So... now that my Girlfriend is riding with me I have a couple questions that I have never had to ask before...

1. First, and most important, is there any trick, tip or aftermarket item that we could use to make the rear seat a little less slippery? We know it's never going to amazingly comfortable, but she feels like she's sliding around a little too much, specially on stops and starts.
   
2. Second, any suggestions on after market, add on grab handles that either actualy look good on the bike, or are easily removable so we can only use them when she is riding?
   
3. Lastly and least important... Something I never even wondered until now.... but is the strap on the rear (split) seat an actual handle for the passenger to hold? Or is it a handle only to hold the seat while it's off? Or is it purely for decoration?

Any input is welcome as always! But I'd really love to solve the first, slippery, issue the most, I think that would be the most helpful to her.

Thanks all!

 

Do you use any cleaners or protectants on the seat? Those get slippery.
What is she wearing for pants? Real denim is better than that thin stretchy chick denim. Real riding jeans or pants would be ideal though. Just remember that some materials are made to slide easy.

They do make handles that go on the tank. Otherwise, she will just need to hold onto you.

 

No, the strap is not a handle for passengers. It's there for helping you move the bike around by hand, maybe to help strap down luggage or something. It should be totally inaccessible and useless for passengers.

 

Honestly, if you're asking these questions, both of you are probably very new at riding two-up. I'd suggest finding a motorcycle shop, club, friend, or what have you, where you can receive some advice and suggestions on how to do it properly. It goes far beyond a slippery seat.

 

Thanks for the input Aken. Yes we are new to it, but we have done plenty of research before starting. We are now in the "practice makes perfect" phase. We are honestly having a great time and have no issues with the actual ride... I compensate for braking and we have all of our "signals" agreed on between us, and have really been enjoying ourselves out.

This was just something that seems like it would make it more "comfortable". If she "stuck" to the seat a little better then she would be able to relax a little more on the stops and starts is all. It's not like she's falling off Just slipping around a little.

Good tips, 74demon! She is wearing regular Denim and I don't personally use any cleaners on the seats (other than water)

I actually had a thought of getting my hands on a second rear seat then replacing the vinyl on it with upholstery grade cloth. Something I could just throw on just for when she rides so that it cuts down on the slickness.

Really in the big picture, we aren't going to do any distance trips or anything so it's actually not THAT big of a deal. And besides... like I told her yesterday, the sure fire cure to the back seat issues, is to hop in the front seat on a bike of her own!

 

CHEAP Hairspray on the seat.Tacky, washes off with a swipe of alcohol. Cheap easy just make sure she is careful while dismounting if she wears shorts or she could pull the hide on her inner thighs. Or if you love her buy a corbin seat with a back for it (about 400 for the rear seat and oval back rest). front seat is 260. Gripper cover material is relatively cheap and often color coded found almost anywhere you find dirt bike supplies.

 

Leather riding pants or chaps will grip far better than denim or textile, also.

 

Ill swap you my 05 Bannana seat and entire tail section for your 01-03? its candy red, but a little silver paint and problem solved. Bigger seat and handle.

 

Bryce, you covered quite the range of options there! The hairspray is interesting for a quick fix, but I am looking in the more "permanent" driection. I have looked at the Corbin Seats, probably do the trick, and is in the running. I don't think the seat back is necessary, but the rear saddle itself would help I am sure.

Your most interesting topic though is the "Gripper Cover Material". Is this material to re-upholster (sp?) the seat, or a cover to go over the seat? I'll have to do some googling on it!

This could be an option... I can tell you she would wear them far better than I would!

Tempting McBreezy, but I do like my split seat You have a nice bike by the way, always been a fan!

 

74Demon,

You are no fun