Riding with a passenger

[krusty]

And in case of emergency........
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/If-you-can-read-this-the-bitch-has-fallen-off-motorcycle-Tshirt-funny/202083338805?hash=item2f0d1b0a35:m:m6BPpEEMlRQO8_EMNFrV_XQ

[aviationfred]

as far as handles for a passenger to hold on to. There is this option. It is a belt worn by the rider that has a pair of handles attached for the passenger.

http://store.outlawracingproducts.com/ourapabeha.html


Fred

[ryanschoebel]

So, we went on a ride today. We went pretty far, but kept it pretty tame. Heres what i noticed. First, the engine sounds much different with the added load. The rpms stayed roughly the same, but the sound was fairly different. Second, slow turns with load are much more touchy. It doesn't glide through as well, and wants to stand up more. Third, women like to move, alot. She was mostly still, but kept letting go at weird times to fix her hair under her helmet, or check something on her phone, things like that. Next, engine breaking is much more efficient. With the two of us, we slowed down a lot when i simply let off the throttle, which also made shifting trickier, because it had to be perfectly smooth, or else we would jerk a bit. i had to make sure that i was pulling in the clutch, as i rolling off the throttle, whereas normally, i have some leeway.  Finally, it almost seemed as though the shifter was firmer. Like, it wasn't much, but it took more force to pull the shifter up. In the last 3 months, I've never missed the shift into second, but today, I missed it twice, and hit neutral instead.

Have you guys had similar experiences? or does something sound wrong?

Thanks guys,

Ryan

[ribbert]

So, we went on a ride today. We went pretty far, but kept it pretty tame. Heres what i noticed. First, the engine sounds much different with the added load. The rpms stayed roughly the same, but the sound was fairly different. Second, slow turns with load are much more touchy. It doesn't glide through as well, and wants to stand up more. Third, women like to move, alot. She was mostly still, but kept letting go at weird times to fix her hair under her helmet, or check something on her phone, things like that. Next, engine breaking is much more efficient. With the two of us, we slowed down a lot when i simply let off the throttle, which also made shifting trickier, because it had to be perfectly smooth, or else we would jerk a bit. i had to make sure that i was pulling in the clutch, as i rolling off the throttle, whereas normally, i have some leeway.  Finally, it almost seemed as though the shifter was firmer. Like, it wasn't much, but it took more force to pull the shifter up. In the last 3 months, I've never missed the shift into second, but today, I missed it twice, and hit neutral instead.

Have you guys had similar experiences? or does something sound wrong?

Thanks guys,

Ryan

You're concentrating too hard, over thinking actions that are normally reflex, most of the things you mention could not be affected by adding a pillion. Engine braking will be less efficient with a pillion (more weight) but then you are probably slowing sooner.
Seamless gear changes up and down (if you blip the throttle on the down changes) are not difficult and rolling off the throttle instead and snapping it closed will make for a comfortable pillion experience.

Yes pillions move around and that makes your bike feel unfamiliar to you. The things you describe are similar to those of someone getting on a bike they are not used to.

More practice, don't over think it and relax. A couple of more rides and it will be as smooth as silk and fun.

ALWAYS put both feet down when stopped with a pillion, they have a knack for leaning around to say speak to you on the side with the raised foot.

IMO

Noel


[/quote]

[FJmonkey]

I agree with Noel on his comments. To your credit, hyper sensitive is better described as cautious towards the safe side. The things you mentioned will smooth out as you get a few more rides in. Remember the first time on a bike? This is like another first. More time 2 up in the saddle will feel more normal as you get more rides in.  Stay cautious and safe and enjoy many more rides with your passenger.

[red]

So, we went on a ride today. We went pretty far, but kept it pretty tame.  ...  Finally, it almost seemed as though the shifter was firmer. Like, it wasn't much, but it took more force to pull the shifter up. In the last 3 months, I've never missed the shift into second, but today, I missed it twice, and hit neutral instead. Have you guys had similar experiences? or does something sound wrong?  Thanks guys,
Ryan

Ryan,

Sounds like you normally sit back a bit when riding solo, and with a passenger, you will sit more forward than usual.  That makes the shifter seem higher, and it takes a little extra to get the upshift.  If this difference bothers you, you could pull the shifter bolt, remove the shift lever from the shaft, and re-install the lever one notch lower.  You might like the lever better in the lower position, even when solo, so feel free to experiment while riding solo, and see what works best for you.