Best things to tell first time passenger??

SpeedDemon · July 3rd, 2011, 05:35 PM

Im new to riding this year on my 09 250 Ninja, im just wondering what are the best things to tell a first time passenger. I know the basics, lean with the bike, dont move around too much im just wondering if there is anything else i should tell them and if there is anything different i should be thinking about as it will be my first time riding 2 up aswell.

whatitstrue · July 3rd, 2011, 05:40 PM

*watch out the for the pipes (hot).
*Dont put there feet down.
*Not only lean with you but also have them look thru the turn with you.
*They need to comunicate with you when they are getting on and off the bike.

Also being your 1st time take it easy! while you adjust.

Good Luck and have Fun!!!!

CC Cowboy · July 3rd, 2011, 06:13 PM

Hold on!

Alex · July 3rd, 2011, 06:35 PM

There some tips in this thread on 2-up riding that's linked from the sticky at the top of this area. The key points are:

- Tell them they can only get on the bike and off the bike when you have given them the clear OK to do so (so you are ready)
- They should not be afraid to hold on tightly, but try and find someplace that's comfortable for you both. Sometimes it's jacket, sometimes it's hips, but find something that works.
- As a rider, be very gentle on acceleration, braking, and turning. No matter what you do on a bike, a new passenger is going to think you are going 3 times as fast and 3 times as aggressive as you might think. They will be most impressed with a safe, comfortable ride before you work up to anything close to "let's show them what the bike can do".

wayanlam · July 3rd, 2011, 06:54 PM

"loosen up!"

i crashed once because i was riding 2 up with someone that was quite new to bikes and when i went to lean into a corner he totally resisted the lean and the bike just lost traction and low slided... right in front of two cops... who basically laughed at us and said "the road is slippery huh?!" grr....

CC Cowboy · July 4th, 2011, 12:09 PM

Reach around!

Reddoak · July 4th, 2011, 12:10 PM

"This is my third time carrying a passenger. I crashed the other two time, but I think I've got it now, third time's the charm, right?"

CC Cowboy · July 4th, 2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddoak

"This is my third time carrying a passenger. I crashed the other two time, but I think I've got it now, third time's the charm, right?"

Your problem is target fixation, get your mind out of the gutter and you won't end up there.

ducducgooseit · July 4th, 2011, 01:11 PM

"Eventually, everyone goes down."

ally99 · July 4th, 2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddoak

"This is my third time carrying a passenger. I crashed the other two time, but I think I've got it now, third time's the charm, right?"

For you AND your passenger's sake, I sure hope so.

CC Cowboy · July 4th, 2011, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducducgooseit

"Eventually, everyone goes down."

Sorry, I don't swing that way!

"A" · July 6th, 2011, 01:31 AM

Tell your passenger to hold on to you, the rider, not the bike.

bonbon76 · July 6th, 2011, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reddoak

"This is my third time carrying a passenger. I crashed the other two time, but I think I've got it now, third time's the charm, right?"

Never had a passenger as of yet. Always figured I should fine tune before putting someone else’s life on my bike.

But this comment freaks me out and makes me think I never want anyone on the back?!?!?!?!

SpeedDemon · July 6th, 2011, 05:43 AM

I would have to agree with this one ^^^

bdavison · July 6th, 2011, 06:32 AM

Rule 1. I get on, then you get on.
Rule 2. Your torso stays in line with mine at all times.
Rule 3. Your feet stay on the pegs at all times, unless I tell you different.
Rule 4. The exhaust is hot...it will burn you....bad
Rule 5. When we come to a stop, please dont bang your helmet into the back of mine.
Rule 6. You will hold on at ALL times...even when at a stop, or you will get dropped off the back when I take off.
Rule 7. If you need/want to stop, pat my stomach or my shoulder. Do not scream at the top of your lungs.
Rule 8. All passengers must have proper attire...which means gear.

SteveL · July 6th, 2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N Ja

Tell your passenger to hold on to you, the rider, not the bike.

What do you think the sissy bar behind the seat is for?
If your passenger has hold of it, they don’t crash into you every time you brake and don’t fall off the back with acceleration.

Steve

SpeedDemon · July 6th, 2011, 07:19 AM

The new gen bikes do not have any " sissy bars " for a passanger to hold onto, im guessing the best bet is to get a nice backpack to keep a bit of space and to have something extra for them to hold onto, anyone know of a good bag that they wear for riding 2 up

ChaosFromAbove · July 6th, 2011, 07:58 AM

A big one i've learned, tell them to NOT press on ur legs, it makes it harder to brake and shift. If they feel they are going to fly forward during a hard brake reach for the gas tank instead of ur body.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedDemon

The new gen bikes do not have any " sissy bars " for a passanger to hold onto, im guessing the best bet is to get a nice backpack to keep a bit of space and to have something extra for them to hold onto, anyone know of a good bag that they wear for riding 2 up

I prefer not to have the backpack on me wen i have someone on my back...usually make the passenger wear it. Besides, if they are holding on to that, and u for some reason accelerate to hard for them they may pull ur bag and off u go!

Momaru · July 6th, 2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedDemon

The new gen bikes do not have any " sissy bars " for a passanger to hold onto, im guessing the best bet is to get a nice backpack to keep a bit of space and to have something extra for them to hold onto, anyone know of a good bag that they wear for riding 2 up

Might try this:
It looks silly, but I've seen at least two rider pairs in town that use 'em and it really looks like a better grip. One guy has this for his daughter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfloyd2002

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Its a belt, with handles . . .

That you wear like a girdle . . .

So your buddy can hang on!

from this thread

Cali619 · July 6th, 2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Momaru

Might try this:
It looks silly, but I've seen at least two rider pairs in town that use 'em and it really looks like a better grip. One guy has this for his daughter.

from this thread

that looks like an interesting contraption , could be used in many other ways, giggity....

SpeedDemon · July 6th, 2011, 08:50 AM

LMAO ^^^^ I can definitely think of a few other usefull things that this could come in handy for

choneofakind · July 6th, 2011, 09:21 AM

If youre new to the bike I would suggest not giving rides until you've got one season under your belt. that's what I did and when I finally got an extra helmet and started giving rides it was really not much transition. you ghave to know how the machine acts with just you on it before you take someone else as well

ally99 · July 6th, 2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedDemon

The new gen bikes do not have any " sissy bars " for a passanger to hold onto, im guessing the best bet is to get a nice backpack to keep a bit of space and to have something extra for them to hold onto, anyone know of a good bag that they wear for riding 2 up

They do, however, have straps on the seat that work to some extent, especially once one gets comfortable with being a passenger.
One piece of advice, have the rider practice laying her hands on the gas tank under braking. That way, she can support her weight without putting it all on you.

Bols · July 6th, 2011, 09:49 AM

Actually, my driving teacher told me NOT to hold on to him when he was showing me how to ride with a passenger. Instead he told me to hold on below my knees when accelerating, and press against the thie just above my knee when braking. That and to look where we were turning. He did the same when he was riding as a passenger.

It felt abit scary in the beginning, but after a few mins, it actually felt alot more comfortable, both for the rider and passenger. The passenger could sit more upright, which also gives a better view, and it actually felt safer during turns. The driver ofc doesn't need to have anyone klinging onto him, and don't need to get the passenger all over his back when braking, it basically feels like riding solo with some luggage

"A" · July 8th, 2011, 01:11 AM

IMO, I get better feedback from a passenger when I have they hold onto me.
Without the need for the passenger to shout with their voice, I can tell if I'm riding too agressively, when they hold onto me tighter and tighter.

If a passenger grabs onto the 'sissy bar', I have no way of telling how I'm riding from their instinctive physical reaction.

Honko · July 13th, 2011, 09:40 AM

I saw a guy on a bike with a passenger the other day and as they were leaning into a curve onto the highway she was leaning her body in the other direction. I couldn't help wondering how much more difficult that's making the turn haha.

bdavison · July 13th, 2011, 11:04 AM

A lot more difficult...my sister did this to me once, and it feels like the bike just wants to go straight even thought you are leaning the crap out of it. She learned after she almost ran us off the road.

choneofakind · July 13th, 2011, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honko

I saw a guy on a bike with a passenger the other day and as they were leaning into a curve onto the highway she was leaning her body in the other direction. I couldn't help wondering how much more difficult that's making the turn haha.

I tell them to nof worry about leaning they're hips and just distribute their weight evenly like if they were sitting in a chair. then I tell them to look over the same shoulder thru the turn. over right shoulder for right turn. left shoulder for left. this takes care of that. when the passenger fights the lean and leans out of the turn, it makes the bike need to lean even further in which isn't safe.

gfloyd2002 · July 18th, 2011, 04:08 PM

Here is what I say: Get off my bike, fool! You think I pulled the rear pegs and put on a seat cowl because I wanted rear passengers?!

pinkandblack · July 24th, 2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveL

What do you think the sissy bar behind the seat is for?
If your passenger has hold of it, they don’t crash into you every time you brake and don’t fall off the back with acceleration.

Steve

When I rode passenger before I got my own, I would put my palms on the gas tank as my hubby stopped. It was easier on him and me with no nagens (Helmet bangs)

Posted via Mobile Device

wayanlam · July 25th, 2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkandblack

When I rode passenger before I got my own, I would put my palms on the gas tank as my hubby stopped. It was easier on him and me with no nagens (Helmet bangs)

Posted via Mobile Device

thats what my girlfriend also does when we ride, one hand on the tank so she takes some of the weight there (rather all on my back and yeah helmet banging, etc) and the other arm around my waist to hold on for the acceleration.

ive taken some other people on the back of the ninja, and they didnt know how to hold on, since there are no handlebars in the back, and they put all their weight on me when i was braking, and UFFF.... that's a lot of pressure on the wrists!

July 3rd, 2011, 05:35 PM	#1
SpeedDemon ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: Brampton Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 190	Best things to tell first time passenger?? Im new to riding this year on my 09 250 Ninja, im just wondering what are the best things to tell a first time passenger. I know the basics, lean with the bike, dont move around too much im just wondering if there is anything else i should tell them and if there is anything different i should be thinking about as it will be my first time riding 2 up aswell. __________________________________________________ Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly

July 3rd, 2011, 06:13 PM	#3
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Hold on! __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

July 3rd, 2011, 06:35 PM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	There some tips in this thread on 2-up riding that's linked from the sticky at the top of this area. The key points are: - Tell them they can only get on the bike and off the bike when you have given them the clear OK to do so (so you are ready) - They should not be afraid to hold on tightly, but try and find someplace that's comfortable for you both. Sometimes it's jacket, sometimes it's hips, but find something that works. - As a rider, be very gentle on acceleration, braking, and turning. No matter what you do on a bike, a new passenger is going to think you are going 3 times as fast and 3 times as aggressive as you might think. They will be most impressed with a safe, comfortable ride before you work up to anything close to "let's show them what the bike can do". __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

July 3rd, 2011, 06:54 PM	#5
wayanlam ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Wayan Location: Bali - Indonesia Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Z250 Posts: A lot.	"loosen up!" i crashed once because i was riding 2 up with someone that was quite new to bikes and when i went to lean into a corner he totally resisted the lean and the bike just lost traction and low slided... right in front of two cops... who basically laughed at us and said "the road is slippery huh?!" grr.... __________________________________________________ Kawasaki Z250, Bored up to 300cc with 12.8 CR, 41hp at wheel 27nm torque, Two bros full exhaust with DB killer Dynojet Power Commander V, KnN Open filter, intake and exhaust ported, Puig Windshield

July 4th, 2011, 12:09 PM	#6
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Reach around! __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

July 3rd, 2011, 05:40 PM	#2
whatitstrue Ice cream Name: Richard Location: Phoenix, Az. Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ex 250, 2005 xlc 883 Posts: 34	watch out the for the pipes (hot). Dont put there feet down. Not only lean with you but also have them look thru the turn with you. They need to comunicate with you when they are getting on and off the bike. Also being your 1st time take it easy! while you adjust. Good Luck and have Fun!!!!

July 4th, 2011, 12:10 PM	#7
Reddoak ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: Orlando Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r - Traded for 2009 ER-6N Posts: 424	"This is my third time carrying a passenger. I crashed the other two time, but I think I've got it now, third time's the charm, right?" __________________________________________________

July 4th, 2011, 01:11 PM	#9
ducducgooseit Name: ... Location: ... Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): ... Posts: 999	"Eventually, everyone goes down."

July 6th, 2011, 01:31 AM	#12
"A" vampire Name: A Location: IT Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.	Tell your passenger to hold on to you, the rider, not the bike.

July 6th, 2011, 05:43 AM	#14
SpeedDemon ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: Brampton Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 190	I would have to agree with this one ^^^ __________________________________________________ Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly

July 6th, 2011, 06:32 AM	#15
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	Rule 1. I get on, then you get on. Rule 2. Your torso stays in line with mine at all times. Rule 3. Your feet stay on the pegs at all times, unless I tell you different. Rule 4. The exhaust is hot...it will burn you....bad Rule 5. When we come to a stop, please dont bang your helmet into the back of mine. Rule 6. You will hold on at ALL times...even when at a stop, or you will get dropped off the back when I take off. Rule 7. If you need/want to stop, pat my stomach or my shoulder. Do not scream at the top of your lungs. Rule 8. All passengers must have proper attire...which means gear.

July 6th, 2011, 07:19 AM	#17
SpeedDemon ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: Brampton Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 190	The new gen bikes do not have any " sissy bars " for a passanger to hold onto, im guessing the best bet is to get a nice backpack to keep a bit of space and to have something extra for them to hold onto, anyone know of a good bag that they wear for riding 2 up __________________________________________________ Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly

July 6th, 2011, 08:50 AM	#21
SpeedDemon ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: Brampton Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 190	LMAO ^^^^ I can definitely think of a few other usefull things that this could come in handy for __________________________________________________ Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly

July 6th, 2011, 09:21 AM	#22
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	If youre new to the bike I would suggest not giving rides until you've got one season under your belt. that's what I did and when I finally got an extra helmet and started giving rides it was really not much transition. you ghave to know how the machine acts with just you on it before you take someone else as well

July 6th, 2011, 09:49 AM	#24
Bols Norwegian dude Name: Ole Location: Norway Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 748 Posts: 120	Actually, my driving teacher told me NOT to hold on to him when he was showing me how to ride with a passenger. Instead he told me to hold on below my knees when accelerating, and press against the thie just above my knee when braking. That and to look where we were turning. He did the same when he was riding as a passenger. It felt abit scary in the beginning, but after a few mins, it actually felt alot more comfortable, both for the rider and passenger. The passenger could sit more upright, which also gives a better view, and it actually felt safer during turns. The driver ofc doesn't need to have anyone klinging onto him, and don't need to get the passenger all over his back when braking, it basically feels like riding solo with some luggage

July 8th, 2011, 01:11 AM	#25
"A" vampire Name: A Location: IT Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.	IMO, I get better feedback from a passenger when I have they hold onto me. Without the need for the passenger to shout with their voice, I can tell if I'm riding too agressively, when they hold onto me tighter and tighter. If a passenger grabs onto the 'sissy bar', I have no way of telling how I'm riding from their instinctive physical reaction.

July 13th, 2011, 09:40 AM	#26
Honko ninjette.org sage Name: Hyon Location: Northern Virginia Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Green SE Posts: 574	I saw a guy on a bike with a passenger the other day and as they were leaning into a curve onto the highway she was leaning her body in the other direction. I couldn't help wondering how much more difficult that's making the turn haha.

July 13th, 2011, 11:04 AM	#27
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	A lot more difficult...my sister did this to me once, and it feels like the bike just wants to go straight even thought you are leaning the crap out of it. She learned after she almost ran us off the road.

July 18th, 2011, 04:08 PM	#29
gfloyd2002 User Title Free Since '12 Name: Floyd Location: Barbados Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 13 MOTM - Feb '12	Here is what I say: Get off my bike, fool! You think I pulled the rear pegs and put on a seat cowl because I wanted rear passengers?! __________________________________________________ "Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake

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