Pillion on a harley

[Snails pace]

Am tossing round the idea of getting a harley to compliment my v strom. Question is, in your opinion, what models are the best for a pillion? You can forget the road king and electraglide as they do not pull my chain. Quite like the look of the FXST softail, FXDWG dyna wide glide and FXDXT super glide sport. Any thoughts appreciated on the above models or any others similar. thanks

[sunhuntin]

anything with a sissy bar. ive ridden with one guy whos bike didnt have a sissy bar. nearly arsed off the back every time i got on it.

best harleys ive ever pillioned on were deckers... tour pak and hardbags with a nice soft seat. just lovely! if you do go this route though, make sure to get a tourpak with the hinges on the side, not the back. makes for a sore back otherwise! lol

something similar to this is what i spent 6 months travelling on. just older and minus the aerials, lol.

http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/C1/FE/3F/iC1FE3F2A-AE2D-44E6-9AA2-CF068DB56C56.jpg

[cynna]

the only problem people had on the back of my fxstc when i had it was due the stepped seat. if they where tall there helmet was higher then mine so they copped a fair bit of wind

took one girl from chch to auck for the big day out a few years ago and here neck seized up before we go there and she had to fly home.....

ground clearance on a softail is also a problem with the added wieght - its ok when u get used to it tho and dont throw the bike around corners or roundabouts

[Kiwi Graham]

Just sold an FXSTS Springer, I had a badlander seat for solo stuff and bought a quick release backrest kit and sundowner seat for the two up stuff, she loved it. She aint so impressed with the back seat on the R1!! no worries thats come off too!
Still got the big 14 for the two up stuff.

[Flip]

I agree with Sunhuntin all the "Glides" from the Road King to the ElectraGlide are great pillion bikes. They have air adjustable rear suspension and most come with a King-Queen seat std. I fitted the Sundowner seat from HD to my Roadking to make it more comfortable for the boss, it came with a some what minimal rear seat. Its the only bike I have ever owned that's just fine to ride 2 up with a pile of gear. I just put 40 psi in the rear tyre and 22 psi in the rear shocks.

[peasea]

Am tossing round the idea of getting a harley to compliment my v strom. Question is, in your opinion, what models are the best for a pillion? You can forget the road king and electraglide as they do not pull my chain. Quite like the look of the FXST softail, FXDWG dyna wide glide and FXDXT super glide sport. Any thoughts appreciated on the above models or any others similar. thanks

You'll probably find that the Softail might need some expensive suspension cans to make everyone happy two-up. I'd be looking at a WG or the Sport. It depends on two things really, the size/weight of your pillion and what you're prepared to do to the bike you buy if things don't work out.

[scumdog]

An FXDX would probably suit you if a 'bagger' ain't your cup of tea.

[AllanB]

You can always get a aftermarket seat fitted - someone in Tauranga does good work and the Mustang seats in the USA are reviewed well.

[EJK]

If pillions are not topless, then it's useless.
[R RATED]http://consumeist.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/bike1_600.jpg[/R RATED]

[YellowDog]

If pillions are not topless, then it's useless.
[R RATED]http://consumeist.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/bike1_600.jpg[/R RATED]
I don't think her grandad on the front looks too impressed with the stability problems she is causing.

[buellbabe]

Basically it just comes down to whatever turns ya on.

You can always change the seat and add a sissy bar...and YES! if you are getting the bike with a passenger in mind then do them a favour and invest in a sissy bar, there are some really sexy little ones available these days.

For what its worth though...my vote is for the FXDS. Best handling big block ...no doubt about it. In fact I like the Dyna so much I named my dog after it LOL.

[Snails pace]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I might have to go check out a few. My only concern is I'm not a bike washer. Change oils etc no problem i enjoy that, but getting a bucket and rag is a different story. Have yet to see a dirty Harley. Is it written into the contract that one must polish the chrome:laugh: Many thanks again.

[buellbabe]

hahahahahahaha

Haven't you ever seen the 'bikini-babe bike washes'?
One of the perks (for blokes anyway) of owning a HD LOL...

[awayatc]

You'll probably find that the Softail might need some expensive suspension cans to make everyone happy two-up.

Works for me.......
to heavy for the softtail.....
to heavy for me...
:shutup:

[sinfull]

Think it was the dyna that superseeded the FXR which were the best handling harley (ground clearance etc). Pillion seat well you can sort that easy enough. polishing is sommit i aint into so crc is my thing, spray and walk away (after you've wiped the discs, or brakecleaned em) leave it coated in it, dust and dirt may stick but soon hoses off again !

[sunhuntin]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I might have to go check out a few. My only concern is I'm not a bike washer. Change oils etc no problem i enjoy that, but getting a bucket and rag is a different story. Have yet to see a dirty Harley. Is it written into the contract that one must polish the chrome:laugh: Many thanks again.

get ya mrs to clean it!

my ex had two deckers... it was my "job" [self imposed] to polish them up after every ride. and i did, without fail. he had an old panhead in the basement which hadnt seen the light of day for many years. i nagged him into getting it out and spent a week cleaning it [fucking cold it was too... damn concrete floors] but that pan came out looking brand new by the time i was done. his other bike was a custom painted shovel... fuck that was a sexy bike and my favourite of the two. its amazing how you are willing to lose sleep if it means going out riding till 3am or so, lol.

as for sissy bar... it all depends on the size of your pillion. im on the large side, and wouldnt feel safe with a small sissy bar. i liked the deckers cos the tour paks made me feel more secure and i didnt have to lean forward onto the rider to try and keep my weight off the back.

go to supercheap and get a tin of brite shine... its in a fluro yellow tin and is a wadding material with cleaner. lasts forever if you keep the lid on it... even used bits can be reused until they turn black, lol. that stuff can clean anything including melted boots from exhaust pipes and chain grease from the rear wheel.

[Horse]

Have yet to see a dirty Harley. Is it written into the contract that one must polish the chrome:laugh:

Ask anyone who's seen mine. I'd rather ride it than wash it. :D

The hidden secret of chrome is that from a distance all you see is the shiny and you don't realise how filthy the bike really is. :)

And for pillion comfort, my Ultra Classic. Check my profile. But you said you don't want a bagger - fair enough, but you should test ride one anyway, you might be surprised. :)

[Headbanger]

I wash mine at least yearly, No way in hell I'd want the Mrs to do it, Nor would she, She has plenty on her plate already. Washing my shit ain't her problem.

As for pillions, Never had an issue, The bikes themselves don't even notice the second person, never had a sissy bar on the bike though I do have one on the shelf, I asked Mrs Headbanger if she wanted it fitted and she wasn't concerned.

[scumdog]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I might have to go check out a few. My only concern is I'm not a bike washer. Change oils etc no problem i enjoy that, but getting a bucket and rag is a different story. Have yet to see a dirty Harley. Is it written into the contract that one must polish the chrome:laugh: Many thanks again.

Get an FXDX with matte-black engine/trans etc.

Easy to wash and a squirt on silicone spray make it look new again.:Punk:

[rosie631]

I have an FXD and it's bloody uncomfortable on the back. But then the seat's not really ideal for a pillion. I would say it's all to do with what seat you put on. And the sissy bar would help. Don't have one of those either. But then I'm not really interested in pillioning anymore. Putting a single seat with removeable pillion pad on as soon as I can afford it.

[Headbanger]

I have an FXD and it's bloody uncomfortable on the back. But then the seat's not really ideal for a pillion. .

Looking at the bike pic on your profile I'd agree, that isn't a pillion seat, That's a contoured piece of foam someone may sit on if they want to kill their arse while sliding off the bike.

[cc rider]

It depends on two things really, the size/weight of your pillion and what you're prepared to do to the bike you buy if things don't work out.
I agree with PC here. There are variables.

I've been riding pillion on the same Shovel, for, forever.
It's a '79 FX Lowrider, Progressive Suspension shocks, sissy bar - cause I tend to sleep on the back of it(only place I can). Gives a really good vibration, too. Contour seat - I don't get blown around.
Only other HDs I ride on are customs. Too $$$ that road. So I've been of no use have I.
Haha, forgot to say - travelled all over on it, only household transport 'til recent, comfy, ass intact :niceone:

You'll just have to take heaps of bikes out for test rides. Damn! <_<
Goodluck. :cool:

[rosie631]

Looking at the bike pic on your profile I'd agree, that isn't a pillion seat, That's a contoured piece of foam someone may sit on if they want to kill their arse while sliding off the bike.

Heh heh, can't argue with you there.

[brentmc]

Ive had one or two old tractors over the past years and me being the smaller framed bloke of only 115kg :laugh: one thing i can tell you is the softail (fxst) i had was no good in the shockee area, i now have a dyna (fxdwg) and i wouldn't look back now. :woohoo:

[peasea]

Ive had one or two old tractors over the past years and me being the smaller framed bloke of only 115kg :laugh: one thing i can tell you is the softail (fxst) i had was no good in the shockee area, i now have a dyna (fxdwg) and i wouldn't look back now. :woohoo:

Doesn't it have mirrors?

[6ft5]

I know you don't like the look of the Road King but I think you should try one. Mine has a Mustang seat and a sissy bar. Pillion riding is a dream, the person on the back finds it really a pleasure and isn't waiting to come off. Have not had a problem with the ground clearance.

Suggest you have a go, you will be really surprised !

[Snails pace]

I know you don't like the look of the Road King but I think you should try one. Mine has a Mustang seat and a sissy bar. Pillion riding is a dream, the person on the back finds it really a pleasure and isn't waiting to come off. Have not had a problem with the ground clearance.

Suggest you have a go, you will be really surprised !

I might just do that. They just give me a sense of clutter. I prefer clean lines, not naked so much, just clean lines. But until I ride a few!! The super glide sport is really pulling my chain at the mo. But until I have ridden one who can say.

[crazyhorse]

Am tossing round the idea of getting a harley to compliment my v strom. Question is, in your opinion, what models are the best for a pillion? You can forget the road king and electraglide as they do not pull my chain. Quite like the look of the FXST softail, FXDWG dyna wide glide and FXDXT super glide sport. Any thoughts appreciated on the above models or any others similar. thanks

Attach a sidecar....... LOL

[sunhuntin]

I know you don't like the look of the Road King but I think you should try one. Mine has a Mustang seat and a sissy bar. Pillion riding is a dream, the person on the back finds it really a pleasure and isn't waiting to come off. Have not had a problem with the ground clearance.

Suggest you have a go, you will be really surprised !

out of glenns bikes, the pan was the only one i wasnt fond of riding. for one, it had a really narrow seat. like, there was no room between glenns back and my front. felt really clamped. and the other reason was it had speed wobbles from when he wrecked it, which freaked me right on corners. ruined my favourite corner after that. still... it got some looks when we took it to rallys, lol.

the shovel... only reason i was desperate to get off that was if i was tired or cold, which was often the case given he was the worst night owl ive ever known, lol.

[Weeruthie]

I spent 2 weeks on the back of a Fat Boy driving round France and Spain.... really comfy!

[Weeruthie]

oops..... just realised how dodgy my last post could sound

[Scouse]

Am tossing round the idea of getting a harley to compliment my v strom. Question is, in your opinion, what models are the best for a pillion? You can forget the road king and electraglide as they do not pull my chain. Quite like the look of the FXST softail, FXDWG dyna wide glide and FXDXT super glide sport. Any thoughts appreciated on the above models or any others similar. thanksSoftail Custom or the Softail Delux are the best looking in my opinion the custom is probably the best for pillions as it has a king and queen seat

[buellbabe]

Generally speaking the Dyna range is the best handling.

Buuuuuut the Heritage Softail is also a primo bike to tour on AND have fun on. I hired one in Canda and LOVED it.

Plus the Ultra...might look like a bus but I have a mate who rides one and he throws it around corners like its a trail bike...a very BIG trail bike LOL. His missus doesn't seem to mind at all! She sometimes falls asleep on the back cos the pillion seat is like a mini armchair, supremo comfort :niceone:

[Weeruthie]

Yeah I used to fall asleep on the back of the Fat Boy all the time..... used to really annoy the boyfriend when I'd fall forward and head but him.... but hey that's what helmets are for aren't they

[Rob Taylor]

Im always 2 up riding.Just changed the back shocks and its fine.Out of the bikes you listed FXDX or FXDXT are the way to go.The T comes with better seat,factory quick release bags & fairing/screen.This model is the best handler with Jap type suspension adjustment on front and rear...Go in to KTL BIKES in Morning side or look at there web site www.ktlbikes.co.nz .They have a black FXDXT in there at the moment..Good luck with your hunt....

[Molly]

Funny you should rule out the Road King because my missus hated being on the back of mine. She didn't mind the FXST (with sissy bar) though. In the end however, it made more sense for her to get her own bike (so I've another toy to play with). Always liked the look of single seat Harleys anyway :-)

[peasea]

Funny you should rule out the Road King because my missus hated being on the back of mine. She didn't mind the FXST (with sissy bar) though. In the end however, it made more sense for her to get her own bike (so I've another toy to play with). Always liked the look of single seat Harleys anyway :-)

Agreed. Passengers (in all honesty and with all due respect) suck.

[Big Dave]

Depends - standard seat on a Road King Custom you would only do to a girl you didn't like. Like any of those ones with a pussy pad on a mudguard.

It's the way they market them - a lot only have a solo seat. If we can fix that seat can we have your deposit this afternoon?

Co-pilot liked the Softail Custom best. Highest comfort category.

She likes the back seat on our Buell best of all.

Suspension on all the touring chassis has been fine for us two up - and we are upper end of the payload scale - the VRSC have been undersprung on the front.

[duckonin]

Agreed. Passengers (in all honesty and with all due respect) suck.

Passengers may suck peasea, but I love having my wife sitting behind me all the time enjoying the ride and the life that goes with being bloody good mates, a good pillion is no trouble at all, and a good second pair of eye's too boot...Take care now, enjoy your riding...

[Molly]

Agreed. Passengers suck.

They do if they want a lift home...

[peasea]

Passengers may suck peasea, but I love having my wife sitting behind me all the time enjoying the ride and the life that goes with being bloody good mates, a good pillion is no trouble at all, and a good second pair of eye's too boot...Take care now, enjoy your riding...

Oh c'mon, lighten up (ditch the pillion....tee hee) I was just taking the piss. I'd never get rid of the seat I have because my daughters ride with me and if I ever need to help someone out I've got the room.

Too right, good pillions are hardly noticeable.

[duckonin]

No need to lighten up peasea, I must of written that bad meant know harm at all...:niceone:

[sunhuntin]

honestly, id be quite happy to never carry a pillion again. i think that from now on, my backseat is reserved for my backpack, lol.

[buellbabe]

I have removed the rear pegs on the Buell cos it just really isn't a 2-up bike...

Different story with the HDs I owned tho...my very first Harley was a cool little 883 and my best mate and I toured for 6 weeks around the south island on that bike with a pack full of camping stuff and all our gear on the back of a custom made rack.
It was one of the best trips I have ever done and having the extra weight on the back kept the sporty in line as I was throwing it around corners. Someone following us reckoned that at one point there was sparks coming off the pipes LOL.

With the proper setup you and your pillion can have a ball!

[Big Dave]

honestly, id be quite happy to never carry a pillion again. i think that from now on, my backseat is reserved for my backpack, lol.


You already have tits.

[sunhuntin]

ummmm... youve lost me there. whats tits got to do with anything?

[6ft5]

So Snails pace have you checkout the fabulous Road King? Took mine for a ride today over the Rimutaka's and back just before the next southerly announced its arrival. Great trip Good cornering, pillion was happy (remember I have a mustang combo seat) and didn;t fall asleep, made sure she needed to grip while doing the odd tight corner LOL. Lets hear what is happening with Photo's !!!!

[Big Dave]

ummmm... youve lost me there. whats tits got to do with anything?

Why we takes wimmen folks. :-P

[Snails pace]

I hang my head in shame. i went and checked out a Victory Kingpin 8 ball. Nice bike but did not call my name when seen in the flesh. So with all the suggestions, from this forum i am still confused. More to do with life than you guys. Will definitely let you all know when I have a big brother for my wee. I doubt my skinny little legs could hold up a Roadking.

[sunhuntin]

snail, ya remember the pic i put up on page one? that bike is 90% identical to my ex's two bikes. now glenn was anything but a heavy weight... hell, i used to carry him around the house if i felt like it, lmfao. he would have been well under the 70kg weight range. yet he had no trouble holding up either of his bikes, even with me on the back. [though he did have trouble getting it off the stand. i had to get on first cos i got hooked up in the tour paks and almost scuffed one a few times.]

BD... ok, gotcha. but i cant lean against mine when riding. lol. never mind, the pack will do, lol. least it doesnt try and steer for me.

[AD345]

I hang my head in shame. i went and checked out a Victory Kingpin 8 ball. Nice bike but did not call my name when seen in the flesh. So with all the suggestions, from this forum i am still confused. More to do with life than you guys. Will definitely let you all know when I have a big brother for my wee. I doubt my skinny little legs could hold up a Roadking.

Shame?

Tsk

While you were looking at the 8-ball you would have seen the Kingpin Tour which is probably better set up for a pillion (its what I have).

I don't know if you talked to Brett or not but the whole Victory range can be set up to ride with a pillion right up to and including the Jackpot. Each of the models has a tour seat with or without a sissy bar depending on taste.

[Snails pace]

Thanks for all the help guys. Have decided on an 01 FXDXT. May not be the most modern or highly spec'd bike but I felt comfortable and relaxed on it. Must be getting old, but it is loud. Took it for a ride round the back roads, out of Hamilton, and coming back in set off one car alarm!! See you on the road.

[scumdog]

Thanks for all the help guys. Have decided on an 01 FXDXT. May not be the most modern or highly spec'd bike but I felt comfortable and relaxed on it. Must be getting old, but it is loud. Took it for a ride round the back roads, out of Hamilton, and coming back in set off one car alarm!! See you on the road.

Frikkin' good choice bro!!:Punk:

I can travel for miles on mine without feeling tired, can pack a bit of gear on it and in the side-bags, it handles OK for a cruiser, stops well and is cheap as chips to run.:love:

Post a pic eh?

[crazyhorse]

Am tossing round the idea of getting a harley to compliment my v strom. Question is, in your opinion, what models are the best for a pillion? You can forget the road king and electraglide as they do not pull my chain. Quite like the look of the FXST softail, FXDWG dyna wide glide and FXDXT super glide sport. Any thoughts appreciated on the above models or any others similar. thanks

Hey mate - a Harley is NO compliment to a Suzuki....... !!! That does the Suzki's injustice! Get an Intruder - same family at least!

[Headbanger]

Out of all the Harley imitations the intruder would have to be the lamest of a sad selection.

[Molly]

Hey mate - a Harley is NO compliment to a Suzuki....... !!! That does the Suzki's injustice! Get an Intruder - same family at least!

Each to their own and all that but you're on a hiding to nothing saying one brand is better than another. If that was the case we'd all be riding the same bike. I've had a good number of Suzukis. None were particularly involving and they were generally poorly finished. That said, they are quite cheap I suppose so they've got that going for them.

As for the Intruder? I would honestly rather eat my own shoes.

:-)

[Snails pace]

My new little toy. A tad more hungry than my wee but luckily it has a reserve. Still that is to be expected with a few more horses under the seat. The boss was happy on the back, so all smiles.

[scumdog]

My new little toy. A tad more hungry than my wee but luckily it has a reserve. Still that is to be expected with a few more horses under the seat. The boss was happy on the back, so all smiles.

I'm almost jealous, great choice of bike!:2thumbsup

Did you get the side-bags with it?

[Solly]

I'm almost jealous, great choice of bike!:2thumbsup

Did you get the side-bags with it?

Is that a wet patch on your shorts Scummy?? :whistle: