Dodsfall
09-06-2011, 11:09 PM
Motorcycling is frequently an activity many riders do alone. Even when riding in a group, there is often a sense of solitude. Many motorcycles are equipped with a passenger seat and pegs that allow us to share the experience of the open road with another. I have to admit, although I personally enjoy the reclusiveness of solo riding, there is nothing quite like the closeness of sharing a ride with a loved one.
What the rider should know
Your motorcycle will behave differently when traveling with a pillion. The center of gravity will be a lot higher than what you are used to from riding solo. Turning, especially from a stop, will feel different. Your ground clearance will likely be shorter, so if your bike tends to drag hard parts easy while turning, this may be exaggerated with a passenger. Give yourself more room for turning.
Stopping distance will be longer and brakes should be applied a bit earlier and a bit firmer to maintain a smooth stop.
Depending on the bike, a little more throttle may be needed to start from a stop.
What the passenger should know
Good communication between the rider and passenger is very important. Captaincrashidaho (http://www.howzitdonecrash.com/) adds some detail:
"Communication is key, passenger should know not to mount until signaled and not to dismount before being signaled. Feet stay up at stop signs. Looking over the riders inside shoulder on turns will help keep the passenger from steering the bike out from under you."
Pro tip:
A passenger should be instructed to try and remain still and relaxed during slow maneuvers. It's human nature to try and re-position or get more comfortable while the bike is moving slowly, but those of us who ride know this is when the bike is least stable. The best time for the passenger to fidget is once the bike gains some speed.
A passenger that is new to riding should be told what to expect before the ride. Things that a rider may take for granted, such as the motorcycle leaning over around curves and corners, may be unsettling to someone who has never ridden on a motorcycle and not expecting it to happen. Keeping the helmets from smacking on deceleration, knowing where hot parts such as the exhaust pipes are, and where to hold on to the rider are all things the passenger should understand before the first trip.
When not to take a passenger along
A new rider should never accept a passenger until they are proficient enough to do so safely. Keep in mind that your passenger is depending on your safe riding skills with their life. It can be somewhat distracting to have a passenger along for the ride, so the motorcycle controls and handling should be automatic and second nature before riding two up so the rider's attention can be totally on keeping the duo safe.
What the rider should know
Your motorcycle will behave differently when traveling with a pillion. The center of gravity will be a lot higher than what you are used to from riding solo. Turning, especially from a stop, will feel different. Your ground clearance will likely be shorter, so if your bike tends to drag hard parts easy while turning, this may be exaggerated with a passenger. Give yourself more room for turning.
Stopping distance will be longer and brakes should be applied a bit earlier and a bit firmer to maintain a smooth stop.
Depending on the bike, a little more throttle may be needed to start from a stop.
What the passenger should know
Good communication between the rider and passenger is very important. Captaincrashidaho (http://www.howzitdonecrash.com/) adds some detail:
"Communication is key, passenger should know not to mount until signaled and not to dismount before being signaled. Feet stay up at stop signs. Looking over the riders inside shoulder on turns will help keep the passenger from steering the bike out from under you."
Pro tip:
A passenger should be instructed to try and remain still and relaxed during slow maneuvers. It's human nature to try and re-position or get more comfortable while the bike is moving slowly, but those of us who ride know this is when the bike is least stable. The best time for the passenger to fidget is once the bike gains some speed.
A passenger that is new to riding should be told what to expect before the ride. Things that a rider may take for granted, such as the motorcycle leaning over around curves and corners, may be unsettling to someone who has never ridden on a motorcycle and not expecting it to happen. Keeping the helmets from smacking on deceleration, knowing where hot parts such as the exhaust pipes are, and where to hold on to the rider are all things the passenger should understand before the first trip.
When not to take a passenger along
A new rider should never accept a passenger until they are proficient enough to do so safely. Keep in mind that your passenger is depending on your safe riding skills with their life. It can be somewhat distracting to have a passenger along for the ride, so the motorcycle controls and handling should be automatic and second nature before riding two up so the rider's attention can be totally on keeping the duo safe.