2-up

[colobb]

Its been a number of years since I last had a passenger.

Anybody got any tips?

[Rocky529]

Make them wear pants, long sleeves and sneakers with socks at minimum.

Instruct them to not put their feet down, don't wiggle, lean with you, etc.

[colobb]

Originally Posted by Rocky529

Make them wear pants, long sleeves and sneakers with socks at minimum.

Instruct them to not put their feet down, don't wiggle, lean with you, etc.

Oh, don't you worry, the warden (wife) will be wearing full riding gear.

[Jman]

Get a shirt that says, "If you can read this, then......." Anyways, what Rocky said sounds good.

[necrotimus]

Originally Posted by colobb

Its been a number of years since I last had a passenger.

Anybody got any tips?

Don't tell your wife how hot your last passenger was


Find a parking lot to get you both comfortable.

[Wolfman]

Be very gentle with your braking where possible, as your new pillion wont be used to the braking forces...and will have a tendency to bash helmets with you, if you catch them out by braking hard.

My 2 cents.

[Hellgate]

Teach them how to mount and dismount the bike. Be sure to communicate what you are doing before you do it, stopping, turning, etc. Point out "hot" parts on the bike to avoid burns. As mentioned make them wear PPE and explain WHY is it important and how it improves their comfort. Explain to them how to be a good passanger, ie: trust the pilot. Lean when you lean, don't wiggle around too much, pay attention to what is going on around them, ie: don't day dream.

But most of all have fun! Riding 2-up is a blast.

[steveindenmark]

I ride 2 up nearly all the time with Jannie.

Make sure you are ready and stable before they get on, give them a nod when they can get on. I always make sure the bike is out of gear and the front brake is applied.

When Jannie is also settled and ready to go she taps my side so I know it is ok to move off.

Again make sure you are stable when they get off.

Make sure you can get both feet flat on the floor when you stop otherwise you are holding the bikes weight, your weight and their weight on your tip-toes. It is so easy to drop your bike like that...I know...ask me how !!!!!!!

A top box is great for a passenger to lean against. Also if they are too cramped in the legs, you can get passenger peg extentions fitted. Hepco and Becker supply them. I have them fitted and Jannie loves them.

Have a signal for when you are beginning to frighten them. Jannie taps my helmet. Don`t forget that they have no control at all, that in itself can be scarey.

If you don`t make the passenger feel safe, secure and part of the ride they will get to hate it.

We have done nearly 30,000km together over the last 2 years and we love riding together. I hope you as just as lucky.

Steve

[MarinaFazer]

Originally Posted by steveindenmark

A top box is great for a passenger to lean against. Also if they are too cramped in the legs, you can get passenger peg extentions fitted. Hepco and Becker supply them. I have them fitted and Jannie loves them.

Those sound interesting...any pics of them on the bike? My girl hasn't complained, but I'm sure it would help distribute her weight more on the seat instead of on the tailbone!

Originally Posted by necrotimus

Don't tell your wife how hot your last passenger was

hehe, yup, don't do that...and don't say the last girl was only a better passenger because she weighed less! (not guilty of that part)

Seriously though,

I just got back from doing 350miles with my girl and just make sure she relaxes. She shouldn't need to squeeze you if you're just cruising down the highway at 70mph. She can scoot back, get comfy and hold you lightly or even use the grab rails (i prefer holding). If she's relaxed and scooted back (comfortable enough to be scooted back) then you won't bang helmets no matter how badly you shift. This ride will be great with helping you achieve smooth shifting! oh, and if you're not going too fast...TALK to her...tell her she's doing great, point out pretty scenery, ask her if she's comfortable. We stopped every 50 miles but she's 21 and can take the abuse lol.

[MisterX]

For the most part, most everyone else here has given great info. One of the most important things for me when riding 2-up is to ensure that my wife is comfortable and not nervous/stressed. She really doesn't like to ride on the bike, but if she does, she's usually stiff and holds on to me with a death grip. I've tried to get her comfortable by riding around in parking lots or slower back streets, but it didn't help. I generally ride alone now, but that's ok, too.

X