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I'm finally getting used to the weight of the RoadKing I bought and have gained confidence. I'm 62 yrs old, but rode fxr forever. I haven't taken my gf for a Roadie ride yet because I hadn't felt comfortable in doing so safely. I'm thinking I'm ready. Any advice from you experts on my first ride with a passenger, besides the obvious?
tia
I have found a couple of posts about what a pillion ought to do. The main one is they need to stay inline with the bike. When the bike leans they stay inline with the bike they do not lean. The worst thing is if they counter lean.
You might find it easier if your pillion gets on first while the bike is still on the jiffy stand then get on and lift the bike.
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.
Riding with a passenger is no big deal, just tell her the basics. 1. Just stay upright, dont try to lean and help you in corners, lol. 2. Dont touch the exhaust with the boots.. 3. Relax and enjoy the ride. As far as you are concerned, ride a bit more cautiously till you get the hang of having a passenger.
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