From the outside looking in, being the passenger on a motorcycle seems like a fun and carefree experience. Yet riding on the back of a motorcycle is not passive involvement.
Whomever you ride with should know how to maneuver with a passenger, since the bike will be heavier and harder to steer. With these general points in mind, understand how to be a good motorcycle passenger.
Dress Properly
In the event of a crash, you want to be protected against the elements and road rash. Be sure to wear:
- A Jacket: Ideally made of leather or the thickest material you can find.
- Boots: They should cover your ankles to provide protection against tires, exhaust pipes and road debris.
- Long Pants: Preferably, a pair made of leather or thick denim.
- Gloves: These should fully cover your skin in the event of an accident and you try to brace the fall with your hands.
Along with apparel and footwear, tie your hair back to prevent it from blowing in front of your face and blocking your vision.
Know How to Ride
While you may also be a rider, familiarize yourself with the following factors if you’ve never been a passenger:
- Getting On the Bike: The passenger should get on second once the rider’s weight has stabilized the bike.
- Keep Your Arms Around the Rider: Whether you hug their waist or place your hands on their hips, you need something to hold onto. Not every bike has handlebars or grips for the passenger, so hold on tight.
- Avoid Shifting: A passenger who moves around makes the motorcycle less stable and increases the rider’s risk of losing their balance.
- Turns and Stops: Lean back at stops, otherwise you could lean too far onto the rider and disrupt their balance. During turns, lean at the same angle as the rider but not too far to either side, as this can also throw off the balance.
Understand How to Communicate
Due to noise and wind, the rider likely won’t hear anything you say. To communicate as a passenger:
- Keep all talking to a minimum, only using one or two words so you’re easier to understand
- Speak up and talk loudly when you do have something to say
- Consider using hand signals that you and the rider agree upon ahead of time
Do you have additional tips for being a motorcycle passenger? Visit our Facebook page to offer your insight to other riders.