2 up advice?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 1,210
From: AZ
Try not to get into a place you need to do a tight u-turn. The first few rides I had with my wife were small roads with a little gravel here & there. Very unnerving until you get used to the weight.
Weight usually becomes a factor when you're at low speed or no speed. Like in a parking lot. When moving the bike do it one up. And take your time. Have the bike upright off the jiffy stand with both feet well planted for your passenger to mount the bike. A mounted passenger just increases the effort to upright the bike. And then you'll have to lift one foot and lean the bike to the right to lift the jiffy stand. Other than that you should be fine.
gets on the bike after I have it upright . Even in my
younger years I found it easier .
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
Taking the likes of the Ride-Like-a-Pro course will help you tremendously with the ponderousness of the bike in tight, slow maneuvering. You may well be comfortable now, youll be even more comfortable after the days class. If they allow for a passenger, take it a second time, with her.
Ive found having the passenger grip me around the chest makes them feel more secure than if theyre holding on at my waist. And, they will lean and move with me. It also lets me feel very clearly from them if they are relaxed or tense.
With a passenger backrest, they may lean against it, eventually. Then they are moving with the bike.
I usually dont mind the passenger looking around at any time. I can feel it, but its no big deal. Thats not the same as suddenly standing up, or leaning over to tie a shoe.
I do ask for a passenger to wait until I give the ok before climbing on or off the bike.
Ive found having the passenger grip me around the chest makes them feel more secure than if theyre holding on at my waist. And, they will lean and move with me. It also lets me feel very clearly from them if they are relaxed or tense.
With a passenger backrest, they may lean against it, eventually. Then they are moving with the bike.
I usually dont mind the passenger looking around at any time. I can feel it, but its no big deal. Thats not the same as suddenly standing up, or leaning over to tie a shoe.
I do ask for a passenger to wait until I give the ok before climbing on or off the bike.
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Joe Kucinski
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,329
Likes: 2,414
From: Jackson, OH
The little bit of advice I have: Eliminate those ‘back of the mind’ concerns about 1) your riding abilities with a passenger, and 2) thoughts about what’s going on behind you. Once the clutch is out you’re 100% about a nice relaxed ride without distraction or tension. Your passenger will appreciate a feeling of confidence, stability and safety. Good stops and easy turns. Make it fun and probably shorter than you’d prefer. Leave them with a smile and wanting more the next time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,166
Likes: 11,263
From: San Diego, CA
Weight usually becomes a factor when you're at low speed or no speed. Like in a parking lot. When moving the bike do it one up. And take your time.
Have the bike upright off the jiffy stand with both feet well planted for your passenger to mount the bike.
A mounted passenger just increases the effort to upright the bike. And then you'll have to lift one foot and lean the bike to the right to lift the jiffy stand. Other than that you should be fine.
A good passenger is hardly noticeable. All she really needs to do is sit there and not fight what the bike is doing. Let her know that when you're coming to a stop it's really important for her not to move around too much. When you're cruising and as long as she isn't fighting the bike you'll be fine.
Practice in a parking lot a little bit so both of you can get used to riding together.
Making the bike ready for her to get on (bike off stand, backed out of spot, and pointed ready to ride) and having a good passenger (knows not to move around at slow speed or fight your movements) will go a long way to making it easy and enjoyable to ride two up....
Enjoy.....