How to Ride a Motorcycle with a Passenger – Two-Up Riding Tips

TWO-UP TIPS FOR THE RIDER

If you’re interested in riding your motorcycle with a passenger, keep these tips in mind before hitting the open road.

1. MAKE SURE YOUR MOTORCYCLE IS EQUIPPED AND READY TO CARRY A PASSENGER.

Some motorcycles have a solo seat and are intended to carry only the rider. To carry a passenger your motorcycle should be equipped with a two-up seat with a dedicated pillion, or passenger position; with footpegs or foot boards for the passenger’s feet while riding and when mounting or dismounting the motorcycle; and with hand holds or a seat grab strap for a passenger.

Adjust the rear suspension pre-load for the weight of a passenger. See your motorcycle operator’s manual for specific instructions. This adjustment can be as easy as turning a knob, but it may require use of a special spanner tool.

You may also need to increase the air pressure in the rear tire to accommodate the weight of the passenger. Failure to adjust the rear suspension and tire air pressure for passenger weight can adversely affect motorcycle handling and the rider and passenger comfort, too. See your operator’s manual for specific motorcycle tire pressure recommendation.

2. GET THE NECESSARY TWO-UP RIDING PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Adding some accessories to your motorcycle can make the ride more comfortable and secure for the passenger. Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of accessories to enhance the two-up riding experience.

• Pillion seat and passenger foot pegs or footboards: These are essential if your motorcycle is not equipped with passenger accommodations.
  
  

Browse popular footpegs and footboards to help enhance passenger comfort.

• Two-up seats: Give you and your passenger a little bit of luxury with a dedicated two-up riding seat designed for long-haul comfort. Harley-Davidson offers two-up seats for many models, some of which are even heated and cooled for added comfort in any weather condition.

• Sissy bar and backrest pad: A sissy bar that fits behind the seat can help the passenger feel more secure and the backrest pads adds comfort and makes it possible for the passenger to lean back to change positions. When combined with a luggage rack, the sissy bar can also be used to secure a duffle or other soft luggage.

• Communication headsets: Your passenger may not always have a good view forward and can’t always anticipate when you are going to stop, slow down, turn, or pull away from a stop. A Bluetooth motorcycle headset is a great solution, as it lets the rider let the passenger know, for example, that there’s a stop ahead or a bump in the road.

3. MAKE SURE YOUR PASSENGER KNOWS THE BASICS

Make sure to point out “hot spots” on the motorcycle, such as the exhaust, that the passenger should avoid touching while riding and when

Also make sure to show the passenger how to get on and off the motorcycle smoothly. They should always get on from the left side of the motorcycle, but not until you are standing over it with both feet planted on the ground and you have told the passenger you are ready.

Make sure you are both comfortable and confident before you embark on a trip together. It may even be a good idea to find an empty car park where you and your passenger can practice riding together or simply stick to side streets and low-traffic areas while developing your confidence.

4. RIDE WITH FLOW.

Make your starts, stops and turns as fluid as possible. This will keep your passenger comfortable, confident and stress-free. If you’re bumping motorcycle helmets, for example, you are probably braking too abruptly. A good approach is to ride as you would if it were raining.

It’s also good to anticipate that the weight of a passenger is going to increase your stopping distance. You should begin braking sooner and increase your following distance in traffic.

Make sure to choose a route that is fun. Try to ride on smooth roads with sweeping turns and great scenery. Also plot out some rest stops to give your passenger a chance to get off the motorcycle for a stretch.

2. GET INTO THE PROPER MOTORCYCLE RIDING POSITION AND HANG ON.

The passenger should ask the rider where they prefer they place their hands for a secure hold while riding. Motorcycles equipped to carry passengers may have hand holds on the frame or grab straps on the seat but generally it’s most comfortable for both if the passenger holds on to the hips or waist of the rider. Lean forward but do not press against the rider’s back.

You may find yourself sliding forward on the seat if it’s at an angle, or just from the change of momentum when slowing or stopping. This can cause you to press the rider forward against the motorcycle fuel tank. Scooch back occasionally to keep a comfortable position.

3. DON’T LEAN OR MOVE AROUND ON THE SEAT.

Don’t try to lean into corners. Just maintain your position on the motorcycle and let it lean naturally as the rider navigates a turn. A good technique for the passenger is to look over the rider’s shoulder in the direction of the turn – but not consciously lean or shift any weight as you go through a curve.

4. DO NOT PUT YOUR FEET DOWN AT A STOP.

As the motorcycle comes to a stop, keep your feet on the passenger pegs or footboards. The rider will get feet down so the motorcycle doesn’t tip over. If you’re going to dismount, let the rider steady the motorcycle and wait for them to tell you they are ready for you to get off.

Learning how to ride a motorcycle with a passenger is easy when both the rider and passenger are on the same page.

If you’re looking to enhance your riding skills even further, sign up for a Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy class today.