How to Carry Passengers on a Motorcycle

Only experienced motorcyclists should carry passengers. When you are ready, practice away from traffic, carry someone who is light (100 lbs. or less), and follow the guidelines listed below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle Passenger Pegs
• Motorcycle Gloves
• Motorcycle Pants
• Basic Traffic-safety Rule Books
• Motorcycle Owner's Manual
• Motorcycle Insurance
• Roadside Emergency Cards
• Eye Protection For Motorcycle Riders
• Federally Approved Motorcycle Helmets

1. Make sure your motorcycle is equipped to carry passengers. The seat should be large enough to hold both you and your passenger without crowding, and your bike must have foot pegs for your passenger. Always provide your passenger with a helmet.

2. Modify the suspension to handle the additional weight. Check your owner's manual about this, and make sure to add the recommended amount of air to your tires.

3. Give complete instructions before you start, even if your passenger is an experienced rider. Don't assume the passenger knows what to do.

4. Have your passenger get on the motorcycle after you've started it and pointed it in the direction you want to go. Ask your passenger to sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.

5. Instruct the rider to hold tightly to your waist, hips, or belt. Direct the passenger to stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean and avoiding any unnecessary motion.

6. Tell your rider to keep both feet on the foot pegs at all times, as many states require this by law. It's better for balance to do so even when the cycle is stopped at intersections.

7. Warn your passenger to keep his or her legs away from the mufflers, which get extremely hot.

8. Operate at a somewhat lower speed (particularly on curves or bumps) to adjust for the extra weight. Start slowing down earlier than usual when approaching a stoplight.

9. Adjust to the passenger's weight. Notice that the extra heaviness changes the way the motorcycle balances, turns, speeds up and slows down.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay farther behind other vehicles, and keep more distance between yourself and vehicles on either side of you. Look for larger gaps whenever you cross, enter or merge with traffic.
• The heavier the passenger, the longer it takes to speed up, slow down or turn.
• Warn your passenger when you intend to start moving, stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over a bump, and direct them to hold on tight whenever you're approaching surface problems or are about to start from a stop.
• Turn your head just enough to make yourself understood and still keep your eyes on the road ahead whenever you must talk to your passenger.
• Ask your passenger to help check for oncoming traffic when you're sitting parallel to a lane you wish to enter. Remember, you can't always see around your passenger's head when you're trying to look over your shoulder.
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

on 11/22/2005 Teach your would-be passengers to brace themselves with their hands against the tank when braking - this keeps their body weight from trying to push you over the bars. Essential for heavier passengers.