Just had a top box fitted to the Mutley. The main idea was to allow hers truly to have a nice comfy back rest, with the added bonus of not having to carry our lids everywhere. The problem now is that her ladyship is having difficulty getting on and off the bike. Any suggestions, preferably clean please, for the best technique to mount and dismount the trusty steed?
How does she get on in the first place? never had a box on a bike but i notice 2 distinct ways pillions get on bikes. either 1)swinging a leg over like the rider or2) placing outside leg on out side peg, standing up onto peg and popping inside leg over. rider just needs to be aware cos of the transfer of weight as they step up. other than that im stumped, sorry. 2) is prob best for women, id say thats the way they`ve hopped on my bikes in the past, little legs I guess
I had to unscrew the "comfort pad" from the Ducati Topbox to give wor lass a bit of room, and she is no hippo ! They are such a small bike. I also have almost sold a small ring mounted tank bag, it took up too much room and hindered my getting on without ricking my back !
I pillioned on a multi with top box Stood on one peg and was able to ballerina style put my leg over top box 5ft 7 helps Always waited for rider to be solid then put my hands on his shoulder so he knew I was there and gently did it I have taken a pillion so I now know that it's easy to be thrown off balance
Thanks guys. I am used to having a pillion, but the difficulty now is the fact I have a top box fitted. And also having just clarified the problem with her ladyship, the biggest problem is her getting off without falling into a heap on the floor. P.S.
Lol I used to ballerina style over and swivel on foot peg and step down to the floor If your not far away I could always show you :-D
Afraid we are a little distance away from you. I'll put your suggestion forward and we'll give it a go, results maybe posted on you tube for a laugh!
Id agree with the stand on the footpeg and step over the seat or take vivs advice and ballarina style....she could always be mega flexible and pole vault on!!!!
my ex was tiny so Id pull next to a curb so she didnt have as far to step up or down. she thought I was being considerate which i was, for the bikes paintwork! bird was clumsy as hell with her heels, scrapping over the tail unit
When my mrs gets on I usually stand with brake on and let her use my foot peg and swing leg over seat this way it gives her a bit more room, she says the top box is a lot higher than it was on my Sprint and being a short arse can't get high enough to clear it, have yet to try it with panniers on aswell tho! As for getting off pretty much the reverse
Time to trade her in for a newer, more supple model! Wonder if Ducati Trioptions do a new mrs every 3 years :biggrin:
^^ your treading on dodgy ground here ^^ I assume Mrs JC 749 doesnt subscribe! Anyhow spent yesterday with tother half practicing getting on and off the bike. Ballerina stylee is the definate way to go. She even scored a 5.4 at the petrol station!
I'll just throw in to ad to the numbers : rider mounts first, sits down whith full weight (lowers mounting height) .. stradles legs wide but even more firm on pavement. keeps sidestand out for security/emergency .. Sets the bars straight to balance bike and hold on firmly pillion mounts from left side with left foot on rearpeg. Straightens leg to stand aloft on rear peg holding onto rider , right leg can easily be sat over seat and into right side.. It is absolutely important to give the rider-go-ahead ( no jumping on with bars not straight and firm feet on the ground ) to mount ! Pick you place wisely ( avoid gravel/mud/sand if possible, narrow your leg spread otherwise) grtz Koen ps i carry a large Givi trekker 46L (very high in the back)
Yup, do this a lot. Helps that Mrs Cad is only 5'3". She does the outside leg thing and stands on the LH passenger peg and swings in. I always have the bike started and in gear then two feet firmly on the ground. I always nod to tell her I'm ready and she hops on, does some sort of weird shuffle thing to get herself comfortable, and then punches me in the side to tell me she's ready. Can then ride straight off without having to lift a foot off to get in gear. Done that before when she shuffled, sneezed, bike fully loaded, , foot off, lost balance and toppled over!!
