Advice needed

Energy One
Snakebite

Snakebite

Member
My wife hasn't been around bikes all that much, but back when I had my Suzuki Intruder LC1500 I could never get her to go for a ride with me. Not even once. She was always worried that if there was an accident our two kids would be orphans. They're a bit older now, and she seems a bit more open to riding with me. Her only time on the back of a bike, was when I had a sports bike back in the 90s. (Look where that got me!)

Of course, I only have a solo seat. I told her we could get a two up seat, and a sissy bar and that seemed be acceptable. I'm hoping she'll feel a bit more secure as she's never riden with a sissy bar, and this isn't a sports bike.

I'd love to get a nice seat, but I'm concerned that if I invest in a seat and sissy bar, and she isn't comfortable that I'm out several hundred dollars. Any thoughts? Also, should I get a nice solo and p-pad, or a two up? My wife is 5 foot, and can barely reach the ground.

Anyone know a good source for sissy bars, there seems to be a good buch of people here for seats and I'll certainly be hitting one up in the next few months even if it's just for a solo.
 
PurpleDog

PurpleDog

Well-Known Member
Having gone the pillion pad route (not reworked); my advise would be to spend the money on a quality 2-up (see Knotso seat thread for example). The pillion will have her sliding forward and constantly readjusting and not very comfortable as I've been told numerous times....:rant:
Some have had their pillions re-worked with gel etc that has improved ride quality from what I've read, but unless it has an ass pocket, I'd think re-adjusting ride position all the time will make her uncomfortable too.

You can always sell a good 2-up to recoup the money if she still doesn't like it, but I'd invest in her comfort right out of the gate. If you do go the 2-up route and find that you need to sell before I have a 2-up made, let me know as I'd still buy one today despite wife having her own bike.

Good luck and let us know how she likes riding either way...
 
erldawg

erldawg

Guru
:iagree: When I was looking for a seat I decided on the 2-up over the pillion pad. Two reasons-It's more comfortable for the passenger and it won't fly off when riding solo. My baby loves riding with me and she had never rode before she met me.
I would go with the two up with gel inserts besides You can always sell it to PurpleDog :D.
 
CCRainman

CCRainman

Well-Known Member
See if there is anyone with a 2 up that lives close to you. Maybe they will let you borrow it for a ride. I would defiantely go with the 2 up seat also. My wife hated the p-pad.
 
1BADK9

1BADK9

Limited Edition Member
Hey Shane, I have the pillion seat for the woman and she claims it is very comfortable for her. But she also is 6' tall and has a nice slim ass. She never has to readjust her sitting position and no sliding forward issues for her. I prefer that set up because when I ride alone I want just my seat and all the fender and paint showing. I had a low boy sissy bar and I then got an 18" sissy bar and she always wants the taller one on to lean back on. The sissy bar gives her a safe feeling of not falling off the back of the bike.

As for sources, ebay and the swap meet here, but if you want one in a timely manner I would contact Lena or any of the reputable dealerships.

Hope you get something she feels good about and yall get the share the road again. I love having my sweety on the back with with me.
 
RCAdd1ct

RCAdd1ct

JAFO
My advice would be to test ride an HD. Get a good feel for it, then tell the salesman she needs to hop on the back.

See if she can be a passenger before spending money.
 
Mickeetwo

Mickeetwo

Guru
Don't buy the BDM p-pad, she's going to hate it. Its not comfortable at all. I had one and sold it. I would go with the 2-up seat. You can always use it when you go on trips and strap extra bags on it. Also I would go with the 18" sissy bar. I bought the 12" and wish I would have purchased the 18". The extra height makes strapping roll bags easier. I did find a p-pad that my wife liked and I still use it now, but I'm going to get the 2-up one day. Here's a couple of pics of the p-pad I use. Someone gave it to me so I don't know where to buy them at.





Go with the 2-up seat you can always sell it. I'm always looking for a good used 2-up seat :D
 
DeputyDog

DeputyDog

Active Member
I guess I have to agree with most here. The BDM P pad, according to the wife, is not that comfortable. Mick...I like the looks of yours. I ended up getting a 2 up also, so I can switch between single and 2 up. My bride is only 5'2" and says she slides around abit on the 2 up, but also says she has ridden enough to get use to it.
 
Snakebite

Snakebite

Member
Thanks for all the responses, I think I have a pretty good idea. Two threads worth of info and lots of experience. This forum really is a great resource. I'm hoping to get her in the saddle and comfortable enough for the meet n greet in June up in Washington.

I'll probably hit up Sterling or one of the others here, and probably grab a two up with gel. Then prowl the swap meet for an 18" sissy bar.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top