Koi's First Two-up Adventure

[i_am_the_koi]

So I've now been riding for going on 3 years. In that time I've only two-up'd a few times, whether by choice or necessity. I recently bought a new motorcycle, well, a new-to-me motorcycle, a 1990 FJ1200, a severe upgrade from my XJ600 Seca, aka the POS I've been riding/learning on.

Also, recently, I started a relationship with a fabulous girl who is pretty much down for adventures and experiencing new things, which is awesome.

We started riding together slowly, doing straightish roads, then a few twisties, then more twisties, but all rather short rides. Mainly to help my confidence as a rider, as well as to gain her experience. I went over everything I was able to read/learn about two up riding with her. How to get on the bike, what not to do while riding, hand signals, things like that. It is definitely noticeable the little things that change when having a second person. I can feel when she shifts her weight right and left to look over the shoulder of the oncoming turn, or when she starts fidgiting to get comfortable. Accelerating and braking take on a whole new concept as I can feel her slide into me when a stop light changes unexpectedly, or tense up when I accelerate more suddenly then she was expecting. Overall she has been a great pillion though and it has been a joy to share the experience together.

Finally, after what I felt was enough short rides I decided it was time to go on a longer adventure. I chose a road I knew well enough that I didn't feel I was going to be surprised by the conditions or the twisties themselves.

Gmaps are still being a pain in the ass so here's an image of the route I chose, as well as a Linky to the routehttps://www.google.com/maps?saddr=Napa,+CA&daddr=38.4524833,-122.4169851+to:Goat+Rock+Beach,+Jenner,+CA+to:petaluma+to:Napa,+CA&hl=en&ll=38.40733,-122.706299&spn=0.556354,1.095886&sll=38.340628,-122.706001&sspn=0.556868,1.095886&geocode=FcJfSAId7wy2-Cnv3vL45_-EgDElx4QzOp9i1g%3BFQO9SgIdpxC0-CkdAg4qJFSEgDF6YoTVkiuY1g%3BFfWlSgIdhz2p-ClzXq9edp-GgDEbQLyrIJcHhA%3BFWFhRwIdlLaw-ClNDHTCjEqEgDHyYi1kNbj_qw%3BFcJfSAId7wy2-Cnv3vL45_-EgDElx4QzOp9i1g&oq=napa&mra=ls&via=1&t=m&z=10]linky.



It was a beautiful day, and after suffering a late start due to forgetting my keys at her place and having to retrace our steps to retrieve them, we got on the road and headed through the Napa Valley and to the Russian River Area. Having spoiled her a bit with champagne on our first few dates I chose to make a stop at Korbel Winery for a tasting of some California Champagne (Not Sparkling, they are given the right by the French to call it Champagne as long as they include California because they have been producing for so long, since 1882).

The bike itself was loving the ride, and despite the exhaust loosening off a bit (Atleast it didn't fall off like the one that came with the bike when I bought it), it was awesome. Definitely can notice the difference in riding it solo vs riding with another person.


The winery itself is beautiful and in a great location to stop for a break, sip some Champagne, sorry, some California Champagne, and enjoy the sun.


Their original label from 1882.


Returning to the bike, it was depressed that it didn't get to join in, but happy that the ride was going to continue.


The next stop on our adventure was Goat Rock State Beach by Jenner, CA. A rock that is said is only climbable by a goat.


Although clear and beautiful, it was very very windy so we didn't hang out long.


Had to snap the proverbial "Pics or it didn't happen" shot for family/friends.


Hwy 1 was beautiful as always, and on a Friday there wasn't a lot of tourist traffic so we were able to enjoy the road. The wind wasn't as noticeable as it was while stopped and with the right gear, it wasn't cold either.

Next stop was a spot we had gone to on our second date, the Spud Point Crab Co in Bodega Bay for their world famous Clam Chowder. On a cold blustery day, it seemed like a perfect choice to warm the belly and take a break.


On our way back through to Wine Country, I stopped at a spot featuring some Clidesdale horses, mainly because she has asked about them previously and because they were close to the fence.

Big horses, really big horses.


Thirsty horse was thirsty.



It was a really good ride for our first adventure longer then just up and around the local streets and I can't wait for the next. I'm already plotting our next long adventure and am researching on how to improve as a rider for her benefit and my own to ensure safety as always. Being on the bigger bike has it's own changes that I'm still getting comfortable with and adding in her weight and center of gravity is a learning experience of it's own, but I look forward to the challenge.

Hope you enjoy the quick report :thumbup

[markmartin]

Nice trip and write up. Keep them coming.  I'm hoping to get to Ca. someday to ride those roads and see that country first hand and it will probably be with my wife as pillion.  

Suggestion: get a back rest for your pillion. It looks like your Corbin has the receptor for one.  I'm sure your not popping wheelies or doing burnout's at the stop lights, but she'll be more relaxed with one there.  

Mark M

[FJmonkey]

Great report! it screams to me to get the carbs and tires done, then "Get The Fuck Out And Ride" (GTFOAR). I need that for my plate... Does this mean we will see you two at the rally in May?

[i_am_the_koi]

Great report! it screams to me to get the carbs and tires done, then "Get The Fuck Out And Ride" (GTFOAR). I need that for my plate... Does this mean we will see you two at the rally in May?

Work providing, I plan on being there for atleast one of, if not both days. Especially since she lives in Petaluma and I live just on the other side of the hill. 

[racerman_27410]

when braking two up it works better if you can get her to use her hands to brace herself against either your upper thighs or the rear of the gas tank (if her arms are long enough)

looks like you had a great time.


KOokaloo!


Frank

[FJmonkey]

I instruct my passengers to slip their hands, palms facing out through the rear grab handles. This puts their arms in tension under braking and compression during acceleration. It is easier for the passenger to tense up preventing a ball breaking moment if hard breaking is called for. Acceleration tends to have more discression as to when and how much. It also makes it easier for them to stay in position during corners and counter lean less.

[craigo]

Great story Koi,

You 2 will become one with the bike after a while....

As much as I love riding solo and blitzing the curves by myself, I do love it when the wife rides with me. It's really a great way to connect while out in the back country with her. As we have ridden now for 10 years, she has no fear and total faith in my abilities. In fact, she now loves the curves as much as I do and we work as one on the bike, although I do not go near the speeds I go when solo. She hugs me around the waist and mimics my every move. I can hear her giggling like a school girl back there sometimes. Such fun!!!

CraigO

PS: Love your moniker of John Wayne on the scrambler. Too cool!!!

[I make oil]

   Great report Koi!  I wish I could get my wife to take a trip.  I'm lucky to get her to even take short trips around town on one of my bikes. 

[The General]

Wow! I really really love this kind of report. We get to see true reality shots from somewhere in the world and you get an adventure. Makes me feel slack for not taking more single pics when Riding with my Dena.
Lent my new Love bunny rear foot board/pegs to Trent & his wife (oz fj - Darren`s brother) along with soft luggage etc for their Bellingen Valley Adventure. (he too Has only just sold a 600cc Bike) Damit! they were virgin love bunny boards. He better agree to write a report here with pics or no chook raffle for him! 

The majority of us have or had difficulties getting their partner to go pillion, let alone enjoy riding Pillion. I found helmet to helmet electronics terrific, esp for first timers.(Cofidence builder & esp fun) Also Air Cell cushion (with almost zero air) took care of the sliding forward as well as luxury comfort. The distance from seat to pillion Peg is also critical for long distance pillions - the angle of the Knee makes it difficult to stand up after a long journey esp if they don`t have an air hawk seat to keep up blood supply to all muscles. Think about the mathematics when it comes to mounting. The pillion pegs would do better mounted closer to the ground in many circumstances (though Givi top boxes can be a prob) - so where possible, I choose a curb gutter as a step to mount and dismount, but always mount pegs on the lowest position. (You can buy extensions to lower even further for real comfort, though cornering lean angles can be compromised). A biggie is the fact my wife believed the FJ had only a puttering motor that doesn`t go over 3000RPM except in top gear occasionally- for at least the first 10 rides. Practising ultra smooth gear changes is an obvious required habit.
Getting the Pillion to physically look where the bike is going is an obvious help, though wifey found that a difficult habit. (write it on the back of your helmet  ) lots of other tips, but gotta go work. 
Many thanks for your report.
 

[Dan Filetti]

I drove nearly that same route in a cage just two weeks ago!  We stayed in Santa Rosa, cool little town.  We took Rt 1 a bit further south than you did -to Point Reyes, out to the lighthouse.  After having driven it, I added riding the venerable PCH on a suitable bike, to my bucket list.   

Cheers,

Dan

[Firehawk068]

Nice trip report!
I look forward to sampling those roads during the WCR.
I wish I could get my wife interested in longer trips........She'll ride a short distance with me, but since we started having kids, she has lost most of her interest in motorcycles.
I did manage to get her to take the MSF course, and get her license endorsement while she was pregnant with our first boy though.

Funny though, when I bought my '90 FJ, I was upgrading to a larger bike from an XJ600 also........

[Tiger]

Suggestion: get a back rest for your pillion. It looks like your Corbin has the receptor for one...she'll be more relaxed with one there.  Mark M

Great write up... +1 on a backrest for the pillion, for the same reason...

During the summer my wife and I regularly ride two-up and have been for eight years or so. She was initially green to bikes but with in a very short period became a great passenger, so much so she can actually doze off for a cat nap The first I know about it is when her head drops forward and we go helmet to helmet

We toured Cape Breton Island last August, what a blast the Cabot Trail is...up and over Smokey Mountain with breath taking views around the coast and inland...MAGIC!!!

A lot of this is gaining confidence, a three way confidence, between the rider, passenger and your ride. The initial years, for us, were gained on two up touring snow mobiles...which was then transferred to my then Yamaha Vision/XZ550RJ.

Keep it up buddy and you will have a partner for life...

John.

[movenon]

Great write up. I rode with my wife for many years. Its all about trust and the skill is much like dancing. After a while it go's so smoothly that it becomes a lot of fun. For awhile there if I grabbed my helmet my wife would beat me to the bike and ask "where WE going" .
In the area of trust (no irrational moves) I would always tap my wife's left leg if I was setting up for a pass. That put her on alert that something was going to happen and 4 eyes are better than two. She would poke me if she wasn't happy with it or see's something that I might not aware of. Putting her in the decision loop and making things smoother. We also used intercoms but we found them rather annoying. Sometimes the quiet is nice.
Might have to spend a few extra days in Petaluma after the WCR from looking at your map.
George

[i_am_the_koi]

Great write up. I rode with my wife for many years. Its all about trust and the skill is much like dancing. After a while it go's so smoothly that it becomes a lot of fun. For awhile there if I grabbed my helmet my wife would beat me to the bike and ask "where WE going" .
In the area of trust (no irrational moves) I would always tap my wife's left leg if I was setting up for a pass. That put her on alert that something was going to happen and 4 eyes are better than two. She would poke me if she wasn't happy with it or see's something that I might not aware of. Putting her in the decision loop and making things smoother. We also used intercoms but we found them rather annoying. Sometimes the quiet is nice.
Might have to spend a few extra days in Petaluma after the WCR from looking at your map.
George

There's lots of guud roads in the area and I can definitely lead you to some awesome roads if you do hang out in the area.

I am quite impressed with her at times because she can sense what I am going to do. We've already discussed that when I tap her leg twice, it means hang on and pay attention because there is something happening ahead. Debris, another driver, that kind of thing. I single tap when I am pointing out something for her to look at and for passing she can pretty much tell when I am setting up to pass someone before I even realize that I am going to do so.



Interesting point ya'll about the Corbin Backrest. I noticed the hole and was curious as to what it was for, that makes a lot of sense. Anyone got a link to one?

Also, anyone got any advice on a rear-rack for my FJ? I kinda paged through the forum and saw some interesting ideas but nothing that was real definite for what I was looking for. Would like to be able to carry some luggage if we decide to do a longer trip somewhere so she didn't have to lug a backpack.

I've got a set of Chase-harper saddle bags but have yet to see if she will be able to sit comfortably with them on the bike, that's the next learning lesson.

[rktmanfj]

Interesting point ya'll about the Corbin Backrest. I noticed the hole and was curious as to what it was for, that makes a lot of sense. Anyone got a link to one?

Just go to eBay, there's tons of different Corbin backrests on there.