2-up riding
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
Feel as though I was born on two wheels since riding dirt bikes at an early age and having a few road bikes over the years, and also being a road cyclist, and bashing trails on Mt. Bikes.
I agree that it takes practice and instruction for one to get the sense of riding with a passenger, and do provide overview and instruction to your passenger of the dynamics of how the bike handles, starting, stopping, cornering and etc., and what you expect of them and ( not to do ).
Ride safe.
I agree that it takes practice and instruction for one to get the sense of riding with a passenger, and do provide overview and instruction to your passenger of the dynamics of how the bike handles, starting, stopping, cornering and etc., and what you expect of them and ( not to do ).
Ride safe.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
When I 1st started riding with the gf she was doing everything to "help"...Had to explain the rules to her real quick..No adjusting your panties until we stop..Don't try to help steer the bike, just sit there and look pretty. She's on it now...Gave her a job...Wave to the other bikers and just relax
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
I'd echo that you need to be absolutely comfortable on the bike alone before you consider being responsible for someone else's life. I did a lot of 2 up on sport bikes before now it's really easy on the RK. But I made sure I felt good before I agreed to have her on. Just take your time and make sure your passenger knows some rules before they get on.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
Something to remember each time you 2-up is that your bike is going to feel completely different with a passenger. My bike rides completely different when my wife is on: Its heavier, turns are different, braking seems longer, etc. and it takes a conscious reminder each time she gets on.
With time comes confidence...try taking her on a long ride on a road that doesn't have lots of other traffic on it.
Good luck and ride safe.
With time comes confidence...try taking her on a long ride on a road that doesn't have lots of other traffic on it.
Good luck and ride safe.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Columbia, SC
One thing I notice a lot of riders doing when 2-up (even solo) Is they use their front breaks to stop. Coming up to a light or stop sign, they will use the rear break and front to slow, then when they get close to stopping, they hang both feet out to stop and use only front break. Not saying you are doing this, but if you find that you are, that will cause you to feel REALLY unstable while 2-up. Use your rear break when coming to a stop and only your rear break. Putting only your left foot down - once stopped, then put the right down. I very rarely ever use my front break - only when at speeds where using only the rear won't stop me fast enough. Doing this will stabalize you dramatically.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 8
From: North Texas
Hey guys and gals,
I need some advice. Last week I picked up a Road King and decided that I wanted to put the gf on the back of the bike and go for a ride...I felt VERY unstable and uncomfortable. She has a back rest and she is comfortable but I can't seem to find my "spot". Do you guys have any suggestions for 2-up riding? I wanna be able to take her on road trips but don't feel comfortable with her on the back...is this something that I just need to get used to? Would throwing a butt load of air in my shocks work? I don't even know where they are at in regards to that....ANY help and/or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Mike
P.S- Obviously I'm new so thanks for understanding and your patience
I need some advice. Last week I picked up a Road King and decided that I wanted to put the gf on the back of the bike and go for a ride...I felt VERY unstable and uncomfortable. She has a back rest and she is comfortable but I can't seem to find my "spot". Do you guys have any suggestions for 2-up riding? I wanna be able to take her on road trips but don't feel comfortable with her on the back...is this something that I just need to get used to? Would throwing a butt load of air in my shocks work? I don't even know where they are at in regards to that....ANY help and/or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Mike
P.S- Obviously I'm new so thanks for understanding and your patience
The person behind you can distribute their weight incorrectly and cause a 'counter-balance' effect. Hope this makes sense.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 377
Likes: 5
From: Central California
Exactly. That's what I did. I didn't put her on until I put over 1000 on it. I made it a point in my first 1000 to hone my skills on that bike in a lot of different situations before I subjected her to the hazards of motorcycle riding. Her safety is in your hands, don't rush it. 1000 miles was just a guideline for me, take as long as long as it takes to feel comfortable.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
Hey guys and gals,
I need some advice. Last week I picked up a Road King and decided that I wanted to put the gf on the back of the bike and go for a ride...I felt VERY unstable and uncomfortable. She has a back rest and she is comfortable but I can't seem to find my "spot". Do you guys have any suggestions for 2-up riding? I wanna be able to take her on road trips but don't feel comfortable with her on the back...is this something that I just need to get used to? Would throwing a butt load of air in my shocks work? I don't even know where they are at in regards to that....ANY help and/or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Mike
P.S- Obviously I'm new so thanks for understanding and your patience
I need some advice. Last week I picked up a Road King and decided that I wanted to put the gf on the back of the bike and go for a ride...I felt VERY unstable and uncomfortable. She has a back rest and she is comfortable but I can't seem to find my "spot". Do you guys have any suggestions for 2-up riding? I wanna be able to take her on road trips but don't feel comfortable with her on the back...is this something that I just need to get used to? Would throwing a butt load of air in my shocks work? I don't even know where they are at in regards to that....ANY help and/or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks a lot!
Mike
P.S- Obviously I'm new so thanks for understanding and your patience