Passenger Question

Passenger Question

I love motorcycling and ride with my husband (as a passenger). We just got a Gold Wing and I find I am having a terrible time getting on and off it. My husband does not want to dismount first - he feels more comfortable straddling the bike to hold it up. I have short legs, am in my late 50s and I'm fairly heavy - thank goodness my husband is strong. I hate the struggles I have getting on and off. When I'm rested, it's not as bad, but as the day wears on, it's a huge struggle to get on and off (I mount and dismount from the left as I have a problem with my right hip). I am too short to simply put my leg over the bike and hoist up. So I step on the pegs and throw my leg over. Most of the time, that's ok - but when I'm tired I have a problem with my foot clearing. I've tried various techniques for dismounting ... right now, I slide my cheek over and put my tiptoe on the ground and then slide off. At the very end of the "slide" I twist and get my right foot over.

I am so self-conscious about this, that I find myself making excuses not to go on rides - and I don't want to be that person. I was so cool when I was younger, but I find that coolness has left me! Ideas anyone?

Comments for
Passenger Question

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May 09, 2010

Arthritis & Riding
by: Bonnie

We just got our bike 2 years ago and I love riding, but.....even though our bike isn't as big as a touring bike, I still have trouble. More getting off than on. I'm 60, have arthritis everywhere especially in knees and am overweight. I get so stiff I can hardly move. Probably sounds like I should just quit, but I'm not ready to give up. I've tried your way and it helps, but I feel so stupid. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Apr 29, 2010

Mounting a Gold Wing
by: Anonymous

My husband & I also have a Wing.

I am also short and your right after a long day sometimes your a little stiff.

My husbands stands up and put your left foot on your foot rest, raise yourself straight up in on that left leg and simply step thru the space with your right, between him the you seat. You don't have swing your leg over or anything, just step thru & reverse it getting off, stand up and bring your leg back thru.

Hope this helps.

Apr 29, 2010

Getting on the Touring Bike
by: Fran

I had the same problem when we first got our Ultra until a friend told me what to do. Have your husband straddle to bike but stand up lean onto the tank. This way there is space in between him and the back of his seat. This space is a lot lower and I can easily put my right foot through that space instead of trying to swing it up and over my seat.

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