Learning how to ride 2-up
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,258
Likes: 2
From: AZ
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
ORIGINAL: supernova
One thing I try to ask them to do is to sit still as much as possible - especially when you're going slow. This can really throw your balance off.
One thing I try to ask them to do is to sit still as much as possible - especially when you're going slow. This can really throw your balance off.
Also, some folks are comfortable with letting their passenger step on the back peg and then swing over, which is fine if you are comfortable with that(hold on to bike!). I tell my passengers to keep left foot on ground close to bike, put left hand on my left shoulder,then while swinging other leg over bike, put as much of the azz on the seat as they can while getting on back seat. Keeps the bike a little more steady.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
What does your intended passenger weigh? Everything has been covered here except maybe start with a skinny teenager on the back and let yourself get used to it.....then work your way up. If you have to do any 3 point turn arounds or very sharp Uturns....have them dismount cuz you might hit the front brake at the wrong time and the rest of the maneuver could involve some pain.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,247
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
ORIGINAL: wallyn
I disagree with most of this statement. Do not tell a passenger to lean with you. Tell them to stay straight up on the bike. A passenger that suddenly starts to lean into a turn when you do not expect it will unexpectedly change your line and could ruin your day. Always tell you passenger to NOT help you lean.
As said above your stopping distance will increase and you do need to plan ahead and make predictable movements for the benefit of your passenger.
ORIGINAL: zoopman
+1 also remember to make sure she leans with you in the turns and not the other way. In other words when say you are making a left turn--make sure she stays upright on the bike or perhaps look over your left shoulder--in effect leaning WITH you into the turn.
+1 also remember to make sure she leans with you in the turns and not the other way. In other words when say you are making a left turn--make sure she stays upright on the bike or perhaps look over your left shoulder--in effect leaning WITH you into the turn.
As said above your stopping distance will increase and you do need to plan ahead and make predictable movements for the benefit of your passenger.
I almost had a very bad experience when my passenger leaned out much farther than needed. Keep in mind if your not expecting it it has the potential to be even worse. Luckily I was able to recover and pulled over for a little chat. If you tell your passenger to stay straight up naturally they will lean a bit in the correct direction. It's the over exaggerated movements you want to prevent.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 138
From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
.
+1 also remember to make sure she leans with you in the turns and not the other way. In other words when say you are making a left turn--make sure she stays upright on the bike or perhaps look over your left shoulder--in effect leaning WITH you into the turn.
[/quote]
+2
Tell your passenger to stay sitting straight up on the bike, even if it leans. Be one with the bike as it were.
Bike leans right, passenger leans right. You get it.
MikeM
+1 also remember to make sure she leans with you in the turns and not the other way. In other words when say you are making a left turn--make sure she stays upright on the bike or perhaps look over your left shoulder--in effect leaning WITH you into the turn.
[/quote]
+2
Tell your passenger to stay sitting straight up on the bike, even if it leans. Be one with the bike as it were.
Bike leans right, passenger leans right. You get it.
MikeM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 4
From: GA
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
A couple of things off the top of my head to work out with your passenger:
1) They should always ask if you are ready before getting on the motorcycle - and the same before getting off - ALWAYS
2) You should always ask if they are ready before taking off
3) Develop one side that you will always communicate - my wife and I always talk over my left shoulder
4) Make sure they know to readjust their seating, clothing, etc., only while you are under power and moving - NOT when first taking off, slowing down/braking or when stopped (unless she lets you know first)
1) They should always ask if you are ready before getting on the motorcycle - and the same before getting off - ALWAYS
2) You should always ask if they are ready before taking off
3) Develop one side that you will always communicate - my wife and I always talk over my left shoulder
4) Make sure they know to readjust their seating, clothing, etc., only while you are under power and moving - NOT when first taking off, slowing down/braking or when stopped (unless she lets you know first)
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 667
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Wa.
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
ORIGINAL: Bluzmn59
A couple of things off the top of my head to work out with your passenger:
1) They should always ask if you are ready before getting on the motorcycle - and the same before getting off - ALWAYS
2) You should always ask if they are ready before taking off
3) Develop one side that you will always communicate - my wife and I always talk over my left shoulder
4) Make sure they know to readjust their seating, clothing, etc., only while you are under power and moving - NOT when first taking off, slowing down/braking or when stopped (unless she lets you know first)
A couple of things off the top of my head to work out with your passenger:
1) They should always ask if you are ready before getting on the motorcycle - and the same before getting off - ALWAYS
2) You should always ask if they are ready before taking off
3) Develop one side that you will always communicate - my wife and I always talk over my left shoulder
4) Make sure they know to readjust their seating, clothing, etc., only while you are under power and moving - NOT when first taking off, slowing down/braking or when stopped (unless she lets you know first)
Somewhat agree with #2 there might come a time when you get sick of her and then it would be acceptable not to ask but, you have to grab a hand full throttle dump the clutch and not look back.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
Drive and learn. I had been riding a month or so. Threw her on the back, and took off. Extra careful at first, but you should get a feel for how things work very easy. Use common sense with the fact you have extra weight on.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
ORIGINAL: Bluzmn59
A couple of things off the top of my head to work out with your passenger:
1) They should always ask if you are ready before getting on the motorcycle - and the same before getting off - ALWAYS
2) You should always ask if they are ready before taking off
3) Develop one side that you will always communicate - my wife and I always talk over my left shoulder
4) Make sure they know to readjust their seating, clothing, etc., only while you are under power and moving - NOT when first taking off, slowing down/braking or when stopped (unless she lets you know first)
A couple of things off the top of my head to work out with your passenger:
1) They should always ask if you are ready before getting on the motorcycle - and the same before getting off - ALWAYS
2) You should always ask if they are ready before taking off
3) Develop one side that you will always communicate - my wife and I always talk over my left shoulder
4) Make sure they know to readjust their seating, clothing, etc., only while you are under power and moving - NOT when first taking off, slowing down/braking or when stopped (unless she lets you know first)
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 1
From: Modoc County,California
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
ORIGINAL: wallyn
I disagree with most of this statement. Do not tell a passenger to lean with you. Tell them to stay straight up on the bike. A passenger that suddenly starts to lean into a turn when you do not expect it will unexpectedly change your line and could ruin your day. Always tell you passenger to NOT help you lean.
As said above your stopping distance will increase and you do need to plan ahead and make predictable movements for the benefit of your passenger.
ORIGINAL: zoopman
+1 also remember to make sure she leans with you in the turns and not the other way. In other words when say you are making a left turn--make sure she stays upright on the bike or perhaps look over your left shoulder--in effect leaning WITH you into the turn.
+1 also remember to make sure she leans with you in the turns and not the other way. In other words when say you are making a left turn--make sure she stays upright on the bike or perhaps look over your left shoulder--in effect leaning WITH you into the turn.
As said above your stopping distance will increase and you do need to plan ahead and make predictable movements for the benefit of your passenger.
TIPS FOR THE MOTORCYCLE PASSENGER (Or How To Get Invited To Go Riding Again)By Chuck Hawks
http://www.chuckhawks.com/motorcycle_passenger_tips.htm
… 9. Motorcycles turn by leaning (banking like an airplane), not by steering like a car. So don't be alarmed when the motorcycle leans over to go around a corner. To position yourself perfectly for a turn, just look over the rider's shoulder in the direction of the turn. If the motorcycle is turning right, look over the rider's right shoulder; if it is turning left, look over the rider's left shoulder.
You don't have to do anything else; looking naturally over the rider's inside shoulder will automatically put your weight right where it belongs in a turn. Keep your body in line with the rider's body to prevent the motorcycle from leaning more than the rider intends. (When going straight, it doesn't matter which shoulder you look over.) Never lean out of a turn; you could cause an accident that way, which is another big no-no…
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: S/W Ohio
RE: Learning how to ride 2-up
Practice your slow speed maneuvering until your competent because it won't be any better with a rider on the back. When you're moving you won't notice the rider.
1) You get on first, start the bike, take it off the stand, hold it up and then have your passenger get on, have them hold onto your shoulders to steady themselves, and you will also know when they're getting on. Do this consistently and you won't get tipped overwhen she surprises you sometime when you're not expecting it.
2) Tell the rider NO sudden moves or leaning other than forward to talk.
3)Keep their feet on the pegs and never put them down on the ground or pipes.
4) Tell them to only look over your shoulder in the direction you are turning or sit still...don't help.
5) Remember those boards or pegs are down and will hit you in the legs if you drag your feet taking off!
6) Take an experienced rider as your first passenger and practice in a large parking lot before taking it to the street.
It's nothardjust take it slow and have fun.
Ride well,
Jim
1) You get on first, start the bike, take it off the stand, hold it up and then have your passenger get on, have them hold onto your shoulders to steady themselves, and you will also know when they're getting on. Do this consistently and you won't get tipped overwhen she surprises you sometime when you're not expecting it.
2) Tell the rider NO sudden moves or leaning other than forward to talk.
3)Keep their feet on the pegs and never put them down on the ground or pipes.
4) Tell them to only look over your shoulder in the direction you are turning or sit still...don't help.
5) Remember those boards or pegs are down and will hit you in the legs if you drag your feet taking off!
6) Take an experienced rider as your first passenger and practice in a large parking lot before taking it to the street.
It's nothardjust take it slow and have fun.
Ride well,
Jim