Riding A Motorcycle With A Passenger | The Shop Manual

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Riding with a passenger is a great way to share the joy of motorcycling, but before you welcome someone onto your bike there are a few things you should be aware of. In this episode of The Shop Manual we share tips and recommendations for a safer, more enjoyable two-up experience.
Need riding gear for you and your passenger? RevZilla has you covered: rvz.la/3u23syc

[@n40798]

Before you are ready to have a passenger, be sure to first practice with someone whom you wouldn't care too much if they got hurt, like an ex, a telemarketer or your mother in law

[@courtneymcgowan9561]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@gregoryeditor]

Best comment. 😂

[@Striker50_]

Golddddd 🏆

[@esatd34]

OR, get someone who KNOWS how to be a pillion. Then get someone inexperienced

[@Gruntilda-Winkybunion]

i will try it, thanks 🤣🤣

[@billcarson1966]

"Pretend like it's raining" That's a great way to describe the mental frame of mind that the driver should have. Perfectly said!

[@scubarubanzaii]

In my case, I learned with my wife on the back of a Benelli BN125 on a rainy day in Portugal. It’s legit a good way to think of it.

[@JCintheBCC]

The last comment about not trying to impress the passenger is an easy trap to fall in. When I was younger, I had a strict rule of No Passengers, and a strict exception if the passenger was attractive. I had to consciously remind myself that the goal wasn’t to impress them, but to get a “second date” and not scare them off. That worked way better than giving them a lecture about leaning and body position so I could ride fast in the canyons and scare them anyway.

[@__Razer]

lol at the exception if the passenger is attractive. Do you keep a female sized set of full gear to loan out to your dates? I've never ridden with passenger and, frankly, I agree with you completely, as I would make a rule that I don't ride two up, but I do fantasize riding two up with my crush. I've been wondering if it's in my budget and worth it to buy my girl full gear that she might only use a few times.

[@JCintheBCC]

@@__Razer I'm not a big guy at 5'8", so my jackets could usually fit a female passenger, if a little baggy. If you have any interest in being ready for a passenger, having a second helmet is clutch, though. I was able to borrow a spare from a friend the first request, but I ended up buying a second helmet, since I had a couple of classmates that wanted to try out the pillion. Investing $150 or so in a good spare (like a Scorpion EXOR420) so you don't have to say no to that attractive classmate is worth it IMHO. If you think you'll get at least a few uses, it's not that much more than a few dates out, if you think of it that way.

[@TheOpi45]

@@__Razer do it my friend :) me and my girlfriend have been together for 1 year she use one of my old helmets and gloves so that cost nothing for me and we made a deal i bought her a jacket and she bought the pants and found some boots on sale for 750 dkk thats 110 dollers the jacket was 3000dkk thats 443 dollers and we have been riding alot she loves it even tho i ride and s1000rr

[@Kenanhower]

Im 5’9 and 170lbs and bought all my first set of gear and bought a size small helmet for girls. But a lot of girls wore size medium surprisingly That I kept my old jacket and helmet and gloves when I replaced it and use it for girls. It’s a tad baggy but works

[@davidgiffordsr.930]

I do remember taking a gf for a ride, she said not too fast, but it was a 900 Kawasaki KZ. Took it up to at least 80 mph. She didn't like it, burred her head in my back. Oh well.

[@tonykisvardai2346]

I get many comments from friends on how smoothly I ride solo regardless of the pace... I put it down to many years of almost always riding 2 up with either my wife or step-daughter. I found for new pillions to keep it simple - - look over the turn direction shoulder - acceleration - toes down - braking - heels down - I'll tap your leg to hang on tight - You tap if you want to stop/ talk. A friend made me a small sticker for the back of my helmet that said "Just scream if you want to go faster" 🤣🤣🤣

[@musawenkosimaphisa5126]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wizardmoto]

The biggest conscious change I make in my riding style is an extraordinarily long braking distance, particularly on any decline. Even with hefty rear brake application (as you mentioned) there is a lot of weight shifting over the front end on steeper hills.

[@allanespiritu3]

Biggest learning curve when first starting to ride with a pillion. Luckily my wife after two years had enough of riding on the back and we got her her own bike to ride now

[@Yutter89]

Doubly so when I weigh as much as most people 2 up lol.

[@motojoe7493]

Yeah, you need engine braking+rear. If you only rely on your front just like when you're solo you'll exert more brake force to stop which would make your motorcycle dive and your passenger to push you forward

[@JamieS1992]

i just take longer to brake so there helmet does not smash into the back of mine

[@Valks-22]

4:52 A moment of appreciation for my GF that did 2.5k tours for 2 years with me on the back of a CBR. We're getting a sports tourer soon!

[@iam_kuz]

bro how small was she to go thru something like that

[@Valks-22]

​@@iam_kuz 5'9 - we're engaged now, keeper vibes from that alone

[@iam_kuz]

@@Valks-22 jeez man

[@joeyg29jgjg]

That tip at the end. Ride like it's raining, man what a lovely piece of advice. Thanks m8!

[@sk8lucas]

When I was younger, I took a passenger out on a date to a beach some 100km away. In the middle of the ride we decided to take a route thru some sand dunes that were reasonably ok to ride (I guessed). I got exited and ended up doing 75KPH on a long descent with her on the back. We never went out again.

[@lurtzy_]

75 km/h is nothing?

[@sk8lucas]

@@lurtzy_ those little sand bumps make it seem like it is

[@gardecg1]

I just introduced my friend into the two-wheeled world by hopping on the back of one of the rental mopeds in SF. I explained to her the do’s and don’ts as a passenger. She understood everything very quickly, but she was a little still scared at first. But we went for another ride around the city she had a blast! She’s definitely considering taking a class and getting a scooter for herself!

[@davidmorphett8997]

I introduced may daughter to riding after she started driving and wished to . Our first rides were safe and within her limits. She became an awesome pillion where our confidence grew to a point I could ride with a bit of pep knowing she was enjoying the experience . She is now learning on her own MT03.

[@motordemic]

I remember taking my brother for a 5min ride to his work. We didn't go above 30km/h. He couldn't stop talking about how much fun it was to lean and how fast it felt 🤣

[@numberxx7]

Hhmmm, "bike choice" at 4:20, made me remember my first ever motorcycle when I was 16 - 50cc Jawa, double seater. and giving rides to a neighbor girl.. Never forget her "DD" in my back! Cheers..

[@johnybrokeit]

That ending comment was so awesome! The honor of introducing someone to riding a motorcycle 😊 it truly is that important 😅 and an extremely huge responsibility. I'm so proud to be someone who gets to ride a motorcycle almost daily. Pure joy these machines!

[@joshdobson8]

Good video, the only thing I want to mention is holding on by the shoulders. This could be a bad idea if you hit a bump or something and could cause the passenger to pull back on the rider's shoulder, and accidentally pulling more throttle.

[@brucearena]

Precisely. I always cringe at the idea of pillions grabbing the rider's shoulders

[@arjenbootsma6881]

Exactly, if I ride with an "inexperienced" passenger, I always tell them to hold on to my hips or torso, or the grab handles on the bike, but to never grab my shoulders or my arms, since that may cause unwanted steering inputs.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

I've always just told passengers to keep their arms and hands "...anywhere UNDER my arms... such that you feel comfortable and can hold on securely"... Had a buddy who liked scaring girls in high school on the back of his bike... It was mostly fun and funny as hell... Until one that was holding onto his shoulders "freaked out" and ended up locking her arms around his NECK... As luck would have it, he got it stopped and in a few minutes we were all back to laughing (nearly hysterical) again, including the girl... BUT that could have been SOOOoooo bad... ...SO I've just been fairly strict about "below my arms"... I don't really care where or how exactly... wrap around me like a bear-hug,... clench fists into the folds or whatever of my jacket... latch onto the "oh-sh*t" handles on the sides of the bike... whatever floats your boat... Just as long as my arms are free to control the bike, and you're NOT tangling up my neck in a choke-hold... I don't need to pass out, and we BOTH don't really need to die. ;o)

[@esatd34]

I dont like myself being held in any way. Get the bikes handles, theyre there for a reason

[@bananasaur5209]

@@esatd34 Clearly maidenless

[@themystx2]

My pillion constantly hated riding on my old naked bike, but since I got a fancy ADV with electronic suspension both myself and passenger are happy to crush miles. Best bike change decision ever!

[@BikeandBreakfast]

Great tips. We ride 2 up most of the time & have always enjoyed the rides. I would like to add 1 additional tip, make a habit of pulling the front brakes firmly while your passenger is mounting. This add more stability (with both feet on the ground of course) and you won't get caught rolling at some unexpected inclines.

[@peterbrophy9442]

All good points. I also let them know that if they need to adjust their position, they can, as long as they give me a sign and do it when the bike is in a straight flat and nice tarmac or at red lights or stop signs.

[@lala45531]

i found that they can dance on the back for all you care as long as you are riding. at slow speeds like 10kph or at a red light its better to sit still.

[@neebob2]

After 30+ years of riding with my wife on back of everything from a 86 GSXR to a Fjr 1300 I've developed 2 distinct riding styles . Solo and 2 up and heaven forbid I ever ride solo with her on back ! Always put the joy and comfort of your passenger first , you'll be rewarded in the long run .

[@imyuuki3310]

Same for me, my body have 2 mode when riding which is solo and duo and will automatically adjust whenever i have/not have passenger (usually wife or sister). During duo ride i always told them to just relax and always go on a comfortable speed, but whenever i need to speed up i told them beforehand and if they don't comfortable with it then i won't do it

[@johnnyblue4799]

Nope... you'll be rewarded in the evening... :))

[@AEdavirgin]

I took the opposite route so my girl won't ask to ride with anymore.

[@JCintheBCC]

A system I found that works well (if you don’t have BT comms) is telling the pillion to tap my thigh if they need to stop. With a new passenger, sometimes they freak out or just have a gear issue. A dedicated way of getting my attention, at speed, that wouldn’t normally happen (none of my classmates were grabbing my thigh normally) was really helpful.

[@spandanbhattacharjee8349]

Man I started riding after a friend took me for a pillion ride on his motorcycle. The same day I bought it off him. Haven't let go of the throttle since. I understand the deep value of giving a motorcycle ride to an associate or friend. Ride safe fellas!

[@trapskilla]

I think the most important thing is explaining how the passenger has control over the bike by shifting their weight and so it's important they remain in line with the bike. I always explain it like "If I lean right, and you lean left, we go straight" lol

[@cjofatlanta5207]

You are a pro!!! Your presentations are so easy to understand and absorb... Thank you

[@codyyork777]

Been riding with a passenger pretty much ever since I started riding 20 years ago... but I still clicked. The shop manual is just that good! Always something helpful.

[@jt1573]

I would also add that putting a little bit of upward pressure on the shift lever prior to actually shifting makes the ride a lot smoother. Prevents jerkiness and bumped helmets.

[@helmysetiabudi9915]

What an awesome video stuffed lot of nice and practical suggestions for rider who want to ride with their passenger!🔥🔥🔥

[@charliepirhonen9734]

Bravo. I whole heatedly agree with this advice. I was surprised how quickly my 8 year old daughter picked up how to be a good pillion passenger. Give them the low down on what to expect and go easy.

[@barrykery1175]

Great video. All good information. I always ride like I'm in rain when I have a passenger on the back.....and when it rains I ride like I'm in snow. This is the first time I came across someone that actually says just that. This is a good video to not only watch, but have a new passenger watch as well. I could not have said it better ! Barry

[@gaminiediri]

Very good advice on riding two up. Thank you for this video clip.

[@Porsche996driver]

Great concept for this video! Great tips especially first ride, pick a gentle cruise route. 2nd time will be much better, yeah.

[@Vegesaurus7]

This is a great no fuss explanation. Love it. Great work again you guys.

[@iSangreVerde]

Another tip is to put a top case on your bike. I know, it might ruin your bike's aesthetic, but the passenger will have something to rest against to. Furthermore, it gives them confidence that they likelihood of flying off the seat is considerably reduced. Plus, they have a small place to put their purse or bags. Excellent video as always Ari!

[@coastaku1954]

I rode as a pillion on my cousin's Snowmobile, and holy shit did I almost fall off the back of it on some bumps, even with holding onto him

[@davidle7807]

Yep, sound advice. I ride 2 up with my wife and it gives her confidence and gives me extra room on my back so we're not crushed together.

[@scottmiller4034]

Great advise as always! Keep up the excellent work!

[@sethhoffman8149]

Don't forget that the rear preload adjustment on some bikes (especially older ones) is air pressure. A manual bike pump is a good choice for adjusting these, as the max pressure is usually still pretty low, and the volume is also much lower than a tire, so it can be easy to over pressurize and blow out a shock by just using your regular air compressor set to 100psi.

[@guardiankaisa2414]

OMG he is showcasing an Italika motorcycle from Mexico, that's so cool! Greetings from CDMX folks, I love your content.

[@adswar]

I like this dude! Chill and a great presenter, stating facts without being verbose.

[@dukie1616]

Always enjoy and learn something from your tutorials. Thank you

[@cybr600]

Thanks Ari, as always good and helpful tips.

[@RevZilla]

Enter to win a free Kershaw pocket knife here: a.pgtb.me/W6wfPG Check out Ari’s full article on Common Tread about riding with a passenger! rvz.la/3dtLv7b

[@dbdan61]

How about you guys hire me for that HR position so I can make my cross country trip on two? Worth a shot 😂

[@allenhuling598]

Excellent as always.....thanks Ari!

[@TheMythicalAce]

This video came just in time. I'm about to take my first passenger on a short road trip through the mountains.

[@rockyescape8989]

My tip for riding two up is always do everything a few seconds earlier. Like braking for instance. The first thing that I remember noticing was the amount of extra inertia caused by my pillion.

[@betruly7894]

Always a joy to watch your videos my friends. Stay safe

[@cav581979]

Wow, I've been riding for almost 20 years and never noticed the recommended psi when riding two. Thanks for the added knowledge 🤙

[@aeror115]

Good one after some training and seat time it`s getting more and more comfortable!

[@gokulkrishm51]

Very informative! The first time I rode as a pillion with someone else than my Dad or brother almost killed me 😂 Like the guy was doing 70kph on city traffics! After that incident I don't ride as a pillion with someone else than the most trusted people. I always make my pillion wear necessary gears and I try to ride at an even slower pace than usual :)

[@chrisbilinski1906]

14yr MSF Beginners Rider Instructor here… Well said instructions Sir, A+.

[@darrensaward1053]

Taking my partner for our first ride together and her first ride on a motorcycle today. Thanks for the tips. Muchly appreciated

[@alejandroambriz5319]

Ok I've been waiting for this video from you guys a lot, but I gotta say I'm most definitely surprised that you guys showed an Italika ft125 I'm like wtf? , I'm from Mexico and that's one of the most seen delivery bikes around, enough of that, thanks for the awesome job explain and giving recommendations 👍🏻

[@nctexan1970]

Spot on! Thank you for the cool post, TSM

[@coastaku1954]

My introduction to motorcycles was a pillion ride, but I was quite young, a bit more recent was trying out some of my cousins' toys up north, like a 100ish CC Dirt Bike for kids (Could still haul my 200lbs self just fine) and riding a Yamaha 250cc Supermoto illegally around a small subdivision, two awesome experiences that I will remember forever

[@mr.donut2.085]

My first time on a bike was being the passenger on a panigale 1299. My entire neck and back started hurting after 30 minutes, even though we weren't going fast or anything.

[@timelymedal1131]

Today I rode with a passenger for the first time... for a triathlon event.. we were the race marshall. 😅 I didn't wreck in front of everyone and it went great. Just followed the tips in this video. Used lots of back brake, played it very very easy with the clutch with long slow accelerations, and just told them to act like a rock on the back and not lean or do any sudden movements. It went great!

[@bigboy13a]

My wife and I started two up on a sportster. I felt every little thing she did. We bought a road glide special last year. Now I have to reach back and touch her leg to make sure she is still there. It’s fantastic two up on bigger bikes. Way more forgiving.

[@maaberr25]

When I did my driving school we had our instructor sitting behind as a passenger. It wasn't easy as me 14 year old carrying 100+ kg heavy person. It took some practice before going out of the yard into the town

[@davidgiffordsr.930]

Thanks. Nice pointers.

[@italia92084]

This is a great sgort and sweet video, thanks!

[@JP6961]

Thanks. Really good info.

[@YusefWakeel]

I ride a KTM RC 390 and I have taken 2 girls on the back 😅 didn’t adjust the suspension. I did have them wear proper gear tho and told them how to get on and off and how to hold me. I find it more fun riding solo tho it can be stressful with a passenger

[@DeanLee1]

Love the 'pretend it's raining' advice - gonna remember that 😀

[@slovak4life1991]

Did it for the first time yesterday. She was definitely more nervous than me, judging by the deathgrip she had around my waist at the start. But it got to the point where she was barely holding on at all. Just ride slow and smooth. You can throw in some speed later on.

[@Knoxvillemoto]

My first time on a bike was as a passenger on a race track with a pro rider. I was scared shitless......and I loved it😊

[@leviefrauim1425]

Good stuff! Thank you.

[@c_wonder]

I haven’t been riding long and a cute girl thru friends suggested we go for a ride soon. Thanks for the tips

[@MathieuTechMoto]

Awesome video and editing !

[@GoDUsopp-dr6pn]

okay here's a quick tip, go eeexxtreemmllyy easy on the throttle and breaks cuz us riders dont feel the jerking as much becuz we're expecting it and have handle bars to hold on to, the passenger on the other hand will feel every single bump and jerk

[@IggyEGuana]

Great advice! And I love Kershaw knives. Made in the USA, carry everyday.

[@KershawKnivesUSA]

Thanks, Waylon! 👊

[@jeffnabors833]

Excellent series.

[@ZediMaster]

Awesome vid. Ride safe, god bless u all.

[@rodrigogarcia663]

La poderosisima Italika FT150 haciendo presencia mexicana en Revzilla ✌🏼🇲🇽

[@ryannicholson6356]

That is a great tip about treating it like it's raining when riding two up.

[@JDnBeastlet]

Well presented. When I take a passenger, whether for the first or hundredth time, I consider my role to be an ambassador to the world of motorcycling. Everything I do for my passengers you have covered here. Thanks for sharing!

[@illiyakuryakin3092]

As usual, very well done.

[@davidcarr5718]

excellent info. Thanks

[@BlueWhiteWiper]

lol, the last time I took my friend as a pillion on a 500km ride, all I did was asked the mechanic if the bike will run for 500km. He said, changing the engine fluid and increasing tire pressure will do the job. It ran, we were going at 90kmph+ on Nepal's narrow windy roads. It was a blast.

[@williamllorens2141]

Excellent suggestions

[@MitchellRoman97]

Great lil video

[@brutus1998]

In my country we 15 year Olds get licenses for 50cc bikes, great machines to learn two up riding. About 120km of experience w/a friend, definitely a great idea to start with a slower bike imo (unless you already have a lot of experience)

[@ikariku]

great video. Thanks

[@victorpintotapia4874]

Great advices. Greetings from Ecuador.

[@Skyerzen]

I love how both you and the passenger shook your heads when sitting on the sportsbike LOL

[@scoobymoto9858]

Definitely some good advice

[@marcdawson2156]

Really good advice 👍

[@motorviewrides]

Love your content 💪🔥🔥

[@am0eba168]

Lol I didn't know there was this much to it, me and the boys just hop on our rides in shorts and go around our day

[@CactusJack252]

Jack O'Shea always has great tips!

[@wyldwulf06]

Two up rider for a decade now. Great tips!

[@user-mf4ms4jd2u]

Longer breaking distance while 2-up - false if the breaks are ok. You just have to apply breaks stronger and faster to achieve the same distance as you do solo

[@WeaselKonig]

RevZilla picking up Ari and Zach (Zack?) has been great.

[@ebrahimnalla121]

love this vid

[@SSS-mp8th]

Great tips.

[@Clickmaster5k]

It would be sorta fun to see some tool reviews on the shop manual sorta like the bike reviews on the Daily ride if you guys are looking for ideas. Bike specific stuff like tire changers, lift systems things like that. Tool that are something a normal guy could buy if they are good but are more expensive than just a why not try it price would be sorta the perfect area to focus. Riding tool kit reviews would also be appreciated. I think things like the different types of lifts though would be an awesome starting place for viewers looking to start working on their own bike and tire changers are something I'm sure we are all curious about.

[@arthurjennings5202]

I introduced a girl to motorcycling over 40 years ago. I guess I didn't scare her because she married me anyway. We're still married. Not riding anymore because old bones don't belong on a bike.

[@redbarond1]

I always tell my passenger the phrase "always lean with me, keep your chest in line with mine and the ride is smoother." It's all about keeping their center of gravity aligned with your own.

[@BlueDevilMoto]

I always tell them to put their head on the same side of mine that coincides with the direction we’re turning. A little thing but it subconsciously helps distribute weight and body position a lot.

[@DR4WZ]

Fortnine has a video about riding with a passenger. He actually advises the passenger NOT lean with the driver, but remain as straight up as possible, if I remember correctly.

[@BlueDevilMoto]

@@DR4WZ also recall its all relative to your speed. Speed determines everything, lean angle, body position, brake pressure, etc. His video on counter-leaning the bike vs. leaning with the bike might’ve mentioned this also.

[@DR4WZ]

@@BlueDevilMoto it's been quite a while since I've watched the one about riding with a passenger, so I may have to rewatch. Him saying it's better for the passenger to remain straight is just what sticks in my mind. It may have been more nuanced than that though...

[@DR4WZ]

I rewatched the fortnine video and it seems I was incorrect in my recollection. It really doesn't say passengers should remain straight up, he actually said passengers afraid of moving can be a bad thing. I stand corrected. He does mention for the passengers chest to follow the riders back. Seems this is closer to the original statements others made. Just wanted to correct myself and not spread bad or potentially dangerous information...

[@steampunk888]

A part of speed consideration with a passenger is the stability of the motorcycle. Low-speed performance is more adversely affected by the added weight. So can’t be all, or even mostly, about “impressing the passenger.”

[@Skyerzen]

I've given a lot of people their first rides on a motorcycle. Every single one of them has asked for a repeat! I've never scared them away! I tend to ride very VERY carefully when I have a passenger. However once I went on a group ride in Utah and two of the guys on fast sportbikes had passengers. When we stopped at a gas station, the girls were discussing getting an Uber home because they were scared. One of them said she tried, but there was no signal where we were.

[@murraehaynes3182]

Great info 👍

[@nabahmadi5012]

"In today's episode of Ari's dating advice...." 😂 Great video as always. 😊

[@joemamma9642]

this was fantastic

[@anindanahiyan8660]

My cousins and I learned to ride by taking turns riding two-up with each other on my uncle's raggedy old 125cc in shorts while we coached each other. His drum brakes barely work, the rear brake stops about as hard as blowing air out of your mouth and his carb runs so rich, it pops and crackles every time you let off the throttle. Speaking of throttle, his throttle was so tight, we had to squeeze to turn it. And his clutch was dead from start to like 2/3rds if the way with a couple millimeters between nothing and full bite. Our arms were aching by the end of the days and our butts were sore from the awful vibration, but we learned a lot and it was hella fun. Now, riding alone feels like riding a bicycle because there's so little weight and the bike likes to go so readily.

[@nomad_lad]

SM Suggestion: I'd love if you guys would do a video on the correct way to secure a bike in a trailer (and I guess in a van too). It's not something that I have seen any definitive videos about on KZbin. I'd love to know so I can bring my Ténéré 700 on some family road trips this year. Thanks 👍👍🤘