Gearing Up for Two-Wheeled Adventures with a Passenger: Your Safety and Comfort Guide

Road tripping with a passenger on your motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience filled with shared smiles and scenic memories, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety and comfort for both of you.  Before going on the road with a passenger, hone your skills to become a more proficient rider.  Carrying extra weight significantly alters handling, increasing the risk of crashes, especially for beginners.  Taking off, stopping, and passing will all take longer, requiring more space and careful planning.  Suspension adjustments are typically needed to keep the bike from bottoming out and to give more ground clearance.  A slight increase in tire pressure may be needed to make your tires run more stable.  Consult your owner’s manual for recommended suspension adjustments and tire pressure to optimize safety.

Remember, practice comes first.  Build your confidence by riding solo, and master balance and control before adding a passenger. 

Here are some tips for when you carry a passenger:

  1. To safely carry a passenger, your motorcycle must be equipped with a securely mounted passenger seat and footrests.  Passengers must be tall enough to comfortably reach the footrests, and strong enough to hold onto the rider or passenger hand-holds.  They must also be mature enough to understand the risks and responsibilities of riding as a passenger.
  2. Safety first! Don’t hit the road until your passenger is fully equipped with all the appropriate gear: helmet, gloves, and sturdy boots.
  3. Clearly tell your passenger to wait for your signal before getting on or off the motorcycle. During mounting and dismounting, keep your feet flat and the front brake engaged for stability.   
  4. Avoid jerky movements and sudden stops.  Be extra smooth, and go easy on lean angles.  Take corners gradually, so you and your passenger can lean in sync for optimal stability.
  5. Your passenger trusts you for a safe ride.  With a passenger on board, your awareness becomes twofold. Keep your eyes peeled for road hazards and traffic patterns, remembering that stopping and maneuvering take longer. Anticipate situations and adapt your reactions accordingly.
  6. Give the passenger a way to signal if they are uncomfortable with something, such as tapping on your shoulder.
  7. When the weight of a passenger is added, acceleration slows, and cornering and braking potential decreases.  When carrying a passenger, the rider should allow extra time and space for emergency avoidance maneuvers, especially while in traffic or riding in formation with other motorcyclists.
  8. Talk to your passenger throughout the ride. Inform them about upcoming bumps, scenic stops, and any changes in pace. Remind them to hold on firmly, especially during turns and accelerations.
  9. Have the passenger follow these rules:
    • Hold your waist, or use the passenger hand-holds, or arm rests. 
    • Keep feet on their footrests at all times, including when stopped. Keep hands and feet away from hot or moving parts. 
    • In turns and curves, look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn or curve.  This will place the passenger in a good position without telling them to lean with the bike.
    • Avoid leaning too much or turning around.  These actions can make the bike unstable and difficult to control.
    • The passenger will do a better job if they maintain a seating position that lets them look ahead, just like the rider. Like the rider, the passenger should also be assessing threats down the road so they may prepare if you have to do emergency braking or obstacle avoidance

Practice your basic skills with the passenger.  Make a few quick stops so you both know how it will feel. You want to be aware of how the motorcycle handles differently with a passenger.  By following these tips, communicating with your passenger, and practicing responsible riding, you and your passenger can embark on unforgettable motorcycle adventures together and double the joy!