Harley Davidson Review — Passenger Safety

When you are considering being a passenger on a Harley-Davidson
motorcycle, there are many things to consider. Number one is safety.

You deserve to know about the driver’s knowledge and experience.
(For convenience, this article will address the driver as male.) It is
your right to know who is doing the driving. He should be familiar with
the functionality of the vehicle.  Ask him about his experience: the
driver should have at least a year’s experience piloting the
Harley-Davidson and be familiar with its quirks. He should also know
how to safely mount and dismount, sit on the bike, corner, stop, steer,
and communicate with a passenger. Ask the driver about his motorcycle
license (does he have one?) and whether he’s taken a motorcycle safety
course. Also be sure the driver has insurance, has had experience with
passengers, and does not drink and drive.

Riding as a Passenger

After putting on your helmet, mounting the bike is the next order of
business. Discuss with the driver when you will mount the Harley –
after he has started the vehicle? Before? Make sure he is not surprised
when you get on.

If the vehicle has no backrest, you can swing your leg over the back
of the seat and then sit. With a backrest, it is more difficult – you
need to hold onto the Harley or driver, and then put your leg over the
seat before you get on board. Once seated, and before the vehicle
begins to move, find the footpegs. Place your feet on them and make
sure you feel comfortable. Some of the larger Harley-Davidson bikes
have floorboards, which are flat pieces of metal upon which you can
rest your feet.

Of primary importance is where to hold on. Make sure the driver
knows if you will be hanging onto his waist. If the Harley has safety
grips on which to hold on, make use of these, if they feel comfortable.
A safe way to ride is to hold onto the driver’s waist with one arm and
hold a safety grip with your other hand.

It is best to work out a communication scheme with the driver. For
example, one tap on the shoulder means “slow down.” Two means “pull
over.” Three taps means “I have a problem.” Intra-passenger radios are
also available so you and the driver can speak directly to one another
as you ride.

Motorcycle Handling

The motorcycle handles differently when a passenger is aboard. This includes cornering, stopping, and acceleration.

When cornering, the beginner passenger simply has to sit upright.
Although you may desire to “lean into” the curve (and this may take
some practice), it is not absolutely necessary. When the vehicle is
coming to a stop, be aware that your body has a tendency to move
forward on the seat, toward the driver. As the Harley accelerates, your
body will move back on the seat. Both stopping and accelerating require
the passenger to hold on.

Your first ride as a passenger should be short and in an area with
little traffic, in order to get used to the experience. As you feel
more comfortable, the length of the ride can increase, as well as
traveling on busy streets and on the highway at faster speeds. Consider
looking into a motorcycle passenger safety course in your area – it can
be a fun and informative class.

As a passenger on a Harley-Davidson, you will experience a whole new realm of travel enjoyment.