How to Ride on the Back of a Motorcycle

Last Updated: December 22, 2024 References

So you've never ridden a motorcycle, but you want to experience it. Just about every motorcyclist's first ride was as a passenger. To get the most out of it, you want to make it as easy as possible for the driver. Here's how.

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Driving with a passenger is very different from driving alone. This is not the time for you to teach each other new skills. ^{[1]
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Even if it's hot, you want a leather jacket or purpose designed motorcycle jacket and (at least) blue jeans. Wear high-top leather boots if you have them. This is your only protection against road rash and (more likely) exhaust-pipe burns. ^{[2]
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Laws or no laws, how much is your head worth? ^{[3]
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At driving speed, hitting a large bug can feel like getting hit with a golf ball. ^{[4]
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Leather gloves are a good option. Sports gloves Wil offer your hands more protection in an accident than gloves designed just to get your hands warm.
If the bike has adjustable suspension, the manual should tell you how to set it for a second person and the driver's and passenger's combined weight.
Almost all passenger seats are too high for the passenger's feet to reach the ground easily.
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Place your foot (left if approaching from the left, right otherwise) on the foot-peg and swing your body over the seat like you're getting on a horse. Put your hands on the driver's shoulders for balance if needed. ^{[6]
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When riding, do not make any hand signals to other road users and ensure that you lean WITH the rider. ^{[8]
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DON'T take them off until you dismount Even if you can reach the ground it doesn't help the driver.
Just as motorcycles accelerate faster than cars, they decelerate faster, too.
You might want to agree upon a certain shoulder tap or something if you need to get his or her attention.
DON'T backseat drive.

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What do I do when we go around a curve?

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Keep your back straight with the bike, and look over the inside shoulder of the rider. Stay like that through the curve.

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How do I take off in a motorcycle when my feet cannot reach the ground?

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Try leaning to one side, so you can get a foot down. There are also ways to lower your bike to the desired seat height.

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Can I put my hands on the gas tank instead?

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You could. One of the safest ways to ride is to wrap your arms around the rider's waist, and to rest you hands on the back of the gas tank. Some gas tanks may even have handles.

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Sitting up straight will also keep your back more comfortable during the ride than sitting hunched over.

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When the motorcycle is moving slowly or stopped, try not to move around much. Sudden moves at low speeds or while stopped can cause a tip over.

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Be prepared for wide temperature swings, especially at night. In a valley, the temperature can be 10 °F (−12 °C) lower than the prevailing temperature.

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If you have long hair, put it in a braid or a low ponytail to avoid extreme tangles. Consider purchasing a Wrapter (around $10) or something similar to further protect your long locks.
Generally, the exhaust pipe is on the right side of the bike, which means you should always get on on the left side to avoid burns as much as possible.

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