Need some good advice or method for the best way for a passenger to mount and dismount the Atlantic. My wife has trouble getting on, and an even bigger struggle getting off of it. Suggestions appreciated.
A secondary question is, will a top case help, hinder, or no difference?
You certainly brought up a Point which the over 45% of Owners are no doubt concerned about.Most of us older Folks bought a Scooter for easier mount and dismount,so I can see the Problem with the Passenger having a Problem being close to the same Age.My Wife has no Problem with our Helix,but had Difficulty mounting some of the bigger Scoots.It is also hard for the Driver to balance the whole Load and Machine,when stopped .The Passenger sits so high up,they can not help you recover from a Spill.I guess this is the Price we pay for larger Wheels,under Seat Storage etc.Personally I would have rather have the Helix Design (Back Trunk)with say a 400cc Engine.The Helix,now called the Fusion has not upped the Engine cc,too bad.
Does the passenger climb on first and get off last?
Does the driver get on first, the passenger approaches the bike from the left side, left foot on the peg, left hand on drivers shoulder, and a) swing right leg over the backrest or topbox, or b) step thru directly over the seat? If b), how do you keep from damaging the seat?
What steps work well for dismount?
Had just read your post prior to having a ride out with my wife.so took some notes.
Can only report on our bike which has the top-box and does appear to assist her.
With me astride both feet on ground,hands on bars.
My wife standing on left side places her left foot on passenger foot rest,with her left hand grips my left arm, her right hand holds on to the top of the top-box back rest,then lifts herself up swinging right leg over,mounting horse style.
Don't know how much stature plays a part,my wife is 5ft 8ins,slim and agile.On dismount she can hold on my shoulders stand up and swing leg over( eh! is this decent) or sometimes when holding onto me slide to oneside with foot on the ground and get off that way.
Another mount up style is for your wife to place left foot on passenger foot rest, left hand on your left shoulder,right hand on your right shoulder then stand and lever herself that way.
We wouldn't be without the top-box,if we are on walkabout at journeys end,my wife likes to be in smart lightweight clothes,so we stash our helmets,jackets,gloves and overtrews between the top-box and underseat storage.
Hope some of this helps.
Scudamax asked:
Does the passenger climb on first and get off last?
Yes.
best to have the machine on center stand. She steps through and starts as if she were going to drive. Then she backs up onto the passenger seat and gets out of my way. Once I have stepped though and get my feet planted, I shove the grips forward and let the weight of the scooter and passenger drop onto the tires. Then I can start the engine and get underway. For dismounting, I must put the sidestand down, before I dismount, and steady the machine as she works her way down to the front seat and then steps off. After she is clear of the machine, I put it up on the center stand (with the procedure I described in an early message). This is what we do for a "woman of size" who has an artificial knee less than a year old.
Gentlemen - Thank you both for your great input! We went for a ride today and tried both methods. She seems to prefer getting on first for some reason. Her legs are certainly long enough (36" inseam - she is she is 6' 2") to throw her leg over, but she feels awkward with that. On the other hand, because her legs are long, the scoot only needs to be on the side stand for her to mount alone - not the center stand. She can keep her left foot on the ground while the bike stands more upright when she is in place, and she can easily balance the bike. Using the side stand makes it easier for me too, since then I don't need to rock the bike forward with her on it.
And thanks for the good advice about adding the top box. The underseat storage is good enough for me commuting solo, but even more would be better for running errands. For us to take a day tour we almost certainly will want the box so that won't have to lock our helmets on the outside.
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