Braking solo vs 2up

[moparman]

I recently rode my new 2000 Classic for over 2500 miles, from Houston to Idaho. My wife Barb (who isn't a waif), was scratching my back for the whole trip, plus we had some luggage. Well, I got used to how the bike stopped at certain braking pressures with the bike in that heavy configuration (a bit over 1200#).

The bike has been sitting in my in-laws' garage for 3 weeks or so cuz of the nasty weather up where I live but we went to their house for Thanksgiving and, as soon as I got there, I fired it up and threw the helmet on. Away I cruised, grinning again, freezing my azz off at 45 degrees (before windchill factor) but very very happy.

I fly up the road and when I get to the stop sign a mile away, I use the brakes the same way I did for all those many miles I rode....except...HOLY $CHNIT...it isn't working the same!!!!
The back tire was skidding with hardly any pressure and I am sideways before I know it.....

I keep it shiny side up but it's a heavy bike and it took some work.
It happened again in town cuz the street was a little wet but not even close to as bad as before.

I really don't use the rear brake that much but, if you get comfortable with doing something a certain way and some important factor changes, it sure plays havoc with your head.

Bottom line is: Think about what kind of changes have taken place since you rode last. Weather, temperature, road conditions, and especially any changes on the bike (from mods or weight differences), will all make a difference in controlling your bike.

[RWJC]

glad no scratches to any of you...

Good bit of info, I am just getting to riding 2-up with my kids who weigh not more than 80#. I have just taken my 1st 2-up wiyth my son to Lowe's the other day...he has so wanted to go riding...had to stress to him the importance of NOT moving. A rock hit his hand, I thought he was going to go into shock. I put my cruise on, slapped his leg..he got the message. Need to get that CB system to talk with Passangers!!

[moparman]

I will say that riding with my wife is actually really nice. I just told her the first time we went out to be wherever I am in a lean or in a counterlean. No matter what, she does that. She has never made any moves that changed the feel of the bike. She won't likely ever ride alone on anything but her little '65 Honda 50 "HOG" but I sure don't mind her behind me. The V2K has enough power that it will still do anything I need even with both of us on it.

[Thmastr]

wow glad to head that you did keep the shiny side up!

I have noticed that if I am under hard braking (I mean hard) all I have to do is feather the rear brake and even that is enough to lock the rear when it is skimming the pavement.

I like to play with that phase of weight/braking power... I want to see where the limmit is, and how the bike beheaves at that point... I only practice when apporaching stop signs and redlights...

you never know when knowing the limmit might be useful!

[tharptroy]

thmastr, im no spelling guru, but im pretty sure its "limit"...at least change your sig so its spelled right =P

[Thmastr]

Originally Posted by tharptroy

thmastr, im no spelling guru, but im pretty sure its "limit"...at least change your sig so its spelled right =P

thanks...

I have to say that when I learned English my spelling was much better... then I started chatting.

Now I can't spell w/o a word processing program!... it is horrible, because in college papers (written by hand) I do great, but once I get on the comp I just don't care! lol

[wireguy]

think of it like driving a dumptruck .they are meant for hauling a load so the rear brakes do tend to work better when there is a load on the rear giving the tires some traction

[NCDave]

Resurected thread alert!

[moparman]

True...but still true!