Bike advice for a two-up newbie
Discussion
Confession time. I’ve only ever taken someone on the back of my bike once. A long time ago and only for a few miles.
My wife has recently expressed an interest joining me on my rides (a bit of a surprise as she thinks bikes are the work of the devil).
Even if I hadn’t taken the pillion pegs off my Tuono there is no way I would take her on the back of that - it’s already wheelie happy without having extra ballast at the back!
So for a complete pillion newbie...any recommendations? I think to start with it would be just riding around for a few hours around the NZ countryside, rather than proper touring.
Main thing: something comfortable for the wife, something easy for me so I don’t drop it (and her) at the first junction!
My wife has recently expressed an interest joining me on my rides (a bit of a surprise as she thinks bikes are the work of the devil).
Even if I hadn’t taken the pillion pegs off my Tuono there is no way I would take her on the back of that - it’s already wheelie happy without having extra ballast at the back!
So for a complete pillion newbie...any recommendations? I think to start with it would be just riding around for a few hours around the NZ countryside, rather than proper touring.
Main thing: something comfortable for the wife, something easy for me so I don’t drop it (and her) at the first junction!
Any chance that you could rent a bike for a few trips? She could easily change her mind and revert to her earlier views... shame to spunk out on a new bike that you would not have otherwise bought. If you really decide to buy something then my hard learnt advice is to take her on the test rides. The bikes generally reckoned to be best for pillions are the BMW K1600, Goldwing, HD Ultraglide. But they are all big old things.
My wife tours with me and we have a Goldwing - but that would be a massive switch from your Tuono. Also ask yourself - do you want her to enjoy it? Maybe, maybe not :O)
My wife tours with me and we have a Goldwing - but that would be a massive switch from your Tuono. Also ask yourself - do you want her to enjoy it? Maybe, maybe not :O)
Felters said:
Any chance that you could rent a bike for a few trips? She could easily change her mind and revert to her earlier views... shame to spunk out on a new bike that you would not have otherwise bought. If you really decide to buy something then my hard learnt advice is to take her on the test rides. The bikes generally reckoned to be best for pillions are the BMW K1600, Goldwing, HD Ultraglide. But they are all big old things.
My wife tours with me and we have a Goldwing - but that would be a massive switch from your Tuono. Also ask yourself - do you want her to enjoy it? Maybe, maybe not :O)
Excellent points. I think I will try to rent a bike. If they can do some kit that will help too as another big expense if she doesn’t like it. My wife tours with me and we have a Goldwing - but that would be a massive switch from your Tuono. Also ask yourself - do you want her to enjoy it? Maybe, maybe not :O)
I really wouldn't worry too much about the bike. A Tuono should be able to pull a higher gear to limit wheelies...or maybe even two gears....
I used to take my wife out quite a lot before the kids arrived (Hornet 900 so not as wheelie prone as a Tuono but not the most stable bike either). Just ride as smooth as possible, change gear early, going up to limit wheelies and going down to use engine braking. On some bikes leaving a little throttle on when changing gear helps smooth things out. Brake early with far more rear brake. At the end of the day the pillion has more effect than you so keeping them comfortable and sat still so you know where the weight is will be the key. I taken quite a few new pillions and I normally do short runs at first to build their confidence, maybe an hour (long enough for them to calm down but not get tired of it), so hiring a bike would be going in a bit serious. Depending on pillion weight a little more preload on the rear shock might help.
After a while my wife didn't even notice low wheelies and wasn't worried by the odd wobble when toes touched down. Once they've relaxed it's quite second nature, and most of the technique is the same as riding in the rain as smoothness is key.
I used to take my wife out quite a lot before the kids arrived (Hornet 900 so not as wheelie prone as a Tuono but not the most stable bike either). Just ride as smooth as possible, change gear early, going up to limit wheelies and going down to use engine braking. On some bikes leaving a little throttle on when changing gear helps smooth things out. Brake early with far more rear brake. At the end of the day the pillion has more effect than you so keeping them comfortable and sat still so you know where the weight is will be the key. I taken quite a few new pillions and I normally do short runs at first to build their confidence, maybe an hour (long enough for them to calm down but not get tired of it), so hiring a bike would be going in a bit serious. Depending on pillion weight a little more preload on the rear shock might help.
After a while my wife didn't even notice low wheelies and wasn't worried by the odd wobble when toes touched down. Once they've relaxed it's quite second nature, and most of the technique is the same as riding in the rain as smoothness is key.
Jazoli said:
Yeah mine was the same, it also meant I didn't lose her off the back when I popped a wheelie 
Ha ha Snap. Mine loved the top box. She fell asleep a couple of times too.Top box and panniers wife on the back ZZR1400 would balance lovely for a wheelie up to about 100mph. Followed by a couple of kidney punches :-)
I'd avoid taking your wife out on a rented bike, especially if it's of a style you're not used to. You're already likely to be worked up about the fact you have a pillion (as demonstrated by this thread) so having an unfamiliar bike, especially a large heavy one, with a likely huge excess, is not going to do your stress levels any good and will increase the chances of a drop or minor spill.
Use your own bike, crank-up the pre-load on the rear suspension and concentrate on being smooth and predictable when riding. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery and your wife will have a great time.
Use your own bike, crank-up the pre-load on the rear suspension and concentrate on being smooth and predictable when riding. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery and your wife will have a great time.
Fit the pillion pegs, turn AWC to max, turn power mode to rain and get going.
The weight of a pillion only comes into play at rest when you either allow the bike to lean a little too fat to one side ( put BOTH feet down until you're confident) or the pillion behaves like a circus act, thowing themselves around to look at their feet, the road, the tyres, anybloodything except relaxing and sitting relatively still.
Wind up the preload and ask the pillion to hold you by the waist not on the grab rails and ride considerately in relation to application of speed and non speed
Once above 3kph the usual laws of fiziks reappear and you're good to go. It really isn't something to worry unduly about.
If you can balance a bike on your own, you can balance a bike 2 up.
The weight of a pillion only comes into play at rest when you either allow the bike to lean a little too fat to one side ( put BOTH feet down until you're confident) or the pillion behaves like a circus act, thowing themselves around to look at their feet, the road, the tyres, anybloodything except relaxing and sitting relatively still.
Wind up the preload and ask the pillion to hold you by the waist not on the grab rails and ride considerately in relation to application of speed and non speed
Once above 3kph the usual laws of fiziks reappear and you're good to go. It really isn't something to worry unduly about.
If you can balance a bike on your own, you can balance a bike 2 up.
Get used to using the rear brake more to steady the bike at lower speeds, and try to ride smooth enough at speed to minimise braking. If you are on/off the front brake hard every corner its not such a nice experience for the pillion. You may find the rear brake now has more effect with a pillion on due to weight distribution.
I took mine out for the first time around 4 years ago. I overtook an articulated lorry on a short straight, which required 'giving it the beans'. The screeching noise coming from the pillion seat was interesting to say the least!!!
Biggest problem i found was braking. Much longer braking distance required as:
1. An extra few pounds on the back makes a big difference to stopping distance
2. Hard braking can result in pillion being thrown forward & lid smashing into the back of yours....
Biggest problem i found was braking. Much longer braking distance required as:
1. An extra few pounds on the back makes a big difference to stopping distance
2. Hard braking can result in pillion being thrown forward & lid smashing into the back of yours....
Looking at the Tuono, even though it had pegs for a pillion I’m not exactly sure where they are supposed to sit. The wife has an ample derrière so will need a decent sized seat to be comfortable).
I suppose following the advice above I could take her out on the Tuono...as I’m sure once would be enough and she wouldn’t ask again!
Ironically my last bike in the U.K. was a K1300S. That would likely have been a good bike. In retrospect I could have brought it over with me. Just didn’t want the hassle of getting it imported and registered.
I suppose following the advice above I could take her out on the Tuono...as I’m sure once would be enough and she wouldn’t ask again!
Ironically my last bike in the U.K. was a K1300S. That would likely have been a good bike. In retrospect I could have brought it over with me. Just didn’t want the hassle of getting it imported and registered.
The style of bike can make or break the first pillion experience. My other half likes a ride out on the Harley, with a backrest fitted, says she feels secure. Wont go on the back of my MV Brutale which has a pillion perch about 6" square, and pegs requiring knees at shoulder height when seated 
...... I fit a single seat cover and removed the rear pegs on the MV.
...... I fit a single seat cover and removed the rear pegs on the MV.The pillion seat on a lot of modern bikes is (IMO) ludicrous.
I'd suggest something with a long, wide, flat seat, a reasonable distance between seat and footrests, and at least a grab rail (unless you want to deter her, of course). She probably won't feel secure on the typical modern postage stamp with her knees at shoulder level, and the higher centre of gravity may make you feel less confident as well.
How expensive are 600 Bandits in NZ?
https://cycle-ergo.com will give you some idea of the pillion accommodation on the Tuono and any other bike you might be considering.
I'd suggest something with a long, wide, flat seat, a reasonable distance between seat and footrests, and at least a grab rail (unless you want to deter her, of course
). She probably won't feel secure on the typical modern postage stamp with her knees at shoulder level, and the higher centre of gravity may make you feel less confident as well.How expensive are 600 Bandits in NZ?
https://cycle-ergo.com will give you some idea of the pillion accommodation on the Tuono and any other bike you might be considering.
I did a trip up to the top of Norway and back many years ago with my ex on the back of a bmw f800st.
You notice the weight on acceleration and braking but like everything, be smooth and anticipate what’s coming up to avoid needing hasty Sharp inputs.
I did scrape the pegs a couple of times going in too hot on corners having failed to take account of the extra weight.
The most important thing though.
DO NOT fully open the throttle the first gear for an enthusiastic start!! And if you do, make sure you don’t have helmet mics. It’s not worth the earbashing!
You notice the weight on acceleration and braking but like everything, be smooth and anticipate what’s coming up to avoid needing hasty Sharp inputs.
I did scrape the pegs a couple of times going in too hot on corners having failed to take account of the extra weight.
The most important thing though.
DO NOT fully open the throttle the first gear for an enthusiastic start!! And if you do, make sure you don’t have helmet mics. It’s not worth the earbashing!
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