Height of the Trophy Se

[Pearl]

The seat height on the Trophy SE is much higher that the last motorcycle I had.  I had a Stratoliner 1900 that sat closer to the ground.  When it came time for my wife or other passenger to get on I was able to balance the bike easier since I was closer to the ground.  Now when I have someone get on the back I have more of a difficult time balancing the bike.  Any tricks or suggestions???

[Studley]

Hey Pearl, good ask. Your pillion needs coaching and an explanation on the power of a lever [not that she is too heavy]. :>) The foot peg and its distance off center and the height of the bike are two levers working against your strength.

You need to brace as usual and let her know when you are ready for her to mount however, she needs to consciously work to move her center over the rear wheel not off to the side of the bike as she gets on. Usually, hands on both your shoulders, placing her head behind yours and keeping her torso over the bike vs off to the side is sufficient to make it a little easier.

Hope that helps

Studley

[1150newguy]

My wife is a bit on the short side so she gets on the bike before I do. I stand on the left side holding the left bar while she uses my left peg to mount the bike like she would a horse and then she scoots back to her seat and pegs. The bike is on the sidestand or centerstand when she does this. I can easily lift my leg over the seat and get on the bike. I have a 32 inch inseam which makes it easy for me, a shorter inseam may be an issue. I always have the sidestand down if she gets off the bike while I am still seated, just a bit more insurance is case I can't hold the bike for some reason. Been doing it this way for forty years and no mount/dismount accidents yet.

[Bludy L]

I was a bit intimidated by the height initially but with a little time it became much easier. Practice makes perfect. I try and go to heightened awareness concerning the footing every time I come to a stop.

[Phil]

First, make sure the ground you are on is as level as possible and free from grit so your feet don't slip.  When my wife started to ride pillion she use to grab my shoulder and pull me towards her as she put her weight (7 stone) on the peg.  This nearly always made me feel as if I was about to lose the  balance so I asked her to be a little more gentle and apply her momentum upwards instead of pulling me to one side.  Now I hardly notice her getting on or off the bike and with a little explanation and practice I am sure you will find the same. 

Good luck and happy riding

Freeway Phil 

[Pearl]

Thanks so much for all the reply's.  I will try and have her practice more off season so when it comes time to ride it will be easier. 

Thanks again.

[Bobbya]

Originally Posted by Bludy L

I was a bit intimidated by the height initially but with a little time it became much easier. Practice makes perfect. I try and go to heightened awareness concerning the footing every time I come to a stop.

that's how we do it and it works fine.