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Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 7:51 am
by panaray
So, after 30+ years of riding mostly solo, the RT was purchased partly to enable tandem riding. So far so good, but my wife (5’3”) is having a problem mounting and dismounting as a passenger. She uses the “kick” technique and attempts to kick over the rear case (large), which is not only difficult but causes to scratch the case.


Anyone see a video which could help her learn how to mount and dismount?




Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 8:11 am
by Casbar
My wife is 5ft 1, and has no issues mounting the bike when the top cases on. She just puts her hand on my shoulder and steps on the rear rest and steps through.Guess it depends on how athletic your partner is.

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 8:48 am
by simbo
Mine uses the "kick" technique too, she kicks the top box and both panniers!  Put some clear film on and let her kick away to her hearts content  :)

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:45 am
by michaelc2710
I let the Mrs get on first and slide back as shes only small, that way the only thing i kick is her

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 10:00 am
by Rhun
My Mrs is only 5 foot and she just stands on the left hand passenger peg and steps over

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Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 2:18 pm
by Taz
My wife has a hip problem so we explored several alternatives. One that partly  worked was for me to be on the left side of the bike on it’s side stand, while she got on from the right side. However, ultimately we settled on the kick method. We look for a high kerb that she can stand on before stepping onto the left rear footrest.

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 2:40 pm
by BoB21
Thanks Michaelc good suggestion saves scuff marks cheers

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 7:52 pm
by gogs01
panaray wrote: So, after 30+ years of riding mostly solo, the RT was purchased partly to enable tandem riding. So far so good, but my wife (5’3”) is having a problem mounting and dismounting as a passenger. She uses the “kick” technique and attempts to kick over the rear case (large),which is not only difficult but causes to scratch the case.
My wife is 5'2" and has never been particularly limber. She has been getting on the back of the bike for 30+ years and it was just a couple of years ago that I discovered that she threw her leg over the top box - I had always assumed that she would simply step over the seat (I should know better than to assume .....). Over the years I was aware that she occasionally caught the pannier with a boot, but then so do I. On our last trip she managed to catch the lid of the nice shiny new top box, and the scratches won't polish out .....

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 11:47 pm
by Casbar
gogs01 wrote: My wife is 5'2" and has never been particularly limber. She has been getting on the back of the bike for 30+ years and it was just a couple of years ago that I discovered that she threw her leg over the top box - I had always assumed that she would simply step over the seat (I should know better than to assume .....). Over the years I was aware that she occasionally caught the pannier with a boot, but then so do I. On our last trip she managed to catch the lid of the nice shiny new top box, and the scratches won't polish out .....

Give her the bill and get a new wife  8)

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2017 7:50 am
by panaray
Yup, I’ve been attempting to ask my wife to step through instead of kicking over the top case.
I ask her to put her hands on my shoulders while I sit on the bike with the side stand down and the bike leaning on it’s left side.
Perhaps I should have the bike upright?
I guess we will have plenty of time to practice until it warms up May!

Re: Proper technique for passenger mount/dismount?

Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2017 11:39 am
by Steve F
panaray wrote: Yup, I’ve been attempting to ask my wife to step through instead of kicking over the top case.
I ask her to put her hands on my shoulders while I sit on the bike with the side stand down and the bike leaning on it’s left side.
Perhaps I should have the bike upright?
I guess we will have plenty of time to practice until it warms up May!
panaray,
Likewise, her left foot on left foot peg, her hands on my shoulders whilst I’m stood astride the bike (but without side stand down) and she then steps through and avoids walloping top box and/or panniers! For safety, I’ll keep the front brake applied until she’s settled! So far, so good. :)