Passenger rules

[Hokiev]

Still trying to decide if I want to purchase or not.

Wondering how the passenger should ride on the Sypder. With my old 2 wheeler, any movement was very noticeable by the driver and in turns it was very critical that sudden movements not occur.

With the stability of the Sypder, I can understand in normal cruising that would not be an issue.

My question is in the turns since most have recommended the rider slide over during the turn, what impact does the passengers movements have on the stability?

Thanks

 

[stormtrooper]

In my experience, almost none.

:agree:

 

[CJ/johnnyg]

As a new rider and Johnnyg in the back which he is 6'2" On the RT I didn't even know he was there. As far as me on the RS I haven't had anybody behind me. He tried moving around to see if it bothered me and it didn't. I felt very little movement. CJ

 

[GloryRyders]

Almost always are riding 2 up on my RS with little or no effect to the stability of the Spyder.:2thumbs:

 

[Chick]

Still trying to decide if I want to purchase or not.

Wondering how the passenger should ride on the Sypder. With my old 2 wheeler, any movement was very noticeable by the driver and in turns it was very critical that sudden movements not occur.

With the stability of the Sypder, I can understand in normal cruising that would not be an issue.

My question is in the turns since most have recommended the rider slide over during the turn, what impact does the passengers movements have on the stability?

Thanks

Went from a BMW LT to the :spyder2:RT. Frequently ride two up with my wife. The difference is amazing!

On the LT I knew whenever she moved or shifted in the seat. Not so on the RT. Try it . . . you will love it!!!! :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Rules for the passenger? No "flipping the bird" to LEOs from the back seat! :shocked:
Other than that she's pretty much okay doing whatever she does back there and it doesn't affect the bike enough to make it an issue.

 

[fleegeds]

In my experience, almost none.

:agree: They need to hang on to the RS and if they do not lean they may be thrown and they do not have control of the throttle so the driver needs to be mindful of that as well.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

:welcome: buy 2 Spyders and there won't be a problem with passengers

 

[NancysToy]

There are two issues at hand when carrying a passenger...machine stability, and passenger safety/comfort. With a bike, improper or unexpected movements by the passenger can seriously compromise safety and stability. This effect is greatly reduced on a Spyder, although the machine does corner better if the passenger tries to keep toward the inside of the turn. If he/she does not, however, there are really no serious consequences, as on a motorcycle...only reduced cornering performance.

The second aspect is passenger safety/comfort. On a motorcycle, the passenger does not experience the strong lateral forces in a corner that a Spyder passenger does. The passenger feels quite safe and comfortable...although that may not actually be the case. On a Spyder, the cornering forces try to throw the rider and passenger to the outside of every turn. The rider purposely or instinctively reacts in the opposite direction, plus has the wide handlebar grip for stability. The passenger has no such luxury. Only the backrest (if any) and the stout but narrow, passenger grips help keep the passenger firmly in place. Some passengers are uncomfortable with this, but most adapt quickly. Like on a motorcycle, a good Spyder passenger should stay alert and aware of the road. That way they can lean into the corners or look inside the rider, just like a good motorcycle passenger should. That will minimize the discomfort, and willl also help the rider in the corners.

I wouldn't worry about the problems you experienced on the motorcycles in the past. If you can arrange a demo ride with a passenger, it should tell you what you want to know. In my opinion, there is no machine better suited to two-up riding. We never ride two-up on my bikes anymore. The Spyders have spoiled us rotten!

 

[fleegeds]

In my experience, almost none.

:agree: They need to hang on to the RS and if they do not lean they may be thrown and they do not have control of the throttle so the driver needs to be mindful of that as well.

 

[PLZDVM]

I have only been a passenger on a RS once, not very confidence inspiring, felt like I was holding on for dear life.......
I am sure the RT set up with the back rest and arm rests is much more comfortable and safe .

 

[mxz600]

There are two issues at hand when carrying a passenger...machine stability, and passenger safety/comfort. With a bike, improper or unexpected movements by the passenger can seriously compromise safety and stability. This effect is greatly reduced on a Spyder, although the machine does corner better if the passenger tries to keep toward the inside of the turn. If he/she does not, however, there are really no serious consequences, as on a motorcycle...only reduced cornering performance.

The second aspect is passenger safety/comfort. On a motorcycle, the passenger does not experience the strong lateral forces in a corner that a Spyder passenger does. The passenger feels quite safe and comfortable...although that may not actually be the case. On a Spyder, the cornering forces try to throw the rider and passenger to the outside of every turn. The rider purposely or instinctively reacts in the opposite direction, plus has the wide handlebar grip for stability. The passenger has no such luxury. Only the backrest (if any) and the stout but narrow, passenger grips help keep the passenger firmly in place. Some passengers are uncomfortable with this, but most adapt quickly. Like on a motorcycle, a good Spyder passenger should stay alert and aware of the road. That way they can lean into the corners or look inside the rider, just like a good motorcycle passenger should. That will minimize the discomfort, and willl also help the rider in the corners.

I wouldn't worry about the problems you experienced on the motorcycles in the past. If you can arrange a demo ride with a passenger, it should tell you what you want to know. In my opinion, there is no machine better suited to two-up riding. We never ride two-up on my bikes anymore. The Spyders have spoiled us rotten!

Nobody on this board explains things any better than Scotty does. That being said I would like to add just one thing.

What worries me the most about carrying a passenger is the quick unexpected steering response one would make in an emergency. If the passenger is not holding on to the grab bars or holding on loosely, I am afraid they may come off the bike. :dontknow:
I have never tested this theory at speed (don't want to hurt the wife unnecessarily). But one time while going about 10 mph I made a quick maneuver to turn into a parking spot and my wife almost came off. She was not holding on because we were going so slow and she was busy waving at some friends of ours.

 

[Bob Denman]

(don't want to hurt the wife unnecessarily)

:shocked: Do you mean that we can hurt them if it IS necessary?? My Missus doesn't seem to think so... :gaah:
I'm going to go hide in the basement... :roflblack:

 

[DynamoBT]

I spent the first year with my Spyder with no backrest on there for my husband when he rydes pillion. I pretty much insisted this year that we had to put a backrest on there, at least for my peace of mind!!

Other than that, the beefed up suspension realy helps two up. Now, with the 2011 RT shocks on my RS cranked all the way up, and the EVO swaybar on there, the ryde is glorious!!!! I really only notice the extra weight in braking distances. I have to prepare for sharp corners a bit more carefully two up. I like to have my entry speed set before I start the turn. My hubby says that he doesn't need to lean with me nearly so much now that the suspension is better. I must say that holding on is an absolute necessity. And he's good about that.

The Spyder allows up to go two up which we could never do on two wheels. This makes ryding a joint adventure most of the time with us. It's now something we do together rather then me going for a ride alone. It's so much more fun for both of us being together.

Tomorrow is our 38th anniversary. We celebrate every day by having fun together!!

 

[bruiser]

Nobody on this board explains things any better than Scotty does. That being said I would like to add just one thing.

What worries me the most about carrying a passenger is the quick unexpected steering response one would make in an emergency. If the passenger is not holding on to the grab bars or holding on loosely, I am afraid they may come off the bike. :dontknow:
I have never tested this theory at speed (don't want to hurt the wife unnecessarily). But one time while going about 10 mph I made a quick maneuver to turn into a parking spot and my wife almost came off. She was not holding on because we were going so slow and she was busy waving at some friends of ours.

:agree:What they both said. My 2 cents worth, the Rt can lull the passenger into a false sense of security. I joke that the wife falls asleep back there, it's so comfortable. But it's just that, a joke. She is sometimes more alert than I am :yikes:. A good comm set is well worth the price.

 

[ARtraveler]

RS--passenger riding--they need to be more careful and hold on in the stock mode. I put Corbin Fleetliner trunks on both our RS's and that provided a nice backrest and a bit more comfort for the rider.

RT--passenger riding is comfortable and a bit more secure. I try to take turns so I don't get a lot of g forces--and that makes it more comfortable for the passenger. I have them plant their feet securly on the foot boards and use the handrails for more agressive riding. They are instructed to follow my lean on the curves.

 

[Blue Star]

There are two issues at hand when carrying a passenger...machine stability, and passenger safety/comfort. With a bike, improper or unexpected movements by the passenger can seriously compromise safety and stability. This effect is greatly reduced on a Spyder, although the machine does corner better if the passenger tries to keep toward the inside of the turn. If he/she does not, however, there are really no serious consequences, as on a motorcycle...only reduced cornering performance.

The second aspect is passenger safety/comfort. On a motorcycle, the passenger does not experience the strong lateral forces in a corner that a Spyder passenger does. The passenger feels quite safe and comfortable...although that may not actually be the case. On a Spyder, the cornering forces try to throw the rider and passenger to the outside of every turn. The rider purposely or instinctively reacts in the opposite direction, plus has the wide handlebar grip for stability. The passenger has no such luxury. Only the backrest (if any) and the stout but narrow, passenger grips help keep the passenger firmly in place. Some passengers are uncomfortable with this, but most adapt quickly. Like on a motorcycle, a good Spyder passenger should stay alert and aware of the road. That way they can lean into the corners or look inside the rider, just like a good motorcycle passenger should. That will minimize the discomfort, and willl also help the rider in the corners.

I wouldn't worry about the problems you experienced on the motorcycles in the past. If you can arrange a demo ride with a passenger, it should tell you what you want to know. In my opinion, there is no machine better suited to two-up riding. We never ride two-up on my bikes anymore. The Spyders have spoiled us rotten!

I am just now just starting out ryding 2-up with my wife, so I am glad this thread was started. Thank you Scotty for the great info.

 

[Neez]

On my GS/RS, I find little difference in normal highway riding when 2 up, but in tight twisties my speed is definitely lower. The Evo swaybar helps a lot, in both cases.

 

[MouthPiece]

What worries me the most about carrying a passenger is the quick unexpected steering response one would make in an emergency. If the passenger is not holding on to the grab bars or holding on loosely, I am afraid they may come off the bike. :dontknow:
I have never tested this theory at speed (don't want to hurt the wife unnecessarily). But one time while going about 10 mph I made a quick maneuver to turn into a parking spot and my wife almost came off. She was not holding on because we were going so slow and she was busy waving at some friends of ours.

Precisely the reason I installed armrests on my RT-S. I've discussed this in previous threads. My comments are directed specifically for the rider. After about three months of riding, I noticed my wife holding on constinuously. I thought to myself surely that is not very comfortable for the passenger. Consequently, I opted for the armrests.

Additionally, some passengers cannot see over the rider to know "the dangers ahead". My wife is one of those. The only way she is going to know what lies ahead is for her to lean either to the left or right to see what is going on. I just felt that armrests were the ticket not only to make her ride safer, but also more enjoyable and comfortable.

Chris PE# 0004

 

[napper39]

arm rest and back rest,my wife loves the spyder now.she said befor the arm rest it felt like she was going to fall off .the arm rest is the best ad on ive bought.:2thumbs::spyder2::chat: