Bad traction with passenger

[jabulon]

Hi all!

I am a relatively fresh rider - got my permit and pcx about six months ago. I am a risk taker, and it cost me with three low speed skids as I was figuring out my and the bike's limits. About two months ago, a friend needed a lift (she weighs around 140lb), and I eagerly agreed. Everything went quite weird as I wasn't accustomed to the added weight, so I figured I just had to adjust my cornering and the rest of the ride went smoothly. Yesterday, another friend needed a lift (he weighs around 190lb) and I though that his heavier weight should not make any difference as compared to the previous passenger.
This was an awful experience for the both of us ! I realized that I had to give way much throttle from stops, and immediately felt that the rear wheel spun out of control. I tried to adjust the amounts of throttle over the next several stop lights, but in vain: even the most smooth and gradual throttling produced lost of traction at the rear wheel. Although manageable, I felt I did not have nearly as much control as I had with the other passenger. This however was only half of this pickle. Whenever I've approached stopped traffic, I've begun slowing down as I would with the added momentum considered; however, toward the last 50 ft or so, the bike swiwered out of control and I had to just stop using the brakes for a sec to regain control. This was the last straw and I decided to discontinue the ride and let my friend take the bus as I mounted the bike alone, thinking that perhaps something went wrong with the bike. I started riding, and found it to behave just like any other day - nothing seems to be wrong. Now, I was in a car accident a month ago, and the scooter sustained some minor damage to the fairings, but nothing serious. I am now begining to think that perhaps there was internal damage(perhaps suspension?) the tires both inflated (will check PSI today..).
My question to the community is, am I alone? Is there anyone who can share a different experience?

Thanks in advance for a reply !

[Valiant]

Have you changed your tires? Word is, the stock tires are crap. I changed to the Michelin City Grips based on the forum recommendations.

I believe you also need to have your suspension load changed if you want to take on a passenger. Not particularly sure which ones and how much.

[you you]

Have you changed your tires? Word is, the stock tires are crap. I changed to the Michelin City Grips based on the forum recommendations.

I believe you also need to have your suspension load changed if you want to take on a passenger. Not particularly sure which ones and how much.

Not my word. Stock tyres are fine

[sendler2112]

Have you changed your tires? Word is, the stock tires are crap. I changed to the Michelin City Grips based on the forum recommendations.

Some people have a lot of words and just tend to follow the bike culture heard without any way to really measure the difference. The stock IRC tires are excellent.

[Fizzy Rascal]

Have you changed your tires? Word is, the stock tires are crap. I changed to the Michelin City Grips based on the forum recommendations.

I believe you also need to have your suspension load changed if you want to take on a passenger. Not particularly sure which ones and how much.

Not my word. Stock tyres are fine

This ^

[Steph]

Tire pressure should be more when riding with a passenger. Saw that in the manual. Also your driving technique should be altered for the extra weight.

[Mel46]

I have been riding for over 50 years, and have taken passengers many times. First know that your center of gravity is different once you have a heavy passenger. You might have to move yourself forward a little to do this, but if you can't then just be aware of this when you corner, which means don't try to lean into the corner as much as you normally do or at as high of a speed. Also note that the PCX has a drum brake in the back, which makes it much more difficult to stop with the added weight of an additional passenger.
If you do plan on carrying a passenger often, change out the shocks for ones that can be adjusted. Also, I think the tire issue is up to each I dividual. My wife and I feel that the City Grip grips better than IRC. Others may not agree, so it has to be up to your own discretion.

[yak]

There is a learning curve to riding with a passenger. While you are learning about the limits of the bike (and your abilities) do everything at a lower speed. I have a 190 pound passenger and i have to slow down a lot.
This caution seems funny when i see videos of scooters being ridden in poorer countries with an entire family on board.... or the scooter loaded with enuf material to build a room addition.

[jabulon]

Whoa ! A lot of replies!

The scooter is new so I won't be replacing the tires any time soon..
As for tire pressure, I do realize that it should be a bit higher, although I doubt that such a small difference in the passenger's weight (from 140lb to 190lb) can have such severe influence. I actually felt that the rear wheel is skidding on the (dry) pavement. Enough for me to feel like the next start/stop will have a 50% of crashing.
@Mel46
I think that the weigh distribution can infact be the culprit here.. When I had my first passenger (140lb), she sat very close to me, while the heavier friend sat at enough of a distance to not touch me at all. Perhaps he was leaning backwards and it messed up my balance. I will try to move myself forward next time..
@yak
Yeah, I never figured how can they stay up on it when stopping. One slight movement while standing and ...How ?

Anyway...thanks for the advises!

A bit off-topic, I am trying to fix some scratching on the side panels from a previous accident, but couldn't find a decent tutorial online. Perhaps I'm not looking for the correct terms. Is it made of fiberglass ?

[Mel46]

It is usually cheaper to buy a replacement panel than to fix the broken or scratched one I have several original pieces of scratched or broken paneling in my basement because it was so much cheaper and easier to just replace the panels than to try to fix them.

[sendler2112]

immediately felt that the rear wheel spun out of control.

Actually, I can tell you one thing for sure. What ever you felt taking off from a stop was definitely not the rear tire spinning out with all that weight over it and only 13 horsepower. You must have felt the clutch slipping or maybe something is broken from one of your previous wrecks.

[fish]

immediately felt that the rear wheel spun out of control.

Actually, I can tell you one thing for sure. What ever you felt taking off from a stop was definitely not the rear tire spinning out with all that weight over it and only 13 horsepower. You must have felt the clutch slipping or maybe something is broken from one of your previous wrecks.

Absolutely agree....with 300 or so lbs on that rear tire...you weren't spinning that tire!!
Lack of air pressure, or something wrong after your recent crash, or loss of your balance due to added weight. You're not spinning the tire...unless it is spinning on the rim- and never heard of that on a low powered scooter.
Have someone observe you and your heavy passenger on a take off in a safe, no traffic area. Something very weird is happening with your riding style....or your sense of balance.
You need to slow down, and keep all passengers off of your scooter until you get a lot more seat time...or you will be writing us from your hospital room.
A risk taker has absolutely no business sitting a scooter......alone or with a passenger.
Too much weight for you or your small scooter.
Fish

[homie]

Chief thinks you guys are being punked from other forum rivals, he's been waiting for the punch line

[jabulon]

A little update:
A friend, who is an experienced rider offered to ride with me to see what was wrong, and to my relief the ride was great! Felt just like it should - the added weight slightly increased the braking distance, and cornering needed some getting used to. We then switched places, and again, everything went fine. Guess the heavier friend made all the difference.
Thank you all for the advises!

[Mel46]

Keep in mind that your experienced friend knew how to balance as a passenger and how to lean when you lean. If the first individual was not experienced riding as a passenger your ride would be very difficult. It all comes down to practice, including the first individual practicing riding as a passenger with you.

[geek77]

And don't forget, when you ride with a passenger - stop at the next gas station and inflate the rear to necessary pressure. If you don't ' the rear will be all wobbly and dangerous.
There's a sticker somewhere on the scooter, in the seat if I'm not mistaken, with the PSI for riding alone and with a passenger.
When you ride alone - correct the tyre pressure again.