2 Up

unwind2 · 10-03-2010, 09:57 AM

Very rarely do I have a passenger. The other day I took my hubbie to get his bike that was at a shop in another town 30-40 miles away.

The only thing I notice was at first when taking off I wanted to keep my feet down until rolling good (nervous). As I got more comfy with during the trip I quit doing this and could tell it was actually much better to go ahead and put them feet up on the floor boards as taking off from stop.

Here was our other problem...(any suggestions) I let my hubbie get on the back seat before I got on the bike. Once I got on I could not stand it up off the kickstand without him leaning to the left. It was my idea for him to get on the bike first as I was afraid that if I got on first and stood the bike up that his climbing on causing all the shifting weight that I might not be able to hold the bike up. Does this sound right? Let him get on first?

AlabamaNomadRider · 10-03-2010, 10:46 AM

Probably best to let him get on first. You can do it either way. If you get on first and then him I would keep the side stand down even though you have the bike upright. This would prevent the bike falling to the left. You would only have to worry about the right side that way. Once he is on and settled then push the side stand up and start the bike up.

audiogooroo · 10-03-2010, 11:49 AM

I usually get on first and right the bike, then have the passenger mount. I can do it the other way, but it does take a bit more effort to get the bike off of the kickstand. I'm a bit of a hairy beast, so it's not a problem, but it just seems easier if I'm on first. And the older I get, the more "easy" I seek! :)

**glwilson** · 10-03-2010, 12:48 PM

Hopefully you can stand straight-up with both feet on the ground. If you can, then get on first -- upright the bike. Then stand-up with the inside of your thighs stabilizing the bike along with holding the bars tightly.

Instruct your passenger to NOT get on until you tell them to. Also, let them know it is not a horse... so they don't have to jump-up and onto the seat from the foot-board. Tell them to get on easy-n-gentle.

Oh my...

Sounds like I am talking about something else!!!

unwind2 · 10-03-2010, 08:57 PM

Think I had in the past stood the bike up and let the passenger get on...maybe we should try it several times both ways with the bike in the yard encase I have a problem. Practicing that would probably get a lot of strange looks from the neighbors. :-[

**ringadingh** · 10-03-2010, 09:07 PM

I like to get on the bike first and have it upright. Its a lot easier than trying to lift it off the sidestand.

**Top Cat** · 10-03-2010, 10:27 PM

Heres an idea. Let Ken drive your bike when these situations come up. Thats what Cindy and I do.

**billmac** · 10-04-2010, 07:10 AM

Most of my riding is 2 up. I mount first and wife gently loads without moving bike too much. She always asks if I am ready before she puts her weight on the bike. I have no problem raising the bike from the kickstand but I am twice her size.

I think it is important that the operator can hold up both the bike and rider should the bike become unbalanced left or right when stopped. How far left or right is a safety question for you and your passenger. I have seen riders who could barely support the motorcycle if it moved slightly left or right of balanced, when stopped. To me, that is a once false move (or front brake) and we're are down on the pavement scenario. I would pass on that passenger opportunity.

The Nomad is a beast to support when only slightly off balance. Add another human with their weight high in the back, and it can be even tougher. Congrats on having done it, and recognizing the challenge/gravity of the situation. :)

flavor · 10-04-2010, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

Heres an idea. Let Ken drive your bike when these situations come up. Thats what Cindy and I do.

I'm with you on this one TC.

Leave side stand down? You have to pick it back up then and if you're struggling as it is, you might lose you balance and go to far to far to keep bike upright.

I also think that if the passenger weighs more than the driver on a motorcycle it throw the whole balance off. You know light on steering or the front wheel.

fish · 10-04-2010, 07:56 AM

I'd be a little leary to have the passenger get on and and move back to the rear seat with only the kick stand down. I already get off the bike with the wife still sitting on the back seat and didn't like that neither.

Loafer · 10-04-2010, 08:42 AM

I was told a long time ago, to mount the bike and stand it up. Then to sit and put my legs out like outriggers. When ready, tell the rider to mount using their left hand on my left shoulder, pushing down on my shoulder to help them keep their balance. Then they put a foot on the peg/ floorboard lifting themselves up and swinging a leg through to the other side, then sitting down. [Not dropping down]. All the while trying to keep their weight to your shoulder and back. With practice [who cares what the neighbors think] my wife has gotten quite good at it. I think it is safe this way. IMO

desertdog · 10-04-2010, 04:42 PM

Wife and I have a system. I leave the kick stand down when I mount. Then I brace with both legs so it will not get off balance, while applying the front brake. The bike is primarily balanced on the kick stand, but I also have both feet down bracing hard, wife waits until I give the ok, then swings up and on.

Then I stand the bike up and put the kick stand up.

When we stop to dismount she waits until I get the kick stand down and front brake applied, then I brace with both legs again, and she gets off, then I get off.

I also have started using the trick of turning the front tire to the right, it makes standing the bike up easier.

We also can mount when I have it balanced and the kick stand is not down, almost same system, she never mounts before I give her the ok. And I always test both feet for gravel, sand or other objects that might cause me to slip or lose balance.

Never had a problem using this system so far.

Sin City Stan · 10-04-2010, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loafer

I was told a long time ago, to mount the bike and stand it up. Then to sit and put my legs out like outriggers. When ready, tell the rider to mount using their left hand on my left shoulder, pushing down on my shoulder to help them keep their balance. Then they put a foot on the peg/ floorboard lifting themselves up and swinging a leg through to the other side, then sitting down. [Not dropping down]. All the while trying to keep their weight to your shoulder and back. With practice [who cares what the neighbors think] my wife has gotten quite good at it. I think it is safe this way. IMO

Same way we do it except Rita is tall enough to not have to use the floorboard.

dandantmm · 10-04-2010, 08:37 PM

Here's my $0.02 worth.

You should mount first. Be sitting on the bike with both feet firmly planted on the ground and a good grip on the bars. I suggest making sure the kickstand is up first because you may be uneasy about putting it up with someone back there.

make sure that the passenger floor boards are both down before they attempt to get on.

if you are right handed I would have them mount from the left side so your strong arm is on the load bearing side of the bars.

you should always tell them when they can get on and off they should not attempt either until you say its ok.

instruct them NOT to use the passenger back rest to pull themselves up on the bike. That will pull you down every time, trust me on this one. I have first hand experience with this one. they can use it for balance if needed, just no pulling on it.

they should put their left foot on the floorboard (mounting on left side) and then lift their right leg over the seat, more like step over the seat with a single smooth motion. they should not try to swing it over the sissy bar.

once their foot is on the other floorboard they should gently sit down. not plop down with all their weight. also instruct them not to shift around and make any sudden movements that goes for THE WHOLE TIME they are back there. they need to understand that they can have a huge affect on the bikes handling if they make a lot of sudden movements. especially when slowing to a stop, when stopped, or making turns.

they should also not be rigid like a board either. I tell them to relax and go with the flow and that I'm in control of the lean angles. just go with the bike and don't try to make it lean or try to stop it from leaning.

it also good to work out how they should signal you to get your attention. you don't want them scaring the crap out of you and causing an accident.

That's my routine for new passengers and I've added to it over the years as problems have cropped up.

**Top Cat** · 10-05-2010, 12:24 PM

Again, your whole problem is solved if you just let Ken drive.

10-03-2010, 09:57 AM	#1
unwind2 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dyersburg TN Posts: 2,858	2 Up Very rarely do I have a passenger. The other day I took my hubbie to get his bike that was at a shop in another town 30-40 miles away. The only thing I notice was at first when taking off I wanted to keep my feet down until rolling good (nervous). As I got more comfy with during the trip I quit doing this and could tell it was actually much better to go ahead and put them feet up on the floor boards as taking off from stop. Here was our other problem...(any suggestions) I let my hubbie get on the back seat before I got on the bike. Once I got on I could not stand it up off the kickstand without him leaning to the left. It was my idea for him to get on the bike first as I was afraid that if I got on first and stood the bike up that his climbing on causing all the shifting weight that I might not be able to hold the bike up. Does this sound right? Let him get on first? __________________ Nancy '05 Nomad Blue/Silver Kawanow Member #23 Hubbie-Ken '10 Metalic Black Goldwing Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-03-2010, 10:46 AM	#2
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	2 Up Probably best to let him get on first. You can do it either way. If you get on first and then him I would keep the side stand down even though you have the bike upright. This would prevent the bike falling to the left. You would only have to worry about the right side that way. Once he is on and settled then push the side stand up and start the bike up. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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10-03-2010, 11:49 AM	#3
audiogooroo Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado/Las Vegas, NV Posts: 3,390	2 Up I usually get on first and right the bike, then have the passenger mount. I can do it the other way, but it does take a bit more effort to get the bike off of the kickstand. I'm a bit of a hairy beast, so it's not a problem, but it just seems easier if I'm on first. And the older I get, the more "easy" I seek! :) __________________ Audiogooroo - Daryl Porter Colorado Springs, CO VBA #248 VROC #17261 1999 Grn/Grn Nomad
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10-03-2010, 12:48 PM	#4
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	2 Up Hopefully you can stand straight-up with both feet on the ground. If you can, then get on first -- upright the bike. Then stand-up with the inside of your thighs stabilizing the bike along with holding the bars tightly. Instruct your passenger to NOT get on until you tell them to. Also, let them know it is not a horse... so they don't have to jump-up and onto the seat from the foot-board. Tell them to get on easy-n-gentle. Oh my... Sounds like I am talking about something else!!! __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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10-03-2010, 08:57 PM	#5
unwind2 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dyersburg TN Posts: 2,858	2 Up Think I had in the past stood the bike up and let the passenger get on...maybe we should try it several times both ways with the bike in the yard encase I have a problem. Practicing that would probably get a lot of strange looks from the neighbors. :-[ __________________ Nancy '05 Nomad Blue/Silver Kawanow Member #23 Hubbie-Ken '10 Metalic Black Goldwing Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-03-2010, 09:07 PM	#6
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	2 Up I like to get on the bike first and have it upright. Its a lot easier than trying to lift it off the sidestand. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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10-03-2010, 10:27 PM	#7
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	2 Up Heres an idea. Let Ken drive your bike when these situations come up. Thats what Cindy and I do. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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10-04-2010, 07:10 AM	#8
billmac Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,472	2 Up Most of my riding is 2 up. I mount first and wife gently loads without moving bike too much. She always asks if I am ready before she puts her weight on the bike. I have no problem raising the bike from the kickstand but I am twice her size. I think it is important that the operator can hold up both the bike and rider should the bike become unbalanced left or right when stopped. How far left or right is a safety question for you and your passenger. I have seen riders who could barely support the motorcycle if it moved slightly left or right of balanced, when stopped. To me, that is a once false move (or front brake) and we're are down on the pavement scenario. I would pass on that passenger opportunity. The Nomad is a beast to support when only slightly off balance. Add another human with their weight high in the back, and it can be even tougher. Congrats on having done it, and recognizing the challenge/gravity of the situation. :)
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10-04-2010, 07:56 AM	#10
fish Top Contributor Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Aquashicola Pa. Posts: 6,377	2 Up I'd be a little leary to have the passenger get on and and move back to the rear seat with only the kick stand down. I already get off the bike with the wife still sitting on the back seat and didn't like that neither. __________________ I'm not prejudice I hate everyone equally;) 08 nomad blue/silver MaryJane 74,010miles VBA #299 Her's 10 900LT 36,700 09 Bath NY. 10 Lake George NY. 11 National Maggie Valley NC. 12 Pa Wilds (Wellsboro) Pa. 14 Lincoln NH. 17 National Lake George NY.
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10-04-2010, 08:42 AM	#11
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	2 Up I was told a long time ago, to mount the bike and stand it up. Then to sit and put my legs out like outriggers. When ready, tell the rider to mount using their left hand on my left shoulder, pushing down on my shoulder to help them keep their balance. Then they put a foot on the peg/ floorboard lifting themselves up and swinging a leg through to the other side, then sitting down. [Not dropping down]. All the while trying to keep their weight to your shoulder and back. With practice [who cares what the neighbors think] my wife has gotten quite good at it. I think it is safe this way. IMO __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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10-04-2010, 04:42 PM	#12
desertdog Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Goodyear AZ Posts: 331	2 Up Wife and I have a system. I leave the kick stand down when I mount. Then I brace with both legs so it will not get off balance, while applying the front brake. The bike is primarily balanced on the kick stand, but I also have both feet down bracing hard, wife waits until I give the ok, then swings up and on. Then I stand the bike up and put the kick stand up. When we stop to dismount she waits until I get the kick stand down and front brake applied, then I brace with both legs again, and she gets off, then I get off. I also have started using the trick of turning the front tire to the right, it makes standing the bike up easier. We also can mount when I have it balanced and the kick stand is not down, almost same system, she never mounts before I give her the ok. And I always test both feet for gravel, sand or other objects that might cause me to slip or lose balance. Never had a problem using this system so far.
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10-04-2010, 08:37 PM	#14
dandantmm Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bartlett, TN Posts: 235	2 Up Here's my $0.02 worth. You should mount first. Be sitting on the bike with both feet firmly planted on the ground and a good grip on the bars. I suggest making sure the kickstand is up first because you may be uneasy about putting it up with someone back there. make sure that the passenger floor boards are both down before they attempt to get on. if you are right handed I would have them mount from the left side so your strong arm is on the load bearing side of the bars. you should always tell them when they can get on and off they should not attempt either until you say its ok. instruct them NOT to use the passenger back rest to pull themselves up on the bike. That will pull you down every time, trust me on this one. I have first hand experience with this one. they can use it for balance if needed, just no pulling on it. they should put their left foot on the floorboard (mounting on left side) and then lift their right leg over the seat, more like step over the seat with a single smooth motion. they should not try to swing it over the sissy bar. once their foot is on the other floorboard they should gently sit down. not plop down with all their weight. also instruct them not to shift around and make any sudden movements that goes for THE WHOLE TIME they are back there. they need to understand that they can have a huge affect on the bikes handling if they make a lot of sudden movements. especially when slowing to a stop, when stopped, or making turns. they should also not be rigid like a board either. I tell them to relax and go with the flow and that I'm in control of the lean angles. just go with the bike and don't try to make it lean or try to stop it from leaning. it also good to work out how they should signal you to get your attention. you don't want them scaring the crap out of you and causing an accident. That's my routine for new passengers and I've added to it over the years as problems have cropped up.
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10-05-2010, 12:24 PM	#15
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	2 Up Again, your whole problem is solved if you just let Ken drive. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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