2-up riding
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Media, PA
Seems like I jumped the gun a little too quickly. I am still kinda new to the ridin' scene...well, I rode a few years ago for 5 or six years and then sold the bike to go back to school. Went to school and just got a bike 'bout 10 days ago. Got back into it and felt comfortable but I guess I need more time to myself on the bike. My turns still need some workin' out...Thanks guys. Definitely appreciate it! Cheers
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Something I haven't seen mentioned yet is using rear brake to help stable the bike when coming to a slow stop or turning. The only time I wanted my passenger to sit still was while stopping. Never bothered me if she turned and took pictures while riding at hwy speeds. Use that rear brake while coming to a slow straight stop at a light. You'll feel a lot more stable. A good Video to get is Ride Like A Pro Good luck!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Mississippi
Take your time...the empty parking lot is a great practice ground. My wife and I on a 9 day ride logged over 4000 miles from San Antone to Denver and back on my old FXDL with no problems...then after coming home we were on a day ride and hit some gravel and went down...after healing up she waited for me to tell her when I was ready for her to jump on and ride again. Then in Feb of this year I had a deer hit me while riding solo and totaled my RK...I now have another RK...but again she said she would wait til I was comfortable again before she jumped back on....she undersatnds the importance of my being comfortable.
I remember on that CO ride coming down off of Mt. Evans, some pretty hairy switchbacks, and I feel the bike rocking....she would wait til we almost got to the turn to raise up from her seat to turn around and take pics of the bikes behind us
.....first time and last time I ever had to yell for her to "Sit the f*ck Down!!"
Just take it easy and both you and her will realize what changes you both need to make while 2-up. And once you reach that point there's no better feeling than taking a nice cruise with her on the back...I love for those moments....now!
I remember on that CO ride coming down off of Mt. Evans, some pretty hairy switchbacks, and I feel the bike rocking....she would wait til we almost got to the turn to raise up from her seat to turn around and take pics of the bikes behind us
.....first time and last time I ever had to yell for her to "Sit the f*ck Down!!"Just take it easy and both you and her will realize what changes you both need to make while 2-up. And once you reach that point there's no better feeling than taking a nice cruise with her on the back...I love for those moments....now!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I also get a little apprehensive whenever I put the OL on the back.
Some things that have worked for me:
- I tend to speed up and stop quicker when solo (who doesn’t) so you may want to practice the opposite when solo sometimes, then it will feel a little more natural when ridding 2-up.
- I picked up some training videos (“Ride Like a Pro”) and they have helped. Practice in a big parking lot before hitting the streets.
- Just yesterday I installed a Mustang Low Down seat, helps me plant my feet better when stopped. Point being; make the necessary adjustment to your bike so you feel better, more confident.
Some things that have worked for me:
- I tend to speed up and stop quicker when solo (who doesn’t) so you may want to practice the opposite when solo sometimes, then it will feel a little more natural when ridding 2-up.
- I picked up some training videos (“Ride Like a Pro”) and they have helped. Practice in a big parking lot before hitting the streets.
- Just yesterday I installed a Mustang Low Down seat, helps me plant my feet better when stopped. Point being; make the necessary adjustment to your bike so you feel better, more confident.
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
When I first read your post, I thought that you, yourself were not comfortable on the bike, and now in your reply today, you basically say that.
First thing is, make sure (as others have stated) that you are totally comfortable on the bike, and that you feel that you have total control of it, before doing any major riding with your girl on the back. Once you get the feel solo, and know that you have control, I am sure you will feel fine with her on the back then. You may want to take the advice others have suggested, and practice some slow maneuvering, with her on back, in a large parking lot.
I am also one that rides 2-up most of the time, and never even know my OL is on the bike, except on long trips when she falls asleep and hits me in the back of the head. I told her she will have to tie a pillow to the front of her helmet so she doesn't scratch mine.
A little riding and your gonna be fine. You and your girl enjoy the bike.
First thing is, make sure (as others have stated) that you are totally comfortable on the bike, and that you feel that you have total control of it, before doing any major riding with your girl on the back. Once you get the feel solo, and know that you have control, I am sure you will feel fine with her on the back then. You may want to take the advice others have suggested, and practice some slow maneuvering, with her on back, in a large parking lot.
I am also one that rides 2-up most of the time, and never even know my OL is on the bike, except on long trips when she falls asleep and hits me in the back of the head. I told her she will have to tie a pillow to the front of her helmet so she doesn't scratch mine.
A little riding and your gonna be fine. You and your girl enjoy the bike.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 787
Likes: 3
From: Central Florida
Seems like I jumped the gun a little too quickly. I am still kinda new to the ridin' scene...well, I rode a few years ago for 5 or six years and then sold the bike to go back to school. Went to school and just got a bike 'bout 10 days ago. Got back into it and felt comfortable but I guess I need more time to myself on the bike. My turns still need some workin' out...Thanks guys. Definitely appreciate it! Cheers
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
I'm still trying to figure out about the whole having the OL flip up the her floorboards when moving slow? Isn't being able to move slowly 2 up with her boards down part of the knowing how to ride thing? Just asking not judging.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 2
From: SO Cal
Was scratching my head on this one too!