two up training tips?

flatbutt · 06-25-2009, 07:17 AM

Guys, I gave up riding two up after my recovery because I didn't feel confident enough to be responsible for a pillion. That's changed. I want to be able to ride two up for at least day rides.

Any tips on how to prepare myself? Strap a bag of concrete to the back?

Seriously, is there any way to do this?

TIA y'all

PFFOG · 06-25-2009, 07:39 AM

I don't do a lot of 2 up, but even with all my riding and ability to flat foot both feet at once, I always am very cautious at stops when I do. I don't mind it when moving, and quickly adapt, but I never feel as confident as I do solo.

A well educated passenger helps. Educate them on proper mount/dismount, and when it is good to wiggle around, and when it is not. The cement bag might help fine tune your sensitivity to keeping the bike as upright as possible at stops, and the added pressure needed to brake, but a bucket of water will add the sloshing motion that a passenger can add.

Bob K. · 06-25-2009, 07:49 AM

Passenger training is the key in my opinion. I like the above suggestions, and would add the following.

Instruct your passenger that (for safety) to always look to the inside of your helmet in turns. Never the outside of your helmet. This keeps the passenger's body in line, and their weight always working with you in turns, not against you. You can and should encourage this if you see or feel different things going on.

Yea, It's simple, but works well!

hawktane7 · 06-25-2009, 07:56 AM

I agree with the above. I think it's critical that the passenger be trained on those basics. I would add also that the passenger should brace their hands on the tank when braking rather than around the rider. This negates the cramming of bodies against the tank. Unless you want that of course.

agypsy · 06-25-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawktane7

I agree with the above. I think it's critical that the passenger be trained on those basics. I would add also that the passenger should brace their hands on the tank when braking rather than around the rider. This negates the cramming of bodies against the tank. Unless you want that of course.

yes, good advice. nate kern took me for a ride around the track at buttonwillow. he told me to place my hand on the tank on hard braking and one hand on his waist. he also said that i should tilt my head slightly into the turn and that he could feel the slightest movement in the turn.

i've never ridden with a passenger on the back of the BCR until a few weeks ago. the passenger was comfy but at the end of the day my arms were killing me from the added forward weight....

i had a lot of practice riding with a passenger from my GS which was so top heavy. i would always tell my passenger to not make any sudden movements to the left or right when i was slowing down and/or stopped as we could tip over easily.

onekiwi · 06-25-2009, 09:23 AM

SO, Russ, you have your BCR in Los Angeles now?

PFFOG · 06-25-2009, 09:31 AM

O.K. I want to go back to Flatty's question.....................Two up, is there something you want to fess up???

bradzdotcom · bradzdotcom's Garage

like nate pointed out, one hand on tank for braking, one on waist for holding on.
head turns in the corner, no wiggling when stopped, no sudden swinging around.
a head weighs 10-11 pounds, plus 2.something for the helmet....it can make a difference in helping tip the bike into the gradual, sweeping corners you're taking your newbie passenger through.
best part...their chest should be in contact with your back. their hand on the tank helps take the pressure off your arms under braking, but the chest to back is pretty important, for a variety of reasons and good results (ahem).
i tossed a passenger on once that only got three corners worth of residential neighborhood. she absolutely could not stop herself from counter-balancing. we'd turn left, she'd lean WAY right. result: we go pretty much straight. claimed it was due to her "extensive sailing experience and can NEVER change!". whatever.....next?

pmc847 · 06-25-2009, 10:17 AM

Great advice. When Jane first started riding with me we had a discussion about what she needed to do as an active member of the bike. Also what she should expect as a passenger.
Right turns look over my right shoulder, left turns etc. Look down the road to where we are going not just in front of us. This helps to lessen the sensation of speed. Keep your weight, as little as that is my dear <;~), off the rider. If no descent passenger grab raids then one hand one the tank when braking as suggested. That also means she need to be aware of what you are seeing ahead, not daydreaming and being caught by surprise when you do brake. No sudden movements especially in turns. When I crank up the FCK (preload) it's for our comfort and safety not an insult because again, you don't weigh much, you're just right.

After our accident it took awhile for both of us to get comfortable riding again. We still get nervous at the sight of a farm tracker on the road.

Philip

flatbutt · 06-25-2009, 10:31 AM

Foggy.....There is a lady that really really needs a motorcyclist in her life. And none of the usual jersey bums will do!

bradzdotcom · bradzdotcom's Garage

gentlemen riders, while transporting fair young maidens, often discover to their delight that a man's back is quite sensitive and discerning when the frontal anatomy of the female persuasion experiences the mild to medium g-forces created by somewhat harsher braking than is actually required for the task at hand.
a traditional "sorry, thought i saw another bunny at roadside" is often enough to appease the semi-involuntary evaluation of the curves and contours found directly behind oneself.
doesn't hurt to buy dinner either.

another popular pasttime with pillioneers is the "find the rpm game", where the rider holds a steady speed, while demonstrating different rpm levels available, utilizing the numerous gears. this passenger participant experience to find what is the "most pleasant" vibration level is the ultimate gesture of gentlemanly unselfishness.
it can also lead to a ride cut short, sometimes completely skipping the dinner part.
it's possible that the term "your mileage may vary" has roots in this tradition.
sidebar: the latter is particularly popular with the harley davidson marque, and not so much with gold wing passengers.

PFFOG · 06-25-2009, 10:49 AM

Shhhhhhhhhhhh, you don't really want to let the Harley riders know it is a 800 lb. vibrator that keep the young nubile groupies hanging around, not their great personalities and superior riding skills.

Once it gets out, you will see them driving straight off corners with the rear brake locked up, in an attempt to commit suicide.

flatbutt · 06-25-2009, 10:58 AM

So...it's pretty much put somebody on the back and teach them how to ride pillion. Not so much I can do for me to prepare.

bradzdotcom · bradzdotcom's Garage

push-ups maybe.
back up your braking points, drag them out in length.
learn to always double-down your feet at stops.
the smoother you are when taking off, the less wiggle/wobble others will see from behind.
smooth shifts help eliminate helmet-banging with your passenger.
a friendly, encouraging pat on the thigh on occasion is not uncalled for. (you to her, not the other way around....but then again...)

work out the hand signals for hungry and potty breaks. a hand signal for "slow down or i shall pummel you at first chance" is also good.

don't tell them the trick of putting their hands over your helmet's eyeport to get you to slow down.
it's a secret.

bags of cement and buckets of water....um....not a particularly good idea.

as always, adjust suspension and tire pressures, lower the speed, be smooth, it's her ride, not yours.
almost forgot: no wheelies, stoppies or tattoos. 'least on the first ride. after that...

flatbutt · 06-25-2009, 01:20 PM

cool , thanks guys. now where the heck did I put those passenger pegs?

Mad Otter · 01:38 PM

Lee Parks wrote the best chapter on pillion that I have ever seen. I have had each gf/wife/daughter read it and implement it before we go out. Works like a charm and any of you who have ever ridden behind me and Marcella can attest to it. I had several forum members tell me they thought she was the rider after following us on a Central Coast Triple Crown ride.
http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Performance-Street-Techniques/dp/0760314039

martincito · 06-25-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatbutt

So...it's pretty much put somebody on the back and teach them how to ride pillion. Not so much I can do for me to prepare.

If you don't feel comfortable riding with your girlfriend, you can tell her that you are confused and want to take some time for yourself. After that you get an smaller and lighter girlfriend, practice for a year and when you feel comfortable riding two up you dump her and go back with the other one.

.
I don't know if is a good plan but is better than the bag of concrete.

EenyBear · 06-25-2009, 06:36 PM

In addition to the helmet guideline offered above... may I suggest a set of "Love Handles"?

Despite the flurry of sophomoric posting activity this statement may cause, I heartily recommend them for your comfort and well-being as well as your pillions. I use 'em and they are GREAT!

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/1820

Scroll down. You get the idea. I bought mine on eBay.

Cheers,
Ian

kpolito99 · 06-25-2009, 06:48 PM

Go to a bookstore and read the two-up chapter in "Proficient Motorcycling." It is more about educating your passenger than really riding that much different.

Of course you have to be sensible and not expect to brake at the last minute with an unexpected passenger on your shoulders.

agypsy · 06-25-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onekiwi

SO, Russ, you have your BCR in Los Angeles now?

hey carl, sorry for the late reply, was out riding. finally had a little break with rain in NY. it's been raining almost every day for the past 3 weeks.

i've been in NY the past few months. i've been back and forth so much in the past year that i think i'm keeping the BCR in NY and the duc in LA. going to have to do the bi-coastal thing for a little while.

how are you man? how's the duc?