Loading the better half
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Its a Harley, they come running 2 or 3 at a time. 
Then again maybe I just think its 2 or 3 120lb girls climbing on. 
Then again maybe I just think its 2 or 3 120lb girls climbing on.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 2
From: St. Augustine Florida
My wife will only get on the bike once I have it warmed up and am ready to roll. A head nod or look are given. When dismounting, she will only dismount when both my hands are on the handlebar and I have given her the nod. This avoids all weight shifting surprises!
This could be taken out of context but...only let her mount when you are ready!! Jiffy stand UP and both feet firmly planted on stable ground. No leaves, oil, gravel or any other skid prone surface.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 204
Likes: 1
From: Westminster, MD
Is this a serious thread?? If you cant tell your passenger the safe way to get on, you should not be riding with a passenger. WHY WOULD YOU PUT MORE STRESS ON THE STAND THEN YOU HAVE TO?? This seems like common sense to me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 9
From: Northwest Arkansas
Contrary to popular practice, my wife gets on first while the motorcycle is on the kick stand. Been doing it for years and never had a problem. It all started because she could not easily swing her leg over a sissy bar, then a tour pack, then a back rest. Those HD kick stands are the best there are.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 4
From: Third Coast, South Texas
I'm always on first with the bike off the stand with front brake applied, my wife checks with me 1st before getting on or off. Never a problem, in fact, she's so good at it I don't even feel her pulling.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Well thanks for the serious replies and really thanks to the King for his insight. Actually my wife was run over by a moron in a parking lot and had a serious pelvic injury and it is very hard for her to get on the bike with me on first. But due to the risk of being shunned by the folks in Maryland, we will adapt and overcome. The reason I have asked this question is that nearly everytime I am riding I see literally dozens of ways that folks mount up and was just asking.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Rural Northern CA
Getting a passenger on/off
Well thanks for the serious replies and really thanks to the King for his insight. Actually my wife was run over by a moron in a parking lot and had a serious pelvic injury and it is very hard for her to get on the bike with me on first. But due to the risk of being shunned by the folks in Maryland, we will adapt and overcome. The reason I have asked this question is that nearly everytime I am riding I see literally dozens of ways that folks mount up and was just asking.
With my first motorcycle, I got on, got it off the kick stand, & then held it upright for my then-wife to get on, just as many have said they do now.
When taking my diminutive lady-friend on a ride on a dealer's bike, I was corrected by the dealer himself, & later discussed the matter with a riding instructor. They both wanted me to get on the bike, start it, leave it on the jiffy-stand, stabilize the bike, & let the passenger mount up when I say "ready." The passenger keeps one hand on my shoulder. Once she is aboard, then I lift it off the jiffy stand, put it in gear, & ride off.
What made the technique I now use "make sense" was the day I gave a . . . "not so diminutive lady friend" . . a ride. Due to her hip surgery, she had trouble stepping as high as my EGC's passenger floorboard unless it was tipped toward her (as on the jiffy stand), & had trouble stepping between me and the Tourpack.
What made the "on the jiffy stand" technique beneficial from my point of view was that the EGC was "stabilized twice:" once by the jiffy stand & simultaneously by me.
I found that when my "not so diminutive lady friend" was comfortably seated, it really did not take that much effort to bring the bike fully upright & ride off. Since she was not familiar with motorcycle riding, this technique gave her the most reassurance.
I guess the bottom line is to do what makes your passenger feel most secure considering her health and confidence in you.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have owned Harleys since the 70s, long before workshop lifts made life easier. To get a wheel out, or both wheels for that matter, my Harley dealer (and I copied him) jacked the bike up onto its side stand. In my case I used one or two car jacks. So these side stands are not going to buckle!
My wife is similar size and weight to me. She gets on first, like a queen settling onto her throne, then graciously invites me to join her. Works for us! Just make sure the bike is on level ground with no gradient.
My wife is similar size and weight to me. She gets on first, like a queen settling onto her throne, then graciously invites me to join her. Works for us! Just make sure the bike is on level ground with no gradient.