2 up advice?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 405
From: Halifax,NS, Canada
Hardest part I found when we started riding together was the on/off. I actually had her practice getting off/on the bike in the driveway a few times, just so she got used to how the bike moved around when she was throwing her leg over. It also gave me the sense of how I needed to hold the bike up while she was getting on. Like the guys said, keep it upright while she is getting on, and I always hold the front brake in as well. You'll get used to it really quick, and won't think about it again.
Good luck!
Mac
Good luck!
Mac
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 61
Likes: 22
From: Somersworth, NH
Make sure she knows that the stoplight is not the place to be having a Baywatch style flipping her hair for the camera moment lol. My girlfriend did that on our first ride together and we damn near fell over.
As for the "who mounts first" debate, I personally have found it much easier to have my gf mount first and from the right hand side. Doing this takes weight off the jiffy stand while she's throwing her leg over. I mount from the same side for the same reason. Turning the bars to the right will help make it easier to get the bike off the stand with the weight of two riders. For me personally, having her mount while i'm upright always felt like she was pulling me back down to the ground. Again, all personal preference. Try different scenarios to see what works best for you.
And most importantly HAVE FUN
As for the "who mounts first" debate, I personally have found it much easier to have my gf mount first and from the right hand side. Doing this takes weight off the jiffy stand while she's throwing her leg over. I mount from the same side for the same reason. Turning the bars to the right will help make it easier to get the bike off the stand with the weight of two riders. For me personally, having her mount while i'm upright always felt like she was pulling me back down to the ground. Again, all personal preference. Try different scenarios to see what works best for you.
And most importantly HAVE FUN
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 26
Likes: 6
From: Elmer NJ
Make sure you have good boots on and always keep your hands on grip's at stops in case she moves . Just communicate and ask her not to move under a certain speed . Most passengers get on after the Driver. I have a Handicap Daughter and can't comprehend or understand not to move around and also gets on first to help her swing leg over seat, but she is only about 130 . You will get more comfortable and secure in your ability the more you ride . I'm not a big person at 5"11 on a ultra classic and my Laura can wiggle, Dance ,wave her arms like she just don't care lol and I'm always prepared it just takes practice . She also doesn't get off until after I do so she can swing leg over seat .
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
You got good advice. You're local to me and the only thing I would add is right now there is a ton of cinders and gravel at most of the intersections. Be mindful of that when you stop. The extra weight up high makes footing important. I don't take the wife this early in the season. A few good rains will clean things up quite a bit.
Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver Canada
My issue always was, and still is, coming to a stop with the rear footrests extended. It always his the back of my ankles and drove me nuts.
Then, my passenger began to lift the feet off the 'rests and raise them up, wiggling the 'bike as I came to a stop.
I solved the problem by deciding to ride solo.
Then, my passenger began to lift the feet off the 'rests and raise them up, wiggling the 'bike as I came to a stop.
I solved the problem by deciding to ride solo.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 3,251
From: Chicagoland
Sounds like Dr. Ruth answering a question about cunnilingus.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 3,421
Likes: 726
From: Tiffin,Oh
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
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Likes: 2,457
I haven't read all the replies, so this might of been already mentioned. What I suggest is to explain your gf the "rules". For me, I tell my wife not to get on or off the bike until I am aware (she will know because I will tell her). This prevents from her surprising me by getting on the bike and I am unaware. Bad idea. Second thing is, I told my wife not to try to help me or the bike turn, just go with the flow. Third, ride it the way so your gf can gain trust.
Other than that, just keep in mind extra weight when you are braking. It will be a little slower to stop.
Other than that, just keep in mind extra weight when you are braking. It will be a little slower to stop.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 2,457
Hmmm...I don't know if I could do that lol. I just make sure my feet are planted and my wife comes from the left side of the bike, puts her left foot on the pass peg, holds to my shoulder and climbs up. It feel very steady and I feel like I have control that way.