Motorcycle Riding With A Passenger

Riding your bike solo is a perfectly enjoyable experience, in and of itself. But sometimes, being on the road can be lonely because you don’t have anyone to share in your adventure with you! You can plan a fun trip together and explore new places with a friend by your side. It’ll make the ride more pleasant and the destination more exciting.

If you’re interested in how to safely ride your bike with a passenger, this guide by your friends at Interstate Cycles in Lake City, Florida, should help you learn how to take the proper precautions and prepare your passenger for the ride.

Legality

Depending on where you live, you may need to acquire a motorcycle that has certain features for the safety of the second rider. These features might include footpegs or backrests to give the rider more stability. Here in Florida, you’re legally required to outfit your passenger with a helmet if they’re under 21 years of age, although riders of all ages should wear helmets for their safety, regardless of what the law dictates. If you’re traveling through other states on your ride, you’ll need to verse yourself on the laws in those states regarding riding with a passenger.

Gear For Your Companion

Just as you gear yourself up for a motorcycle ride, you’ll want to ensure that your passenger is equally well-protected against road risks. As noted above, a helmet is the #1 piece of safety equipment that everyone needs to wear when riding a motorcycle. Even if the laws don’t require it where you are, it’s extremely ill-advised to ride without wearing a DOT-rated helmet that has a full face mask. Make sure that your passenger has a suitable helmet that fits them well and is comfortable for them to wear.

Next up is the rest of your passenger’s attire. Like you, they should wear long pants and a jacket made of a tough material like leather, denim or canvas to reduce the risk of road rash should you slide out. Sturdy ankle boots with good tread and gloves are also recommended for your passenger to keep their appendages protected. If you’re planning to ride in wet weather, then waterproof gear is recommended for both of you to keep you warm and dry.

Prepare Your Bike

Get your bike ready for a safe ride by performing your usual pre-ride inspection. Check the tires with a tire pressure gauge and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended psi level. Fill up the gas tank, top off fluids, check the oil and get an oil change if it’s sludgy. Take a ride around the block to test brakes, signals and lights. Having a bike in good condition will help to ensure the safety of yourself and your passenger.

Establish A Communication System

When riding with a passenger, you’ll need to concern yourself with their needs in addition to your own. This means that you’ll have to be able to communicate clearly with them to establish their comfort level and whether they wish to take a break.

A simple but pricey means of communication is a pair of Bluetooth headsets that will allow you to talk to each other. If this isn’t something you want to invest in, then you’ll need to use hand signals instead. Determine a few signals that you’ll use to communicate on the road.

We hope this guide proves helpful to you and your passenger! If you’re in search of a motorcycle made for two, visit our Lake City dealership to check out our full inventory of new and used bikes for sale. Our staff can help you find the perfect model! Interstate Cycles is conveniently located near Gainesville and Jacksonville, serving Sanderson, FL, and Valdosta, GA.