Passenger Question

[AlabamaNomadRider]

My wife and I went shopping this afternoon and she surprised me by saying she might take a ride with me. I bought the Nomad April 1, 2009 and she hasn't so much as touched the bike. She did take one very short ride on the Honda VTX1300R. It didn't have saddlebags or the passenger backrest. My question, what is the best way for the passenger to get on the Nomad? Do I get on first or have my wife get on first? That is the real question, who gets on first when you have a passenger? Any help would be appreciated and this may turn into something good for both of us.
Gene

[zoom45]

I always get on first and hold the bike steady and then she gets on.
Zoom45

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I know I will need to lean forward when she gets on as that is the way I did back years ago when I owned a Goldwing. That was with my first wife and many years ago. Does your passenger put her left foot on the floorboard and then bring her right leg over? Thanks for replying Zoom.

[zoom45]

Yes she does.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Thanks for your help Bobby. I do appreciate it. It seems that you and I are the only ones still up or at least the only ones posting. It amazes me that a lot of people read the threads but seems so few post anything on them. If I read a thread I am going to reply to it.

[taranis]

Yep, as Zoom said, you get on first, get the bike up and steady, with your right hand holding the brake. Have her get on from whichever side is more comfortable for her, putting her foot on the floorboard first and swinging her leg over.

If she hasn't done it much, be prepared for some rocking back and forth. Once she gets used to the feel though, you'll both be more comfortable.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Thanks Taranis, I appreciate your help. Like I said earlier she took a short ride on the Honda I had in 2008 but she hasn't been on the Nomad and was just curious since the Nomad has the backrest and saddlebags.

[cactusjack]

She would climb on just as the others described, Gene. Probably not much different than it was with your previous bike.

[dabull]

agree...make sure she waits until you say OK...if she catches you unaware by climbing on when you are not ready its going to be hard to stop the bike from rolling on down.

Make sure she gets a rider brief...go with the bike, let you drive, no need to lean, etc....take it slow...she gotta get used to riding, and you gotta get used to having a new passenger :)

[lomax]

Yup, like the others said and.....remind her often not to kick the bag once swinging her leg to the other side. :)

[Top Cat]

Hey Gene, before Cindy had her own bike it was easier for her to get on the back of mine if I was sitting and easier for her to get off the bike if I was standing. Just something to consider.

Also, sometimes members read a post and have nothing to contribute to the nature of the post.
I read lots of threads on here that I don't reply to. I'm not going to say to someone " hey I read your post but have nothing to add of any help" that would be a waste of my time and theirs.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Thanks Derry, Lomax and TC. I do appreciate the help. Some good advice from all. I remember when my first wife used to ride with me and when I leaned into a curve she always tried to lean out. This was something I like to never got her out of.

TC, I was just saying there are a lot that read the threads but it seems sometimes so few have anything to say. I am sure on a lot of the post there is something useful that most could contribute something. I'm not saying to say something that wouldn't benefit anyone. Just saying.....
I do always enjoy your post and you provide some useful information.

[skeeter]

All you old farts are prolly in bed already but I just wanted to tell you I read your post.

just kiddin.

I'll get on to hold the bike steady and hold the hand brake on. Sometimes I leave it leaning on the side stand for stability in slippery situations. Note the bike is easier to push upright with the bars turned to the right. Some find it easier to poke a leg thru behind the driver than to swing a leg over the backrest. Standing, leaning, whichever side.... just find what works.

[ballast]

My wife is 5' 4" and has trouble getting her leg up and over if I am on so I hold it and she gets in place then I leg it up and over. Has worked out well so far.

[dougster]

Glee finds it easiest to have me stand up, steadying the bike, before she gets on. It seems harder for her, if I am sitting. I hold the front brake, and keep the bike in neutral, if I have it running. She has learned to always wait until I tell her I am ready for her to get on. . . or off, to make sure I am set and holding the bike up. I also taught her to "stay neutral" when I corner, etc., and not to jerk around looking for stuff, unless I am prepared for her to do so. It is a real blessing to have her ride with me, especially with our communicators.