Tips for Motorcycle Touring with a Passenger

When you’re a touring motorcycle enthusiast, you’re constantly looking for new and exciting ways to take your long-distance adventures to the next level. There are lots of ways to go about this, like bringing along a buddy. Whether you bring along a fellow biker, a friend, or a family member, this is an excellent way to enhance your experience on the road. But before you head out with your passenger, there are a few extra steps you’ll want to take to ensure a safe and hassle-free ride.

Passenger Gear

There’s some essential gear that passengers must wear. First, of course, is the helmet. If possible, have them wear a full-face helmet, since it gives the best protection. If the helmet doesn't offer a face shield, they'll need goggles or sunglasses to protect their eyes. Riding a touring motorcycle on long-distance trips exposes your skin to the harsh rays of the sun. That’s why you’ll want to wear full-length clothing to block the sun. As a bonus, it'll serve as extra protection in the event of a crash.

Preparing Your Touring Motorcycle

Many touring bikes are capable of fitting more than one person. But you still may want to adjust your motorcycle to handle the extra weight of a second rider. You'll also want to conduct a pre-ride inspection. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and have enough tread. Inspect your fluid levels and top off anything that's low. Go for a quick ride around the block to test braking, accelerating, and so on. It's better to catch an issue now than to discover it cruising down the freeway!

Preparing Your Passenger

Before you do two-up riding, make sure your passenger is ready! Go over expectations, such as what they'll need to do. If they've never had the privilege of riding touring motorcycles before, go on a test ride first. It'll help demystify the experience and remove any jitters for them before your trip.

Part of safe riding involves keeping your touring motorcycle running well. If you're experiencing issues, bring your bike over to Jim Moroney's Inc. in New Windsor, NY. Our parts replacement and service department professional will fix your ride so you’re ready to embark on your next adventure. We proudly serve all those in Newburgh and Cornwall.