How to Safely Add a Passenger to Your Motorcycle

Whether cruising across the country or heading into town for a quick bite to eat, riding two-up is a trend among skilled and amateur riders. While many bikes are geared to be passenger motorcycles, many riders, unfortunately, lack the experience. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, everyone can learn a thing or two about riding safely with a passenger. Here’s some tips, tricks and considerations for riding two-up safely.

Additional Weight

Weight is a factor few riders think about. You and all your friends hop in a pickup truck without a second thought, so why should you worry about your friend on the back of your bike? Turns out, many bikes aren’t actually rated for two-up riding.

If you think you may have chosen a solo-rider-only motorcycle, double check the weight limits. Exceeding manufacturer’s recommended load can cause all sorts of mayhem, like

Increased wear on shocks and other parts

Voided warranty

Increased difficulty handling your bike

Decreased comfort

On the less extreme side of things, even riders who have higher bike weight limits should consider practicing riding two-up. First, additional weight can change the way your bike handles turns. If you’re used to flying around hairpin turns and stopping on a dime, you’re in trouble. Riding a little more cautiously can save both you and your passenger a world of hurt.

Dangers of Riding Two-Up

In 2015, there were 292 motorcycle passenger fatalities. When you take on a passenger, you are responsible for their wellbeing. Whether you race on your own or always take it nice and easy, riding two-up is not the time to test the limits of your throttle.

Because of the dangers and different riding style, many have suggested a separate license requirement for riding with a passenger. This would force riders to take time and practice handling a bike that is heavier, has a blind spot and is more difficult to turn and stop.

While there isn’t a specific license requirement or two-up riding guidelines, some states don’t allow young riders or riders with a learner permit to carry a passenger. Make sure you’re familiar with your state’s regulations. It’s also a good idea to put yourself through a practice run. Go around the block with a passenger and practice stopping, turning and accelerating before a long-distance trip.

Ride Smart, Ride Safe

In order to keep both you and your passenger in one piece while you ride two-up, here are some basic safety tips to help you stay safe and stay on the road:

Practice makes perfect: go slow and try out short trips until you feel confident

Watch your weight: take a minute to get used to the weight difference before you take off

Stay calm: keep your passenger relaxed and neutral when you take a corner

Gear up: A few pieces of safety gear could make all the difference

These are just some basic strategies for riding two-up. Depending on the size of your motorcycle and the type of trip you’re planning, riding smart can look different for your situation. For instance, a quick trip to the store in a major city with a passenger requires very different skills than a cross-country trip on the open highway. Get to know your bike and consider how it handles with and without a passenger.

It Takes Two

Obviously, riding with a passenger involves, well, a passenger. Unlike a car trip, your passenger shouldn’t be a bump on a log. Understanding motorcycle balance dynamics is just as important for your passenger as it is for you.

The biggest issue when it comes to an inexperienced passenger is cornering. Passengers shouldn’t tense up too much as you turn a corner. They need to be responsive and turn with you. Leaning the wrong way, not leaning or even leaning too much can all cause you to lose control of your bike.

There’s nothing worse than a wobbly, heavy bike as you cruise around a sudden corner. Talk to your passenger beforehand and make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to navigating corners.

Gear Up Today

When it comes to safety, a few pieces of gear can make all the difference. Some gear is required in some states, like helmets. Law or no law, other gear should be considered essential to keep you safe and comfortable. Finally, some pieces are additional luxuries that make a good splurge when planning a long-distance trip for two.

Helmets are a no-brainer. Unless you like the idea of two noggins hitting the pavement at 60-plus miles per hour, grab both you and your rider helmets. While you’re at it, grab some matching gear to keep you protected from the elements. Choose race jerseys or leather jackets, depending on your bike and riding style

Eyewear can help your passenger enjoy the sights as you cruise around. Riding two-up should be safe, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be adrenaline-pumping. While you keep your eyes on the road with protective eyewear, your passenger can enjoy the view as you hit the open road.

Finally, there are plenty of safety aftermarket mods for your bike. The best motorcycle safety modifications are specialized for your particular brand of bike. An improved windshield, additional reflectors and turn signals or a bike stand are all a luxury that can help you feel safe and comfortable on the road while riding two-up.

While riding with a passenger shouldn’t be done lightly, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a safe ride on a motorcycle built for two. After you’ve checked out your bike’s weight limit, suited up in the latest safety gear and took your bike for a careful spin around the block, you’re ready to travel in style with your favorite passenger.