The Ultimate Challenge: Who's The Boss?

by Bob DelPriore
Associate Editor
Beginner Bikes Magazine

By now you've put in hours of practice time in your favorite parking lot. You've braved the hectic pace of the multi-lane highway. And rides of 100 miles don't scare you one bit. What awaits you is the greatest challenge man and machine may ever face. Taking your significant other on that first ride. This is a challenge in more ways then one. It not only tests yours and your bike's abilities. It could possibly be a test of the strength of your relationship.

Being a biker or motorcyclist we are tough individualists that aren't use to conforming to authority. We go when and where we want. We drive the way we want to. And we spit with gusto (Tim Allen Grunt). That was until we invited our significant other along for a ride. Now I'm sure your relationships differ from the one my significant other and I have. You always communicate in caring and loving tones. Each breathlessly awaiting the other's next word. For those of you that fit this description I promise to write something next month that will be of use to you. For the other 99.9% of us please read on.

Who's the boss? Well who do you think is the boss? But Bob it's my bike. I know what is required to keep the rubber side down. I am the captain of the ship. I am the boss. Yeah right, dream on. Don't give me that captain of the ship speech. If you pass that rest room stop without permission you'll be eating Alpo in that little wooden house in the backyard. Now that you see the potential for trouble the value of this article becomes clear. I will detail some steps that should help you navigate this hazardous minefield.

The Pre-Ride Discussion

Any instructions you wish to relay to your passenger should be prefaced with the understanding that it is for your mutual safety. Make sure he or she knows you care. The passenger should be dressed properly for a ride. Boots, jacket, gloves, jeans (at a minimum), and helmet. The standard recommendation is that the passenger's gear should be of equal or superior quality to the rider's.

Discuss the route. If there are any points of interest mention them before you take off. This way a simple point during the ride will have greater meaning. Rest stops and their intervals should also be discussed. In addition, agree on hand signals that can be used to signal or a stop and to communicate other needs.

Mounting The Bike

Explain how and when to mount the bike. It doesn't hurt to practice getting on and off. The preferred method is to take the bike off the stand. The rider should mount prior to the passenger and start the engine. Have the passenger place their left foot on the left peg. Then slowly straighten that leg. This elevates the right leg for an easy swing over the backrest. The rider's shoulders can be used for stability. Both the rider and passenger should agree before the passenger gets on or off the bike. We don't want any surprises here. Have the passenger ask for permission to get on. And wait for the rider to respond. Watch out for hot pipes! I've heard some pretty salty language come from the sweetest mouths when contact with hot pipes occurs. Also check shoe laces and fringes that could get caught in wheels, chains, and belts.

The Ride

The best passengers act like a lifeless sack on the back seat. If the passenger needs to adjust their seating position it is best done slowly. I prefer when my passengers slightly lift themselves straight up and then return to the new seating position. Violent side to side motions can cause handling problems. Especially at slow speeds. Passengers tend to think it is safer to adjust at the slower speeds. There is less stability at slower speeds and movement then can be troublesome.

Passengers don't try to help lean the bike and don't fight the lean. Just look over the rider's shoulder while turning. The right shoulder for a right turn and left for a left. While cruising it is preferable the passenger look over either the left or right shoulder without switching. This will limit unexpected weight shifts. However, the ride should be enjoyable. Don't be afraid to turn your head. Just keep in mind if you shift your weight you affect the handing of the bike. Keep all moves smooth and slow.

I don't like my passengers to hold onto my shoulders. I prefer they grab the love handles. That's the reason I got them. There is a sensation of diminished control when someone is tugging my arms while riding. Reaching behind for the backrest will be uncomfortable for a ride of any length. Just relax and let your hands rest on the rider's sides.

Responsibilities

There is a time for fun and there is a time for total concentration and commitment. Nothing is more sacred them a human life. When someone gets on the back of your bike they are making a statement of trust. That should never be taken lightly. Do not abuse that trust. It's never smart to play games or take foolish risks on a bike. It's criminal to do it with a passenger on board.

Bikes handle differently when you add a passenger. Braking, lean, and acceleration are all affected. It is the responsibility of the rider to adapt to these changes. Practice will prepare you for these changes.

Fun

I've saved the best for last. Every rider knows how wonderful an activity riding can be. Allow your passenger to participate. Tell them it's ok to wave to the other bikers and any young children that show an interest.

At rest stops ask if the passenger is enjoying the ride. Encourage them by telling them how wonderful it is to have them along. Praise them for being a good passenger.

On the way home from Daytona this year my brother Jim and I witnessed something that really made an impact on us. We assumed the passenger was the rider's spouse. The passenger was giving the hand signals for the lane changes. After a few changes the rider reached back and gave his passenger a gentle pat on the leg. Involvement and encouragement make any ride a wonderful shared experience. You can be sure that will not be the last time they ride together.

Summary

I am not an expert. The advice I offer here comes solely from personal experience. Trust your instincts. If you are not ready to take on a passenger don't do it. Even if you think you are ready for the road a visit to the local practice lot is a good idea.

When your skills allow and you are ready for the responsibility there is nothing better then a sharing a ride with a loved one. Those single seat bikes make me drool with their clean lines. But when I think about a gentle squeeze from a loved one as we navigate a twisty and I thank God for that patch of leather and foam behind me.