Riding with a Passenger
Even bikers who prefer their solitude tend to bring a passenger along for the ride once in a while. Maybe you need an extra pair of eyes for a long-distance ride, or maybe you’ve met someone you want to share the thrill of your motorcycle with. There’s plenty of reasons to ride with a passenger, but there are also certain steps you should take to be prepared for this new experience.
At Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County, we know how much fun it can be to ride with a friend or loved one. We also know that there are important things to keep in mind, so we’ve put together this brief guide to help you out. If you want to learn more or need some new gear for your passenger, come on down to our dealership near Orange County, Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles today!
Riding Gear
If you’re a veteran rider, then you probably already know the importance of having the right gear. You’ll need to make sure that your passenger has proper riding gear as well. Your passenger might be new to the world of motorcycles, so be sure to brief them on all the necessary information regarding gear. Remember that anyone riding on the back of your bike is your responsibility. You want to be sure that both you and your passenger are prepared with safe riding gear.
As always, a helmet should be the number one priority when riding a bike. Your passenger can borrow a helmet as long as it fits right. If it wiggles or slides off at all then it’s not a good fit and they’ll need to invest in one that is going to offer maximum protection. Another item to address is your passenger’s clothes. They will need heavier clothing like a riding jacket and pants that will protect them in a fall. Solid shoes or boots are something to consider, too. If your passenger only plans to go for a ride or two, they don’t need to invest in a bunch of gear specifically made for motorcyclists but they should wear durable clothing that can hold up on the road.
How to Prepare
Before you hit the road together, you’ll need to take a few more steps to prepare. Like with any other ride, you should always do an inspection of your bike before heading out. Keep in mind that you’ll be adding more weight than usual so if you have any maintenance concerns, you should address them before riding with a passenger. You’ll also want to be sure your bike is equipped to handle a second rider and that doesn’t mean just having an extra seat. Your bike should be able to handle the weight of another person without sacrificing the quality of your ride.
There’s a chance your passenger doesn’t have the first clue about motorcycles or what to expect from a ride. If this is the case, take some time to talk with them before you go. Answer any questions they may have. Establish a means of communication like hand signals for when you’re on the road because it can get loud. You’ll also want to coach them on the basic such as turning, stopping, approaching congested areas, and so on. Don’t forget to discuss leaning into curves! A few practice laps before hitting the road should boost their confidence.
Safe Riding
When riding with a passenger, it’s always a good idea to be extra cautious with your safe riding practices. You’re responsible for another person’s safety now. Pay close attention to your surroundings and your passenger, specifically when they are trying to communicate. Be mindful that motorcycles accelerate harder than cars so if your passenger seat has no backing, they’ll easily jerk backward. Go easy on starting and stopping. Don’t be alarmed if you bump helmets because this can happen with even the smoothest ride and it won’t cause a problem.
The main takeaway for riding with a passenger is to keep the communication lines open. This is a fun and exciting experience but it can be even more exhilarating if you’re both on the same page. Other than that, making sure your bike is in tip-top shape is also key to a successful ride together. If you feel like you need more advice or you simply need some routine maintenance before your next ride, then come on down to Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County located near Orange County, Santa Ana, Long Beach, and Los Angeles!