Hey Motorcycle drivers/riders, newish passenger needs advice

I know many of you here ride motorcycles, so I’m asking for advice from all who ride.

My husband has had his bike for a little over 4 years now. It had a bitch pad, but no sissy bar, so although I’ve been envious of him being able to take off and go, but not enough to jump on for any trip longer than around the block. My father had one, and I learned to ride with the sissy bar, as I was about 12 when we started, and he was too big for me to hold on to! It’s been a FEW years since then. LOL
(Yes, you can call me a wimp, chicken, whatever!)

Anyway, I finally broke down this year and bought one for the bike. We’ve been on a couple Sunday drives, about 90-100 miles or so, each.

I don’t have a riding jacket yet, and it was windy, so I wore his. It isn’t huge on me, but a bit big. I did NOT like the way the wind felt like it was blowing me around, with the coat catching air and such. I even asked him if he could feel it, or rather me and he said no. He says I ride very well, flow with the bike and all.

What I’m looking for, from all you experienced riders, is the advice that isn’t always given. For the passenger:
Is it better to have a tight fitting jacket/vest? Why? (Wind?)
What else do I need to know? (I’m sure there’s a lot!)
What makes a good passenger?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

reply to post by chiefsmom


Explanation: S&F!

You do not need your hands to hold onto a bike... use your legs to grip and place your hands on the riders hips but don't grab them... just place your hands there!

Don't throw your weight around ... just go with the bike... it seems you already do this so well done!

A close fitting jacket will prevent the annoying flapping and will cut down on wind resistance and drag in general and that will save petrol ...also if do happen to unfortunately have a crash the loose jacket is more likely to catch and tear open than if it is close fitting!

Personal Disclosure: Good luck and Stay Upright!

Having a good fitting and protective jacket is a must for any bike rider or passenger, even on a hot day. Once you're rolling, a nice breeze would keep you cool.

Next on the safety list is a good pair of gloves because one of the first things to go down in the event of an accident is your hands. A natural response.

Relax when you're being a passenger and don't lean around too much, the rider has to compensate for your movements which is unpredictable.

Enjoy and be safe.....how about your own bike eh?

reply to post by nerbot


He has asked me several times if I would like my own. I had my own dirt bike up until he bought the street bike. I rode it for about 6 months, then I would just have him drive me around on it. I don't even like to drive the car when we are together! I just like to look around at everything too much, so as long as he is happy with me on the bike, I'm happy just riding.
Who knows, that may change later.

Thanks for the advice though!

I have been riding Dirtbikes since I was a kid then graduated to Super Bikes and have crashed a few times...Before you take that as I'm a bad rider there is a saying "If you ride you will fall" and it has truth. All veteran riders I've asked have fallen and it's all in your preparation that will determine your "Walking Away" or "Hospital Bills". First thing DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR HELMET this is considered your Brain Bucket and is your only true necessity in a crash because skin grows back but not if your dead. After that it is very important to have Good Gloves and Shoes that wont fly off on impact with concrete. Many times if you are not going freeway speeds you can catch your slide and prop most of your body of the ground to reduce road rash. As far as jackets go it kinda sucks but you want them tight because the friction of sliding will pull them up leaving bare skin/underclothes Exposed. Same thing for Chaps or Full One Piece Suits you'll want them relatively snug. While Operating motorcycles everything should be smooth fluid motions which will become natural after a a few months riding. Watch out for the lines on the road and Manhole Covers!! The lines are actually Vinyl and will break traction if you cross them while turning..Manhole Covers are just slippery in general an have cause me a scare or 2 while not paying close attention to the road. Never Ever Ever look behind you while driving a motorcycle this can cause vertigo while looking back towards the front and also things happen so quickly you need all the time possible to adjust to any situation. These are just my Experiences and hope they help..sorry If I'm Rambling

Do not skimp on your protective gear. As other have said the gear should be snug not tight. The arms of your jacket should be a little longer than normal as your shoulders are not usually in a vertical position while riding.

I cannot stress this enough, Top Grain Leather, not Split Grain, it costs a little more and is heavier, but it will protect you much better.
Wear good gloves, kevlar lined if possible.
Get a DOT approved brain bucket. None of that cool looking novelty garbage. Sure the DOT stuff makes your head look big but it will protect you in the event of an incident and should keep everything where it belongs for the most part.
For riding footwear I love Chippewa long boots. They stay put and are built with a true arch which make mine as comfortable as sneakers.
Good pair of polarized riding glasses. Do not get regular sunglasses as they will allow wind into them and make you miserable. As a substitute, military issue sunglasses like you see the marines wear will also work well as the are windproof but vented and highly impact resistant. They also have interchangeable lenses for day, night or rain riding. As a bonus they can be had relatively inexpensively as compared to branded riding glasses.

As for riding, hold on with your legs and thighs.
Place your hands on the rider in front of you, don't grab.
If he looks to the left while turning.. so should you, it will automatically allow your body to lean the appropriate amount in that direction.
Do not turn your body to look at things around you since that upsets the stability of the bike.
If you need to scoot your rear around for comfort, tell the rider in front of you your intentions so that they can compensatae for your actions.

Above all, have fun, ride safe and keep the rubber side down.