Solo or Two-up?

[xsrider]

I've done a lot of both 2-up and solo riding, and having a keen and trusting pillion passenger and a few bike mods (aftermarket rear shocks, 25mm spacer for extra preload in front end and Avon Supervenom tyres) I hardly know the difference, even through the hills.
If you are like me and are often loaded up with camping gear etc, you get used to having extra weight over the back wheel, which can even be an advantage sometimes.
It's really important that you and your pillion have full trust in each other, and to gain as much 2-up experience as possible before you both start pushing the boundaries.

I'm also happy to hop on the back of the several bikes, including my brother's Suzuki GSX1200, and be taken for a blast. I've done so much riding with my brother and other mates that I have no reason not to trust thier abilities.

[bennettoid]

Solo

[Gummiente]

Both my bikes have solo seats on them - I don't take passengers.


That's because my girlfriend rides her own bike. I LOVE that woman!

[ronboskz650sr]

Today was my first ride with a pillion. At least on a street bike on the road. My daughter went with me to fix our car where it broke down. She was going to drive it home. When we got there, I realized my GM car used metric bolts in this case, and I needed a different socket. As I turned toward home, she said "keep going" and I could almost feel the disappointment. So...I went another 25 miles to get home, and we both enjoyed the ride. I'll admit, it was very different, but with a trusting passenger it went well after a short time getting used to the handling differences.

Yes, I prefer solo, but I'm glad I tried it, and that my daughter is getting interested in it. She bought some gear the other day, and is out riding with Chris right now. He's getting the hang of it, too. It's all good.

[Hawking]

The key to a good 2-up ride is communication....I don't mean talking about it before you hit the pavement. I mean an intercom. It makes the ride much less rider dominant, and much more a 2-up experience.

I used to do most of my riding solo. Then there was a wife and kids, and the solo riding was relegated to the rider to/from work. On the weekends, when the kids are off doing kid things, we hop on the bike, done the matching helmets, and do a few miles to make sure we still trust each other. She has to trust me to ride on the back of a sportbike, and I have to trust her not to lean the wrong way.

Personally, I have an easier time handling the bike solo, but I'm not complaining at all about the Mrs. wanting to go for a ride.

Remember, when you thwack the throtlle open, you have the bars to hold on to. They don't move. She's got you to hold on to....You move. It's much more unsettling to be a passenger than the rider.

Hawk

[Aquaduct]

I rode a lot in college back in the early '80s. Used to take my girlfriend with me all the time. We've been together now for 22 years and married for 18. Now I take my kids or thier friends for rides. Got the wife her own bike and she takes the class next week. 2 bikes, 4 seats for all of us (2 kids) to tour the Skyline Drive near our house. Great things happen 2-up.

[Randy]

My wife refused to ride on the pillion, she says she is thinking about getting a bike, but I don't think she really is. I don't care. I like riding solo anyhow.

[MarkyPancake]

I prefer the pillion to be lighter than me, but I rarely carry one and will probably convert the next bike into a single seater.

[FZrider]

There are good and bad drivers and riders, and there are good and bad passengers. I still prefer solo but I certainly appreciate those who know how to ride the back seat.

[vulcanman500]

Is a good pasenger a good passenger if they poke you in the neck while yo are riding? my sister did that to me and istarted laughing like crazy and couldn't go becuse it was soo funny. Theres a girl at work I'm taking for aride tonight. I just got a new helmet(to match the hurricane) and she's been wiating for a ride for a long time. I've had three passengers at minimal distances. It really makes you wanna shift smoother cause you get head butted if you dont.