SWMBO finally rode Pillion!

[CatatonicBug]

Well, last night, SWMBO actually ASKED to take a ride on the bike! I thought she would avoid the concept forever, but she actualy asked! So, last night, I let her use my good helmet (my spare one is a 15-y/o Shoei with rotten padding), and made her put on long pants, and we took a short ride through town. It was MY first time with an adult passenger, so it was a bit hairy for both of us, but we took it slow, and talked through the scary things.

Then, tonight, she asked to go AGAIN! She's gotten the hang of leaning WITH the bike in the turns, and we actually made a short (1 exit) trip on the freeway. I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with taking any long distance trips with her on the back, but it's nice to have her showing some interest in my hobby. Who knows... maybe I'll end up with another XS in the stable for her!

[XJOK2PLAY]

That's way cool , CBug...!!!!

I guess she's feeling better?

That would be a good thing for you guys if you could be able to ride together.

Tell her she gets "Kudos" from Bob for being brave enough... and for caring enough.

Sounds like the little rumble of another 11's soon to come...

Take care.
Bob

[CatatonicBug]

Yep, she's feeling better. Surgery was last week and it took all of 20 minutes, not including the prep and recovery. Now, it's just an emotional recovery. Maybe this is part of her "recovery". If it makes her feel better, I'm all for it.

[Jerry]

Longest trip SWMBO and I took was from LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Denver, Colorado and back. Year was 1977. Bike was a 450 Honda. In those days the bike was the most reliable transportation we had.

Bike had a good backrest fro the passenger, and I had forward foot pegs on the crash bar. I would move my feet forward, she would move her feet forward to the 'regular' driver's pegs to stretch her legs. Worked OK.

If she really gets into it, look into the helmet-to helmet communications systems like a Chatterbox or equal. Gives you the ability to carry on a conversation while riding.

[madmax-im]

Yep, she's feeling better. Surgery was last week and it took all of 20 minutes, not including the prep and recovery. Now, it's just an emotional recovery. Maybe this is part of her "recovery". If it makes her feel better, I'm all for it.

Wow glad to hear your wife is on the mend and that she is considering riding too! Just take it slow and build up experiences with her as the pillion... no one should be thinking"cross country trek" but if you both get used to the concept one thing could lead to another so keep an open mind. I too would be nervous about any pillion riders but that doesn't mean it couldnt be done. Best of luck on all fronts...

[Bigfoot]

That is great. Maybe next time you head to K.C. she can come with you. (if we didn't scare you off with our rowdy bunch, that is.)

I am fairly inexperienced with riding 2 up as well. The longest trip that I have taken with SWMBO is about 100 miles. Takes a little to get used to handling the bike with the extra weight. Gets better after the first few corners though.

[CatatonicBug]

That is great. Maybe next time you head to K.C. she can come with you. (if we didn't scare you off with our rowdy bunch, that is.)

I am fairly inexperienced with riding 2 up as well. The longest trip that I have taken with SWMBO is about 100 miles. Takes a little to get used to handling the bike with the extra weight. Gets better after the first few corners though.

Yeah, the turns are tough, and I find myself white-knuckling at turns and stops out of fear of losing control. I may need to adjust the rear shocks to compensate for the extra weight too, since the side stand won't go all the way into position while we're both on it, unless I lean just a tad to the right. The second run was a lot easier, since she learned to lean WITH the bike instead of against it.

I would love to have her on her own bike, but she only has one eye, so I dunno if I would trust her to ride by herself. I just saw a purple XS650 on Craigslist I told her would be perfect for her though!

[Ivan]

Its a lot easier to make things scrape the pavement with the extra weight on the back. My SWMBO didn't like the sound of metal scraping on the pavement a bit.

[DiverRay]

The spring preload on the rear shocks are easy to adjust. They are for the extra weight! If you adjust them up two notches for the extra weight, you will notice the difference. I found each notch is about 50 to 75 lbs, depending on the shock.
Once YOU relax with SHMBO on the back, you will both have more fun! I have my SHMBO used to riding with me, and as long as I'm under about 85MPH, she does not get upset.

[CatatonicBug]

Well, if those numbers are correct, I'll have to go up 3.6-5.5 notches for the extra weight. Unfortunately, I only have 3 notches to go... I guess I'll max it out and see how that goes. She did mention last night that she was interested in doing another ride (I think she wants to make it a nightly thing), so I guess she likes it! I just wish I could afford to get her a helmet of her own. My spare one is too small and has no padding in the forehead, so I end up with a circular imprint on my forehead from the vent hole!

[XJOK2PLAY]

[QUOTE=CatatonicBug;226202 My spare one is too small and has no padding in the forehead, so I end up with a circular imprint on my forehead from the vent hole! [/QUOTE]

Pictures, PLEASE???!!!! LOL

[exquized1]

Bug,

What size helmet do you need for her? My son out grew his this year. He used it about 10 times last season for local rides. I'll have to find it out in the garage to check size and brand.

[CatatonicBug]

My good one is a 2x, and it's kinda tight (on either of us). So, I'd probably be looking for at least a 2x, probably a 3x. I doubt your son's would be big enough. Thanks though!

I guess we just have big heads...

[exquized1]

Wow. Me and my wife both wear a 1x afx helmet I think my sons is also a afx but a large.

[fredintoon]

Well, if those numbers are correct, I'll have to go up 3.6-5.5 notches for the extra weight. Unfortunately, I only have 3 notches to go... I just wish I could afford to get her a helmet of her own. My spare one is too small and has no padding in the forehead, so I end up with a circular imprint on my forehead from the vent hole!

Hi 'Bug,
the one worse thing than telling folks your wife's age is revealing her weight.
And if she is to go riding with you, you cannot afford to NOT buy her a well fitting helmet. And a leather jacket and all the rest of the gear. ATGATT, eh?