Tips for Riding with a Passenger

There are many ways to enhance your motorcycle riding experience, such as riding with a passenger. Whether you want to bring a family member, a friend, or fellow bike enthusiast, this will surely add to the excitement of the open road. First, you’ll want to take some extra steps in preparing for riding with a passenger. After all, this is a bit different than going solo. There are certain factors to consider, such as having the right gear, preparing your motorcycle, and taking additional safety precautions.

Here at Loewer Powersports & Equipment, your safety is our top priority. We’ve gathered a list of tips for riding with a passenger below. If you require parts or service before you hit the road, be sure to stop by our dealership in Alexandria, Louisiana near Rapides Parish for assistance. We also proudly serve Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge.

Proper Gear

If you happen to be a seasoned rider, then you’re already aware of the importance of having the proper gear. When you choose to take a passenger along for the ride, that gear becomes even more critical. Regardless of their riding level, you should take some time to discuss this with your intended passenger. As the operator of the bike, you’re responsible for both your and your passenger’s safety. You don’t want to skip any essential gear and possibly regret it later.

First and foremost, you both need to be wearing a helmet. Your passenger can borrow one of yours as long as it’s a good fit. Helmets shouldn’t wiggle or slide off, because this indicates it won’t offer maximum protection in the event of a fall or crash. Another important piece of safety gear is appropriate clothing. Your passenger can choose to go with heavier clothing, like a jacket and pants combo that’s made for motorcycle riding. If they only plan on going for one or two rides, they might be able to get away with wearing their own durable clothing if it’ll hold on on the road.

Prepare Your Motorcycle

Just like any other riding day, you need to perform some basic pre-ride checks. When a passenger is involved, there are some extra steps to take during your inspection. First, be sure your bike is able to handle the weight of an additional rider. Many touring bikes perform just fine with an extra rider, but there are other motorcycles that might not hold up so well. The quality of your ride should not be sacrificed due to the additional weight of your passenger.

Keep in mind if that your passenger is new to riding a motorcycle, they might be clueless as to what they should expect. Be sure to have a conversation about certain riding techniques before you head out and answer any questions that come up. You’ll want to establish a way to communicate with each other when you’re riding, like hand signals. It can get really noisy when you’re riding a motorcycle at high speeds, so this will be helpful. Coach your passengers on the basics of turning, braking, leaning into curves, traveling in high-traffic areas, and so on. Taking these extra steps is going to make for a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience for you and your passenger.

Safety Precautions

Taking a passenger with you on your motorcycle calls for some extra safety precautions. Again, you’re responsible for their safety now as well as yours. Be sure to pay close attention to your surroundings and your passenger as you ride, especially when they’re communicating with you. Also, remember that bikes tend to accelerate much harder than cars, so if your passenger doesn’t have a seat with backing, they’re going to jerk forward pretty easily. You should do your best to go easy when accelerating and braking. You might not always be able to avoid bumping helmets, but that’s not going to pose a big issue so try not to worry if it happens.

You and your passenger are ready to hit the road! If you’re looking to get some new gear or have some maintenance done before you go, visit us at Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, Louisiana. You’ll find us near Rapides Parish, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge. Our dealership proudly offers parts and service for your ATV, UTV, motorcycle, tractor, power equipment, and more.