Need Some Advice On 2-UP Riding
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 502
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From:
One more tip
Safety is obviously the number one thing, once you have that down you'll both be fine. After that come the little things like don't do anything to scare her if you can help help it. The last thing is never ever allow her to melt her boots on your pipes.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 611
Likes: 1
From: Creektown aka Lower Alabama, but not that low
Chrome is hot
I know this sounds simplistic, but until she learns better, just tell her if it's chrome, it can burn you. Of course, if you've got the nice black ceramic pipes....
Ditto on the not backing up with passenger. Only time I've dropped my bike is doing the same. Only time I've almost dropped my bike is the leaning over at a stop thing. Extra weight provides some added momentum at stops that you have to get used to. You'll love it. Get ready though, it only took 10 months and my wife is already talking about getting her own....
Ditto on the not backing up with passenger. Only time I've dropped my bike is doing the same. Only time I've almost dropped my bike is the leaning over at a stop thing. Extra weight provides some added momentum at stops that you have to get used to. You'll love it. Get ready though, it only took 10 months and my wife is already talking about getting her own....
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 630
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From:
Very true. My wife is pretty small, but when she move around you can really feel the influence on the bike's handling. Just make sure she relaxes. Ride smaller roads first to get used to it (for both of you) before hitting the highway. Allow more stopping distance.
Also, make sure she watches shoes/legs around hot exhaust pipes! Shoe soles melt quickly! Ask me how I know!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 17
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
All great tips here so I won't retype them but I will add: brush up on countersteering. A great tool if your new passenger "wigs" out in a curve or even in a straight away. You have probably gotten so used to yuorself that countersteering just happens but with a new rider you have more weight to deal with.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
All good advice, but coming from a lighter bike before the RK, have her look over your inside shoulder in turns. This keeps her from throwing weight to outside of bike. Don't know if this would make much diff on bike as heavy as a harley, but it's a habit and sure made a diff on our lighter bike.
This is the most critical of all the good advice given ... If Leaning right have the Pax look over your right shoulder .. If Leaning Left look over your left shoulder .. Also proper mount and dismount .. Enjoy, my wife rides with me often...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
Lots of good advise here, I think pretty much it has all been covered.
As the driver, I don't think there is as much for YOU to know or adjust for as much as there is for HER to know. As a passenger, I just remember the few key points that was explained to me.
* Lean with the driver ... stick to him like glue, so you are one body weight ... Do not counter balance.
* Never shift your weight without giving him a warning ... A tap on the shoulder, a leg squeeze ... find a way to signal him that you have to move. And do it slowly and gently.... No jerking movements that will throw him off .. Keep in mind riding is about balance and centrifugal force. The general direction those spinning tires can be manipulated by the slightest adjustment in weight ... Again ... Don't counter steer
* Learn the hand signals ... As a passenger you have the added benefit of indicating your plans in advance to other motorists
* Don't fiddle with stuff during a turn or while cornering at slow speeds...Wait for your driver to be prepared for the shift in weight
THAT's pretty much it .... so Relax and enjoy the ride!
As the driver, I don't think there is as much for YOU to know or adjust for as much as there is for HER to know. As a passenger, I just remember the few key points that was explained to me.
* Lean with the driver ... stick to him like glue, so you are one body weight ... Do not counter balance.
* Never shift your weight without giving him a warning ... A tap on the shoulder, a leg squeeze ... find a way to signal him that you have to move. And do it slowly and gently.... No jerking movements that will throw him off .. Keep in mind riding is about balance and centrifugal force. The general direction those spinning tires can be manipulated by the slightest adjustment in weight ... Again ... Don't counter steer
* Learn the hand signals ... As a passenger you have the added benefit of indicating your plans in advance to other motorists
* Don't fiddle with stuff during a turn or while cornering at slow speeds...Wait for your driver to be prepared for the shift in weight
THAT's pretty much it .... so Relax and enjoy the ride!
Last edited by bikergirl40; Apr 12, 2009 at 09:16 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 702
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From: U.S.S.A.
+1 on that. My biggest problems with wife on board were very slow speed incidents. Lane positioning at red light, parking lots, etc.. Pulled into a gravel parking lot one time and she's turning all around while I'm going about 2 mph. Just about dumped the thing. She'd also "shake out" her legs while I'm stopped at a red light. Also not recommended without warning.