Things You'll Need:
- Helmet
- Motorcycle sunglasses
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Step 1
Wear clothes that you would be comfortable in for spreading your legs apart. Cocktail dresses and super tight jeans may look cool while you're walking, but in a motorcycle riding position, casual or loose gear may be more comfortable.
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Step 2
Put motorcycle sunglasses on. These motorcycle shades are not just to keep the sun out of your eyes, but they are also to keep insects from flying in your face, to protect contact lenses, and to keep debris and dirt from entering your eyes. Sunglasses are an important piece of safety equipement because they help you avoid jerky movements. Out of habit, when something is in your eye, you reach up to wave it away or rub the item from your face. If you are going at a fast pace, you can lose your balance and shock the driver, who wonders why you're suddenly letting go of him. Balance is essential on a motorcycle, so put the glasses on and keep the big sudden movements to a minimum.
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Step 3
Wear a helmet. Having the wind fly through your hair looks beautiful in the movies, but far too many people die from motorcycle accidents for not having proper headcare. Regardless of whether the driver is a careful driver or a speed demon, if both of you go flying off of the motorcycle, chances are she won't be able to stop your fall because she's trying to stop her own. Certain states require helmets by law while others don't. If you are a new rider, make sure you know whether it is mandatory in your state because the police will ticket you.
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Step 4
Wrap your arms around the driver's waist around the belly area, not just the love handles. Holding on to the sides of someone's shirt isn't ideal because chances are they're going to speed up. A pothole, sewer, speed bump or turning a corner are all common things that cause motorcycles to bump around. One wrong bump or turn and you may end up falling off of the motorcycle. Because a motorcycle is out in the open on both sides, there is nothing to catch you if you lurch to one side or the other. When the motorcycle driver turns, you must turn your body in the same manner or the balance of the motorcycle wheels will be off. Also, if you lean the other way, you are pulling the motorcycle driver in the opposite direction, which is a safety hazard. If you hold on to the driver's midsection from behind, this can easily be avoided.
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Step 5
Wear a scarf over your mouth if you're not wearing a helmet. As a passenger, you may prefer riding this way to keep the bugs and debris out of your mouth, especially if you are talking to the passenger or driver while riding.
