Advice to passengers

[Rider Steve]

Your passenger would probably feel much safer with a backrest. If you don’t have one take off slowly from stops so you don’t launch them.

There was a guy in my hometown, they was at a bar, as they were leaving he did a quick launch. she came off the back and hit her head. She died from head trauma.

 

[Briorick]

What type of advice do/would you give to a passenger riding a Spyder for the first time?

Safety is the utmost factor here. It all starts with the drivers assurances.

First ride should be a nice easy ride, letting the passenger become acquainted with their helmet, positioning of hand grips, body posture, balancing, surroundings, other vehicles, etc. Always remaining vigilant on the open roads, and enjoying what mother nature has provided. Once a comfort and trust level is established between driver and rider, the rides and memories are priceless. Also agree, a back rest is always a plus for 2 up riding, adding a bit more comfort and stability for the passenger. Enjoy the Ride! :riding:

 

[Briorick]

:agree::2thumbs:Expect helmets to clunk.

Been there...done that. Like 2 Bowling Balls colliding. :yikes:

 

[Steve W.]

I found that the passenger on a Spyder has a MUCH more "active participation" role than on a 2-wheeler.

On a 2-wheeler, all forces are pretty much in the vertical plane. Yeah, that 'vertical' plane might tilt every once in a while, but all forces go straight down through the seat to the tires. On a Spyder (or ANY vehicle with more than 2 wheels), the vehicle remains flat and your body gets pushed to the outside of any turns. You have to be much more active in counteracting those forces.

.

 

[gkamer]

Your passenger would probably feel much safer with a backrest. If you don’t have one take off slowly from stops so you don’t launch them.

That is one of the primary reasons I traded my Ryker 900 in on a Spyder RT. There was no way I'd ever get my wife on a bike without a good, substantial backrest to give her peace of mind that she won't do a 1 1/2 somersault off the back.

 

[gkamer]

Living in a rural area, I advised she she would probably get to enjoy some of the delightful country odors such as fertilizer and potato processing she misses while riding in a car with the windows up and the AC on.

 

[vito1943]

My wife has been my passenger for most of the last 40 years. I think that the instructions for being a passenger on a two wheeler are much more important than when on the Spyder. When on a Spyder, about all the passenger needs to know is that they will feel the pull to the outside on curves and to be aware of that. Not worrying about a tip over means that the passenger doesn't have to be taught when and how to mount or dismount the bike. FWIW, my wife says she is more comfortable physically, and more relaxed mentally on the back of my RT than she was on the Goldwing I recently traded in. I did get the bike with the backrest from BRP, even though that was expensive since she felt that a backrest was a requirement.

 

[Briorick]

I did get the bike with the backrest from BRP, even though that was expensive since she felt that a backrest was a requirement.

:agree: This was one of requirements as well when we purchased our RT. I felt it was more for the safety factor, than a comfort factor. Albeit, the comfort is greatly appreciated so states my backseat rider! :2thumbs:

 

[Briorick]

Living in a rural area, I advised she she would probably get to enjoy some of the delightful country odors such as fertilizer and potato processing she misses while riding in a car with the windows up and the AC on.

We have a few delightful odors in our area as well. Although, they are pig and dairy farms, but still love the fresh smell of the country air when out riding the country roads. Nothing better! :thumbup:

 

[Motorcycledave]

what type of advice do/would you give to a passenger riding a spyder for the first time?

hang on tight !!!!
Unlike a motorcycle the Spyder does not lean, so when cornering
the centrifugal force wants to through you off. Passenger arm rests and hand grips are
good to have to keep passengers safe.

 

[missouriboy]

We have a few delightful odors in our area as well. Although, they are pig and dairy farms, but still love the fresh smell of the country air when out riding the country roads. Nothing better! :thumbup:

I heard that Wisconsin once had a statewide contest to select a new slogan for their license plates, but the best entry did NOT win: SMELL OUR DAIRY AIR

(Say it out loud...)

 

[Briorick]

SMELL OUR DAIRY AIR

(Say it out loud...)

:roflblack:

 

[Pirate]

Use handgrips and follow the leaning of the driver if they do it on curves.


To driver, take those first curves gently. Try for no "g" force. Your new passenger will appreciate it. :thumbup:

That's what I did when the wife first started riding with me. Well, and having a good backrest helped. The Smoothspyder backrest and the Airhawk is making my passenger much more comfortable.