Greetings

So how does one start out 2up'ing ? beside throwing someone on the back and taking off. Tips ? Hints ?

 

I don't know how to start one up, but I know How I am going to begin once I get comfortable enough. I will just move up in weight. I'll start with a heavy backpack. then eventually not have the back pack and move up to a Lugage pack full of whatever. then try it out with my gf on there. Hopefully by then I'd be comfortable enough for her.

 

Hopefully you can start with an experienced passenger. If not then find someone lightweight. Tell them that when you are turning they should tilt their head and look over your shoulder that corresponds with the direction you are turning. So if you are turning right they should look over your right shoulder.

 

Not something I "worked up to" but I guess you could try strapping a sack of flower the back and give her a go.

 

Just throw the gf on their and ride your neighborhood. Then she can get used to riding on the back as much as you can get used to someone being back there.

 

IMO, you're only ready to ride 2up when you've reached the point that you are riding and operating the bike instinctively and not having to "think" your way through maneuvers.

If your passenger is fidgety, can't sit still or follow directions forget about it. A passenger must understand that they must remain still during low speed maneuvers and when slowing to a stop. That's when they are most prone to cause you to loose control of the bike.

 

Slow speed is probably the most difficult part of it. The MSF has courses for learning how to ride 2 up. I've not done that course but I've done their solo courses and they have really helped me improve my parking lot skills.

I should probably take their 2 up course, the last 2 times I've dropped my bike was at a standstill with a passenger on the back

 

That's GOTTA be Embarrassing!

 

Get a bicycle with a bananna seat. That's how I learned about 30-some-odd years ago.
Before a potential passenger gets near the bike you need to explain the rules:
#1. The exhaust pipes are VERY hot. Do Not Touch. Do not assume they know this.
#2. Only get on or off the bike when I say it's OK.
#3. Hold on.
#4. Try not to wiggle. If you gotta wiggle, do it easy. If you wiggle too much I'll stop the bike and give you something to wiggle about (applies only to of age female passengers).
#5. Have fun! If you're scared, let me know and I'll slow down.
#6. Wave at other bikes if you like, but if I think you're wiggling too much...

 

A little embarassing. I have a tall sport touring bike that its difficult for me to flat foot. Both times my passenger tried to get off before I was ready for them. Lesson learned, the passenger waits until the rider nods until getting off.

Other than that I havent dropped a bike since 1980.