Passenger Advice

I took my lady friend for an easy cruise the other day and it was the first time I had a passenger on this particular bike. Seca 750.

When she held on to me she would slide down the passenger seat into me almost onto the drivers part of the seat when I was on the brakes.

So she preferred to hold onto the bar across the back and insisted that she didn't feel like she would fall off.

I've never been a passenger so I don't know but I was concerned she would fall off the back the entire time.

Also I'd like to add that beside the worrying I was more physically comfortable with her riding like that. I didn't have her helmet bouncing off the back of mine and I could sit up more straight.

Is it generally acceptable practice for a passenger to hold onto that bar?

 

She really shouldn't have to hold on at all. Sissy bar might be a nice addition for her though.

 

I have the same issue with my passenger sliding towards the front of the bike over a period of time. Most of my passengers have also held onto the small bar located directly behind the seat instead of putting there arms around me and they have never had an issue holding on whether i was taking my time or givin my bike hell. It takes a whole lot more g-force to throw someone off the back of a bike than these bikes can create. Saying that, make sure you inform your passengers that they need to stay alert while riding with you because they are the ones reacting to all of your control adjustments if they prefer to hold onto the bar. Happy riding.

 

sounds good thanks for the replies

I have a backrest that came with my other bike, but I don't see that going on this bike. ever.

 

If your planning on riding with a passenger, you need to have a backrest for them, or you will get them trying to share your part of the seat. I'm always prepared for them sliding forward when stopping and brace myself for it (chubby chicks are so much fun to ride with)
It's just alot better to give them a sense of security with a backrest pad so they can relax and enjoy the ride with you.
Alot depends on if she's your wife or girl friend when it comes to being close!

 

You definitely don't want your wife to find out that your girlfriend was holding on so closely.

 

If you're talking about the passenger grab rail...well, err....that's what it's for :roll:

I had a gearsack rack on all the bikes I used to pillion with - does make it a lot easier for the pillion to rest back on (I put some padding on it).

But really, they should be able to hold their butt in place by using the grab rail and pushing back with their feet on the footpegs (unless you are trying to do a stoppie).

 

PD man that is too much. Chubby chicks, haha

 

I don't have a problem with this on the XJ, but on my VFR, she's always sliding into me, which makes me slide into the tank. Ouch. And she refuses the idea of a sissy bar, doesn't like the look. I'm looking to buy a new seat for that bike, and maybe a top case.

This might sound silly, but what kind of pants is she wearing while riding? Jeans and leather make for some great friction, might cut down on the sliding (not to mention, it gets her in a pair of leather pants). If there's a way to texturize the back seat without actually damaging it, that might help too. Your seat's similar to my VFR, damn thing slopes forward. Helps on acceleration, but sucks the rest of the time..

 

So here's a question for anyone: I've been searching for a sissy bar for my bike, but no luck so far. Anyone know where I can find one? Maybe with a small rack on the back too?

 

too keep from sliding forward too much she should squeeze your hips with her knees and thighs. It's important that the passenger get some practice too, so she knows when you're likely to get on the brakes or anticipating turns and so on. I always tell passengers to become a solid part of either the bike or me but choose one quick and don't be changing mid-ride. She can sit up a bit and not give you so much of a bear hug to keep from helmet checking you all the time. I have one passenger that only puts her hands on my ribs whereas another friendlier one that likes to hook her thumbs in the front of my trousers. Another still feels like I'm wearing her like a backpack.
The road has to be really damn bumpy or she has to be pretty drunk to actually fall off. The anxiety of doing so seems to come from not being able to see back there.

 

I'm lucky, my wife is petite. I barely feel her
behind me at all. She keeps her arms around me
but never bangs my helmet or pushes me forward.

 

My reference to "chubby chicks" is from past experience. I always thought having a little extra was always a good thing. Those "air bags" make an excellent backrest pad and it just feels good having a little more weight on the rear suspension for a smoother ride. No sport riding with a gal on the back for me. If I'm riding with someone of the opposite gender on the back, it's other "curves" I want to "ride" around!!!
But seriously, there are members here who have made their own backrest pads and luggage racks for these bikes with some success. I suspect aluminum or painted steel will work with some out-of-the-box thinking and fabrication. The signal light bolts and top shock bolts are usually a good place for mounting points for a good solid anchor.

 

A bike that makes a passenger uncomfortable and looking for
ways to feel safe are prob best left to one rider.
A nervous,or worse,scared passenger will drop you and
your bike in nothing flat if you have to make a sudden turn
to avoid traffic and they deside to lean the wrong way.
A back rest greatly reduces that prob though does not illiminate
it.
Teaching a new passenger what is expected of him/her is the first
line of defence in crash prevention. But even if they know what to do,
fear can overcome proper technique for new riders.
just my 2.5 cents

 

I took the grab rails off my bike, so the passengers (either the wife or kids) have no choice but to hold on to me for dear life! They're pretty light, so we just become as one!

 

What's the best way for a passenger to ride? I've always been told it's to lean with the bike/driver and never against it (as is often the natural reaction).

 

my wife rides all the time with me she always hold the grab bar much more comfortable for both of us. she's able to stand up wiggle her ass do really what ever she wants with comfort on my seca 750.

if you ride a newer crotch rocket it's common practice for a passwnger to put there hands on the tank so you dont squish your bits.


and to the last question passenger always stays with the bike if the bike leans they stay with it, they shouldn't counter the bike or lean with you.

 

Exactly as scharr said.
I had a few issues with my better half fighting turns for the first while. I finally just had her hold on tight around my chest to keep our upper bodies together, and close her eyes. She quickly learned to just go with the movement of the bike, and not fight the urge to try and stay upright on turns. It only took about 30 minutes on a moderately windy road.
Now, as scharr described, she just holds the rear grab bars, and goes with the flow. Can't even tell she's there (unless I'm going too fast, and she smacks my helmet)

 

yeah i get the head butt when im going to fast lol