Triumphrat

Sprocketjockey · 03-03-2006, 12:07 AM

My lovely GF has decided to find out what this Daytona thing is all about, and I feel obliged to show her.

Problem is being fairly new to the bike scene, I've never carried a passenger. Any tips to make the first two up ride safer/easier? Mount, dismount, leaning techniques?

I've got a line on a rear seat, but alas, no pegs. Anyone have a set of rears for an '02 they want to unload?

TechmanBD · 03-03-2006, 12:33 AM

I would say at first just go around the block a few times, if it isn't busy, or go to an empty lot, (obviously have her follow you over in her car).

Have her hold on, and tell her not to move to much as in keep her knees in. It can really throw off your balance. Take it slow, give yourself plenty of time for braking. You have more weight on the n\bike than you are use to, and if you brake hard she will slide right into your back and throw your balance off.

bradtx · 03-03-2006, 06:45 PM

Sprocketjockey, Good news about the G/F wanting to ride.

Do a Google search titled, "motorcycle riding with a passenger". All kinds of things popped up for both riders involved.

Brad

Tomsk · 03-07-2006, 09:16 AM

Best advice I saw was

Get on
Hold on
Shut up

Just take it easy and give yourselves plenty of time. My wife took a little while to feel comfortable over longer distances and my brother's partner was in tears and limping after a 10 hour journey (that was on a Ninja). So just be considerate on distance covered acceleration and stopping.
Now she braces herself as she can anticipate what I am about to do and I very rarely need to warn her.
Prior to that any warning you can give is good this is where an intercom system can really help a new/nervous pillion. The other thing that she found was that initially she didn't feel happy just holding on to my waist so I wore a small empty backpack for her to hold onto until she got her confidence.
Oh and enjoy! Many people complain about bikes really being designed for a single rider and that a pillion spoils the handling, but I have found a pillion to be the ultimate touring accessory (read into that what you will).