Triumphrat

jhusman · 11-08-2004

As the title staes, I went for a long trip with my wife this weekend. We rode about 150 miles one way, and I was surpeised by the difference she makes on the back of the bike. We've scooted around town, and we rode about 50 miles one day, but other than that, this is a long trip for her.
I enjoyed it, but in the interest of helping her to enjoy it more, I would like to pick your brains.

Is there a way to make the seat more comfortable for her? I have the Triumph king/queen seat, and I was wondering how I could make that a little more comfy.

Will changiong the shock for a non-stock soften the ride for her a little bit?

Will a t-bag act like a little more of a backrest? Or is there a way for me to change the sixe of the backrest pad? (I'm currently using a stock Triumph backrest.)

Plus, any ideas or tips you have will be entertained.

highwayman · 11-08-2004

Personally, I can't stand riding two up on my Tbird. Makes me feel pretty crowded. When the time comes that I have a gf / wife (or both....just kidding) that likes to ride with me, I'll buy a bigger bike.

vwvectors · 11-08-2004

I receive motorcycle consumer news ( best bike mag period ) & there is a company called airhawk i believe that makes a air cushioned pad to attach to the seat .I have not used one but they seen to be catching on also u could try a gel pad of some sort or the expensive option a custom seat.

00wabbit · 11-08-2004

A chatterbox helps. You guys can talk while you ride, and you can warn her of upcoming bumps so she can get off the seat a little.

We did 150 miles with ours this weekend and it worked pretty well.

vonbonds · 11-08-2004

I have done a fair amount of 2 up on my Tbird. My pillion complains that the sissy bar is just a bit too low (she is 5'6"). Dunno how to add any extension to it.

glgavin · 11-08-2004

Buy her her own bike
:-g

Slinky · 11-09-2004

I fitted a TBS seat to my Tbird and my wife finds it more comfortable ( So do I..).

But, being as the seat is leather covered, she does tend to slide forward under braking. Maybe a vinyl covered seat might not have that problem.

mabugner · 11-10-2004

Quote:

Is there a way to make the seat more comfortable for her? I have the Triumph king/queen seat, and I was wondering how I could make that a little more comfy.

Have her ride that same 150 miles on the Stock T-bird seat, and I guarantee she will think the K&Q is a sofa. Just this year I went to the K&Q and the wife is happy. She also wanted the height change the K&Q gave her for her knee.

Other than that the suggestions you are getting are pretty good here.

mabugner · 11-10-2004

Quote:

Is there a way to make the seat more comfortable for her? I have the Triumph king/queen seat, and I was wondering how I could make that a little more comfy.

Have her ride that same 150 miles on the Stock T-bird seat, and I guarantee she will think the K&Q is a sofa. Just this year I went to the K&Q and the wife is happy. She also wanted the height change the K&Q gave her for her knee.

Other than that the suggestions you are getting are pretty good here.

Tbird900 · 11-10-2004

My wife would agree with the comment mabugner made. We have the K & Q seat after touring Irelands rough roads earlier this year revealed just how uncomfortable the OE plank is. She finds the extra height it gives makes for a more comfortable angle for the knees as well as the thicker padding being softer on the rear! Also the shaping of the saddle helps hold her in place. We don't have the benefit of a backrest.

We have been known to cover as much as 225 miles in a day. That may not be much by American standards but it's quite a lot on UK roads. The only other comment that I can make is that it takes time to get used to covering long distances, you sort of have to break yourself in.

Finally if you really are having trouble then I can only suggest a gel or air seat pad.

Hope you find a suitable solution soon.

Safe Riding