Thank you all, it's been very helpful. And well pointed out about the backing up and weight taking bike off its kick stand. I am between 118 - 120 pnds, most of it is my sense of determination I pack around, and I am 5"4, and did have Softail custom lowered so I could be flat footed. And there are times, pushing it backwards, a slight incline becomes impossible. I will explore options with the Softail for now, and keep all your replies and recommendations in my thoughts as I contemplate

Warmest regards

 

++++++1

 

IMO,keep your softail I look into a better seat for 2-up. You should get a backrest. That is very important. So you're only out the money for a new seat & backrest. You can always put on your other seat when you ride yourself.

 

hey from oz, my two bobs worth,i'm a single father and have had my daughter on bikes since she was six, duece,fat bob, and now a king.she has traveled about 90,000km and is now 13,so it doesn't matter what you ride as long as you ride within your means,and a backrest is a good investment, ride safe