden with a passenger.
What tips/tricks/recommendations can y’all make for learning to ride 2 up with someone on the back that might be heavier and taller than yourself? I am almost 5’5” and 135 pounds so most of my passengers will be bigger than I am.
Thank you!
Dana
Popular Reply
Jan 9, 2021, 04:53 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
[QUOTE=ChromeRose83;1965329 I am almost 5’5” and 135 pounds so most of my passengers will be bigger than I am.
[/QUOTE]
This would be my biggest concern. If you have never rode with a passenger it does change some things.
There are rules the passenger needs to be aware of and comply with.
For me
1 remain in line with you in cornering ( lean with you) .
2 at speeds below 20 mph set still. Directly behind you.
I myself would not even ask someone of your stature to be a passenger. Nothing personal it sounds like you are just not big enough to accommodate , short off having a good bit of experience doing so .
WP
[/QUOTE]
This would be my biggest concern. If you have never rode with a passenger it does change some things.
There are rules the passenger needs to be aware of and comply with.
For me
1 remain in line with you in cornering ( lean with you) .
2 at speeds below 20 mph set still. Directly behind you.
I myself would not even ask someone of your stature to be a passenger. Nothing personal it sounds like you are just not big enough to accommodate , short off having a good bit of experience doing so .
WP
Last edited by WP50; Jan 9, 2021 at 05:03 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 631
Likes: 279
From: Arkansas
There is a lot to take into account riding 2 up. First, make sure your passenger knows the rules: legs/arms in, don't lean over, etc., the basic rules, become one with the bike. Stop n go traffic and slow/parking lots is where you will feel the weight and notice your bike is more top heavy, and needed extra stopping distance. I would suggest maybe finding someone lighter, maybe a teen or something to practice with, to get used to the extra weight. You will also need to practice mounting/dismounting and find your preferred method. Some choose to have passenger mount first, some after the driver is on the bike, pros and cons both ways. Throwing someone behind you that is heavy without practice/experience is a recipe for disaster. I'm not trying to scare you, just make sure you are ready.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,807
Likes: 3,808
From: Cape Cod
Like others here...NOT to offend......
Can you plant both your feet on the ground?
That big bike becomes a LOT bigger with someone larger than you on the back!!!
Yea, try with hubby first in a parking lot.
EDIT.....one other thing........if you dont have a backrest on that big bike they are going to be holding onto you for the duration of the ride........are YOU up to that strength wise??
They're goin to be pulling on you from a stop......and pushing on you when braking.....as they have no other way to support themselves!!
Can you plant both your feet on the ground?
That big bike becomes a LOT bigger with someone larger than you on the back!!!
Yea, try with hubby first in a parking lot.
EDIT.....one other thing........if you dont have a backrest on that big bike they are going to be holding onto you for the duration of the ride........are YOU up to that strength wise??
They're goin to be pulling on you from a stop......and pushing on you when braking.....as they have no other way to support themselves!!
Last edited by MURPHCC1; Jan 9, 2021 at 06:16 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
Practice riding 2-up with an experienced passenger. I have ridden with people who didn't have a clue and nearly dragged us over and I've had others that I didn't even know where back there.
carl
carl
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,752
Likes: 3,271
From: West Central Florida
A passenger that "gets it" is key and you wont even know they are there. A passenger that "doesn't get it" can make for a long ride.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,491
Likes: 30,779
From: Pennsylvania
This would be my biggest concern. If you have never rode with a passenger it does change some things.
There are rules the passenger needs to be aware of and comply with.
For me
1 remain in line with you in cornering ( lean with you) .
2 at speeds below 20 mph set still. Directly behind you.
I myself would not even ask someone of your stature to be a passenger. Nothing personal it sounds like you are just not big enough to accommodate , short off having a good bit of experience doing so .
WP
There are rules the passenger needs to be aware of and comply with.
For me
1 remain in line with you in cornering ( lean with you) .
2 at speeds below 20 mph set still. Directly behind you.
I myself would not even ask someone of your stature to be a passenger. Nothing personal it sounds like you are just not big enough to accommodate , short off having a good bit of experience doing so .
WP
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Few things.... there are many articles about being a good passenger. Make sure they read it. A touring sled gets even bigger 2 up. It takes a bit to get used to it. I rode for 30 years solo, then i met someone who wanted to passenger... we rode long westbound hiways out of fort worth to get used to it... my only real concern is your friends husbands ridi g bitch.. lolol... stay safe.