Safety tip from Paul Carroll
If you have ever ridden a motorcycle with a passenger, you know the dynamics of control are significantly changed with the added weight and raised center of gravity. Because of this, it’s imperative to practice riding with your passenger in a safe, controlled area, such as a parking, lot before ever hitting public roads.
Passenger Briefing: Posture is Key
Before every ride, clearly instruct your passenger on proper body position:
- Stay Neutral: Make sure your passenger knows to sit very neutral; that is to say not leaning in any situation.
- Look Ahead: The best position is for them to look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn. This helps them anticipate movement without actively leaning.
- No Moving at Stops/Starts: While riding at road speed the motorcycle is very stable, but as you slow for a stop the bike becomes more and more unstable requiring you, the rider, to maintain balance. Brief your passenger that it is critical to not move around during takeoff or stops.
Stability and Braking Technique
While your motorcycle is highly stable at road speed, it becomes less stable at lower speed, requiring the rider to maintain more balance. For a smooth, safe stop with a passenger, use this braking technique:
- Final Approach Transition: As you slow down and drop below 10 MPH, transition your braking pressure from the front to the rear brake.
- Maintain Balance: Using only the rear brake for the final approach allows you, the rider, to make small, quick steering inputs (micro-adjustments) with the handlebars to stay balanced right up to the stop.
- The Danger of Front Braking: Applying the front brake at very low speed, particularly with a passenger’s added weight, will result in the bike’s weight transfer to make it become very top-heavy. This vastly increases the likelihood of an embarrassing, and potentially costly tip-over.
Until next time, Ride Safe!