Riding Two Up.....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
"I get on the bike first then she gets on, and when we dismount I get off then she does the reason for this is I can keep my eye on her feet so that nothing get scratched."
That is my only concern of 2-up riding, my wife getting on and off the bike and scratching the tops of the hardbags.
I don't want the ugly black coverings and I'm still on the wall about the 3M Film.
It's a bitch to be ****!!!!
That is my only concern of 2-up riding, my wife getting on and off the bike and scratching the tops of the hardbags.
I don't want the ugly black coverings and I'm still on the wall about the 3M Film.
It's a bitch to be ****!!!!
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 1
From: Herculaneum, Mo.
Sounds like the guys have given you some great advice, as always, so i won't repeat a bunch of that stuff, but i will tell that when my wife started riding with me it became so enjoyable for both of us. If we go with other riders good, if we are by ourselves, that's good too. So do whatever it takes to make this 2up thing work for you. Ride safe.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 681
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta
All of this is good advice. If we are hoteling it we can pack every thing in my riggpak and saddle bags no problem. if camping then I pull a HF trailer, actualy I can fit 99% of my camping gear on the bike, just cant live with out the air mattress any more so the trailer is easer.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 1
From: Vegas
I learned from others on the site here that if you are on the bike waiting for her to mount/dismount, have her tell you she is getting on/off. You would be surprised how many bikes have been dropped because the rider wasn't ready for the passenger to get on/off. Ride safe.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Ok,here is my advise. At low speed, sharp turns and at stops, have your partner put there chest on your back. After reaching about 10mph they can lean back and relax. This will help the "flop factor" and center of gravity. Nothing worse than coming to a read light and and the passenger leans in the opposite direction unexpectedly at slow speeds.
Last edited by duffey11; Jan 13, 2009 at 06:13 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 884
Likes: 26
From: Mesa, AZ
Well, lots of good information here - Just do your home work - My wife and I have it down now - It was not like that at first - I over prepared - You both will learn - Most of all, make sure she is comfortable - My wife is a real trooper - She does not complain one bit - As long as you both understand what you are doing and why - Take the time to enjoy the ride and each others company -
Good luck and be safe -
Good luck and be safe -
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 1
From: Old River-Winfree, Tx
Agree with the "you get on then she gets on" and vice versa. Also agree with the "keep the heavy stuff as low as possible".
Last summer, GF and I took a week cruise. I bought the HD saddlebag luggage....she had one bag....I had one bag. We used those "Vacuum Space Bags" (bought at Wallyworld)...amazing just how much you can compress clothes, etc. When packing them, we'd either sit or lay on em to push the air out. Worked GREAT!! I had a small 'travel bag' with side pockets I put in the trunk for her hair dryer, curling iron, etc....tennis shoes, slaps, belts, etc., then packed stuff around that (windbreakers, small air compressor, tire plugs, gloves, ect). I have one of the water bottle leather bags on the left saddlebag guard that I put my took kit in....was ok, but Im going to order BOTH saddlebag guard leather bags this year....I believe you can put ALOT of 'stuff' in them. As far as rain gear, I packed ours in an old school backpack I had that belonged to my boys and bungied it to the luggage rack. The 3-pouch windshield bag held ciggies, phones, chapstick, drink money, doo rags, etc....very convenient. We actually had 7 days worth of clothes, ect when we left out.
Now....this year, if going on a multi-destination trip (A to B, B to C, C to A), we're going to mail "B to Cs" equipment to point B, etc. I believe most motels, hotels willl accept a package if you have reservations...at least the ones we stayed at last year told us they had no problem...just let em know it's coming. Priority mail is CHEAP compared to either leaving things behind or buying/replacing as you go.
One other thing....I gave GF an extra KEY to 'stash' on her person...just in case.
Good Luck!!!
Billy G
Last summer, GF and I took a week cruise. I bought the HD saddlebag luggage....she had one bag....I had one bag. We used those "Vacuum Space Bags" (bought at Wallyworld)...amazing just how much you can compress clothes, etc. When packing them, we'd either sit or lay on em to push the air out. Worked GREAT!! I had a small 'travel bag' with side pockets I put in the trunk for her hair dryer, curling iron, etc....tennis shoes, slaps, belts, etc., then packed stuff around that (windbreakers, small air compressor, tire plugs, gloves, ect). I have one of the water bottle leather bags on the left saddlebag guard that I put my took kit in....was ok, but Im going to order BOTH saddlebag guard leather bags this year....I believe you can put ALOT of 'stuff' in them. As far as rain gear, I packed ours in an old school backpack I had that belonged to my boys and bungied it to the luggage rack. The 3-pouch windshield bag held ciggies, phones, chapstick, drink money, doo rags, etc....very convenient. We actually had 7 days worth of clothes, ect when we left out.
Now....this year, if going on a multi-destination trip (A to B, B to C, C to A), we're going to mail "B to Cs" equipment to point B, etc. I believe most motels, hotels willl accept a package if you have reservations...at least the ones we stayed at last year told us they had no problem...just let em know it's coming. Priority mail is CHEAP compared to either leaving things behind or buying/replacing as you go.
One other thing....I gave GF an extra KEY to 'stash' on her person...just in case.
Good Luck!!!
Billy G
Last edited by BillyG0856; Feb 5, 2009 at 01:49 AM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
A lot of passengers think they need to try to lean with the bike. A few even lean the opposite way out of reflex. Both can result in trouble. Just tell her to not lean at all, just sit back and relax.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Townsville OZ
all of the above my soon to be wife has never riden or been a passenger ever and we have only done 2 big trips soof ar and alot of around town stuff the one thing i try and teach her and she is getting better all the time is to sit still and lean into the back rest when going round the bends and not to jerk around suddenly esp at the lights when stopping or doing u-turns etc ,1 tip for u-turns make her sit still and you do what you should do all the time shift your weight to the outside of the turn keeping your eyes focused on where you want to go and not at where your going if you know what i meen ! ..oh and tell her its ok to scream at you if some f-head in a cage is about run you under ?! beleive me its a life saver !