2-up riding
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Media, PA
2-up riding
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
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 69
From: Northford, CT
Make sure you are really comfortable on the bike before you start taking your GF with you. Extra weigh makes difference stopping & turning. She needs to know what to do and what not to do. I run about 20-25lbs in the rear shocks of an Ultra.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 3
I have a 2010 Road King and for me it just took some time. I did quite a bit of solo riding until I felt I knew the bike. 2 up took time to get used to also. My biggest problem was getting used to the passenger pegs folded down and getting in my way. I rode solo with them down to get used to them. Less room for error with 2 up riding. Im more comfortable now with my wife on the back. You will be too.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
Yeah, the passenger floorboards were an issue for me too...backing up and holding at a stop sometimes. My wife is pretty tiny, but it still took some gettin' used to. My humble recommendation is to make damn sure your are super comfortable on that ride before putting her on there at all. Maybe then with baby steps, like a few trips around the block with some slow speed stuff. Anybody can ride two-up fast and straight...that parking lot stuff is where your hard work will pay off. Invest the time, practice like crazy...if she's worth keeping. Good luck, Sir.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
Practise on your own certainly helps.
my lady flips the foot rests up and puts her boots on the top edge when we are city riding with lots of stops and starts and flips them down when we get to really riding.
Certainly makes it easier if you do have to rebalance the bike with a foot at lights.
my lady flips the foot rests up and puts her boots on the top edge when we are city riding with lots of stops and starts and flips them down when we get to really riding.
Certainly makes it easier if you do have to rebalance the bike with a foot at lights.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
Get comfortable on the bike solo first. Every spring I put a couple hundred miles on the bike solo when it is pulled from storage before I even think of putting my wife on the back. Yes, you will notice a difference with a passenger. But, if you are comfortable solo before trying to ride 2-up it is a good start. Make sure that you remind the passenger not to make sudden or extreme movements especially while going slow or stopped. Allow extra room for maneuvering and take it easy - don't try generate a sonic boom.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,175
From: Oxford, Nc
The tough part is saying "No." I wouldn''t take the responsibility for another human being until I was ready and that simply takes lots of seat time. Explain it that way and she'll understand.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Make sure the tire pres, and air pres in the shocks are rigt.
Then it's practice practice practice.
Put the GF on the back and ride around an empty parking lot.
Do lots of slow speed stuff figure eights etc..
When you feel confident take some short runs before hitting the open road.
Then it's practice practice practice.
Put the GF on the back and ride around an empty parking lot.
Do lots of slow speed stuff figure eights etc..
When you feel confident take some short runs before hitting the open road.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 787
Likes: 3
From: Central Florida
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
Adjusting the air in the suspension will help, following the guidelines in the owner's manual.
I'd recommend doing some parking lot practice, then moving to the side streets for a while to get used to having a passenger, and to let her get used to being a passenger. Have her look over your inside shoulder on turns, which will keep her from leaning out the wrong way.
Matt