Trevors #TipTuesday - How To Be A Good Motorbike Passenger Part 2

Tips and tricks for a passenger to know what to expect and how to act - Part 2.

8. You May Get a Little Itchy

This may sound odd, but it isn’t unheard of to get a little itchy while riding a motorcycle, especially if this is the first time you’re riding as a passenger. The vibration of the bike has an effect on your body. If you have any parts of your body with poor circulation that is in direct contact with the motorcycle, that vibration stimulates circulation which can cause itching. But don’t be afraid of this, it most likely won’t happen to you because it’s not common. But if it does, just be aware that you’re not going crazy. If it becomes too uncomfortable, inform your driver that you need to pull over and take a break, maybe even put some extra padding where it is needed.

9. You May Get a Few Cramps

If this is your first motorcycle rodeo, your body will not be used to sitting on a motorcycle seat. It may feel a little awkward the way you have to place your legs, depending on how the motorcycle was designed. If you plan on doing a long trip, count on cramping up a little because sitting in one position for a long time in any case will cause such an outcome. If you’re worried about cramping, communicate with whoever you’re riding with and express your worries. They can give you some helpful tips about how to keep comfortable on their motorcycle specifically since they’ve had more experience on it. Let the person you’re riding with know that you need to pull over and do some stretches. Stretches before, during, and after will help circulation and prevent further cramping.

10. Help Direct The Driver

If you have a better idea of where you need to go and how to get to your destination, it’s helpful to assist the motorcycle driver with directions. Giving a little extra assistance to the driver is always welcomed, even if you think they know where they’re going. You can do this by simply pointing your finger in the right direction; it’s convenient to do that anyway if your arms are wrapped around them.

11. Wait Until The Driver Gets On

Sometimes there seems to be a little bit of confusion about who needs to get on the motorcycle first when there are two people involved. The motorcycle driver should always be the first to mount the motorcycle so they can steady it while the passenger gets on.

12. Be On The Lookout For Danger

If you’re planning on being a motorcycle passenger, help your fellow rider out and be on the lookout for any potential danger around you. The one who is driving the motorcycle does their best to stay out of the way of any potential danger, but at the same time, they need to keep their eyes on the road and watch where they’re going. Be mindful of merging cars, upcoming stop signs or lights, pedestrians, etc. just as you would if you were the one driving. You have an advantage though because you get to keep looking from side to side and not worry about where you’re steering because someone else is doing it for you.

13. Brace Yourself When Stopping

Try to not slam in to the back of the driver when you approach a stop. As a passenger, it’s a big help to brace yourself when the motorcycle comes to a stop. This helps prevent the driver from scooting up too much and having to readjust, hopefully before you have to start going again. Bracing yourself will also help prevent helmet collision (which will probably happen anyway, but bracing yourself lessens the knock). You can help brace yourself by leaning back just a little and pushing down on the foot pegs to prevent yourself from going forward so much. If you go forward some, that’s totally fine as you can’t always prevent momentum completely. Be mindful of stop lights and signs that are coming up so you can prepare yourself.

14. Let The Driver Know If You’re Uncomfortable

If you’re ever a passenger and become uncomfortable, whether that be due to the driver’s skills or some other reasons, you should tell your fellow rider that you’re uncomfortable and need to stop. Riding a motorcycle is so much fun and you don’t want to ruin your experience by feeling uncomfortable while you’re riding. It’s okay to tell the driver to slow down or stop because you need to catch your breath. If they’re a decent person, they’ll follow your wishes.

15. Communicate With the Driver

The most important thing you can do while riding a motorcycle as a passenger is simply communicating with the person you are riding with. Be open about your fears, what you want to see/do, and what you expect from the experience. The driver will be able to give you tips on how to be the most comfortable on their specific motorcycle. In most cases, the person you’re riding with will be appreciative of your communication and be open about their expectations as well.

Information Source: Motorcycle Habit