When you're carrying a passenger, the motorcycle responds more slowly. It takes longer to speed up, slow down or make a turn. The heavier the passenger or the heavier the bike, the longer all of these things take. To adjust for added weight of the passenger, you should:
- operate at a somewhat lower speed, particularly on corners, curves or bumps
- begin to slow down earlier than usual when you approach a stop
- allow a greater following distance and keep more distance between you and other vehicles to either side
- look for larger gaps whenever you cross, enter or merge with traffic
Warn your passenger when you are about to start moving, stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over a bump. Otherwise, talk as little as possible.
Instructing passengers
Don’t assume the passenger knows what to do, even if they are a motorcycle rider. Provide complete instructions before you start.
A passenger should be told to:
- Notify the operator when you are ready to mount or dismount and wait for approval. This prevents surprise shifts of balance.
- Hold the operator’s waist or hips. This braces the passenger for acceleration or braking. Keep both feet on the footrests at all times.
- Keep hands and feet away from moving and hot parts.
- Look over the rider’s shoulder in the direction of the turn.
- Avoid sudden moves that might affect stability.
- If the rider rises off the seat, so too should the passenger.
- Enjoy the ride!