Tips for Motorcycle Touring with a Passenger

Motorcycle touring is a great way to enjoy your motorcycle. You hit the open road and just keep going. The only way to make this trip better? Bring along a buddy. Riding with people can be a fun trip. You get a navigation buddy during the ride and an exploration buddy at your destination. But successful mo
torcycle touring with a passenger takes proactive steps, which we discuss below. If you need any maintenance or supplies before your trip, visit Barnes Harley-Davidson®. We proudly serve those in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Richmond, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Equip Your Passenger

When you're riding with people, it's important that everyone is wearing the proper gear. See what items your passenger already owns (if any). Then work together to scrounge up the remaining items. They need to wear all the gear the same as you. When you go on a touring trip, it becomes even more important to have comfortable gear. Make sure all the gear fits and can be worn for an extended period of time - otherwise it won't work for motorcycle touring.

They'll need a helmet of course. It needs to fit properly and be crash-test rated to give the protection you seek. If possible, they should wear a full-face helmet. This style gives the best protection in the event of a crash.

They'll also need a form of eye protection. This can either be a visor on the helmet, sunglasses, or goggles. Just make sure it'll keep any kicked-up debris or dust out of their eyes.

Then they'll want the right clothing. Full-length clothes are ideal. The fabric offers protection against the elements and in the event of a crash. Opt for sturdy riding jackets and pants. If there is a chance of rain, waterproof outerwear can be packed in your touring motorcycle's storage compartments.

Prep Your Passenger

Riding with people is a different experience than riding alone. You can't just hit the road with them hanging on for dear life without any preparation. You must take some proactive steps first to ensure a smooth touring experience.

Start with safety. Go over basic motorcycle touring safety principles. Explain what they'll experience when you turn, brake, and accelerate. Answer any questions they have. Remember that it can be scary as a passenger since you don't have any control. Do what you can to relieve any anxiety and make this a fun trip for them.

You'll also need to establish a form of communication in advance. It's unlikely you'll be able to hear over the wind and road noise. You can use hand signals or taps as a way to communicate things such as "I need a break" or "slow down".

If your passenger has never ridden a motorcycle before, you will want to take some test drives. Motorcycle touring is not for the faint of heart! It's an athletic experience that takes its physical and mental toll. You'll want to build up your passenger's endurance. Start slow with simple rides around the neighborhood. Build up the length and difficulty of the rides until you both are ready for a motorcycle touring trip.

Need any gear or maintenance before your ride? Visit Barnes Harley-Davidson®. Our parts replacement and service department can get your touring motorcycle running like new. If you are looking to buy, we offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect model for your budget, riding level, and riding lifestyle. Stop by today! We proudly serve those in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Richmond, Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby, British Columbia.