Finally went out yesterday to get some proper riding gear for my wife. We must have spent about 2 hours in that store just trying on and picking out stuff. She ended up getting a helmet (Shoei RF-1000), Jacket (Tourmaster - mesh), and a pair of mesh Icon gloves. She looks so gorgeous all suited up.
It rained a lot yesterday, so after breakfast this morning she decided it was time to try out her gear - with me riding of course. So for her first ride I wanted it to be exciting, but not too long. So I took her on my morning route. It has some nice scenery, a few nice sweepers along with some other curves.
When we started out I did a few quick banks to get her used to to the motion and leaning with me and the bike. That scared her just a little, but she adjusted really quickly and was ready for more. We made it onto the open road and took off.
The bike certainly feels different with two people on board. Not radically different, just heavier in the back end, and heavier gear shifts. I kept the revs up a little higher than normal, just to be on the safe side. Other than that, the bike really handles nice with both of us riding. Of course, I toned down the corner speed a little, but everything felt familiar. She moved around quite a bit back there, but it wasn't anything I wasn't expecting, and to a large degree I just ignored it.
We stopped halfway through the ride so I could ask her how she was doing. Her hands weren't used to holding on to the tank, and she felt she was sliding around on the seat. I explained how she could move around by standing more on the pegs, and also lift up off the bike when going over bumps.
My wife is such an excellent passenger. On the way back we kicked the speed up a couple notches, really leaning around some of the corners. We even tucked in together to brace against the wind. It was so cool!
When we got back. I was very surprised. She loved it! Awesome! She had a smile from ear to ear.
I don't expect her to be getting her own bike any time soon. But, I'm glad she really enjoyed our first ride together.