passengers
#11
10-15-2008 | 07:56 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
I started riding again this spring after a 20 year layoff. Took the MSF class and got the rust off and learned quite a bit. Since then I have been asking folks for guidance and advice about taking a passenger on the scoot. The majority have said that it is not advisable until you are completely comfortable controlling the bike. One person who's opinion I respect even said "not before you have been riding solo for a year". Well, my BW did not want to wait that long, so a few weeks ago I started by having her drive to a big parking lot and we practiced riding together (getting on/off, her looking into turns with me, knowing when it is safe for her to shift her weight, etc). We gradually worked our way out to the streets, and now she is riding with me regularly and we are both loving it. But believe me - it is a different feeling with a passenger on the scoot. Baby steps are the way to go.
As everyone has said YOU GET COMFORTABLE riding yourself, then start by doing the above. My wife rides her own most of the time, but we do still practise from time to time in a vacant parking lot riding as a couple.
#16
10-16-2008 | 10:20 AM
#18
10-17-2008 | 01:56 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: North Yorkshire
Welcome. One thing to remember when you do take a pillion is that they need to feel safe, so that means you ride the way that makes them feel comfortable. My wife has a set of average speeds in her head for different roads and conditions and they are significantly slower than my solo riding ones but we go at her speeds. It's easy to be quick when you are in control, try the same speeds as a pillion and it can change your viewpoint a little. For me just having her with me on a ride more than compensates for a little less speed fun. Ride safe.
