Riding With a Passenger

When you’re a hardcore Harley-Davidson® motorcycle enthusiast, you’re constantly looking for new and exciting ways to enhance your experience on the road. There are plenty of ways to go about this, like riding with a passenger. Whether you bring along a fellow biker, a friend, or a family member, this is an excellent way to take your adventure to the next level. Before you head out for a ride with your passenger, there are a few extra steps you’ll want to take. We’ve provided some important information below.

If you’re still in the market for an amazing new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, be sure to stop by our dealership. Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® is conveniently located in Marina Del Rey, CA, near Malibu and Santa Monica. We’re proud to serve all of SoCal. 

Use The Correct Gear

Experienced riders know how critical it is to use the correct gear when they ride their Harley bikes. However, when you add a passenger to the equation, your gear choices become much more significant. Regardless of your passenger’s riding skill level, you’ll want to set aside some time to discuss gear choices with them. As the operator of the motorcycle, you’re responsible for their safety as well as your own. Make sure you don’t skip any of the essential gear.

First and most importantly, you both need to wear a helmet. If you happen to have a spare, you can lend it to your passenger as long as it fits them properly. The helmet should not slide off or wiggle with movement because this indicates it won’t provide maximum protection in a spill or crash. Another crucial piece of gear you’ll need is clothes that are appropriate for riding. Your passenger can opt for heavier, more durable clothing, like a jacket and pants combo that’ll hold up on the road. If they’re a regular or plan on becoming one, they might consider investing in riding apparel.

Prepare Your Motorcycle

The next step is to prepare your Harley-Davidson® bike for the occasion. As with any other riding day, you’ll need to perform a pre-ride inspection. When you bring a passenger along, there will be a few extra steps in the process. Confirm that your Harley motorcycle is equipped to handle the additional weight. Many touring models perform quite well with another rider, but there are some bikes that may not fare too well. The quality of your ride should never be compromised due to the extra weight of a passenger.

Remember, if this is the first time your passenger is riding a Harley bike, they probably don’t know what to expect from the experience. You should make it a point to have a conversation about riding techniques prior to hitting the road. Establish a means of communication for you to use while you’re riding, such as hand signals, for example. It can get pretty noisy on the road, so hand signals will be useful. Teach your passenger about the basics of turning, braking, leaning into curves, and handling congested areas. You’ll both have an enjoyable ride when you take the time to create a smooth experience.

Safety Precautions

When you choose to bring a passenger on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, you’ll need to take some additional safety precautions. Always pay attention to your surroundings as well as your passenger, especially when they’re trying to communicate with you. Don’t forget that motorcycles accelerate much harder than cars do. If your passenger has a seat without any backing, they’re going to jerk around a bit. Keep this in mind while you’re riding and go easy when accelerating and braking whenever you can.

You’re officially ready to take on the streets with your passenger. If you need assistance with parts or repairs before your next adventure, visit our dealership. Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® is located in Marina Del Rey, near Malibu and Santa Monica. We’re proud to serve all of SoCal. We’re confident that our team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals can help you with whatever you’re looking for. Be sure to check out our impressive selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale while you’re here.