| Author | Message | ||
     Bmwrider |
Hi: I realize that the XBs are not really aimed at 2-up riding... but does anyone here have extensive experience with a passenger? Thanks, Ken | ||
| Glitch |
I don't even have the passenger pegs on... | ||
| Darthane |
LOL...my passenger pegs were removed in favor of saddlebag mounts. My g/f complained about the passenger peg position (too high, which I gather has been changed on the '04s) and the 'butt-wedge' of a seat. On the 9R, however, they offer a considerably beefed up touring pillion for the passenger, and with a little effort the passenger pegs can be lowered and moved forward for easing the knees. Bryan | ||
| Bmwrider |
Bryan: Thanks for the info. Perhaps the 12R would be a better choice than the 12s for 2-up riding? Have you seen any kits to raise the position of the handlebar on the 12S? It sounds like the ideal bike for us would have a 12S front and a 12R back end. Ken | ||
| Darthane |
Well, this is just conjecture, but yeah, I'd say the 12R would probably have a bit more breathing room for the passenger than the 12S. Doing the 12S tail to 12R tail conversion is something that a lot of people have discussed (I want to do the opposite), but since the electronics on a 12S are in the tail, that presents a bit more of a problem than it might seem. The tail will bolt on, but then you need to relocate all the electronics. I've got a 9R, so no, I haven't seen any 12S bar-riser kits. However, they are just clamped on, so I'm sure you could find a set of bars that are an inch or more taller and simply clamp them in. You may have to do a little bit of drilling to get the controls attached right. Bryan | ||
| Mikej |
Just an opinion, but before anyone considers a bike for 2-up riding you'd probably be well advised to sit on back for a short ride just to see what it is you're asking your intended passenger to conform to. In my mind the XB's are solo machines with a passenger seat mainly to help someone get to a pay phone should the need arise. Beyond an occaisional lift 2-up riding is a secondary consideration. But hey, if your passenger is happy then go for it. YMMV | ||
| Torqd |
My wife and I borrowed my friends Xb9s...he is outa town...I put the mail inside and I get to ride the bike...not a bad deal...we went for a 2 hour ride...and she didn't mind it at all...I asked her what she thought and she said that she didn't get any leg cramps and her butt didn't hurt...every once in a while she would hit the back of my helmet...you are pretty much the same higth on the S not a real step up on the passenger part of the seat...anyway my 2 cents worth... My wife is 5'10" 130lbs with a nice butt if I may add  | ||
| Captainplanet |
I have had my wife on the back of my 9R a couple of times. She did not care for it. She thought it was pretty uncomfortable. I thought it was bad as well. Since you have to lean forward on the 9R, she has to as well to hold on to you, which in turn put more weight on your wrists. I have since removed the passenger pegs and put a tailbag on the bike. No more passengers for me. She prefers riding her blast anyway. | ||
| Darthane |
BMWRider, As some added info - with a very small bit of cutting to the black plastic undertail on the 9R, you can reverse the passenger peg mounts, thus lowering and moving them forward roughly 3". I just did this and my girlfriend said it was a huge improvement (her primary complaint was about her knees bothering her). Adding the touring pillion should raise her ass a little more for another inch and also add padding, turning it into a fairly comfy bike as far as things go. I've never had a problem with my arms or wrists bothering me from 2-up riding, personally. Only under hard braking do I notice it. | ||
| Spike |
Just by looking at it my girlfriend and I both figured she'd hate riding the Firebolt. Surprisingly, she actually didn't mind it. It's not something she'd like to tour on but after getting used to the riding position she didn't mind moderate rides. I think with the lower pegs of the '04 model and the touring pillion it would be comfortable enough for light touring. Just for reference, she didn't like riding the Bandit 1200. She said that even though the seat was large, it was much taller than the rider seat and made her feel like she was perched up in the air. |
