Her 1st ride ever, I have one chance
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From: C-Town
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From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
We're used to speed; 120 on a straight highway doesn't faze me, but her first ride will give a speed sensation unlike what she's probably ever experienced; I'd stay off highways and putt around the neighborhood in 1st & 2nd gear for a few minutes, and ask what she thinks about it. Not fun to hit a highway and when you get up to half the speed of the cars, she says "Too fast! Slow down!". Been there... And 90 minutes is too long a first ride on any bike, try about 10 minutes; you can always go right back out again, and she'll feel more confident then.
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
We're used to speed; 120 on a straight highway doesn't faze me, but her first ride will give a speed sensation unlike what she's probably ever experienced; I'd stay off highways and putt around the neighborhood in 1st & 2nd gear for a few minutes, and ask what she thinks about it. Not fun to hit a highway and when you get up to half the speed of the cars, she says "Too fast! Slow down!". Been there... And 90 minutes is too long a first ride on any bike, try about 10 minutes; you can always go right back out again, and she'll feel more confident then.
Good points made here! I remember the first morning after I got my RK. The last time I had a bike, the speed limit was 55 mph. Riding to work that first morning at 65-70 mph surrounded by cars, trucks, and semis, was a little unnerving, even for me. Totally different from doing the same speeds from the relative safety of a passenger car/truck. Especially since it had been 30 years since my last bike. To someone who has never been on one, it will be terrifying.
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: indiana
Maybe the lunch trip is a bit too long for her first ride but it's friends of hers from work who have bikes and meet up together w spouses. I was like "ok, sounds great, we ought to go too" when she mentioned they invited us along. We live in a small town, very rural area, so a shorter ride w/o semis and a lot of traffic isn't hard to do. We just have giant bugs, deer and tractors.
Shopping, huh?...that means I now need some bags. Geez, this is getting expensive. Maybe this isn't a good idea...
Shopping, huh?...that means I now need some bags. Geez, this is getting expensive. Maybe this isn't a good idea...
Cruiser
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From: northern new jersey
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From: Michigan
Anyone's first ride (rider or passenger) should be in a quiet, low speed, low traffic setting.
Very few people are anxious to repeat a bad experience, especially if they consider it dangerous.
I'd suggest a very short, 10 to 15 minute, slow ride around the neighborhood, showing her the "basics" (like others have noted) andanswering any questions she may have.
If you scare her, or drive recklessly, don't expect a do-over.
My then girlfriend, now wife, rode with me for twenty years on a variety of bikes (FLT, Super-Glide, G/W, FXSTC, FLSTC, FLHR, FLHTCUI), many of which weren't exactly comfortable and she rarely complained.
However, one of her main complaints was how long (in minutes not distance) we rode without taking a break.
My wife eventually started riding her own bike (which has it's pros and cons) but she usually likes to stops after 1-1/2 hours.
After a while, we eventually increased the amount of time we could ride without taking a break, but remember, it doesn't to ask her if she needs a break.
Even when riding alone, I stop after two hours (or so) for a drink, stretch my legs, and a potty break.
Regular water intake (and output) is especially for us folks over 40 to prevent dehydration, so when it's really hot, stop and drink liquids more frequent.
Good luck.
Very few people are anxious to repeat a bad experience, especially if they consider it dangerous.
I'd suggest a very short, 10 to 15 minute, slow ride around the neighborhood, showing her the "basics" (like others have noted) andanswering any questions she may have.
If you scare her, or drive recklessly, don't expect a do-over.
My then girlfriend, now wife, rode with me for twenty years on a variety of bikes (FLT, Super-Glide, G/W, FXSTC, FLSTC, FLHR, FLHTCUI), many of which weren't exactly comfortable and she rarely complained.
However, one of her main complaints was how long (in minutes not distance) we rode without taking a break.
My wife eventually started riding her own bike (which has it's pros and cons) but she usually likes to stops after 1-1/2 hours.
After a while, we eventually increased the amount of time we could ride without taking a break, but remember, it doesn't to ask her if she needs a break.
Even when riding alone, I stop after two hours (or so) for a drink, stretch my legs, and a potty break.
Regular water intake (and output) is especially for us folks over 40 to prevent dehydration, so when it's really hot, stop and drink liquids more frequent.
Good luck.
Last edited by 2AMGuy; Apr 27, 2014 at 03:35 PM.
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From: In The Corn, Illinois
I hate to rain on your parade but im going to be honest. If you are trying to make her want to ride.. DO NOT !!!!!! take her for a 90 minute ride on that stock pillion. I am speaking from experience. My wife loves our new seat but the old one, well, its junk! I went with corbin but actually went to their factory with her to shape and test ride until she was happy. Then covered it. All was good after that. There are other seats available too. Good luck
Agreed! We took my bike once to pick up Dans bike from the shop. I rode 40 miles on the passenger pillion on my bike and it was horrible. It's like riding on a leather covered brick.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: canada
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 654
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From: Buna Texas
Best idea ever for lunch with her friends. I guess that means that she asked you to go. Things are a lot different for women when its their idea. Take it easy pad her butt and you'll be fine. DA s are your only worry.
