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Nine Tips for Riding Two Up on a Motorbike
When approached properly, and with due care, riding a motorcycle two up can be one of the best experiences on two wheels. Motorcycling is a great two person activity especially when you’re taking your special someone camping or on a road trip around the province or state and not just kicking across town. There is just something classically romantic about a motorcycle road trip with your best girl (or guy I suppose) at your back.
Passengers: Before EVER getting on the back of someone’s motorcycle make sure you trust the rider (with your life) and that you are comfortable with the experience. A passenger not in the right state of mind may fight (not physically) the rider and the bike leading to added danger on the roads. If you’re excited to try it, follow these tips and LISTEN TO YOUR RIDER.
Riders: Before EVER carrying a passenger, make sure you are comfortable with the idea. Know that the weight of the passenger will change the weight distribution of your motorcycle and as a result the handling of your ride. Be a bit dictatorial and give clear instructions to your passenger to be. If you’re ready to head out two up, follow these tips and you should have a great trip.
The following are a series of tips which will help the rider and motorcycle passenger to have a safe and exhilarating riding experience:
Tip #1 – Get to know your passenger. Have they ever been on a motorcycle before? If not, take a few minutes to explain some of these tips to them. Let them know what to expect and help get them in the right frame of mind to be an active passenger.
Tip #2 – Develop a method for communications. Talking at stop lights in the city is easy enough, at 110 on the freeway, less easy. If you have a helmet to helmet device for communication this isn’t as important but still good to do. Technology is far from perfect so a back up communication method is always a good idea. You can probably get away with three basic thoughts. 1 ) I need to stop NOW! 2) I need to stop at the next gas station/restaurant/ etc. 3) Slow down asshole, you’re scaring the shit out of me. Any physical cue that doesn’t involve startling the rider or touching hands and/or arms works. A simple pinch, or taps, on the left thigh or right thigh works well.
Tip #3 – Gear up properly. Both of you. Some people already have an appropriate riding outfit. For those who don’t, as a minimum a quality helmet, sturdy boots or shoes, denim jeans and a jacket are a necessity. If you don’t have a full face helmet with a visor, get yourself some shatter proof sunglasses as well.
Tip #4 – Don’t get on the back of the motorcycle onto the rear seat pad, or pillion, until the rider is ready for you and instructs you to get on. Lower the passenger footpegs. In most cases, the rider should mount the motorcycle first. If the rider is already on the bike, place one hand on her or his shoulder and utilize the footpeg to mount the bike and settle into the riding pillion. Note for riders: it is usually easier to ride your bike out of the garage or driveway alone without a passenger first. They can be slippery and involve sharp slow speed turns which are made more difficult with your new weight displacement.
Tip #5 – Hang on and enjoy the ride. If the bike you’re riding doesn’t hand rails or a sissybar, the passenger should reach around the rider’s waist and clasp their hands around the driver’s abdomen. Do NOT hold on to the rider’s upper body, your grip won’t be as solid and it restricts the rider’s range of movement.
When the motorcycle is moving, the passenger should pull their knees in and squeezes his or her thighs onto the bike securely. The stronger your grip on the bike, the easier it will be for you to move in unison with it.
Tip #6 – Participate in the ride. When the motorcycle turns, the passenger should maintain their grip on the bike with their thighs. Make sure that the hips remain connected to the bike and, to a lesser extent, the rider and that their body stays in position with that of the rider. The passenger should not lean off the side of the bike or resist the turn. Follow the rider’s body and stay in line with the bike as it leans into turns. Passengers note: do not resist the turn, lean into it with your rider. The shifting of weight is part of what turns the bike and the lean is normal.
Tip #7 – Passengers should keep their feet on the footpegs at all times. Don’t try and put your feet on the ground either when stopped or moving. You aren’t in control of the bike and don’t know when it will start moving. The last thing you want is to have your feet dragging as the rider accelerates from a stop.
Tip #8 – Dismounting. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, gas station, rest stop, scenic vista point (don’t skip these, some of them are beautiful especially through the Cascade Mountains) it’s time to hop off. The passenger should dismount the motorcycle first so the rider can offer stability. Dismount similar to the way you mounted, grasp the shoulders of the rider and use the footpegs to get off the bike. Dismount on the side to which the bike is leaning unless the rider requests otherwise.
Tip #9 – Passengers: Now that you have safely arrived to your destination, check into your hotel, pitch your tent, or whatever and make sweet, sweet love to that stud that just took you on such a great riding experience. It’s going to be a fun weekend!
