When I was in my mid to late teens I rode dirt bikes a lot for five years. But dammit, I always wanted a Harley. So I figured what the hell, I'm 58 now and time isn't slowing down. So two months ago I took an msf course and I got a 2013 limited. In those two months I've ridden 5,000 miles and I'm loving it and feeling good about my riding.
I'd like my wife to hop on the bike with me, but she's reluctant. What can I do to build her confidence to ride with me and what can I do to make myself a proficient 2 up driver?

 

Practice with the perfect biker chick first, I think their is a thread on the forums describing her.

 

she has to relax and trust you , then wait for you to tell her what to do like when to get on and off so you are ready then just sit back and relax and don't move around to much or fast , she can really move the bike around a lot , and keep her feet back or she can trip you up when you put your feet down [ that's my wife's problem ] have fun

 

That's right ! Ride a experianced biker chic arround a bit before ridding some one not used to bikes.
Billy

 

Only advice I can share is when coming to a stop, keep the front wheel straight, keep your head up and looking straight ahead, and use only the rear brake prior to coming to a complete stop. Other then that, make sure your passenger know not to move around while the bike is in motion and to always ask, is it OK to get off now....so you are ready to steady the bike...

 

She must always listen for you to say when to mount and dismount and make sure if she is gonna move to adjust her footing or anything, she gives you a heads up. Every movement she makes will drastically affect the bike.
Aside from that, have her put her weight up against the tourpak and let her weight become part of the bike. Tell her she doesnt need to do any leaning. Just keep against that cushy backrest and all will be fine.

 

I tell anyone riding with me, "Don't try and lean when I turn, just look the way I am turning."

 

Slow manuvering is a bit more difficult, increased breaking time, no passenger moving around while slow manuvering or in a turn. Permision to dismount and mount. I personally do it with the kickstand down.

other then that...it's the same as solo

 

 

Here are my only rules for my wife;

1. Don't get on or off without verbal ok from me.
2. Don't move around at low speeds or when stopped.

Rules for me;

1. Leave more space between my bike and other vehicles due to increased stopping distance riding two up.
2. use same low speed skills/tactics as when riding solo.

A little practice will make you both more comfortable.