First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Airdrie, AB
First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
I took my Gf on her first ride today and the Ultra seems a little squirrley and light in the front end but not dangerously so. Tires pressures are ok, maybe I just need to get used to the different way it handles with the extra weight and higher center of gravity... Im running about 10 lbs in the rear shocks will adding more air pressure help? Thanks much
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
I am 5'6" and got my first FLHTCI in Feb 04 after I did a two week rental in AZ to make sure... It takes some getting used to - depending on what you rode before... I ride two up most of the time... started with a Fat Boy in 96 then went to a WG in 2000 and then to the EG and then last Christmas I turned the EG into a RG and have never looked back...
Depending on how long your legs are.. just get used to the extra weight - its tricky at first when riding slow... Just make sure the passanger sits still and gets on and off at your command... after awhile it will feel just fine...
Depending on how long your legs are.. just get used to the extra weight - its tricky at first when riding slow... Just make sure the passanger sits still and gets on and off at your command... after awhile it will feel just fine...
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Western Washington State
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
In your owners manual there is a chart with recommended pressures based on passenger/rider weight for the various touring models. If your GF isn't an experienced passenger ask her nicely to sit still and not lean or try to help you maneuver the bike. With more miles thing should settle down.
Good Luck,
FBL
Good Luck,
FBL
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,391
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From:
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
Also, make sure she knows how to ride behind you. Most do not. Make certain she is leaning into curves with you, looking in the same direction asyou inthe turn. Natural tendency is to lean the other way. Also, while riding straight, make sure she is not moving herself to much, as this may cause that squirliness that you refer to. Add some air pressure in the shocks, and take it slow at first. Until the TWO of you get use to the ride. May take some time, but it will be all good before you know it. The higher center may be the case, I just added 18" apes and noticed, myself, how this made my bike react differently in turn and just staying in the lane. I am just getting use to it myself, but I love having my hands in front of my face. Really gives me more of that IN your bike feel.
[IMG]local://upfiles/12433/871AA80CC43C4EC1AD4834BEF95359C3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12433/871AA80CC43C4EC1AD4834BEF95359C3.jpg[/IMG]
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
Try more pressure in the rear shocks for sure.
I ran 20 lbs in the rear last year with the wife on the back and it seemed pretty good.
Then I tried 30 lbs last week just for grins and she seemed to disappear back there.
Ride was slightly harsh , but the handling was much better especially in long sweeping turns.
The front end actually feels better at the higher rear pressure for me.
Experiment with it , you'll find a sweet spot.
Mick
I ran 20 lbs in the rear last year with the wife on the back and it seemed pretty good.
Then I tried 30 lbs last week just for grins and she seemed to disappear back there.
Ride was slightly harsh , but the handling was much better especially in long sweeping turns.
The front end actually feels better at the higher rear pressure for me.
Experiment with it , you'll find a sweet spot.
Mick
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
On start up if the passenger is lean'n back "heavy" with arms on the armrests, it will feel that way also.... ask her to hug ya on start ups ( even on the whole ride)...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Omaha Nebraska
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
ORIGINAL: Mick
Try more pressure in the rear shocks for sure.
I ran 20 lbs in the rear last year with the wife on the back and it seemed pretty good.
Then I tried 30 lbs last week just for grins and she seemed to disappear back there.
Ride was slightly harsh , but the handling was much better especially in long sweeping turns.
The front end actually feels better at the higher rear pressure for me.
Experiment with it , you'll find a sweet spot.
Mick
Try more pressure in the rear shocks for sure.
I ran 20 lbs in the rear last year with the wife on the back and it seemed pretty good.
Then I tried 30 lbs last week just for grins and she seemed to disappear back there.
Ride was slightly harsh , but the handling was much better especially in long sweeping turns.
The front end actually feels better at the higher rear pressure for me.
Experiment with it , you'll find a sweet spot.
Mick
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 156
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From:
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
Progressive makes a nice hand pump also.My biggest issuewas the wife moving, "getting comfortable" while we ride. Its VERYimportant that she be stilluntil you stop and she tells you she is going to do adjust. My 9 yr. old(75 lbs) daughter made a sudden move the other day and it was not good. Very scary so be sure they know to be stilland tell you when they need to do something so its not a surprise!
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: milltown, nj
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
The first time I rode my wife on my 06 Road King, she it felt the same way. She was fighting me in turns and leaning the wrong way, etc...
I told her just sit back and let me drive the bike. Now I barely know she is back there. If your passenger is nervous you will need to "educate" them. That means take them around the block and then stop and ask them to relax and have fun. I rode my sister and told her to just stay behind me too, she is not a motorcycle fan and it was her first time on any bike. Beside the death grip on my sides she did great.
Bottom line unless they ride themselves, tell them to just sit back and stay straight up and don't fight the leans. Also, as people have already said air up the rear shocks and keep your tires to the proper PSI...
I told her just sit back and let me drive the bike. Now I barely know she is back there. If your passenger is nervous you will need to "educate" them. That means take them around the block and then stop and ask them to relax and have fun. I rode my sister and told her to just stay behind me too, she is not a motorcycle fan and it was her first time on any bike. Beside the death grip on my sides she did great.
Bottom line unless they ride themselves, tell them to just sit back and stay straight up and don't fight the leans. Also, as people have already said air up the rear shocks and keep your tires to the proper PSI...
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
From: Burbank, CA
RE: First ride with passenger.. Question about handling
startup from a dead stop is usually my hardest maneuver when 2 up.
I do tend to have my shocks pumped up, otherwise it hurts going over unseen potholes and stuff.
I tend to feel a little squirrely in the steering after she gets off and I'm riding single for some reason. It's like the steering dances a bit till i get used ot it again.
I do tend to have my shocks pumped up, otherwise it hurts going over unseen potholes and stuff.
I tend to feel a little squirrely in the steering after she gets off and I'm riding single for some reason. It's like the steering dances a bit till i get used ot it again.