You have never ridden a motorcycle and would like to give it a try. As with most motorcyclists, your first experience will be as a passenger. To make the most of the opportunity, you need to know how to move, to make driving as smooth as possible for the driver. Here's how to do it.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure the driver has already brought other people
Riding with a passenger is very different than solo riding and this is not the time for either of you to develop new skills.
Step 2. Wear the right clothing
Even if it's hot, you should always have at least a leather jacket and jeans. If you have them, wear high leather boots. Clothing is your only protection against rough asphalt and tailpipe burns.
Step 3. Put on the helmet
Reads or doesn't read, your head is worth the cost of a good helmet.
Step 4. Protect your eyes and face
At high speeds, a collision with an insect is as painful as being hit by a golf ball.
Step 5. Always wear gloves
Step 6. If the motorcycle has adjustable suspensions, the instruction booklet should indicate how to set them according to the weight of the rider and passenger
Step 7. Lower the passenger footboards
Step 8. First you have to mount the rider
Most of the rear seats are too high for the passenger to place their feet on the ground.
Step 9. Make sure the rider has removed the kickstand and the bike is perfectly straight
Step 10. When the rider is ready, approach the bike from one side (usually from the left)
Step 11. Put one foot on the platform (if you have approached to the left use your left foot and vice versa) and lift your body by moving the other leg on the opposite platform, just as if you were mounting a horse
Place your hands on the rider's shoulders if you need balance.
Step 12. Place the other foot on the corresponding footplate and sit up straight
Step 13. Keep your hands on the rider's waist or hips
Step 14. Tell them that you are ready to go
Step 15. During the trip, do not nod to other motorists / motorcyclists and FOLLOW the movements of the rider
Step 16. When you stop, KEEP your feet on the footpegs
DO NOT lift them. While you can easily reach the ground, you won't be of any help to the driver.
Step 17. Do not hold your head too close to the rider's or you will collide with each braking
Motorcycles accelerate and slow down faster than cars.
Step 18. When traveling at cruising speeds, the pilot is unable to hear you, however much you may YELL
You will first have to agree with some signals, such as a tap on the shoulder or something similar.
Step 19. DO NOT disturb the pilot
DO NOT ride from the rear seat.
Step 20. Enjoy the ride
Advice
- When the bike slows down or stops, try not to move too much. Sudden movements while standing still can cause you to lose balance.
- If you plan to travel a lot by motorcycle, invest in a good helmet. If it fits correctly it will make the journey much more comfortable than a spare helmet for the rider can guarantee you.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, especially at night. In a valley the temperature can be 10 degrees lower than in a city.
- In many countries it is customary to greet motorcyclists who cross the road. When you are a passenger, it is your job to say hello, as you have your hands free. Do not feel insulted if you are not reciprocated, sometimes the other motorcyclist may not have the safety conditions to say hello. (In some places, Harley riders don't greet non-Harley riders and vice versa.)
- Sit up straight to keep your back in a comfortable position while traveling. Don't hunch over.
- Riding a motorcycle will make you understand the concept of "perceived temperature". Even if it's 30 ° C you won't get hot in your leather jacket.
- Being a passenger is only part of the fun. For a more complete experience, sign up for a driving school, get your license, take a safe driving course and start driving a motorcycle yourself!
