How to Mount a Motorcycle With a Sissy Bar

Sissy bars allow for touring luggage to be added to the frame.

Adding a sissy bar to a motorcycle can give the passenger an extra element of comfort and safety. These backrests are available in a variety of styles and are fixed just behind the passenger portion of the saddle. While riding with any passenger requires that they understand the basics of balance on a motorcycle, the simple act of getting on the motorcycle must also be addressed. Learning, or teaching, someone how to mount a motorcycle with a sissy bar is easy, but the size of the passenger will make a difference in the instructions given.

Things You'll Need

• Riding equipment (boots, gloves, helmet)

Instructions

1. Check that the motorcycle is parked on a level surface with the front wheel turned to the left, the direction that the bike is leaning when on the kickstand.

2. Put the passenger pegs down on both sides of the bike.

3. Have the passenger mount the bike first from the left side of the bike. If the passenger is tall enough, they should swing their right leg over the saddle and sit down on the passenger part of the saddle while the driver holds the bike steady. Have them place both feet on the passenger pegs and adjust their body so the small of their back is against the sissy bar. If the passenger portion of the saddle is raised too far for them to do this, hold the bike steady and have them place their left foot on the left side passenger peg and swing their right leg over and position themselves.

4. Mount the motorcycle from the left, keeping the left foot on the ground while raising and sliding the right leg over the saddle. Straddle the bike with both feet on the ground. The passenger keeps their feet on the pegs.

5. Raise the bike off the kickstand to its vertical and balanced position. Retract the kickstand and start the bike.

Tips & Warnings

• For small bikes, have the driver mount first and bring the bike off the kickstand. The passenger can then mount while the driver holds the bike steady by holding the handlebars and keeping both feet on the ground.

• Always inform a passenger of what is expected of them during a ride (keep feet on pegs and maintain an upright position in relation to the bike) or the passenger may unbalance the bike and cause the driver to lose control.

References

• MotorCycleCruiser.com: Advice for Motorcycle Passengers
• Chuckhawks.com: Motorcycle Passenger Tips
• YourDictionary.com: Sissy-bar

Resources

• Road Runner Magazine: Motorcycle Touring & Travel