Riding With a Passenger
It’s only natural to get lonely on the road from time to time. Even those who enjoy their solitude need some company once in a while. It might be time to take a ride with a passenger. It’s a thrill riding on your own but you can take that excitement to new levels by sharing it with someone else. Whatever your reasoning is for riding with a passenger, it’s important to be prepared. You might feel like a pro on your own and while that might be true, your passenger may not be as experienced. Whether or not your passenger is a novice, make sure you take the time to prep them for a ride. All bikes are different, which means a different riding experience as well.
At Rock City Harley-Davidson®, we strongly encourage riding with a friend so long as you’re properly prepared to do so. We’ve put together a list of helpful tips to get you on the road with your passenger. Be sure to stop by our dealership in Little Rock, Arkansas near Benton and Hot Springs before you hit the pavement.
Riding Gear
Those who have been riding for a while know that the first thing to do is make sure you’ve got all the right gear. More specifically you need to be wearing the right type of safety gear. When you bring a passenger along for the ride, the same goes for them. Sit down with them and have a discussion about gear. You’ll need to find out what type of gear they already own if any. Remember that any passenger on your bike is your responsibility, so you need to be prepared to assist and guide them with any safety gear they might need for the ride.
Most importantly, your passenger is going to need a helmet. A full-face helmet is always the best option, especially if it includes a face shield. If there is no face shield, be sure to add some goggles for eye protection from debris on the road. It’s also important to make sure it fits correctly. If the helmet wiggles too much then it’s not going to offer the protection needed in the event of a fall or accident. Your passenger should also have a riding jacket and pants that are durable and will hold up on the road. Everyday street clothes usually aren’t the best choice. Gloves and sturdy shoes are boots are the last item that your passenger should consider. They might not be in charge of controls on the bike but they’ll still offer that extra protection in case of an accident or fall.
Ride Prep
When there’s a passenger, you’ll need to perform some additional checks during your ride prep. First of all, make sure that your bike is equipped to handle the weight of another rider. Many touring models can perform well with extra weight, but other bikes might not be fare so well. Check in with your passenger. Discuss expectations you have from them to ensure a safe ride for both of you. Be sure they understand how you’ll handle turning, braking, accelerating, and any congestion on the road. It’s important that you’re both on the same page, particularly if they’re new to riding. Take them out for a few test rides before their first trip so they can get used to the riding basics and know what to expect on the road.
Establish a means of communication. You might be right next to each other but the road can get pretty loud, even at lower speeds. Agree on some hand signals for communication. Always be attentive and respectful to your passenger. Answer any questions that come up so they can feel as confident as possible going into the ride.
Safe Riding
The safe riding practices you already know and use will be even more important when there’s another rider involved. Be on the lookout for any potential road hazards or changes in traffic so you can handle them appropriately and smoothly. You should also be more aware of your starting and stopping habits when you’re riding with a passenger. They might not have a backing and will be easily caught off guard if you’re too aggressive with accelerating or braking.
Your biggest takeaway should be maintaining easy and open communication with your passenger. They’ll feel confident knowing their needs are being taken care of and you’ll be at ease knowing they understand the riding process. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle a passenger, visit Rock City Harley-Davidson® in Little Rock, Arkansas near Benton and Hot Springs. We’ve got a great selection of bikes including touring motorcycles, Electra Glide®, Street Glide®, Road Glide®, Road King®, CVO™, and more!