[rtrmrctcv666]

I'm looking to buy an Enfield soon.  Does anyone have experience with a passenger?  How does a passenger affect the handling, braking, acceleration and fuel mileage?  How is passenger comfort on longish (200+) day-trips? I currently ride about 12k/year on two other bikes ( an HD and a Triumph America), usually two up.  Thanks for any input.

[mark]

hi,

I have given my friend a lift on my g5 efi.
He is 6'4 and 17 stone.
Front end slightly light,but no i'll effects.still pulls well.

[mark]

sorry ! I forgot to say,current seat probably not that comfy for long hauls.

[1Blackwolf1]

  My iron lung really had no problem with a passenger but I would say it all depends on the seats you use.  I had the classic solo and classic pillion mounted at the time.  200 miles a day will allow for rest breaks so it shouldn't be a terrible experience, albeit slow.  Will.

[The Garbone]

My wife loves to go for rides,  hated the stock RE seat though,  I got a sprung pillion and now she is happy.

[Ice]

ride about 12k/year on two other bikes ( an HD and a Triumph America), usually two up.

Welcome aboard rtrmrctcv666.
 Nice variety ya got there. Thumbs up for sharing the fun with your passenger. 

[UncleErnie]

A passenger will have the same effect it does on your other bikes- only much more so;  lighter front end, longer to brake/stop, it will take more gas to get moving, etc.   Setting the shocks on "high" will help a little.

[douglasmoto]

Today I went for a 60 mile or so ride with a passenger. Togwetehr we weigh about 400 lbs. We were riding a G5. I was actually amazed at how well the bike handles the weight and we didn't even bump up the preload. My passenger says that the vibration became a little annoying only above 65 MPH. Most of the ride we were about 50-60 so that wasn't a problem for us. She says the seat was pretty comfy.

I would say this is not a 200 mile two up bike comfortably but it can be done and anything less than 200 is fine provided that you take breaks occasionally. The last caveate is that the speeds should not all be highway speed. This bike is not best suited to staying at 70+ all day but loves 55-60 for as long as there is gas in the tank!

I'm sure you're not buying it to replace the HD or America so this should work well for you. Unless you are really tall you will find the seat to peg relationship much more friendly than your America which is a big reach and puts more weight on your backside by rolling your pelvis some. The bar reach is also much less.

Art

[Ducati Scotty]

Still haven't had a passenger on my bike but remember to increase the pressure in your tires to the max recommended in your manual and maybe raise the preload on the rear shocks one or two notches.  These things make every bike handle better with a passenger.

Scott

[GreenMachine]

never got a chance as I replaced the bench seat with the leather solo....I have noticed when riding with a passenger their is  a huge difference all around with the yamaha 1100...Wow 400 lbs on enfield for 60 miles...I do it if I had too but that's why u get the solo seat and u have a excuse not too...Enjoyed the write up on it and will keep it in mind if I ever put the OEM seat back on...

[jedaks]

Excellent post. Thank you

My heart is set on buying an RE. But the other day, out of the blue, my beloved wife, who has never shown the slightest interest in motorcycling, says " if you buy that Enfield I can't go anywhere with you!"

But guilt trip aside...it is good to know that the new UCE engines can handle heavy loads and still cruise at acceptable speeds.

Does anyone know how the Classic iron barrels will handle passengers? Say about 375-400 pounds all up?

[nigelogston@gmail.com]

Tell her that the more relaxed and leisurely ride on an RE just means more qualiity time together.  (After all, she pressed the guilt button)     Choose a C5 get dual sprung seats and let her choose the colour.   (or chrome classic)  Plus you will meet more people and make more new friends riding an RE    Or better yet, get two!  Nigel

[olhogrider]

Nigel is right. Get one for her. Have her take the MSF course. Lots of macho Harley guys buy Sportsters for the "Little Lady" to learn on, but that is way too much for most beginners. The 4" lowering kit will make her feel more confident at stops. Added bonus, you get to ride it when she isn't