Handling Trouble with Mama on back!

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Jun 17, 2012 | 08:54 PM

#41

James K

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 335

Likes: 2

From: Taylorsville, Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDDGM

most of my problems her not bracing her self on stops and helmet banging or just sliding forward on the seat.

Joe

That is the problem I have also, I can't quite understand why she does it.

Jun 17, 2012 | 09:05 PM

#42

Verbal

Tourer

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 367

Likes: 0

From: MI

After getting an Ultra Glide in April after not riding for over thirty years, I finally took the missus for a ride. I was quite nervous but didn't let her know. Hell, she had a hard time getting on that back seat. I figured the extra weight would greatly effect clutch and braking so I compensated right away. I was plesantly surprised with no problems. The bad part came later in the day when the route we took went down to one lane due to road construction. The ramp we were on was quits steep and the heat from the bike and air temp was unbareable. Kept me on my toes with balancing and the brake/clutch. But mama sat still and I didn't have to tell her to sit still. Down the ramp was just as bad with the brakes. Once we got going again (and cooled off) we had a blast. I still haven't told her how terrified I was of carrying a passenger for the first time in over thirty years!

Jun 17, 2012 | 09:24 PM

#43

lnadler

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 42

Likes: 0

From: Pittsburgh

Thanks for all the advice. I will certainly look into a different seat or altering my current seat (especially since it's heated). I already have to Ride like a Pro DVD's, but admittedly haven't watched them all. I will now for sure!! I like the idea of the Progressive 940 shocks to lower the bike another 1". If the bike was already lowered, will the progressive shocks lower it another inch? I will definitely practice slow maneuvers solo in empty parking lots to gain confidence before riding 2 up. Great tip about using the rear brake more during stops. And will look into possibly changing the handle bar.

I am trying to get my wife to take the MSF course so she can get her own damn bike. Then I won't have to worry about riding 2 up!
(Just kidding!!)

I'm really glad this forum is available for riders to get advice from those more experienced! Thanks to all for your help!!

Last edited by lnadler; Jun 17, 2012 at 09:58 PM.

Jun 17, 2012 | 10:08 PM

#44

hep0950

Tourer

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 279

Likes: 0

From:

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnadler

I'm 5'8" 180 lbs and recently bought an 06 CVO Ultra. Had the detachable docking hardware installed for the tour-pak. When I ride with my wife, I keep the tour pak on. I find it hard to balance with Mama riding with me (she is about 140 lbs- would kill me if she knew I 'm writing her weight!) If the bike is lowered, would I be able to control/balance it better? Am I better off going with a different/lighter bike? I wear riding boots, but feel very uncomfortable when I come to a stop or need to make tight turns, etc. (I've been riding for about 15 years) Don't want to drop the bike and risk injury. Would appreciate some help. Thanks

Lowering the bike even just one inch would help and a different seat. I'm 5'8" also and I had mine lowered after sitting on our regional H.O.G. reps bike who was lowered. I also changed the seat. I tried a Reach seat first, but it got me too close to the foot peddles and I got cramps in my legs. Not a good thing while going down the road. I went to a Sundowner and it was great. I have an '08 Ultra.

Lowering the bike one inch doesn't sound like it would do anything, but it makes a world of difference in handling and standing still.

Jun 18, 2012 | 07:21 AM

#45

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Some excellent advice so far. Riding 2-up is a team thing and best done with an intercom. That way when the road is clear you can chat about the scenery, when traffic is tight you can ask her to relax and sit still, etc. As an aside, my gps is mounted so Mrs B can see it, so she can navigate and give me tips along the way. We do this together!

As for lowering your bike, don't! By all means trim the nose of your seat, to improve your reach to the ground, but IMHO we need all the suspension we can get, while moving.

Also forget this flat-footing lark. It is a recent fad and not necessary. As your experience improves you will find you can position the bike and balance it with ease. The one aspect of riding which you have least control over is pushing backwards. Get off the darned thing and push from beside it if you have to, not from the saddle. That is the situation in which you will most likely dump the love of your life on the ground!

Jun 18, 2012 | 07:45 AM

#46

mac0478

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 563

Likes: 0

From: Perth, Western Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by hog95023

Do some leg presses and hit the squat rack. Dont know her height but figure most of us especially me will benefit from pushing away from the table earlier too

Me too mate on that one!

Jun 18, 2012 | 07:49 AM

#47

dyna07custom

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 3,074

Likes: 12

From:

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnadler

Actually I find this bike one of the easiest I have owned to manuver at low speed with or without the passenger. Do you have a problem reaching the ground when you stop and bike is leaning to one side? If you have no problem mauvering with out passenger you may just be worrying to much about the passenger. If you are having problems solo practice is the only cure But I am sure you can get beyond this and keep that CVO

Jun 18, 2012 | 09:18 AM

#48

rwrunski

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 116

Likes: 0

From: Bethel Park, PA

You can also put a large duffle bag on the back seat while you are practicing maneuvers and increase the weight in the bag as you improve with your ability.