Riding a motorcycle with passenger
Embarking on a motorcycle journey with a passenger is an exhilarating adventure, but it requires a special set of skills and preparation. Not everyone finds it comfortable to travel long distances seated on a motorcycle. Sometimes, this can be tiring, especially when traveling with a passenger, as the effort required is much greater. While it’s true that modern motorcycles are specifically designed for travel and communication elements like intercoms make the journey more pleasant, it still requires preparation and foresight.
The motorcycle, whether for fun or travel, is designed to be ridden solo, as it allows for better control and performance. However, throughout motorcycle history, its use has evolved, and besides being a recreational instrument, it has been used as a means of transportation, including carrying passengers and cargo.
Advancements in technology have significantly contributed to this evolution, especially in tires, suspensions, navigation elements, and luggage spaces, making travel more accessible and appealing.
In some previous posts, we’ve discussed maintaining and using suspensions correctly and using the right tires and pressures when riding with a passenger and luggage. It’s essential to consider the spring force, the numbering printed on the spring, and adjust its preload so that the suspension works properly.
Related
What About the Tire?
The tire must also be specific to support more weight, and if it isn’t, because the use doesn’t always involve riding with a passenger, you’ll need to increase its pressure and temporarily adjust the suspension. Without this preparation, loading the motorcycle with more weight at the rear will cause the front fork to lift, negatively affecting the motorcycle’s steering and maneuverability. Additionally, you’ll put undue strain and wear on the rear tire, increasing the risk of loss of grip and control of the motorcycle. In your motorcycle model’s user manual, you can find the recommended pressure for two people.
Once the motorcycle is ready for use and sharing with the passenger, it’s essential to know how to use it correctly. Riding with a passenger is very different from riding alone, as many variables come into play, such as weight shifts, leaning, or braking.
Passenger Behavior
You need to talk to the passenger and make them aware of behaving correctly, trying to adapt as much as possible to the rider, aiming to achieve a “single” body. To do this, the passenger should snug up as close as possible, grip with one hand on the rider’s abdomen, the other on the rear side grab handle of the motorcycle, and press feet and knees. There are complementary accessories that can be installed on the tank, such as extra handholds for the passenger or backrests, which increase passenger safety and relieve the pressure of their body’s inertia on the rider.
When braking, the passenger should firmly press their knees against the rider’s hips and apply pressure with the hand on the grab handle or the accessory on the tank. Meanwhile, the rider should be particularly smooth in acceleration. While leaning, the passenger will be in suspension. During leans, the passenger should follow the same angle as the rider’s body, helping to achieve this “single body” concept. If the passenger does the opposite to counteract the sensation of leaning due to fear, all they’ll do is make the rider lose control. This part is especially since some passengers are unable to perform it.
Ensuring the passenger feels safe is the rider’s responsibility. If the passenger is a novice, they need to be reassured and gradually accustomed to the motorcycle’s movements. As always, exercise caution and enjoy the ride!
Related
