There is an alternative, which we use when the bike is heavily laden, which is my wife gets on first. That way the bike is not disturbed when she clambers on and we don't all end up on the floor!

There is some excellent advice here for newby 2-uppers!

 

I don't know which bike you have, but if you don't have the passenger grab handles and the padded grips, get them. My wife fell off a couple of times when she first started riding. We would stop at a gas station and go to get off, her legs would be asleep. Also stopps the dreaded helmet butt. gives her something to hang onto.

 

Just thought of one more 2-up riding tip.

Train your passenger to wait for your OK before mounting or dismounting the motorcycle. I've had passengers try to get on before I was ready for their weight, and I've had them try to get off before I was finished parking. Both can lead to damaged bikes and injuries.

 

What my wife and I do is this. I get the right saddle bag, and she gets the left. I will tell you what we pack, but, we only go out for three or four days, not weeks, so...I imagine you will be stopping for laundry, and stuff like that.

Right saddle bag (mine): I pack two pairs of jeans rolled up tight, six t-shirts rolled up tight, six underwares, and six socks. This goes towards the front of the bag. I pack my personals kit (shave, shampoo etc.) in the back with a pair of tennis shoes. I hold my rain gear on top, and shut the lid.

Left saddle bag (hers): She packs two pairs of jeans rolled, six shirts, six undies, and six pairs of socks. She has a personals kit. I give her a bag the same size as mine, and let her pack her own. That way, SHE can decide what soaps and stuff she needs for the road. She gets ONE pair of shoes, the same as mine, and her rain suit goes on top.

The rainsuits are packs on top so they are easy to get to when the drops start falling.

I have an Ultra Classic, so, we have a Tour Pak.

Tour Pak: When we ride, it holds her purse, our jackets and other stuff we need to get to. When we park, it holds our helmets. We have the intercom to talk, and she likes that. She doesn't have to yell when she has to take a pee, and doesn't have to hold it untill next gas stop.

When I first took her out, we had to stop every few miles for her butt. Now, she goes right along with me, and stops every 200 miles. You can not do that at first. I would suggest taking a couple of day trips. Visit a place about three or fouor hours away from home, and then come back that afternoon. See how her butt does, and make sure she is comfortable. Then, take a trip where you spend the night. That is how you check your gear. If you forgot something, it is only one night. Then take a couple of days trip, and then ride around the world. Just give her time to get used to it. My wife LOVES riding on the bike. She would rather take the bike on a trip somewhere than the car. Mine also likes to fall asleep on the back too. That is a very bad thing. They can NOT sleep on the bike. They might fall off!

As far as moving, I got used to it, and she could dance around back there and I would not care. Tell her though, NEVER move while you are in a corner. If she sees a curve ahead, hold it. My son, when he was little always seemed to wait for a curve to move, and jump around.

As far as the weight is concerned, take it slow at first. Just like when you first started riding. You need to get used to how the bike handles in the curves, and around town with her on the back. I know someone has already said let her get off before you park the bike. She also always asks me if I am ready, or I tell her to get on. I hold my front brake, with both feet on the ground for her to get on.

I guess I could go on forever talking about how we ride, and what we do. Just keep this in mind, take it slow at first, take your time, and make sure she is warm, comfortable, and dry.

 

you been reading my thoughts medic? rofl that is almost identical to my other half and i happy journeys to ya all