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Backseat driver with monkey hanging off

P

Pete Denzer

New member
My wife, an experienced biker with over 100,000 miles on two wheels under her belt, has taken an active role in our Spyder rides together.
She's hanging off in the direction of the turn in an effort to be more helpful. Trouble is, I really don't know where and when she hangs off.
So all this extra shifting of ballast actually throws me off the intended line. Any of you folks have backset driver passengers? How do you coordinate the driver and passenger? Or should I just tell her to juice up, not shut up.
 
Pete Denzer said:
My wife, an experienced biker with over 100,000 miles on two wheels under her belt, has taken an active role in our Spyder rides together.
She's hanging off in the direction of the turn in an effort to be more helpful. Trouble is, I really don't know where and when she hangs off.
So all this extra shifting of ballast actually throws me off the intended line. Any of you folks have backset driver passengers? How do you coordinate the driver and passenger? Or should I just tell her to juice up, not shut up.
Click to expand...

First off, I wouldn't call her "ballast" to her face. :D

Can't help you on the rest of it. I'm single and don't want the liability associated with a passenger.
 
When we used to ride two-up, Grumpy would tell me (the passenger) that if the bike has a backrest, to become one with the bike (in other words - go where the bike goes). If it doesn't have a backrest, become one with the driver (go where the driver goes).

Now I go where-ever I want...:D
 
Neither one of us have that problem as we are both experienced Spyder riders with similar riding techniques. But yes, the intercom would certainly help.
 
Just tell her to keep her breast bone directly behind your spine. That way she leans no more and no less than you do.
 
2 wheel experience is helpful, but not as much as one might think. The Spyder produces all sorts of lateral forces on the passenger that a 2 wheeler does not. It is a lot more work for a passenger of a Spyder when things get twisty. A backrest and an intercom are my two biggest suggestions. She is back there trying not to get sent right off the seat by leaning to the inside of the turn in order to repel the g forces that are pushing her to the outside of the turn. Those huge grab rails are a necessity, not a luxury. If her movements are throwing you off line, you may want to check the air in your tires, stiffen up your suspension settings and/or look into Ken's beefier sway bar. My wife has more mass than I do and her movements are not taking me off line. I am running my tires at 20 front, 30 rear, suspension set at the stiffest setting in front, next to stiffest in rear. Our combined weight with our riding gear on is about 380 lbs. Switch places (if she has a motorcycle permit) and do a few miles back there. You will be suprised. I was. I am always thankful that my wife is willing to share my passion for the "open air" experience. Ryde Safe and Enjoy :thumbup:
sabunim5:spyder:
 
Of the 40+ years of 2-wheeling and 29 years of that with Jennifer, I can also say that the 2-wheel experience is quite different from the new Spyder experience. As some of you know (from my posts), we are not aggressive riders, but turning and curving still play an important part in our safe riding. We had her Corbin seat built and extra 4" so she could see over my head, giving her the ability to anticipate what I will do according to the road or traffic. Negative factor there is a higher center of gravity. Anytime I do something not expected in her anticipation, it really freaks her out. This usually only happens in parking lots (zipping into a parking space when she is looking elsewhere). When we first got our Spyder we had to learn to ride in the zone we felt comfortable in. I would suggest to anyone to begin slow. Stay in your comfort zone. As you get better the zone will change. If it gets to the point you feel like you're really good, consider selling the Spyder. That's my motto and it may be the reason for me still being here. But, all in all, ride safe, your wife depends on you.
 
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dltang said:
When exactly is "the lovely Bride" getting her own spyder anyway? hmmm!!
Click to expand...

Not happening.

Bad accident piloting back before we were married. Done.

(The queen has a chauffer, so won't ever need to drive.)

She does let me buy accessories for the Spyder which make the passenger more comfortable however...
 
Bimjo said:
Just tell her to keep her breast bone directly behind your spine. That way she leans no more and no less than you do.
Click to expand...

Exactly: I told her to keep her arms around my waist, and when I lean, lean with me - same time, same amount. It's a dance.
 
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