Two Up Riding - Hints, Secrets, Things to do or not to do
From: "David Brick
Having finally found someone that wants to ride with me (no, she's not made of plastic.....) and having had only a little experience riding with a passenger I ask: > Is there a web site or other source of information on riding two-up? Hints, secrets, things to do or not to do? Congratulations! I've found (almost) nothing better than a willing and eager traveling companion. I know of no web site dealing with two-upness. The things which come to mind for me are:
1) You've another person depending on you; I find I ride more conservatively
when I've a passenger.
2) The combo now weighs a *lot* more. You won't accelerate or stop as well.
Plan ahead.
3) Smooth acceleration and deceleration are more desirable, as you don't want
the pillion's helmet banging into your own.
4) Your passenger should be as well-dressed for riding as you are, as they're
exposed to the same hazards.
5) Make sure you have clear communication about when your pillion may mount
and dismount. The MSF curriculum teaches that the engine should be started
before the passenger mounts; my own experience (with easy-starting bikes)
is that it doesn't matter as long as the passenger is prepared for the noise
and vibration.
6) Passenger keeps feet on pegs *always.* Looks over rider's shoulder, and
leans with the bike. __________________________________________________________________________
David Brick Santa Cruz CA dbrick@armory.com BMW R11RSL RA MOA BOOF etc From:
"David Brick
6) Passenger keeps feet on pegs *always.* Looks over rider's shoulder, and leans with the bike. > I have to disagree ... I don't want the passenger leaning AT ALL !!! I want to control the motorcycle w/o anyone influencing it even by wiggling their head. When I can move the bike's path in a turn just by moving my head a little, I sure don't want another input to that! I think we're saying the same thing,
Gil. I agree completely that passenger wiggles are to be avoided at all cost. By "lean with the bike," I mean the passenger's COG does not change relative to the bike: when the bike is upright, so is the passenger; when the bike is leaning, the angle between the passenger's torso and the bike does not change at all, just as for the rider.
On "looking over the shoulder," most passengers aren't secure unless they
can see forward, at least a bit. Clearly it's wildly inappropriate for a passenger
to move his head during a turn; in reality, I think it's necessary to allow
the passenger some freedom to move so he can see. Just as the rider's control
inputs must be smooth, so much any passenger movement. __________________________________________________________________________
David Brick Santa Cruz CA dbrick@armory.com BMW R11RSL RA MOA BOOF etc From:
"drbob
Having made something of a career of introducing people to passengering, I have a few suggestions.
1. Most importantly, you are trying to ensure she has a good time, not demonstrate
to her how exciting it is. Make sure she knows this and knows that you want
feedback if she is uncomfortable with any aspect.
2. Corollary. Start off slow and ask if she wants to go faster. I've had people
who want to go really slow and people who want to see what the bike will do.
Only the experience and communication will get this right.
3. It will take a little longer to stop. Passengers tend to move around and
you may have to correct for this. On a topheavy bike, such as a K-bike, you
need to be a little careful coming to a stop. Tell her not to try to help
at stops. 4. Ask her if she wants to learn to ride. bob
__________________________________________________________________________
From: "WURTY
First things first do not show her your advanced riding skills and scare the hell out of her or she will never go with you again. Second, tell her not to even wiggle when you start going slow such as approaching a stop. Have her lean with you when riding. Do not allow her to counter your leaning moves with hers. ride as a pair, lean as a pair. Hope this helps you. Remember she is a woman and will do what ever she wants. LOL wurty (Mark Wurtenberger)
__________________________________________________________________________
From: "Richard Rohlf
FWIW my wife is also of the "I'm happier to ride behind you" persuasion. After ten years of riding (including our honeymoon) two-up on bikes, I have a few tips. Sigh... I wish BMWMOA had a site where you could review past articles... There was a SUPERLATIVE article in a recent BMWMOA Owner's News about two-up riding. Send me your address and I'll photocopy it and send it to you. (BMWMOA officers: if this is a sin for violating copyrights, let me know and I'll buy Russell a membership, or whatever it takes to make it right.)
Main thoughts:
1) Make sure she knows how to brace herself from behind so she doesn't come
planting herself on your back during an emergency (not a "panic") stop. You
*have* practiced emergency braking, haven't you?
2) Make sure she knows to look over your shoulder to the inside of the turn;
i.e. when turning left, look over the left shoulder, and vice versa.
3) Make SURE she knows to keep her feet ON THE PEGS at a stop. You don't need
her "helping" you to keep the bike upright.
4) At low speeds (or stops), make sure she remains neutral; don't lean either
way.
5) If she needs your attention, let her know it's ok to be clear: as the article
said (bad paraphrase ahead) "if you need to go to the bathroom, say 'Stop
at that Texaco!' Don't say 'If you see a place to stop in the next 30 minutes
or so...'"
6) Learn her how to mount the bike: from the left, foot on the peg, hand on
your shoulder, and after clearance from you, swing on.
7) If you haven't already done so, take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider's
course. Every two years. You will learn something new every time.
8) Be extra careful: you're riding for two now. It will take longer to stop,
accelerate, do anything. Keep that in mind.
9) Tell her to enjoy herself. It can be some of the best times you'll have
together.
Best regards, Rick Rohlf Round Rock, TX
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