Loading the better half
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Loading the better half
May be a dumb question, but is it safe for my wife to climb on with the bike on the side stand? She does not weigh over 120 and I just can't see it being bad, but would hate to find out I am wrong the hard way.
Thanks
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City
My opinion, very bad idea. You should be on the bike first with the bike upright before she gets on. If she climbs on without you and the bike decides to tip the opposite way there will be nothing to stop it.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 275
Likes: 4
From: MA
I always get on first. I give a signal when I'm prepared for her to get on, she taps me on my shoulder when she is seated and ready to ride. We chose this system after she stepped on the passenger footboard and tried to climb on before I was holding the handlebars one time. Almost dropped the bike right there in the driveway. Good communication saves paint/chrome/injury!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Seattle area
It can be done, and for the most part probably won't hurt the side stand, but I don't think it's a great idea. The safest way is to have the rider straddle the bike, both feet on the ground with the jiffy stand up while squeezing the front brake. Then let the passenger know you're ready for her to "mount" (snicker). Same goes for the dismount. The only reason not to do it this way is if she can't swing a leg over the back of the bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Kelowna BC
I'm always on first. Watched a buddy’s girlfriend get on first one time and the bike tipped over the other way. She was ok but the bike needed some new paint.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
My wife gets on first (ultra), back surgery (3) prevent her from lifting her leg over the tour pack. Have been doing it this way for years with no issues. Riders back rest, so she mounts as a rider, pulls the back rest down, then slides back
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
It can be done, and for the most part probably won't hurt the side stand, but I don't think it's a great idea. The safest way is to have the rider straddle the bike, both feet on the ground with the jiffy stand up while squeezing the front brake. Then let the passenger know you're ready for her to "mount" (snicker). Same goes for the dismount. The only reason not to do it this way is if she can't swing a leg over the back of the bike.
