Atlanta Motorcycle Schools—Riding Tips
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Ride Smart!
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| I often hear riders say to one another, “Ride safe!” While
safe riding should always be our goal—it may be pretty
much impossible on a motorcycle! Webster defines “safe”
as the absence of risk. I prefer to use the phrase “Ride
smart!” To me, this is a reminder to be constantly thinking.
To avoid a risk, we must first recognize it as such—which is
not always as obvious as one may assume. Hopefully, these riding tips
will help you to improve both your riding and thinking skills. Ride
smart! JoAnna |
Riding Tips Content:
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| Don’t see the topic that you want? Submit
your question and we will add it, if appropriate. |
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Important note: This information is designed as a guide
and should be used as such. There are always circumstances that
make “good” information “bad” in certain situations.
As always think—ride smart!
This information is copyrighted material of Atlanta Motorcycle
Schools and may not be used or reproduced, except by their customers,
without written consent.
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2-up Riding Tips
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| Riding with a passenger can be a very enjoyable experience—allowing
you to share your passion with non-riding members of your family and
circle of friends. Below are some suggestions to help make this experience
more enjoyable and safer for both you (the “operator”) and
your passenger: |
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Tips for the Motorcycle Operator
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Ideally, you should have at least one (1) year
of riding experience before adding a passenger. Your skill level
should allow you to confidently handle your motorcycle in most
riding conditions before introducing a passenger into the equation—and
exposing them to the risk. |
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For your passenger to enjoy the ride, your operation
of the motorcycle should be as smooth as possible—shifting,
acceleration, and braking. “Turtle kissing” (or helmet
clashing) is not considered romantic! Develop smooth riding
habits prior to adding a passenger. |
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Keep in mind that the additional weight of a passenger
will affect the handling. It will take a longer distance to
stop, more effort to turn, etc. Keep your speed down until you
are accustomed to these differences. |
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Carrying a passenger that weighs more than you
do is not recommended. |
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Discuss all the “rules” with your passenger
prior to them mounting the motorcycle. It is necessary to be
completely “in synch” and this requires education
through communication. |
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Your passenger should be dressed in the same manner
as you. This includes the recommended gear: [full-face] helmet,
long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long [riding] pants, full-fingered
gloves, and over-the-ankle boots. |
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Plan frequent stops to give your passenger a break.
Any movement on their part will affect the motorcycle and therefore
should be limited. Without frequent stops a passenger can quickly
become uncomfortable. |
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Tips for the Motorcycle Passenger
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The motorcycle operator should always mount first
and dismount last. |
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Prior to the passenger mounting, the motorcycle
should be in a level place with a straight path of travel. If
you have a steep driveway and a non-busy street, you may need
to ride out of the garage, down the driveway, and into the street. |
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Never mount or dismount the motorcycle until the
agreed upon signal is given from the operator. This could be
a nod of the head, a verbal command, etc. The motorcycle is
most unstable when stopped, making it more susceptible to unexpected
movement. Of course, if the motorcycle falls over—BAIL
OFF! |
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Mount and dismount from the left side of the motorcycle—the
same as the operator. When mounting, hold onto the operator’s
waist or shoulder, put your left foot on the left passenger
foot peg, and swing your right leg over the seat. |
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Keep your feet on the pegs at all times. This
does include all stops. Your feet should only come off
the pegs when dismounting. When your feet come off the pegs,
the motorcycle moves requiring the operator to balance it. They
may not be prepared for this additional movement. |
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Hold onto the operator’s waist. This allows
the operator to evaluate your comfort level and allows you to
anticipate the operators movements. Please don’t hold too
tightly—the operator will need to breathe. In some cases,
it is best to place your hands on the operator’s thighs. |
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When riding do not make any unnecessary movements.
If you must move in the seat to gain a more comfortable seating
position, alert the operator that you will be moving so that
he/she will be prepared. |
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Do not be afraid of the lean—it is necessary
for the motorcycle to turn. When turning look over the operator’s
shoulder in the direction of the turn. For a left turn, look
over the left shoulder. |
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Keep in mind that it is difficult to hear when
wearing helmets and traveling at speed. Limit talking to times
when you are stopped or traveling at very low speeds. If you
enjoy talking more frequently, there are several operator-to-passenger
communication devices. Never tug on a operator’s arm, cover
their eyes, or attempt to feed them when riding. |
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Don’t fall asleep—unless the motorcycle
is equipped with a back rest and arm rests. |
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