Last Saturday, Out of the blue, after 40 years of refusing to even consider it, my wife told me to take her to the dealer to buy her a helmet so she could ride with me. She had been talking about it for awhile, so I put the stock seat back on, mounted some Floorboards from an Electraglide, and even managed to find a sissybar and back rest. I figured I would ride it around like that for awhile, and then swap the solo seat back on it, because I really didn't think she would ever ride with me. Saturday, after we got back from picking up her helmet (had to have the most expensive one at the dealer), she changed into boots and jeans and we took off for about an hour. She was tense the whole time, and I was sure stressed trying to ride smooth and steady (I generally toss it around pretty hard), but we got back to the house with no mishaps. It was a good beginning, and I hope it leads to regular rides together. I know she is never going to go touring, but a couple of hours on the backroads will be nice.

Still, It forced me to consider the bike setup. I could add more preload to the shocks, but I suspect that a higher spring rate would be more beneficial. Are there any options other than air shocks or 442's. Also will be replacing the rear tire very soon, and I wonder if there is a better option for 2 up riding. It has the 200mm mounted right now, but I would drop down to a slightly smaller (180-190) if I was sure that I was getting a tire better suited to two up riding. What have you guys had success with?

 

I put Legend Revo-As on my Night Train w/ the stock 200mm rear tire and it was a night and day difference compared to the 2x4 stock shocks, well worth them money. I can't speak on 2 up riding with them yet.

 

That's awesome. My wife and I each ended up with our own ride, me my softail slim, and her, the Freewheeler, we go out a lot riding separately, with a group or whatever, but sometimes we do hop on the freewheeler and ride 2 up. Either way we go, many miles and smiles for both of us, not sure yet how we're going when we go to Laconia in a few weeks. I wish the same for you!

 

Suggestion #1: keep hiding panties in your glove box so your wife will keep riding with you
#2 - Ohlins on the rear before your wife gets accustomed to the ride. Wait too long and expect 2-3 years of "why'd you wait so long before changing the shocks?"

 

Sounds like you welcome her riding with you, so that's awesome she's decided to join you.

My lady had never been on a bike before. One ride and she's hooked. She knows I ride hard and fast (she's heard the stories) but I took it easy for the first couple of rides. She tapped me on the shoulder and yelled, "Stop driving like a *****!" LOL...now she likes riding fast. It's a joy to have her along.