How to be a good passenger on a motorcycle

This week on MCrider we begin a mini-series on how to ride a motorcycle with a passenger. Before you head out on a ride with a pillion it is a good idea to follow some simple techniques to make the experience better for you and your motorcycle passenger.
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This is Part 1 of a series, next week MCrider will provide techniques for the operator of a motorcycle who is riding with a passenger.
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Thanks for watching,
Kevin

[@MCrider]

If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

[@matthiasronin6036]

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[@clydekalel4284]

@Matthias Ronin instablaster =)

[@matthiasronin6036]

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[@matthiasronin6036]

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[@clydekalel4284]

@Matthias Ronin Glad I could help xD

[@paulburt8222]

The only thing i would add... when I have a new passenger about to get on a bike with me, I always go through the rules, what I expect them to do (and don't do) and what I will and will not be doing. (Don't ask me to punch it, pull a wheelie, etc.) I explain the dynamics of how a motorcycle works, why it leans, how it moves under acceleration and braking and how it stabilizes itself through gyroscopic effect of the wheels. This helps them understand the machine and what and why it is doing what it is doing. I also address the leaning issue. I tell them to act like they are my backpack, they don't go anywhere my back doesn't go. That helps them understand where to be in any situation. Then I don't have any surprises.

[@chrisstiff4734]

Yup. A quick break down of what "THEY CAN DO" to throw us off, is a must! I took a coworker home, she had never been on a bike but always wanted to ride. I told her to sit back and relax and I'll do everything! She leaned forward to give me directions and pointed! Then she realized how much it affected our movement and never moved again... she just yelled out😲 the rest of the way🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mannyagrinya1529]

@@chrisstiff4734 THAT is funny, Chris :-)

[@chrisstiff4734]

@@mannyagrinya1529 oh believe me, I was laughing the whole way home after she got off the bike.

[@AlvlUpSavedMyLife]

@Paul Burt I like the backpack part. Great advice.

[@FERCASPR]

@@AlvlUpSavedMyLife 🏍🎒😎

[@jude.v25]

Communication is crucial to both marriage and riding. Thanks, Kevin. Good stuff.

[@yurikhromov2905]

One of the most important things to teach to a passenger is to hold with their knees, not their hands. It's ok if they hold with their hands by a pilot's waist, but this is nowhere near as secure as holding with their knees. Same as rider has to squeeze the tank of the bike with their knees to maintain better control, so does the passenger, by squeezing their knees firmly around the rider, maintain a more steady position on the back seat. It also offers a great feedback to the rider as when he feels that his passenger are gripping him too tightly with their knees, it means they aren't very comfortable with their current speed or curve negotiation, so the pilot may make adjustments and take it easier. On sport bikes passenger should place their hands around the rider and on a tank. This helps them negotiate all the braking and acceleration while feeling almost weightless to a rider and not pushing or pulling him during maneuvering (and without knocking their helmet on a rider's one). Doesn't work that well with cruisers because the tank is way lower, so hands on the pilot's waist if they feel the need to hold onto something. I wouldn't advise using hand rails for holding on any type of bike. It makes passenger wobbly balanced, their hands get tired very quickly and their weight is shifted too far back this way. It doesn't make a comfortable ride neither for them nor for the pilot.

[@jd5941]

I took my first ride as a passenger a week ago.. it's funny because nobody told me any of this however I did it on my own. So I was proud of myself after I read your post. I automatically felt comfortable squeezing the bike with my knees it made me feel more secure and also I found with putting my arms around their waist if I put my hands on the tank and pushed a little bit it prevented me from leaning on the pilot pushing him forward too much..Happy riding!..excited to ride again!

[@RHI.750]

True!

[@brendatorres7549]

@@jd5941 same haha!

[@michellerossi7464]

Lot like riding a horse bareback

[@Abdullah-gb7kg]

I took a ride (my 4th ride ever) as a passanger with my friend today, I was holding the seat with my hands, he told me to hold him, i said I'll be fine and 2 min in he took a turn and i fell off, now my hands and arms are fked up. Im too scared, ill never ride one again lol.

[@martinbarabe4643]

I have the perfect passenger riding with me. My 11 year old daughter. She is the only one that rides with me. She has her own gear and i bought blue tooth comm for her.

[@braydenkenney3313]

That's adorable.

[@josephwoodby2634]

I hear ya,my 9 year old daughter is my best passenger. Glad to hear other kids are into riding

[@chrisstiff4734]

All 3 of my kids have ridden on my bike! It's a fight now, who's going this time! Lol🤣🤣🤣they can't remember to bring home homework, but they remember who rode with dad last! 🤔🤔🤔

[@Its_an_advocardo]

Same case in my household. I'm the youngest and there's six of us. Half the time we're arguing, it's about who next goes to squires next week.

[@rickgreen6936]

My wife and I used to be Missouri State Safety Educators and recommended everyone to attend a co-rider training with their pilot. We covered head and eyes up, looking through the turns, and what to do if the rider was disabled or passed out due to medical or heat related issues. We provided two-up rider safety courses with MSF instructors.

[@2K_Unlimited]

We didn't see a specific course dedicated to that, but we did go through the Intermediate Course (called BRC2 in 2016) 2-UP, including everything needed to pass the licensing skills test as a team. (Obviously I didn't start the course without already having the license and endorsement, so it was more a check-ride than an exam.) If that sounds crazy to some, I say it would be far more crazy to take her into traffic with less ability to safely react and keep in control than would be required to have a license.

[@fableblades]

I taught my wife to squeeze the bike and my hips with her knees every time I brake. It really helps stop her weight transferring to my upper body and stops her shifting in her seat under brakes. We practiced it a bit with harder and harder braking and it works really well; she can squeeze me pretty hard under hard / sudden braking and it keeps everything settled. :-) As a horse rider she can keep a good seat no worries now that she knows what to do." The worst habit she had is she would shift when we slow right down for a corner or stop. Which is the very worst time she could shift - when the bike is going very slowly. It would throw me all over the road haha. I asked that she not adjust til we're fully stopped.Though the bike is much more stable at speed too.

[@TheKronicStoner]

Thank you for this explanation this is exactly what I am trying to avoid doing while riding on my partner's bike with him .. I have the exact same issues with stopping and also shifting my sitting position when stopping or going around corners and this advice helps so much thank you!!!

[@fableblades]

@@TheKronicStoner glad to help 🙂

[@thatchick90]

This is exactly what I'm looking for well actually I have long hair and I'm looking for a great way to keep that looking nice under helmet too haha but anyway on this topic My driver won't really tell me what to do and I feel like when he breaks and all of my weight shifts on him like there's no way that's comfortable So basically what you're saying is hold on like a backpack but be prepared for breaking and use my thighs and 🤔 what exactly on the bike do I hold onto during a fast break because I thought I was supposed to have my arms wrapped around him 🙄 It's really frustrating the lack of communication and expectation of me knowing what to do

[@thatchick90]

I'll be honest it's got to the point where I feel like a dude on the bike with my fiance like I scoot my butt as far back as I can get it and I kind of just lean forward and bend my back instead of sitting straight up or into him like at all it's weird like no chest on back it just feels odd... Like it's got to look hilarious too 🤣😭

[@Kaitlyn.Moore.]

@@thatchick90I’m the same way! I bent my wrist so far forward after it kept absorbing my weight that I have permanent and instant carpal tunnel. 😅😅😅

[@rikenglebert7558]

I would also recommend to have the pilot & passenger be on the bike together while in the center stand, not moving, in the garage, quiet & no stress. Figure somethings out in the quietest & safest location possible before getting out in the most dangerous, paying keep-away from texting & racing teenagers...

[@1OlBull]

Kevin, another great video. Here's my 2 cents.... >Passengers should not make any sudden moves when the bike is stopped or moving slowly. >My passenger (wife) is in charge of hydration, we utilize a camelback with a long hose. We sip water about every 14 minutes on long rides. >Over the years, we have developed an additional layer of safety. We both keep a lookout for hazards on the road, ie., animals, cars pulling out in front or you, etc. Even though it is the driver's (my) responsibility to watch out for these hazards and react accordingly, my passenger (wife) does too. Her technique to communicate this with me is to tap me with both knees simultaneously. When she does this, it puts me in ultra alert mode to look for any hazards. It may sound silly, but I don't mind it at all. No conversation is needed and the reaction time is instantaneous. Plus I believe it makes my passenger feel safer. There you have it.... Once again, thanks for the videos...

[@vca1988]

My wife’s favorite way to communicate with me is to slap me on the ol’ love handles. And then usually it’s so she can alert me of hazards I’ve already avoided...she’s not the best passenger haha!

[@theenzoferrari458]

She's like "watch out for that deer that already a mile behind us" lmao.

[@shivenigma]

Hi Kevin, I came here so early this time there was no comments at all except one. Riding with a pillion completely changes the aerodynamics of the bike and one would do it very carefully IMHO and experience. Here in India Motorcycles are actually mainstream personal transportation vehicles so everyone will be riding a beginner motorcycle without proper training or understanding. You can see a lot of bad drivers here, but thanks to your videos I have improved myself a lot and I am able to asses my skills better.

[@SassyBluJ]

My husband and I have been riding for 10 years now. As a passenger I have learned quite a lot from your videos about what to expect the pilot will do. That has help me know what to anticipate. One of the best things to have as a passenger is something to sit on. I use a sheep skin which does a couple of things-it helps cushion the hard bumps and keeps my behind warmer or cooler. When accelerating from a stop I lean close to my husband with my head down holding onto his jacket so I’m not jerked back when he shifts. I’ve had several neck surgeries so this really helps. Being alert helps me anticipate going over rough areas. I placed one foot forward and one back. That way I can shift my weight when needed. We live in very windy Montana. Since I sit higher I get buffered around a lot. So I turn my head into the wind to help keep my head and me more stable. One truth I learned is to have my phone in one of those waterproof bags. I hang it from my neck and I am less distracted when I need to look at it. The last thing I would say is trust your rider. You have to when you’re going 70+ miles per hour! If they are careful and hopefully, experienced riders, they will have their and your safety in mind. I also say a prayer for us and all riders for the opportunity to experience the joy and one of gratitude for a safe ride when we arrive at our destination. Thanks, Kevin, for your sharing your knowledge!

[@marylynncrosson273]

I hate long rides with no back rest. I'm 59 now and I haven't own bike bike but my last sweetheart wanted me to do 2 plus hours on his Road life with no back support in the summer heat and it was hard. I wear ATGATT and get hot. He was a t shirt and jeans rider and hated when my helmet hit the back of his head when he shifted quickly at high speeds or braked hard.

[@marylynncrosson273]

Road Glide...my tablet does weird spell checks!

[@VibinWithDaisiemae]

@@marylynncrosson273this is what i’m having issues with as a new rider! my helmet accidentally hitting my pilot’s 😬 but i’m learning!

[@sungurll7491]

when stopping or abt to accelerate i push against the tank is it a good way ? or i bothers them like one hand towards his waist and the other against the tank

[@andyrenfro3359]

Great video Kevin! One thing I always stress to my passengers is that under no circumstances put your foot down or let go of the bike or operator . If, God forbid, we were to go into a slide or hard swerve I will have a better chance of keeping control if they try to be one with the bike. Thanks for another great lesson!

[@FlamingCockatiel]

I have never been on a motorcycle before, and I am going out for the first time with my boyfriend this week, so I am a little nervous. Thank you both to MCRider and commenters for the advice.

[@katkylellorente9928]

This has truly helped me more than I could say! I’ve watched tons of videos to help me as a passenger but also learning to become the driver. This video by far has so much positive information on gear, riding, what to expect, & how to judge a motorcyclist before just hoping on the back.. literally everything. Thank you! I’m hoping to continue to learn to drive one as well so I can SAFELY drive! THANKS AGAIN!!

[@elles5886]

For me the biggest thing being a pillion the first time was relaxing! Once I stopped worrying what I should/shouldn't be doing, kept still and relaxed it was so much easier for both of us and made it more enjoyable too! I was told I was a good sack of potatoes which is a good thing apparently?! :D

[@AlanSprung]

Hi Kevin, thank you so much from Coventry, England for another great video. Apologies if someone's already mentioned this point. My wife sometimes rides pillion with me and she finds the Oxford 'Rider Grips' really helpful - the belt fits easily around the pilot's waist and provides the pillion with 'grab handles' that can really help their sense of security. I'm very glad that someone commented on how much your kids value your presence. Thanks again for all your videos - they are always informative and helpful.

[@UncontrolledJibe]

This isn't covered often enough by moto-vloggers. Great coverage, my first date with my wife was on my first bike. She was and is the best passenger I've had. I've always ridden as responsibly as I could when she's on board. We use a Chatterbox communicator system.

[@marylynncrosson273]

So glad you found each other

[@TheSupergpop]

Thanks for the great video, Kevin. After about 7 years of riding solo, my wife has finally decided to try riding with me. She used to ride before we met nearly 40 years ago. We’re both going to watch this video and the one about being a pilot. Then, a nearby high school parking lot for some practice before we head out for an actual ride. I hope that she enjoys it as much as I do. Keep up the good job and the great videos.

[@movingforward6099]

Another awesome video ! Maybe the passenger should watch this video before they get on the back. Thank you Sir !

[@nickmiracle2317]

My wife is kinda crazy on the back. She moves a lot and doesn’t notify me like she should. However, I wouldn’t want to ride without her, not saying I don’t it’s just more enjoyable when she is with me plus she loves to ride. The best advice I have is to pretend your back is bolted to the backrest. As a passenger your life is truly in the hands of the pilot. If he or she is riding unsafe and you are scared get the heck off and call a cab. Thanks Kevin, great video.

[@theponykid]

As someone new to being a pillion passenger, the tip about looking over the inside shoulder to maintain the correct lean is very handy advice!

[@Wastelander543]

This video has made me a much more confident pillion rider and is well worth the watch! The advise on taking a corner with looking over the shoulder of the rider slightly dependant of corner has changed everything and made it so much more enjoyable. Thanks for this video greatly appreciated 🙏😊🙌💕

[@indianbell5211]

Good morning, Kevin. My daughter has been riding with me since about 4yr...now 25yr lives in another state (she loves it when I come to visit *our ride time/memories😄) Something else pilots of bike need to consider & rider is size of passenger +experience. I've had a girlfriend wanna join me for a quick spin & it was awkward from the moment she JUMPED on my motorcycle behind me- to leaning. We (daughter & myself) had to slower her down explain to her. .movement! Exactly, very spot on. People who have never carried passenger, ideas as well get a travel pack (loaded)try it out first for a while. But definitely communicate before passenger "thinks" COOL RIDE😎...think safety first👍Thanks for sharing!

[@pelon8387]

Def gonna show this video to the wife. Great advice as always Kevin. Have a blessed weekend everyone n ride safe!

[@chrisstiff4734]

Hand signals and body language are a must to learn and use. My wife and I have over 10,000 miles, with it comes a second sense. She squeezes me with her legs to tell me to pass or that it's clear to. Taps a shoulder to warn about traffic (that I might not see) depending on which side. She also uses hand signals when she knows we're turning or changing lanes! It's almost as if we're one, when we're on the bike. But after 15 yrs of marriage and 20 yrs riding, we have each other's 6 on a daily!

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

Hi Kevin, I recently found your channel while researching new Gold Wings. I really enjoy your straight forward approach to providing solid information about riding. I also appreciate your advice in this video regarding having the co-rider look over the rider's inside shoulder on a corner. That's the approach we took when we rode. Thanks for the great content. Matt

[@allenhuling598]

Excellent coverage of a very important topic....thanks Kevin!

[@richardmourdock2719]

Kevin, this is really excellent. I've been riding eight years and with my first motorcycle, a Honda SHadow, I wanted to share my enthusiasm with my wife. She was skeptical, but finally got on the back which was at best, a "semi-seat". More of a visual item than functional. We went about three or four miles and I heard her say "ooo, this is fun!" I thought I'd made a skeptic into a convert. Ten miles later we pulled into a restaurant just as she said "My butt is starting to hurt." Then, though she was wearing long blue jeans, her leg went up against the exhaust. That was it. I've had several motorcycles since, and she won't go near them. Bought a Goldwing... she won't even get on it. Had she seen this before, well maybe we would have something in common that we might both love.

[@braydenkenney3313]

You have to get her on the goldwing. That thing is made for two people to go cruising on. It'd be a shame if you couldn't ever get her on it again.

[@mikelikesknives428]

Great tips as always. I have been lucky and my wife is a natural. I always get on first and I tell her to follow the backrest in the corners. It works well for us. Thanks for covering this topic.👍

[@psyekl]

I have a cruiser with a sissy bar, but I never intend to carry a passenger unless there's an emergency that requires that I do. I'm definitely grateful for this video series!

[@Nickel8237]

Definitely enjoyed the video but I too am going to and some thoughts. Me and my best buddy grew up riding our own motorcycles and at times both hopping on one bike. The time spent as both pilot and passenger I believe the time spent as a passenger not only made me a better pilot, but also better able to understand what the passenger will be doing and thinking which translated into more clearly communicating with the passenger on do's and don'ts.

[@mrslbw]

As a rider and sometimes pillion, I think it’s important to be aware of the ride like you would if you were riding. There are forces on your body as the bike moves so being alert as to what is happening helps you to stay steady with no surprises for the captain.

[@dandersonjr]

Speaking of children and hot pipes when I was much younger my father changed the Y pipe on his motorcycle. After his test ride he came back and the pipe had tempered colors on the pipe and I pointed and actualy touched the pipe to show him. Lesson learned.

[@someone46018]

Tip: when getting on and off a tall bike, don't pull to the side, grab the pilot's shoulders and push down.

[@sheikhsphere3163]

Your monotone voice is a lullaby. I KEPT DRIFTING OFF.

[@terrencenbanbury5220]

Content is crucial. Dynamics is entertainment.

[@SweetartistacademyAuPerth]

Just wish you had this video on few years back. When I got my Goldwing after many years of not ridding, my first passenger climb on it with out me been ready. No need to say, the 370 kg bike and 60kg passenger didn't do to well for the balance, and we all went down, of course in front of a crowded coffee shop ! no hurt, just a lot of egg wash on our face!! I only was once a passenger on a bike, almost got killed, never again. Great video, can't wait for next week now.

[@johnhoffman3598]

Great topic Kevin the one thing for the driver is the added weight at slow speeds. The other is trying to get them to shut up just sit back and enjoy the ride you don’t need to know where we are going and no we can’t stop at the mall.

[@Lylemac59]

LOL John. Sounds familiar.

[@stevesstuff552]

When touring I devolve responsibility for spotting coffee and lunch stops to my pillion. Other than that all chatter is confined to "oh, wow, what a view" (usually in the Alps). One of the advantages of having a pillion who doesn't witter!

[@chadvarnell1889]

Sounds like that would be a very short ride. Pertinent information, squeals, giggles, and "Whoo!!!" are acceptable.

[@MP398310]

...can’t stop at the mall 😥😂

[@billharrington4759]

Hey Kevin...Another great video. One thing I tell a first time rider with me is don’t swing you head from side to side quickly, especially at slow or no speed. A persons head is like a bowling ball. It means shifting 15 or 20 pounds from one side of balance to the other, and the physical effective weight transfer is doubled by moving it over. Looking forward to next weeks👍....Bill

[@dennisbreyii7440]

I usually tell my passengers to imagine they are strapped to the backrest and to let me know if they need to move a little. This has worked pretty well for my 20+ years of riding with a passenger.

[@macxpert3588]

A blue tooth intercom is invaluable when riding with your wife. Makes the ride much more enjoyable. Other tips are check the load limit of your bike and stay within the limits, don't forget to adjust the preload on the suspension and make sure the pillion seat and pegs are really comfortable or you'll ride on your own.

[@renevanoyen3817]

My wife joined me on the back for many years, those were the good times as she had to do everything I told her to do. Although she was an excellent passenger (she even fell asleep sometimes, being the perfect "sandbag"), a few years ago I swapped the bike for a smaller/lighter one due to my rheumatism. As the pillion seat is tiny and she didn't want to sit in a folded position, she lost her interest in being a passenger. So now I ride solo, less quality time with the wife but much more fun to ride, and once I get home, we have stories to tell each other as well. Riding with a passenger is very demanding, as the rider needs to think and act for two. Overtaking takes longer, dodging takes more effort and course adjusting while cornering is more difficult. In short, with a passenger on the back, the rider needs to ride conservative to gain maximum trust and safety.

[@lja1229]

I fell asleep on the bike of my bfs Harley for a good 50 miles. I wrap my arms around his waist and lay my head/helmet on his shoulder.

[@GARYCHRISTIAN9]

you pretty well nailed it kevin . great advice.

[@t.s.racing]

Kevin, what a awesome video, thanks as always. If I may add this from my personal experience 2 months ago. I had a first date and first ride that almost ended ugly. My pretty passenger knew the hot exhaust, basic hand signals to communicate, how to lean and how to hold on. Unfortunately, no one ever told her to NOT put your feet down at a stop sign/light. Thank GOD I have the leg size and strength to hold us up. To say the least, her misinformation almost threw her, I, and my new Harley to the ground. We still see each other occasionally, and it's always good for a laugh, and she continues to apologize. 🇺🇸🏍🇺🇸🏍🇺🇸🏍🇺🇸

[@spraypaintsiren4187]

New passenger here and this was very helpful and informative. Thank you for this!

[@02155Tony]

Hi Kevin, Thanks a million for this video. Both my wife and I learned alot from this video. Great info, Thank you

[@davidcole7737]

good advise about the pillion looking over the inside shoulder in a turn. But nobody seems to have told them to keep their eyes level with the horizon while doing this. I challange all those with 'bad pillions' to try this tip and see how many end up with good ones.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Great video Kevin! Moving helps steady the bike, especially when your passenger is a bit heavier, at a stop or low speed is tougher to balance. I use a harness system for my kids to come with Dad for a ride, all four fight to be first to ride!

[@rockybass9764]

Good stuff as always Kevin. Since you asked, the one thing I did for my bride / passenger was I considered her back seat on our Honda Shadow Aero. Yeap it came with the typical “50 mile” seat. Meaning after 50 miles on that skinny seat her butt hurt, as would anyone’s. So I invested in a Saddlemen gel his and her seat which took her seat from like 9 inch’s wide to 14 inch’s with the gel cushions. Yes it’s a few hundred bucks but one of the best upgrades I did, my parts of that seat also has the gel pads and gives me great comfort. Well worth the investment.

[@huyked]

Thank you! Great video to send to new passengers!

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

Great informative video as always Kevin. Kudos. Being relatively short on a tall KTM 1290S, tip toeing and butt shifting is a way of life at stops. All stops are thought through before executing one. Hence, focus n clarity of mind is a primary requirement. Having a pillion makes these stops even more difficult. Thus, pillion needs to know my difficulties before hand and required action/ inaction from them to enjoy the ride together. As my instructor's advise....make your pillion your co-rider so to speak. Teach them about looking ahead and through corners. Let them know what to expect when negotiating bends and coming to a stop. Then, riding with a pillion becomes enjoyable. My two cents worth..... Keep up the great contribution to the motor cycle community

[@paulst6862]

Been riding in NYC for many years and still kinda hesitant to take a passenger. A few times when I did take a passenger, I was very cautious and a bit nervous. My main concern was this huge responsibility for the well-being of my passenger with so many careless, aggressive, and distracted drivers on the roads here. We don’t have many motorcycles in NY compared to warmer states, so drivers here are not very used to seeing a rider. I’ve had numerous close calls when a driver looks straight at you at an intersection or at a stop sign and still pulls out or turns right in front of you. They see you, but they don’t, a motorcycle doesn’t register in their brain as a moving object.

[@nonaubiz8939]

As always, excellent advice.

[@neildewitt2869]

Lots of great information here! I also like some of the responses other people wrote here!

[@garya3056]

Great topic, Kevin... I hope you discuss u-turns with a passenger on board. My only tip is that when my wife is ready for me to go, she taps me on the top of my helmet. 🏍👍🏍

[@CanonMatters2Me]

Others have said it, passenger needs instructions on not to lean in curves or turns, always get on the bike when pilot tells them too, same on disembarking, and also needs to pay attention to lane changes and stops. I practice in a parking lot with new pillions before the road, everyone should. Love your vids.

[@tobyh3681]

Excellent topic.

[@jlward953]

I ride with my daughter some. My wife almost never rides with me. One thing when you're riding with a younger kid is that they like to look around. My daughter use to turn around at stop lights to wave to people behind us. The movement of her upper body could really throw my already tall bike. Hand signals are a must. Absolutely critical. You need a way for them to communicate when to pull over and how urgent that stop is.

[@amirfmaster2515]

Thank you Kevin!

[@larissacheremetieva4421]

Thanks for your lesson and dedication,

[@johnrice4769]

I hate my passengers swaying about, and they tend to do this if they hang onto a grab rail. My instructions to a new passenger are to; 1/ Keep their feet on the pegs unless they are getting on or off. (I relax this a bit with passengers that have done a lot of pillion time with me and that I am very comfortable with as after a few hours they may feel the need to stretch their legs out) 2/ Put their hands on their knees. (this forms triangles of their upper body, arms and legs and this stabilises them. It also brings their weight forward somewhat and tucks them nicely behind me) I tell them that if they feel the need to grab something they can grab me round the waist. Something that they can do very quickly if their hands are on their knees to start with. 3/ I ask then not to try and ride the bike for me but to try and imitate a sack of spuds on the back and just let the bike take them where it will. I tell them that sometimes the tilting horizon in bends upsets new passengers until they get used to it and that if they feel any discomfort about this to grab me by the waist and shut their eyes. ( this keeps them just going with the center of gravity and the only way they know they are going through a bend is that they are pressed slightly into the seat. Works very well ) 4 If they are a nervous first timer I also point out that I have been doing this for many years and that I'm at least as concerned about my neck as I am about theirs. (Seems to relax them quite a bit.) And finally, I encourage them to stop worrying and enjoy the ride. A few simple hand signals are worked out. Tap my leg to attract my attention. Then, point to what they want me to see (which it may or may not be appropriate to look at at the time) or a hand up if they wish me to stop or perhaps slow to the point where conversation is possible. This has worked out very well for me and I have had nervous first time passengers happily and stably go to sleep against my back on longish rides. Mind you it helped that for most of my riding life I had a bike that was unusually actually built for passengers, even in it's weight distribution. (A BSA Rocket 3, had it for 37 years.) Of course I moderate my riding quite a bit when I have a passenger, but you are coming to that. We have a graduated licence system for bikes over here. Learners, Restricted and Full. It takes two years to get to your full licence and only then may you carry passengers.

[@crp9985]

Depends on how heavy they are. I don't like them moving around but you get a big girl back there who moves around it is a problem.

[@salahad-din4114]

After the army and door work I found a throat mic on a two way radio style handset is perfect. The mic I picked up has the throat mic with a button for the trousers or shirt, it also has a button which runs down the sleeve with a velcro strap which attaches round a finger. Without a doubt the best use of your money as there is no background noise from the bike, wind or traffic. We only hear what each other says in the earpiece due to it working off the vibrations of your speech

[@chadvarnell1889]

@Alistair Davies, where can someone source one of those, and what Price might be expected?

[@ionutignat]

The summer that just ended rode my motorcycle but did not had The occasion to have a passenger, my wife avoided to hop on because ten years passed between my first motorcycle an The one i bought Last winter. Thank you for The tips Kevin.

[@gabithajeanj2887]

I am a first time passenger and this video has thought me so much. I now know what to do and what not to do thanks

[@a.a.s.2230]

My reminder to my wife when I clear her to dismount is "ok, like a ballerina".

[@marlonbrown9468]

Thanks Kevin I'm going to show this to my 16 year old granddaughter she enjoys riding with me but I actually showed my driver's license to her with my endorsement on my CDL and everything you mentioned in this video I shared with her especially the importance of riding with someone that you're not sure whether they're experienced or qualified until I some Bluetooth headsets I went over with her the hand signals and the importance of communication

[@marlonbrown9468]

She's addicted and enjoyed it so much she just said she'll wait till I come home it's quality time with her pop pop😁

[@afterburner2869]

Thanks Kevin!

[@r.t.dominguez1717]

Very helpful! Specially for beginners like me!

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

Real good video. I need to have my wife watch this as no matter how many times I tell her she has to be more still back there she still wiggles around too much and it tends to move us in our lane. She also has the habit of putting her hands on one shoulder or the other, ... which again moves us in our lane. Most of our riding is in town taking her back and forth to work and she's still pretty new to being a passenger, but I have to get her to be more still back there if we're going to ride safely.

[@brettsonter3236]

Very good advice as always mate.

[@davidhamilton506]

Perhaps the biggest safety tip one can give for a pillion passenger would be the fact that *under no circumstances whatsoever, must a pillion passenger lean the opposite way to the rider* . To do so will interfere with the line the bike will take through the corner. There was a time some years ago, when I was put in the position of giving a lift to person who had never been on a motorcycle before. It was late at night, and before we set off, I explained to her that in cornering, a bike must lean into the corner in order to go around it, and if the rider is to take a passenger, that passenger must *lean with the rider* , as to be as one with the rider, no matter how far the bike leans, and never ever to suddenly move to sit up straight. So we set off, and straight away I could sense her nervousness, by the way she clung to me so tightly around the waist, so I took it easy through the traffic, but all too soon left the major city road to go through a series of sweeping curves on a minor service road. With no following traffic, I dropped to 25mph and the first corner was reasonably sharp, but at 25mph, no problem for a 1959 650cc Triumph Bonneville. No problem until Madame Pillion, thought the bike was falling over and sat bolt upright half way around the corner, which immediately pulled the bike up marginally enough so that we crossed the center line of a two way only road, and through blind luck no other vehicle was coming toward us. Thankfully due to the low speed, I was able to stop, but stopped on the opposite shoulder. She had just experienced the exact reaction to what I had told her would happen by doing what she did. I shuddered to think what might have been if we were going faster, or meeting another vehicle at that moment...

[@hollyblues]

great video, just went on the back of my brothers motorbike today! defo useful to keep a hold with your knees and just look with your head when going around corners as well. One thing I'd say is not to have your head too close to theirs as you might bump helmets! :D

[@salahad-din4114]

Not sure about the USA but in the UK Oxford and other suppliers have made handles on a clip belt for going around the waist of the rider for pillion passengers to hold on to. Definitely worth the 20 or so $$$ for that extra support. Way better than trying to grip a jacket with gloves on.

[@djohnson3678]

most excellent review of seating positions. i would rather sit on the bigger seat as it gives more support, and less confusing signals. awesome video !! 1000 thumbs up !!

[@alancyr2974]

11:12 - I ride sport touring bikes and I find that having the passenger just turn their head with the rider, makes for the best stability and control in the lean.

[@desilvasuranga262]

Great tips, Thank you

[@Koda_Abbs]

I’m 13 about to be 14, and I ride with my stepdad to be honest I do almost all of these things without knowing 🤣

[@dougwilson6324]

Teaching my girl friend to be a passenger i went to an empty parking lot started slow turn,s then got faster some sharp some wide turn,s some braking and take off,s within an hour she relaxed and moved with me and she had a better understanding of what goes on remember the 5 P,s practice prevent,s piss poor performance

[@samkhalaf9087]

Thanks for the tip I can’t wait to get home and show this video to my darling wife thanks again 👍

[@jameskrivitsky9715]

Thanks Kevin, my minor input is that the weight of a DRESSER & passenger is more than a "bar hopper ". With that in mind, the passenger needs to be aware of boot/foot placement. While riding, it is ok for the passenger to move their foot forward on the floor boards....BUT....when moving slowly, such as tight maneuvers or at traffic lights , they need to place their foot rearward so that they don't hit the pilot in the leg as the pilot walks the bike into position. I have seen my share of melted heels & soles on my pipes and have been put off balance by a protruding passenger foot blocking my leg movement while at a light or in a parking lot maneuver. Enjoy safe riding and you as my MENTOR. J K in Houston

[@IAM-hs1yg]

thank you for sharing there important tips

[@drayke6936]

Great video and tips buddy

[@Leroy71893]

Hi Kevin, my wife and I have toured around the country and two different times during emergency braking my wife was thrown out of position because she was sight seeing and not paying attention to the road. One time she almost fell off when we came to a stop, the second time we tipped over after coming to a stop because she was so far off center the biked leaned farther than I could hold up. Both times no one was injured and the bike wasn't damaged, but it was a scary situation. Now she pays more attention as we ride.

[@adrianalexandrov7730]

I like my passengers leaning into a turn with me. Usually riding light bikes: street, motard, scooters and leaning into a turn makes big difference for stability in a turn. Instruct them to hold with their legs: put weight onto pegs primarily and help with holding me with their knees. With upper body just keep contact with my back and do as I do: turn shoulders into a turn and lean a little bit forward and into a turn. Takes a bit of practice on a parkinglot before a ride if passenger is new or hasn't ridden for a time. I do get passenger used to lean angles higher than we'd have on a ride, check that they do more or less what I want and that they understand what I'll do from my body position. Safer and easier to correct something on slow speeds with no cars around. Also we'd try some aggressive acceleration and braking so that tge passenger is accustomed to it and I remind myself how bike behaves with added weight. Takes 3 to 15 minutes (maybe 30 with total newbies) but makes ride much more enjoyable and mindful for both. Big cruisers in my opinion is easier: just scratch some metal on a parking lot to get passenger used to it and leaning with a bike and ready to go.

[@danielserra2116]

Who would thumb down this video?? This was great. Thanks Kevin?.

[@mohammadqassab6139]

Thanks!

[@fredglitz]

I should only be so lucky that my wife would come on the back with me. Great video as always

[@chefjoechege7120]

I might add that it's important that the pillion trusts that I'll act in their best interest & relax enough not to fight me on the moves I make, making it difficult to stay in control. While I usually give clear instructions on safety & comfort as well as just reminders on how riding on two wheels works, some passengers get panicky & do things that put us both at risk.

[@Mathik01]

Keep movement to a minimal at low and zero speed. On a long journey, both pilot and pillion must start stretching legs before coming to a stop. The last thing u need is disfunctional legs as u attempt to get off or hold the bike upright.

[@sivakumareddy]

Very good info... thank you.

[@jessicaseals3903]

I really liked this video. Thank you for all the tips! What about best comfort for a passenger on a street back. Proper posture? I feel like a lot of times my back begins to hurt.

[@TJRohyans]

One more tip for the *new passenger and that is head placement. You addressed it in the turns, but also during the rest of the ride, pick a side, one or the other, but don't sit directly behind the driver/pilot. Otherwise, you may end up with a busted lip or bloody nose when both heads snap forward/backward during a quick stop or shifting gears. You'll probably only do it once before you learn.

[@adrianalexandrov7730]

Fullface helmets solves this problem. Although passenger would still play woodpecker with the back of pilots helmet 😂😂😂

[@lauraevans9221]

Thank u for ur smart tips.

[@jameszee7585]

Hi Kevin, as a motorcycle pilot. Make sure your passenger is as comfortable as possible. As a passenger pay attention at intersections, stop signs. You may see something the pilot may not.

[@shaneevc8879]

I have been riding for over 30 years, ridden professionally, and do definitely brief the passenger before the ride. The big one you mentioned (1) look over the shoulder of the rider in the direction of the turn, then the others are (2) when I am stopping, or slowing, squeeze in their legs in to stop forward movement and (3) if you have to move around do it slowly and when moving. Lastly mount and dismount when I give the nod so I can prep the bike position and do it slowly and deliberately vertical up - leg across and vertical down on the seat. As a result of these instructions I have never had a passenger surprise me. AND I hate being on the pillion seat...unsettling, thankfully have not done this a lot.

[@cliff8675]

When I was riding my first bike, I took a couple of passengers (female) out for rides. If they were concerned about leaning with me, I would have them put their arms around me about mid torso and grab their elbows (now it would be as close to the elbow as possible). This served two purposes. First, once I had them adjusted to a comfortable hug rather than crushing my ribs, if they panicked when we leaned, they grabbed their own arms tighter without hugging me any tighter. Second as we leaned over if they tried to lean up and out of the turn they pulled themselves up against me without the crushing hug, and didn't get any higher than my outside shoulder. A few minutes of riding and usually they settled in and we cornered fine the rest of the ride. If you have a lean adverse passenger, this may help get them comfortable with leaning with you and the bike.

[@AndrewSzypula]

Hi Kevin As a rider with a fiancee who has her own motorcycle and a duo that spends a lot of time advocating for equality in the motorcycle world and for female riders, I want to thank you for using gender-neutral language in this series! There was a very recent edition of HOG Magazine that had an article called "riding tips for girls" and the whole article was about how to be a good passenger. Based on the latest study from the Motorcycle Industry Council, women now represent 19% of all motorcycle owners in the USA. That's the largest percentage in history! ANYONE can ride a motorcycle and therefore ANYONE can be a passenger!

[@BboyDrMadison]

When I first rode 2 up with my girlfriend, she was VERY uncomfortable... It was a standard bike, so we weren't leaned too far forward or backwards. She held me VERY close and the only noticeable issue was our Helmets booping together any time I'd change speeds. So, my advice is to practice... anything can go wrong with any passenger, but you don't know what corrections you may need to make without any experience. We stayed in a Large parking lot for about 3 weeks practicing before she was comfortable enough to feel one with the bike. She rode too... had the same bike that I did. and the only reason I never got on the back of HER bike was because she didn't think that she could hold up both of our weights. LOL

[@H8ssan]

I'm 14 and I sit with my dad, boi it's painful to stay on without being pushed forward. My legs hurt due to the number of times I need to stiffen my legs to prevent colliding helmets. Plus he drives a racebike, so i'm sitting inches over him so I'd go flying if he was to brake abruptly. however now i'm beginning to understand the physics and methods to stay on comfortably

[@petergammeljord5607]

I will recommend taking a track-day course with a passenger. Probably most of my driving time includes my wife as passenger, and if I target towards not to exceed 80% of my driving capability riding alone in the traffic, I had probably targeted for 60-70% with her. Has always been thinking: What if I one day have to use my full capacity (underestimating a corner or something similar).. Will she react unintendedly or…? We went for a course, and my expectations was that it would be a little less intense than normal, since I expected her, to call off, when reaching 80-90% of my capacity. - But it was pure fun, - she laughed loudly from the back seat, and we reached 99% of my capacity, - she actually helped me with advice and feedback. Now I drive in the traffic with her as passenger in the traffic, nearly as I would do alone, so its generally more fun.

[@vadimzubovich5537]

The best motorcycle passengers are those who also can ride :) They do all the right things by instinct and they know what's going on. So yeah, the very quick and basic "riding course" can help the passenger improve his/her passenger skills, if you can afford it in terms of time that is :)