California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

CARRYING PASSENGERS ANDCARGOOnly experienced riders shouldcarry passengers or large loads.The extra weight changes theway the motorcycle handles,balances, speeds up, and slowsdown. Before taking a passengeror a heavy load on the street,practice away from traffic.EquipmentTo carry passengers safely:• Equip and adjust yourmotorcycle to carrypassengers.• Instruct the passenger beforeyou start.• Adjust your riding techniquefor the added weight.Equipment should include:• A proper seat large enough tohold both of you withoutcrowding. You should not sitany farther forward than youusually do.• Footrests for the passenger.Firm footing prevents yourpassenger from falling off andpulling you off, too.• Protective equipment should bethe same protective gearrecommended for operators.Adjust the suspension to handlethe additional weight. You willprobably need to add a fewpounds of pressure to the tires ifyou carry a passenger. (Checkyour owner’s manual forappropriate settings.) While yourpassenger sits on the seat withyou, adjust the mirror andheadlight according to thechange in the motorcycle’s angle.Instructing PassengersEven if your passenger is amotorcycle rider, providecomplete instructions before youstart. Tell your passenger to:• Get on the motorcycle onlyafter you have started theengine.• Sit as far forward as possiblewithout crowding you.• Hold firmly to your waist, hips,or belt.• Keep both feet on the pegs,even when stopped.• Keep legs away from themuffler(s), chains, or movingparts.• Stay directly behind youleaning as you lean.• Avoid unnecessary talk ormotion.Also, tell your passenger totighten his or her hold when you:• Approach surface problems.• Are about to start from a stop.• Warn that you will make asudden move.Riding With PassengersYour motorcycle will respondmore slowly with a passenger.The heavier your passenger, thelonger it will take to slow downand speed up—especially on alight-duty motorcycle.31