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Motorcycle: Tips for Riding as a Passenger

Jun. 25 2021 Lifestyle By Gina's Motorsports of Monee

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If you’re excited about your first motorcycle ride as a passenger, here are a few tips you’ll find handy. Riding a bike can be risky if you don’t adhere to the safety guidelines, which are essential for not just the rider but also the passenger. Don’t worry; there aren’t too many and none of them are too complex. These simple-to-follow safety tips will boost the experience of your ride and make your rider look forward to taking you on more trips.

Keep reading this guide to learn more, then visit Gina’s Motorsports of Monee to look at our latest inventory of motorcycles for sale. Our dealership is in Monee, Illinois, where we happily welcome those from Chicago and Kankakee County.

Your Rider’s Experience

Before accepting an invitation for a motorcycle ride, ensure that your rider has at least a year’s experience or more riding a bike. Preferably, they should also have the experience of riding with a passenger. If they are falling short, you can reconsider whether you’ll want to accept the invitation or not.

You’ll also want to know about their experience riding the bike they intend to bring on the trip. Make sure the rider has a valid license and that the motorcycle is insured before you hit the road.

Wear Proper Gear

Wearing proper gear is mandatory for all riders and passengers. This includes wearing a well-fitted helmet that meets DOT standards, long pants, a riding jacket, ankle-length shoes, goggles, and protective gloves. Keep waterproof gear handy in case it rains. 

Use Hand Signals

You can alert your rider about being uncomfortable or wanting to take a break by shouting at the top of your voice. However, this can be uncomfortable and might distract the rider, causing an accident. So, you’ll want to learn to use hand signals for communicating with your driver. Practice beforehand so that you both know what the different signals mean.

For example, one tap on the right shoulder may mean you want to stop when it’s convenient. Two taps can signify an urgency, and three can mean you want them to stop right away.

Additional Tips

As a good passenger, you’ll want to make the rider as comfortable as possible. Make sure that you:

  • Wait for the rider to become stable before you get on the bike.
  • Use the motorcycle’s footpegs to distribute the weight between pegs and the passenger seat evenly.
  • Avoid leaning too little or too much at turns, as this can make the bike unstable.
  • Get off the motorcycle only when your rider tells you to do so.
  • Never put your feet down during a ride unless you’re getting off the bike.
  • Don’t wiggle or shift unexpectedly while the bike is in motion.
  • Prepare for stops and avoid slamming the back of your rider.

Need more tips to stay safe while riding a motorcycle as a passenger? Don’t hesitate to connect with our experts at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee. We’re in Monee, IL, where we proudly serve our friends from Chicago and Kankakee County.