Riding With Passengers
Riding with a passenger can add pleasure to your journey if your prepared and experienced. For those new to passengers, that first ride will make you nervous and hesitant. Accept the fear and learn to master it. As with all things this is a matter of education, practice and finding your comfort level. I would suggest starting out with a light weight experienced passenger. Practice starting, changing gears, turning and stopping. Its all different with the added weight. Practice until you are comfortable with a passenger. Even if you don't plan on having passengers it is a skill that should be learned. You never know when a friend will need to climb aboard. The two of you can be tooling along when a mechanical problem puts one of the bikes on the side of the road. If neither of you has passenger experience the stress of the situation will only make matters worse. My number 1 rule for riding has always been be prepared for anything. Before accepting a passenger be an experienced rider and know the bike your on. New riders and riders with new bikes should not take on passengers.
Driver Tips
Educate your passenger and yourself. Find out
your passengers experience and any health issues that might become a concern.
Go over all the rules of riding with your passenger. Even if they are
experienced. Remember these are your rules and if the passenger isn't
willing to comply then its a good idea not to ride.
Have the passenger sit on the back of the bike with you and wiggle around. Ask
them to pay attention to how much the bike moves, this will show them how
their movements affect the bikes handling. Show them where the hot parts of
the bike are and how to place their feet on the pegs. Some bikes will have
passenger pegs close to the pipes, show them so they don't rest their shoes
against them.
Make sure your passenger has protective riding gear and id dressed for the weather. ALWAYS offer your passenger a helmet. While it may be your choice to ride without one remember that you offered yourself the choice so make sure you offer it to others.
Prepare your bike for a passenger. Adjust the tire's air pressure and shocks. Know the GVRW for your bike. GVRW is the sum of the weight of the motorcycle, accessories, and the maximum weight of the rider, passenger and cargo that can be safely carried.
Prepare yourself mentally for the ride. You now have a responsibility not only to yourself but to another person. Remember that adding a passenger changes the balance of the bike. It will change the friction zone and increase stopping distance. Be prepared and start out slowly. Do not attempt to scare or show off for your passenger. The most notable difference will be at slow speeds. Be prepared.
Make sure the passenger knows how to mount and dismount the bike.
Mount the bike, put the gear in neutral and start the engine. Make sure both your feet are firmly planted on the ground and the bike is steady and balanced. Your right hand should grip the front brake and the left has a firm hold on the left grip. The handle bars should be straight. Leave the kickstand down until the passenger has mounted. Should the passenger slip and fall while holding onto you this will prevent the bike from falling from the unbalanced weight should the passenger forget to let go when she falls.
Establish non verbal signals. Remember words cannot always be heard with a helmet on, motor running or road noise. Some examples are below.
I'm ready for you to mount the bike. (nod yes)
I need to stop now. (tap shoulders several times)
I need a rest break when you have the opportunity. (tap driver on the thigh)
Slow down your scaring me. (tap driver or right ribs)
I need to shift positions. (grip the drivers waist and squeeze twice)
I'm ready for you to dismount the bike. (nod yes)
Acknowledge the signal from your passenger by nodding your head
Stop often on your journey. Keep in mind the seat back there isn't the most comfortable. This is especially helpful to the new passenger and it offers them the opportunity to relax and discuss the ride with you.
Listen to your passenger and adjust your riding if necessary. Bring the ride to an end if your passenger is not having fun. End the ride before your passenger hates it.
Passenger Tips
Be prepared to follow the drivers rules. If you do not like them or do not trust the driver then DO NOT get on the bike. Make sure your driver has informed you of their experience level and make your riding decision accordingly.
Do NOT be a passenger of a driver who has been drinking.
Make sure you have protective riding gear. If the driver does not offer you a helmet don't ride unless it is a choice you wish to make.
Always mount the bike from the left side. Place your left hand on the drivers shoulder and swing your right leg over the bike, then slide up and on to the seat. Find your comfortable spot with weight evenly distributed and move your hands to the drivers waist.
Let the driver know you are seated firmly and are ready to ride.
Do not remove your feet from the footpegs until you are dismounting the bike.
Hold on to either the drivers waist or the sissy bar. Do not hold onto clothing or the strap across some seats. These are not strong enough to hold you.
Never grab the driver by the shoulders or arms.
Never rest your head against the drivers. A quick stop or bump could cause the helmets or skulls to knock together. When you feel the bike begin to slow arch your back and control your head.
Look over the shoulder of the driver in the direction the bike is turning. Keep your body inline with the drivers. Lean when the driver leans. NEVER lean in the opposition direction or lean on your own. Do not fight the lean.
Do not wiggle around. If you need to shift positions give the appropriate signal to the driver. Never shift positions in a turn or at slow speeds.
When the driver stops for a rest or gas be sure to communicate. Let the driver know if your uncomfortable or just not having fun. End the ride before you begin to hate it.
Relax, enjoy the ride, wave at little kids, and take in the scenery.
Copyright 2004 My Own Ride. All rights reserved.