Below are some great tips I found at motorcyclecruiser.com for how to ride with a passenger. Even if you are a seasoned rider, there are some tips you may not have thought of before.
- Adjust your bike's rear suspension for the extra load.
- Always make sure your passenger has proper riding gear including boots, jeans (or a heavier fabric pant), good-fitting helmet, gloves and a protective jacket.
- Educate your passenger about the bike. Tell them what parts are hot, where to hold, where to put their feet and also how to mount.
- Before you even get on the bike, tell your passenger how to hold on. Both arms around the waist or on a grab rail?
- Advise your passenger ahead of time not to put their feet down at stops or grab your arms or shoulders while you're riding. Explain that when you corner they need to relax and not lean against the turn, which is the usual impulse.
- Devise a system of communication before you ride away. Maybe it's one tap on the right shoulder to say, "When you get a chance I'd like to stop." Two taps for, "It's urgent."
- Anticipate that your bike will handle differently. It may steer less readily on initial lean, but once in a turn, the addition of weight up high may cause a more abrupt dip. You will also lose some braking efficiency so start stopping sooner.
Safety of both you and your passenger is essential. No matter what, you want to make your passenger feels safe and secure throughout the ride. After all, their life is in your hands.
-Julie
