Motorcycle Riding with a Passenger

As a motorcycle enthusiast, it’s likely that you’re constantly searching for new ways to enhance your riding experience. There are many ways to make your ride more exciting, like riding with a passenger, for example. Whether you bring along a family member, a friend, or a fellow bike lover, this will definitely add to your sense of adventure on the road. Before you get ready to ride with your passenger, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take to prepare.

Here at St. Charles Harley-Davidson®, we know just how fun it can be to ride with a passenger. We’ve gathered some pointers below for you to learn more about how to prepare. Give us a call or swing by our dealership if you’re still looking for the perfect motorcycle. We’re conveniently located in St. Charles, Missouri near St. Peters, Columbia, O’Fallon, and St. Louis.

Use the Right Gear

If you happen to be a veteran rider, then you already know how crucial it is to have the right gear when you ride. When you plan to take a passenger with you, the gear holds even more importance. Regardless of your passenger’s riding level, you should still set aside some time to discuss proper gear choices with them. As the operator of the bike, you’re responsible for their safety as well as yours. You don’t want to skip any of essential gear and end up regretting it.

First things first: both you and your passenger need to be wearing a helmet. You can lend a spare helmet to your passenger if you have one available, but they need to be sure it fits well. The helmet shouldn’t wiggle or slide off with movement because it won’t provide maximum protection in the event of a crash or a fall.

Another critical piece of gear you’ll need is clothing that is appropriate for riding. Your passenger might choose to go with heavier, more durable clothing, such as a jacket and pants combo that’ll hold up on the road. They can choose gear that’s specifically made for riding, but if they’re only going for a ride or two, they can get away with wearing their own durable clothing.

Prepare Your Bike

As with any other day of riding, you need perform a pre-ride inspection. When you involve a passenger, there will be some extra steps involved with your inspection. Be sure your bike is equipped to handle the weight of another rider. Many touring models perform well with an extra rider, but there are other motorcycles that might not do so well. The quality of your ride shouldn’t be compromised due to the additional weight of a passenger.

Keep in mind, if your passenger has never ridden a bike before, they might not know what to expect. You should have a detailed conversation about riding techniques before you hit the road. You should also establish a means of communication to use while riding, like hand signals. It can get pretty noisy out on the streets, so hand signals will be helpful. Teach your passengers about the basics of braking, turning, leaning into curves, traveling in congested areas, and so on. When you take the time to create a smooth experience for your passenger, you both will have an enjoyable ride.

Safety Precautions

Choosing to bring a passenger along for a motorcycle ride calls for extra safety precautions. Again, it’s not only your safety that you’re responsible for now. Always pay close attention to your surroundings and your passenger, especially when they’re attempting to communicate with you. Also, remember that motorcycles tend to accelerate much harder than cars, so if your passenger has a seat without a backing, they’re going to jerk around a bit. Be mindful of this and go easy when you accelerate and brake. Even then, you can’t always avoid bumping helmets, but that won’t pose much of an issue.

You’re officially prepared to take on the streets with a passenger in tow. If you happen to be in the market for a sleek new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, be sure to visit us to check out our inventory! St. Charles Harley-Davidson® is located in St. Charles, Missouri near St. Peters, Columbia, O’Fallon, and St. Louis.