First time passenger
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,945
Likes: 1
From:
RE: First time passenger
All the above, and keep to the backroads the first coupla rides \\;an' keep the rides short. \\;Try to plan stops at places SHE will enjoy and LISTEN to her input on comfort. \\;My better half has done 1,000-mile days, and this summer we did 3,300+ miles in 10 days, several of which were 500 milers. \\; If I see an accessory, she encourages me to buy it for "our" bike...
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 884
Likes: 26
From: Mesa, AZ
RE: First time passenger
All good advice. I get the bike ready then I give the ok to mount and dismount. Also, before we start moving I ask if she is ready. Back a few years ago, we stopped for a rest and before I knew it she just got off the bike, bike lays over on the crash bar. Needless to say, that was corrected right there and has never happened again.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 69
From: Northford, CT
RE: First time passenger
Advise about getting on and off is \\;the best.
 \\;
 \\;Once you are in motion it is another story. It will take you longer to stop with the added weight no matter how light or heavy your passanger is. Once they are on their feet go on the foot pegs or floorboards and don't come off until you tell her to. More than one new passanger had dumped a bike because they put their foot down to help at a stop. There is no wiggling in turns or comming to a stop. In a turn their head should should be on the inside of the turn over your shoulder. If \\;she is tired or uncomfortable she needs to tell you. If your passanger is not happy you will not have a good ride.
 \\;
I have used this with all \\;our young niece's and nephew's \\;and never had a problem. Of course my wife only wiggles in turns or coming to a stop her head is always on the outside of the turn. Guess you learn to deal with it over time. My wife has M/S and has ridden with me for over 20 years.
 \\;
Have fun
Moe
 \\;
 \\;Once you are in motion it is another story. It will take you longer to stop with the added weight no matter how light or heavy your passanger is. Once they are on their feet go on the foot pegs or floorboards and don't come off until you tell her to. More than one new passanger had dumped a bike because they put their foot down to help at a stop. There is no wiggling in turns or comming to a stop. In a turn their head should should be on the inside of the turn over your shoulder. If \\;she is tired or uncomfortable she needs to tell you. If your passanger is not happy you will not have a good ride.
 \\;
I have used this with all \\;our young niece's and nephew's \\;and never had a problem. Of course my wife only wiggles in turns or coming to a stop her head is always on the outside of the turn. Guess you learn to deal with it over time. My wife has M/S and has ridden with me for over 20 years.
 \\;
Have fun
Moe
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From:
RE: First time passenger
Good advice so far about mounts/dismounts. When making slow speed turns in parking lots etc try only using the rear brake. You can drag the brake and work the clutch/throttle to control the bike remarkably well. I routinely do full lock turns with Mrs O'Lady using this technique. When you hit the front brake the front end becomes heavier and slower and harder to deal with. Of course, once up to speed on the highway forget all about that rear brake and stick with the front one. I am gonna get flamed for saying it, but that don't make it a lie. The rear brake will only get you in trouble on the highway.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: santa rosa ca.
RE: First time passenger
make sure she know sit just as important for her to watch the road, if shes looking over the shoulder in the direction your turning it'll make every thing easier. oh yeah and plus 1 on tell her to be quiet
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 246
Likes: 37
From: Reading,Pa.
RE: First time passenger
Everything in these posts is good advice. My wife and I have been riding 2 up for more years than I can remember. She knows when to get on and when to get off(the bike). Your other half will be that way too after awhile. \\;
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
RE: First time passenger
Of course, the more she weighs the more difference it makes. Slow manuvering can be tough, I make the wife get off when I need to back up or park on anything other than pavement. Gravel with the front wheel turned and extra weight on the back is a bitch.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 4
From: Third Coast, South Texas
RE: First time passenger
+1 on the wiggle, I tell my wife not to wiggle when coming up to a stop and stopped. To help her understand, I explained its all my power when idling/stopped, if she wiggles while moving, I have the throttle and power of the engine to keep her straight.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 4
From: Third Coast, South Texas
RE: First time passenger
Wifey gets on after me, after turned around backed up whatever. I want two feet on the ground two hands on the bar, brake locked. \\; Then I give the go ahead for getting on and off.