Hey Guys I need some help/tips on riding 2-up. I have been riding since longer than I can remember and never had anyone interested in riding with me. Well now I bought an 08 Street Glide and the girlfriend wants to start riding, so I was looking for some advice, tips, or any help you all can give me. I am not scared to take her I just don't know how different it feels or what should I look for. Thanks all and ride safe!

 

not much to it really...after you get adjusted to the "extra" weight in the back during the first few minutes, would be zipping along like when you're solo.

on second thought, be mindful of stopping distances with a pax in the back. and pax needs to learn how to lean/turn with the bike. and wait to be told when to get on/off the bike. and not scuff the bags/fenders on mount/dismount. and not grip your ribs too hard.

 

Get her a good full face helmet and good riding gear before you even let her on the bike.

That's the most important thing because even a minor crash could mess her up bad and you don't want to have to deal with that.

You don't want or need the passenger influencing how the bike is turning. Just tell her to sit still and relax, and you'll take care of the driving. And tell her to wait for your ok before she gets on or off the bike so you can be ready.

 

+1 the good riding gear and generally increase in stopping distance. I ride with my wife as pillion every weekend, she is a good pillion relaxed, leans with the bike, I sometimes forget she is there. Most 'dangerous' time is when the pillion is getting on and off, make sure you have system so you know when she is mounting and dismounting. It is a good idea to keep the side stand down until she is on board. If you are not prepared and she grabs you hard you could topple over.

It goes without saying having a pillion is a big responsibility but you need to remember she has to get use to speeds you take for granted so have a system where she can tap you to say she wants you to slow up. Be patient and see things from her perspective and you will end up with a great pillion that will add a whole new dimension to your riding

 

Can't stress that one enough. My wife made me change sides of the lane once turning around to look at something. This is true at stops too. It's a balancing act and her moving throws everything out of kilter.

 

All good advice, but coming from a lighter bike before the RK, have her look over your inside shoulder in turns. This keeps her from throwing weight to outside of bike. Don't know if this would make much diff on bike as heavy as a harley, but it's a habit and sure made a diff on our lighter bike.

 

The large majority of my riding now is with my wife. She went from thinking motorcycle was a four letter word to really enjoying it. The basic rule is make sure she doesn't help, that is leaning into, or the most common for passengers is to lean against the turn to the high side. If she will act just like baggage it is better. I prop the bike up first and get braced, then she gets on...steps on the rear floor board and right into the seat. And like someone else already mentioned stopping distance does change. Smooth accleration and stops and you will have a riding partner for a long time.

 

Having a backrest for your passenger is also a big help.This way she will not have to give you the death grip while riding.
And when going into turns,make sure she leans with you and not the oppisite way.

 

Don't linger on the peg while getting on/off, just one smooth action. Oh, and no adjusting the panties while setting at a stop.

My wife is the perfect passenger. I can hardly feel the action of her getting on/off and once we leave, it's like she's not even there.

 

If you don't already have one get either a backrest or tour pack. Keeps the passenger from fallin' off.......... Then tell her "put your back against the backrest/tour pack, & DON'T MOVE!" Don't have her lean in turns & tell her to quit moving entirely below 40 mph. She won't stick to the 40 limit, but it'll give you some slack at slow speeds where her movement will cause the most problem. If she simply becomes part of the backrest you soon won't notice anything other than her company. Have fun!