Mine is a 01. My girlfriend surprisingly loves riding on the back of the bike. I know a newer year F4i had the little b*tch bar on the back. Any aftermarket options or has anyone made something close to a bar on the back on a older model? thanks

 

The bar isn't originally intended for passenger use, it's intended as a handle to grab the bike. The strap on the passenger seat on the 01-03 versions does the same thing.

My opinion is you should just educate her on proper riding techniques and ignore having something to hang on to (which is supposed to be you anyway!).

 

there is a company that makes a passenger handlebar for the tank... i'm definitely thinking of getting it for my girlfriend. she braces herself on the tank a lot so something like this would be handy..

http://www.firespeedracing.com/product/product.htm

 

have her give you a big hug, unless she doesnt like you.

 

My gf has a bad habit of always bracing herself with the tank. I always tell her to get off and she has learned. Now she isnt so bad to ride with. If she tries to reach for the tank now I just lean back like im stretching and her little arms wont reach

 

Having the passenger place their hands on the tank is pretty common practice. What it does is in the event that you have to brake suddenly or hard, his/her weight doesn't get shoved into your back, making it very uncomfortable and possibly hazardous to both your safety.

Not saying you can't enjoy your own riding style, by all means tell your chica to go wherever you want her to. Just explaining why most people do that.