Question about two-up

[SVsick50]

not this “two-up”

Never was one to have a passenger but we quite enjoy it. Question for you guuyyyys: do you add preload in your suspension for a passenger, then set it back when you ride solo?

Thinking about marking two settings with a paint pen or take a note on my phone: 1) where I set it just for me and 2) where we set it for us.

Anybody else do this? Riding around town is okay, but longer distance or twisties... neh.

 

[ScottRNelson]

I almost never take a passenger with me, but so far I have not adjusted the preload even though there is an external knob for it on the KTMs that I've owned. Too lazy I guess.

 

[sckego]

I used to ride 2-up enough that I would just crank it all the way up, which was a bit too much for me solo, and not quite enough for 2-up, but still a decent middle ground.

Now I have actuated suspension adjustment that does all that stuff for me :cool

 

[rodr]

... do you add preload in your suspension for a passenger, then set it back when you ride solo?

Yes.

 

[ocoas]

Yes I adjust back and forth, it takes a little fiddling the first time but after you know where the settings are it only takes a minute to switch.

 

[Aware]

I used to have a pillion passenger regularly, last century. Never adjusted the suspension.

These days, on one bike, i have a remote preload adjuster that I *could* use, but no passenger. I would totally use it for anything other than a whizz about town.

 

[moto-rama]

My R1200R has a few preload - presets, push a button for:

One Up
One Up, with luggage
Two Up
Two Up, with luggage

Gotta love modern bikes!

 

[LongGoneJohn]

Fuck no. Just throw 'her on and go rip brotha.

 

[WWWobble]

Correct answer is YES. Increase preload for two up.

 

[dravnx]

Both my bikes have remote preload so I always adjust for a pillion. If I didn't have the remote preload, I would decide how much trouble is it worth for the type of riding/length of ride I was about to do.

 

[Entoptic]

Fuck no. Just throw 'her on and go rip brotha.

+1 I ain’t trying for new lap times with Erin on the back. In the 15 years of riding I’ve never touched or adjusted anything for a two up.

 

[Pushrod]

Yes, that what the settings are for.

But, I tell ya'. . .and untrained pillion will add inputs into the rolling bike that are hard to overcome. Do a bunch of parking lot stuff before you go out into traffic or roll with any velocity.

I paid the tuition on that one.

 

[bikeama]

YES. And be safe and enjoy the ride.


Edit: the bikes with electronic suspension make this very easy to do.

Riding with a passenger is a great way to explore.

 

[ctwo]

Yes, that what the settings are for.

But, I tell ya'. . .and untrained pillion will add inputs into the rolling bike that are hard to overcome. Do a bunch of parking lot stuff before you go out into traffic or roll with any velocity.

I paid the tuition on that one.

A friend discovered he could make us change lanes whenever he wanted. :laughing

 

[PaleHorse]

I put a few more lbs of pressure in the air shocks on the HD anytime I have a passenger. I've had the bike bottom out a few times hitting potholes and it makes for a more comfortable ride. I think its worth the effort.

 

[kneedraggeroldy]

We ride A LOT of two up. On our 2005 FJR we did not have a lot of options to change the suspension so we just rode (too much of a pain to change for me not knowing what I was doing IMHO).....now we ride 2015 FJR with electronic and MUCH better two up choices and we no longer drag the foot pegs early and often. I find my bike handles better two up than just solo as I cannot find the sweet spot for solo....enjoy the ride!

 

[Racinfrk]

One thing that has not been mentioned yet...If you are going for a longer type 2-up ride, increase the tire pressure also.

 

[afm199]

I rode my VFR800 only two up, and repsprung it and revalved it for two up. It was insanely good on the track.

 

[Aware]

One thing that has not been mentioned yet...If you are going for a longer type 2-up ride, increase the tire pressure also.

Do you mean randomly jam in some air? Or check manufacturer's specifications?

 

[ZCrow]

No, why? Because you should be riding slower and more predictable with a passenger. I am not riding at fast enough of a pace with a passenger to justify messing with my suspension and I have never had an issue with it. If you are, I would suggest either you riding at a dangerous pace with a passenger or need to adjust your riding style for passengers.

In perfect world you would but given the effort, I do not see a pay off unless you just get off on doing needless things to chase perfection.:teeth

Side note, I have never given anyone a ride over 150lbs. Maybe heavier loads would require a change. I will never know.