Riding with a Passenger

Preparation is the First Step 

• Prepare yourself 

• Are you experienced enough to ride two-up? 

• How well do you know the bike you are riding? 

• Prepare your motorcycle 

• Are there passenger foot pegs, an adequate seat, backrest, etc.? 

• Need to adjust suspension and/or tire pressure to accommodate extra weight? 

• Prepare your passenger 

• Do they have the necessary protective gear? 

• Hand signals, leaning, getting on-and-off the bike, etc. 

Are YOU Ready to Carry a Passenger? 

• No two people are the same, so there is no exact formula to describe when someone is ready to transition from solo rider to riding with a passenger 

• You should know your motorcycle! 

• Smaller motorcycles tend to be more impacted by passengers than larger ones 

• Cornering is different, especially tight corners and slow-speed maneuvers 

• If you are a new(er) rider, take your time learning the skills necessary before adding the extra weight, movement, and risk of a passenger 

• You will need to account for the space a passenger requires such as longer braking, shared storage, etc. 

Prepare your Motorcycle 

• Check the owner’s manual 

• Most manufacturers describe what to do when adding extra weight to the motorcycle such as adjustments to suspension and tire pressure 

• TCLOCS 

• This should be a normal part of the routine but more important when you have the responsibility of another person 

• Double check that passenger seats, foot pegs, and other straps are secure 

• Add a backrest to your motorcycle 

• It’s likely you have never ridden as a passenger on your (or anyone else’s for that matter) motorcycle 

• Not only does this add comfort, it adds safety! Ask anyone who has hit a bump and fallen off the back of a bike; bet they will agree 

• Prepare for emergencies 

Prepare Your Passenger 

• Make sure the passenger has the correct safety gear. That is YOUR responsibility 

• Have a pre-ride briefing; explain route, hand signals, etc. 

• Explain how they should get on-and-off of the motorcycle 

• Make sure they use their foot pegs and to avoid mufflers 

• Build trust with your passenger; take speeds slower at first 

• Try to be smooth with all movements 

• Make it fun! If you want them to ride again, make it a positive experience. 

How to Be a Good Passenger 

• First of all, you, the passenger should know that the person who you are riding with has skills and experience necessary to do the job; do so by asking: 

• How long have you been riding? 

• How long have you been riding this motorcycle? 

• How long have you been riding with passengers? 

• Do you have a motorcycle permit and insurance? 

• Ask about the type of motorcycle gear you will need for the ride, it is recommended all riders have properly fitted: 

• Helmet 

• Eye Protection 

• Jacket • Gloves 

• Long Pants 

• Boots 

• Learn how to get on-and-off the motorcycle 

• Know where your feet go during operation – even when stopped 

• Do not interfere with arms or shoulders of the rider 

• Learn the difference between counter-steering and counter-balancing 

• Have a way to communicate using hand signals • Be prepared for sudden stops or movements! 

• Understand how to take a curve 

• Most of the time it is best to remain in a neutral position when going around curves or lean with the rider. Let your rider give you the cues on what is needed 

• If the rider is leaning into a curve, do not lean in the opposite direction 

• Be careful of the muffler; it will get very hot, very fast 

• Relax and Have Fun!