Took my first 2-up ride!

Hi, I guess it's not that exciting, but I am excited regardless! I sold my 550 spectre so I could get some more torque and 2-up-ability, so I got a 1000 LTD, and finally went out last night. I am going to have to get some new springs in the back, but it was still great. I was expecting turning to be difficult, but it was just like normal only more weight to lean with. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who has been apprehensive about it. We drove the speed limit on a flat, straight country road, I just had do keep it down a gear lower than usual. I think the critical thing to keep safe was what my motorcycle instructor told me during the MSF course, tell the passenger to do NOTHING unless I tell them to. Get on when I say, get off when I say, and don't fight the lean or over-lean yourself, just follow me.

Also, I have to say, after riding for 3 hours last night my GF had no complaints about her bum...those 30 year old KZ seats are great!

Yep, riding w/women can be fun

For sure, I noticed that all the HD guys who never wave were waving...maybe having a passenger makes me cooler? I dunno

my best rides are taking amy to some destination and spending time together on the bike...good for you.....they can get to be great passengers,,,,she still forgets sometimes and swivels a little hard as we approach a stop...usually there is some store with a sale sign she wants to finish reading....almost swerves us /scrapes the cars when she doeas it lol.....good for you...good post...

Sounds like the instructor gave you spot on advise for toting the honey. When you get a little more comfortable and lean the corners a little farther, be ready for some flinching from the passenger. It can make the beginner passenger nervous.

Not to sound like a wimp, but I don't think I will ever hit the corners hard with someone riding pillion...I couldn't live with myself if anythng happened - either due to my poor riding ability, or due to her freaking out and us dropping...as far as riding together (unless things change drastically) I think we will stick to speed limit cruising...I am kind of paranoid throwing the 1000 around even by myself since I was weaned on a 550...I hope I didn't just paint a big cherry on my forehead

You got the right mindset. Its kinda like electricity, you don't have to be scared of it, but you damn well better respect it.

I agree. When I first took the 1000 out I made a bad mistake that on the 550 was not an issue. THe instructors always told us to keep our wrists flat - not UP like motocross guys...I never really thought about it and always keep my wrist slightly up so I don't have to readjust when I want to snap it a bit. I hit a bump and it jerked me back a touch, which straightened out my wrist, and the incredible torque of the bike threw me back even more. I popped an accidental wheelie heading down mainstreet, and nearly pooped myself. I respect the beast, and take it easy when I have another life on the line...