Tips for Riding a Motorcycle with a Passenger

An easy way to improve your motorcycle riding experience is to bring along a buddy with you on the road. They'll love the thrill of holding on tight and zipping through the city. You'll love having company on the road, especially for a longer trip. It's a fun time for all!

But riding with a passenger is its own experience. You'll need to adjust some ways that you ride and make sure your passenger is equipped for a safe trip. We rounded up everything you need to know for a successful trip below.

Motorcycle Gear

For a safe motorcycle ride, your passenger needs to wear all the proper gear just like you do. Anything you put on to ride your motorcycle, they should wear as well. Coordinate with your passenger ahead of time to figure out what items they already own. Then you'll need to borrow or buy the rest.

First off, they'll need a motorcycle helmet. A full-face option is ideal since it's the safest choice. Make sure the helmet is crash-tested and fits well. Otherwise, they won't get the full protection they seek. If the helmet doesn't come with a visor, they'll need a form of eye protection. Sunglasses or goggles work great.

Second, they'll need the proper clothing. Full-length apparel helps guard skin against harsh sun rays, moisture, wind, and kicked-up debris. Street clothes aren't sturdy enough to protect in a crash, so look for durable riding jackets and pants.

Finally, they'll want the proper footwear. Never use open-toed shoes! Feet need more protection than that on the open road. They need a pair of sturdy footwear, preferable riding boots.

If they need to buy gear, consider heading over to a motorcycle dealer. Many of them offer more than motorcycles for sale. They often carry quality gear as well!

Preparing for the Ride

You'll need to go through your usual motorcycle ride preparation process, such as inspecting your fluid levels and testing your brakes. Then you'll need to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate the extra weight of a passenger. You may need to adjust your motorcycle, such as tweaking your suspension. A motorcycle dealer can help walk you through the adjustments or even take care of it for you.

Once your motorcycle is ready, you'll want to make sure your passenger is ready. Walk them through what to expect when you approach turns, braking, and the other parts of motorcycle riding. Explain to them what you'll need from them, such as how to properly lean into a turn. If it's their first time, consider taking short test rides first. After they are comfortable with the riding process, you can hit the road on your actual ride.

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