Its been years since I've had a passenger, and looking for some "do's and dont's". I'm not a knee dragger to begin with, so I can assure you I'll be taking it very easy. What are the best pieces of advice to give a passenger, that will help both of us be safe and comfortable? Where are the best places for a passenger to hold on at different times of the ride (i.e. accelerating, cornering). (And I know the comments are going to stream in, but keep in mind this is my daughter I'm talking about!!!) We'll be starting with quick jaunts so that we can both get used to this. Currently only have stock suspension front and rear. Should I crank front and rear all the way down? (Me at 230, her at 120). Thanks.
I just started riding 2-up with my GF. Here's the most useful tips I got and a few observations from the serises of rides we've taken. ("P" means Passenger, "R" means Rider.) Tips: P mounts/dismounts only when told. Establish a definitive signal. P keeps feet on footpegs whenever mounted. P wears full gear + helmet (my own rule). Establish signals for "slow down," "speed up," and "pull over" (we use 1 or 2 pats on my right leg for slow/speed up and lots of quick pats for pull over) P should keep a neutral body position--just relax and follow the bike; R will do all the steering. P should brace her/himself in preparation for braking. Hands on tank or on my hips. The tank works best. This will stop P from crushing your giblets into the tank and headbutting you everytime you stop. P can shift/get comfortable in the straights, but not when we're stopped or in a corner. (I almost dumped the bike on an incline yesterday. Had one foot on the rear brake to hold us on the hill and P shifted her weight quickly to the right. I had to put my right foot out and quickly hit the front brake to keep us upright). you may need a couple pounds more air in your tires. I added 3 pounds to each tire after our first ride and it mad a HUGE improvement in stability and smooth cornering. P should hold on with their knees as much as possible. P can also hold the grab rails, seat, tank or my body. R's head and arms are off limits :wink: Point out all the parts that get hot...this is less important if they're wearing full gear and boots, but you can still get burned if you're not careful...my GF melted a chunk off the heel of her boot on my exhaust. Other than that, I did a pre-ride brief before our first ride explaining the basics of how a motorcycle turns and what the controls do. I also talked to my GF about her comfort level before/after the ride and I stopped frequently the first couple rides to make sure she was comfortable, let her stretch and field any questions she had. This is just what worked for me. i'm sure there are others out there with a ton more experience and better/different advice. Expect to be nervous the first time, but once you and your passenger both find your comfort levels, riding 2-up is a LOT of fun. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Having a passenger is much safer than trying to masturbate while riding LOL !!!! You should also have a signal for when you are wanting a "reach around" Regards, Rollin
I found that if you put a piece of non slip material like you use for your toolbox or kitchen drawers, on the rear seat it helps keep your Passenger planted! I just cut off a piece and wrap it around the sides and back then pop the seat back on. Better then them nut crushing you when you stop! Advise them to not shift their weight in a corner and stay relaxed but planted. It also helps if you can use a rear case or back rest for them! Your suspension is too weak for you alone so yes I would set the rear shock to the highest level and tighten the rebound up too. Remember to shift smooth and allow more time to stop so its smooth for both of you. I recommend to take it easy and slower than you normally would ride. Make sure they have a proper fitting helmet it can make a nice ride or a wind pipe choking one.
My wife and I ride 2-up frequently, and here are my tips if they help: -She only gets on the motorcycle from the left side and only after I say I am ready. -When I turn left, she looks left, when I turn right, she looks right. This avoids her countering the lean/weighting at all. -I keep my jacket pockets open and my wife uses them as handles to hang on for most of the riding we do. -When we approach a stop or slow down, she usually grabs the grab handles with one hand to keep herself from sliding forward. -Relax Side note: The whole reason my wife loves motorcycling is because when she was a little girl her father used to take her on his bike. I hope the two of you enjoy it. :thumbsup:
