First Passenger

[bluecamel]

I saw a post about this the other day, but I have a slightly different situation I think. I have 2000 miles under me on the 150cc scooter (in all kinds of traffic and some highway). I have had a passenger on the scooter on a couple of occasions and it went well, but was only for a few miles.

I have about 400 miles under me on my new bike (1982 Honda CB900 Custom). I'm feeling pretty good on it and have practiced quick stops, swerves, all of that good stuff. It's nowhere near old hat, but I feel pretty confident.

Assuming I get my charging system fixed, I'm going to go to Kansas City (which is much larger and heavier traffic than my city) this weekend to pick up a friend at the airport. We were then going to head into the country for me to practice and wander around. I should get there early in the morning and have a couple hours to adjust to the crazy traffic before picking her up.

I'm curious what you guys think? Any red flags? I think having a passenger on the bike should be easier than the scooter (slight movements make that thing lean and fly across the road in a flash), though stopping time should be a lot higher I'm sure.

Thanks!

[jonnythan]

I started taking a passenger around after about 3 days of riding... but I didn't feel like I had to ask anyone about it.

Any time anyone asks on a forum whether it's a good idea to start doing that, I get the impression that they're really not ready for it yet. When you're ready, you know.

Others will disagree with me.

[bluecamel]

Actually, I feel ready and hadn't even given it a second thought. But I mentioned it to a couple of friends and they're making me doubt myself. I think they're probably the same people that are convinced that I'm going to kill myself doing stupid stunts at 180 on the freeway and would rather I cower in a corner somewhere than ride

[erbgottie]

Any time anyone asks on a forum whether it's a good idea to start doing that, I get the impression that they're really not ready for it yet. When you're ready, you know.

Others will disagree with me.

For once, I agree with you jonnythan. I don't really ride double because I was in a minor accident with my sister on the old 450 and she got burnt pretty bad on the legs from exhaust and from then on I just don't feel right, just me though. Good luck with whatever you do

[Veda]

Some thoughts:

-Is she going to have luggage?
-Do you have a set of gear for her?
-Has she ridden pillion before? How does she feel about it? Is she comfortable with your inexperience?
-Is there an alternate way for her to get back if things don't go well during practice?
-Do you have time to take a practice run so you can get familiar with the roads and traffic?

[bluecamel]

Some thoughts:

-Is she going to have luggage?{/quote]

Just a backpack, and that can go on the rack.

-Do you have a set of gear for her?

She has a leather jacket. I have a helmet that I know will fit her.

-Has she ridden pillion before?

Nope.

How does she feel about it? Is she comfortable with your inexperience?

She seems comfortable. Excited. And she's fine with me practicing in the lot for a while

-Is there an alternate way for her to get back if things don't go well during practice?

I hadn't thought of that, but I will get her a cab at the very least if things don't go so well.

-Do you have time to take a practice run so you can get familiar with the roads and traffic?

Yep, I'm going to get there nice and early, and just go back and forth through all the hairy bits until I'm nice and comfy.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Those questions really got me thinking, but also made me feel better about it. I've got to try some time, and I think she's about the most laid back person to try it with I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.

Oh, and the bike is fixed! I'm getting it double checked by my shop friends in the morning, but I think I'm good to go!

[Zohw]

Is the passenger supposed to lean with the rider?

And I'm still waiting for some pictures of your CB900.

[Johnj]

Lets see...east on I-70 to the first I-435 interchange and go north. I'm pretty sure you have to go to I-29 then south to the airport. Park at the terminal, pricey but worth it

Going home, take I-29 north to I-435 south but get off at MO-45 and go north to the spur road to Leavenworth. That should put you on 92 into Leavenworth. Follow 92 in KS (left after the bridge, right on Spruce) all the way to US-59. Go North to KS-4 turn left to follow it down the western side of Lake Perry. When you reach US-24 turn right to get back to Topeka

[bluecamel]

Well, thanks everyone for the advice and Johnj for the directions. It's all become irrelevant, however, as my bike is not, in fact, fixed. I took it to have my shop dudes give their professional opinion before I headed to the big city. It's not charging again, even though it was working great last night. So, I just left it with them this time. Maybe they can figure out why a bike can go through two stators, two regulator/rectifiers, two batteries and a rotor and new brushes all in two years. I just hope they can fix it so I can finally just have a bike that I can, I don't know, ride or something.

Anyhow, back to walking the streets for now, but at least I can borrow my mom's fancy Nissan Quest to pick up my friend

Sorry if I'm whiney, but I'm so confused and frustrated by the whole thing. Not to mention annoyed with the guy I bought it from.

Oh, and Zohw, I promise to take photos once I get it back from the shop. My distant friends are bugging me for photos too, and it's pretty silly that I haven't since I'm a freaking photographer

[Pyre]

Take your time and stick to smaller roads if possible.