Triumphrat

Vegas_07Bonnie · 09-13-2008, 09:55 PM

hello,

i'm new to the motorcycling world, and i'm really enjoying my first bike which is an 07 bonnie black. i had a question about riding 2 up:

i remember during my BRC the instructor stated you should always adjust the tire pressure and shocks to compensate for the extra weight when riding 2 up. i haven't ridden 2 up yet, but with me and my girlfriend we have a combined weight of about 280 pounds. i cruised through the manual, and didn't find any further guidance. i was wondering what all you fellow bonnie riders might recommend. i don't ride too hard with heavy curves or anything as i'm still learning, but i would like to start toting around the girlfriend for joy rides and what not. thanks in advance guys!

themaster · 09-14-2008, 05:33 PM

I'm not a Bonnie rider, but I am a comparitive novice taking passengers on my Speed Four (done it three times).

I didn't adjust the suspension or the tyre pressures and it was fine - can't recommend going against the manual though as I'm sure it's there for a reason.

With a passenger (combined weight approx. 343lbs [I feel fat now]), I found riding the bike on the road was fine. However, I found it much more difficult at slower speeds - turning out of roads in particular - particularly the first one, as neither of you really knows what to expect!

You'll probably find it wobbly as you both try to compensate for each other.

I read here elsewhere some tips, which I found useful for riding 2-up. They were basically to explain what happens to your partner:

1. To get on the bike, mount it like you would a horse. Left foot on the left peg and swing the right over. Find the right peg.

2. Hold on to me or the grab rail.

3. If we have to stop suddenly, you can grip tighter with your legs and put your hand on the tank to stop you sliding forward.

4. To turn, we lean. You must lean with the bike - if you try and stand the bike up, we go straight on. You'll get used to it, but if you try and keep your body upright relative to the bike.

I'll add a number 5, which is to say please don't fidget when we're going slowly and please don't yank my arm if you want to say something - it's supposed to be steering!

Take it easy and make it a shortish first trip (say, 10 miles). Remember she may hate it, but if she doesn't, you can go further next time and start to enjoy the experience!

Good luck & enjoy.

Tbirdnz · 09-14-2008, 09:48 PM

Tyre pressures.
I generally ride my Thunderbird 2psi down on front/rear from the recommended pressure of 36/42 on solo because they feel if they are too hard, they tend to stot (bounce). 2psi doesn't seem much difference but to me it's more comfortable and a better ride.

When I was touring with a pillion and rear bike pack and two side paniers I put them back to 36/42 and they were just right.

However on my CB, a bike only 5kg heavier than my TB I retain them at spec at 36/42 for solo. ( I don't tour on my CB).

Generally for the average rider and pillion the manufacturers recommended pressure is about right. If you are carrying more weight than normal increase the rear by 2psi, if it feels too hard go back to spec. Different bikes will give a different feel.

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Ride on !

ChurnDog · 09-16-2008, 09:16 AM

My wife has been a passenger longer than I have been a rider. So I was lucky there and she knew what she was doing when I finally felt comfortable going two-up.

When someone asked what was the best way to tell someone how to lean as a passenger when riding two up, all the instructor said was "have them look over the shoulder of the driver in the direction of the turn" (ie left turn look over left shoulder). This is pretty basic, but it puts them in position to allow the driver to lean the bike and like most things, the body goes where the head goes, so it makes it easier for the lean and feel more natural.

saphena · 09-16-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas_07Bonnie

toting around the girlfriend for joy rides and what not.

Que??