Currently ride a Fatboy, but I have been giving some strong consideration to moving into a touring bike. For the purpose of my question, sharknose vs batwing fairings are equal. So don't beat me up with the sharknose vs batwing debate. If functionality as it pertains to the passenger is impacted then by all means include it, just not looking for the fugly type comments.

Now the question...but starting with some background first. I am looking to make this transition to allow my daughter to ride as a passenger. She is 22 (well in 16 days) and has Cerebral Palsy, which causes her to have extreme rigidity in her legs and little to no control with her right arm/hand. Now she would be able to hold on with her left hand/arm.

My goal is to be able to give her a slow ride around the block. No traffic, 5-10 MPH speed just enough for her to feel the wind in her face.

Now the actual question. How much support does the wrap around backrest/arms on the tourpak provide? If she has good control with one arm/hand would this be enough to keep her safely on the bike?

I have seen/read about some...(not sure what the technical or commercial name is)...belts that secure the passenger to the driver. But I don't think I would feel comfortable with this solution.

In the end, I am considering moving from a Fatboy to a Roadglide Custom or Streetglide and getting a removeable Tourpak with backrest.

Anyone have any experience with a limited mobility passenger that requires stability/support?

I would still be using this as my not quite daily drive, but close transportation. So the solution needs to be economically reasonable as well as not so outlandish as to turn the bike into a one trick pony.

Thanks in advanced for any input/suggestions.

 

This might provide the added security you're looking for. Tourpak with wrap around backrest and passenger arm rest kit!

 

My wife has MS and still rides with me most of the time. Because people at events we attend see me with a disable person in a wheelchair I get asked to take other disabled people (mostly young kids) for a ride around where ever we are. Most of the time I just can't say no even if I wanted to. I have an Ultra with the tour pack moved back. Don't have the arm rests but that is an excellent idea, however it would not work with my wife. Anyway I carry a pillow to put between the passenger and my self. Would not use it for a long ride but to take a kid around a park in front of his family and friends it works fine. If I feel them moving I just lean back a little and force them back into the tour pack. For short rides it gives me some control and have never had a problem using it. What ever you do the smile on their face when they get off is priceless.

 

mustang makes a tour pack backrest with much longer and flatter arm rest,couple that with kuryakin armrest and my wife falls asleep.

 

I've known a number of couples who use to make a habit of the wife getting drunk and passing out while on the way home from the bar(s). None ever fell off.

I'm not making light of the situation. I think its awesome that you're willing to tailor your ride just so your daughter can get the experience. I figure if a passed-out passenger can stay in place, your daughter should be golden.

Just to be clear, I've never hopped in the saddle after a few cold ones... just not my thing.

 

Thanks for all the replies.

Seems like it is doable. and the pillow idea to "close the space" giving me a feel for where she is and also letting me push her back if needed seems like a made to order solution.

Now comes the hard part, getting fair value for my bike and moving into a touring bike. I seem to think that this is easier said than done...too many choices out there. But HD seems to be trying to make it easier by discontinuing my preferred model the Roadglide Ultra.

 

You've had some excellent replies. Passengers can fall asleep safely because their ears 'stay awake'. Going round bends with the bike naturally balanced doesn't change the sensation a sleeping passenger experiences, so they stay asleep. However if they move sideways and upset that balance, they will wake up.

I describe that because if your daughter has decent balance she should be fine on the back, in fact you may find you can take her on a decent ride. If her balance is poor, things like those extra armrests could be well worthwhile.

I'm sure we all wish you both the very best of luck - selling your current bike and working up a good solution. You have our attention now, so keep us up to date!

 

Not trying to hijack the thread, but how do you carry the wheelchair with you? Is it connected to the trailer?

Reason I ask is my wife has a distal myopathy which is slowly destroying her leg muscles. She can barely walk and has to use a walker to get around. I am trying to figure out a way to carry it on the back of our Ultra Limited, so she can go on rides.

I am also trying to figure out some sort of portable step setup that she can use to help get onto the bike. I have to help her get on before I get on. She gets extremely embarrassed if people are around. Lots of people judge her already because they think she is too young to have to use a walker.

 

That is precisely the issue. Her balance is not good, so she relies on being able to hold on with her left hand.

I have been eyeing the Roadglides for a while now. I will probably wait to see what the 14 line-up looks like before committing.

I will keep this thread updated as i make changes, although it will be a slow process.

 

Eeekk. HD will not be producing the RG next year. Apparently they are going to be doing some redesign as they have some tooling that needs to be replaced (I want to say it was tooling used to mold the fairing and components for it). I am sure it will be back in 15.