Great info for great riding

What your passenger should know before you take them riding

If you've got the confidence and desire to have a passenger on your motorcycle, you should first cover a few key points before anyone climbs aboard.

You want any passenger to enjoy their ride -- especially if it's their first ride. And you want them -- and yourself -- to stay safe.

Let's assume we're talking about the most common two-up motorcycle-riding combination: a guy driving with a girl on the back seat.

By sharing a few basics early-on, you can let her know what to expect...how she can go with the flow and avoid confusion during the ride when it's difficult to talk and ask questions.

Here are the most important areas I discuss with first-time passengers before heading on down the road…

What to wear…

Your passenger should wear durable gear similar to yours…gear that will protect her in a serious accident.

Forget the flip flops, tank top or cut-offs.

If she doesn't own a helmet, provide one for her.

Point out the hot pipes…

First-time riders might not be aware of the skin-searing burn they'll get if they touch the muffler and any other part of your motorcycle's exhaust system.

Point out all the hot spots and how to avoid them -- especially when she's getting on and off the motorcycle.

Preventing third-degree burns is another great reason she should wear good protective gear when riding.

How to get on and off your motorcycle…

I ask my passengers to wait until I've indicated that my feet are solidly on the ground before they get on or off my motorcycle -- preferably from the left side.

I have a high motorcycle, so I let them know it's okay to mount up by stepping on the left-rear passenger foot peg with their left foot, then swinging their right leg over the seat.

Getting off is the reverse action -- but not until I've indicated my feet are solidly on the ground.

It's vital, when dismounting, that she first stands on the left peg, then swings her leg over the seat.

If she tries to extend her left leg then put her left foot on the ground, she'll probably burn her calf on the muffler.

Where to hold on during the ride…

My first motorcycle had grab rails on the sides of the seat. A passenger could hold onto them for support and balance. Otherwise, they'd put their arms around my waist and clasp their hands in front.

My current motorcycle doesn't have grab rails, so I ask passengers to hold onto me.

Foot position…

I ask my passengers to keep their feet firmly on the rear foot pegs while riding.

I let them know it's dangerous to let their feet dangle in the wind when the motorcycle is moving.

They should hold their knees firmly against the bike to help me maintain stability and ride smoothly.

Balance…

It takes some riders awhile to get used to leaning into turns and feeling at ease with the motorcycle's movements during the ride. That's why I don't take new riders for high speed cruises on twisty roads.

I keep the first ride easy-going so my passenger can get comfortable with turns, stops and starts.

Speaking of stops…I ask them not to put one or both feet on the ground when the motorcycle comes to a stoplight or stop sign.

If they extend one or both legs and lean to either side when I'm stopped, they could throw me off balance and cause the motorcycle to tip over.

Communicating…

For me, trying to say something to a passenger while I'm driving is very distracting -- especially if we're both wearing full coverage helmets. So, if I can't get my point across with simple hand signals, I'll pull over to talk.

Attempting detailed discussions while on the fly is not the way to go.

I let my passenger know that the best way to communicate brief bits of info to me during our ride is to speak loudly and directly into the left side of my helmet.

And if she wants to point out something, she should just reach over my left shoulder and point.

Pay attention and stay alert…

Passengers should always pay attention to what's going on around them…not just in case of emergencies, but even for routine stuff.

For example, she should be holding on when a red light turns green and you accelerate. If she's not ready when the light changes, she could pitch backwards.

Your goal…

You should prepare your passenger in case you must act quickly to deal with the unexpected.

But -- really -- it's up to you to make the ride safe and enjoyable, and to avoid quick stops, starts and maneuvers.

And after the ride, you want your passenger to consider it a positive experience that's worth repeating…with you.

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