Two-Up Motorcycle Riding Tips
Solo motorcycle rides are exhilarating and freeing, but what if you get lonely or want a companion at your destination? Riding your motorcycle two-up—that is, with a passenger on the back—is the way to go if you’re looking to bring someone with you. However, riding with a passenger on the back can make things more challenging for you, and your rider also needs to understand what’s going on and how to react in emergency situations.
Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson in Eugene is your Oregon motorcycle dealer. Here are some of our best tips for riding two-up on your motorcycle.
1. Gear Up Your Passenger
Just like you, your passenger should be outfitted with the right riding gear to keep them safe while on your motorcycle. You may need to borrow or lend them gear, or take them shopping to get them some. The most important thing to get is a well-fitting helmet that has a high crash-test rating and offers protection in the form of a full face mask. A pair of goggles may be worn if they’re wearing a helmet that doesn’t have a face mask to keep debris out of their eyes.
Sturdy clothes like pants and a riding jacket are also just as important for your passenger as they are for you. A leather or heavy nylon jacket is best, and you may even want to get something with padding to keep them extra-safe. A one-piece riding suit may also be worn by your passenger over their street clothes.
Make sure that your passenger also wears leather gloves and sturdy boots with good tread. You don’t want them to be underdressed or underprepared for riding, so you may also want to recommend they dress in layers in case of temperature changes.
2. Show Them The Ropes
If your passenger is brand-new to the idea of motorcycles, then you’re going to have to instruct them on proper riding techniques. For example, they will either have to hold your waist with both arms or use a grab rail if your bike has one, since most bikes don’t have a backrest. Let your passenger know that they shouldn’t put their feet down on the concrete when you stop, nor should their boots hit the exhaust pipes. Some jurisdictions will require your motorcycle to have footpegs especially for your passenger’s feet, so make sure you know the laws in your area.
Demonstrate the controls to your passenger to help them understand how the bike operates. Take some time to plan out your route and how long you’ll ride at a time. Devise some form of signalling so that your passenger can communicate with you if they want you to stop or pull over or slow down, like a certain number of taps on one shoulder.
3. Be Prepared For Their Weight
An important aspect of riding two-up is that it fundamentally changes how your bike moves and operates. You’ll need to adapt to the extra weight and exercise caution until you get the hang of it. Approach turns, braking and acceleration with care. Also, let your passenger know that they should keep their body “neutral” when you’re turning or braking; that is, they shouldn’t try to lean away from the turn as this can unbalance the bike. The more your passenger can relax, the better for you both.
4. Answer Their Questions
Your passenger probably has many questions for you about your bike and your riding ability. Don’t try to cajole them into riding with you if they seem uncomfortable or hesitant. Your passenger needs to be able to trust you with their safety, so be honest and open and as informative as possible to ease their concerns. By the same turn, if they decide during the ride that they want to return home early or they need you to slow down or get off the highway, listen to them and accommodate their desires. They’re much more likely to join you again in the future if you do!
Still in search of the perfect motorcycle? Take a look at our website to see the full selection of new and used motorcycles for sale at our Eugene, OR, dealership. We can also assist you with financing options. Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson proudly serves the cities of Albany and Salem, OR.