Riding Safely While Carrying Passengers

When you're carrying passengers on your motorcycle, you'll need to make some adjustments your riding. A passenger's extra weight will substantially affect your bike's handling characteristics. To help compensate for this difference, remember the following tips:

Allow more time and space for passing.

Be cautious when turning corners, since clearance may be affected.

You'll need to brake sooner than normal when carrying passengers.

The extra weight of your passenger will increase the stopping power of your rear brake.

You'll need greater clutch finesse and more throttle when starting from a stop.

If your passenger is heavy, it will take longer to turn, slow down, or speed up on your motorcycle.

Avoid traveling at extreme speeds.

Be prepared to counter the effects of wind when appropriate.

When traveling with a passenger, remember to start your motorcycle before your passenger mounts the bike. The stand should be raised and the motorcycle should be securely braced before the passenger mounts.