how do you ride as a passenger on a motorcycle?

Question

My BF rides a yamaha R1 and I have just started riding as a passenger (LOVE IT!!!!!) but whenever I ask him for tips he just says hang on, that I am doing fine and just to relax. But when we hit a pot hole on the freeway my butt jumps up from the seat. Whenever he slows down I feel like I am going to push him off the bike. But being that he is 6ft and 200lbs I guess my 5'2'' 110lbs isn't going to budge him. I have end up putting my hands on the tank while wrapping my arms around him to push myself up and not holding just to him. Oh, another thing how in the heck do you NOT clink helmets? I love my shoei almost more than my favorite pair of shoes and that bugs me when I clink helmets! I just would like some 411 on riding as passenger so that I can enjoy riding and to be safe. Eventually I would like to be able to do stunts while riding w/ him if anyone has tips on that.

Answer 1

Since it seems he's a speedy driver,it's not helping you from bumping helmets. Happy you both wear one! If there happens to be a backrest,you can hold that instead of the waist of the operator. Remember to always lean into turns as he or she does,so the balance of the bike is at a safe attitude. When stopping or stopped it's best to keep your feet on the foot pegs because it's easier for the operator to maintain the balance of the bike. Did you ever try picking up a 500lb bike?? Difficult!!!!

Answer 2

Hold on to the rider around the waist, and remember to lean with the rider. Do not sit up or lean in the opposite direction - the passenger should be an extension of the rider.
Also, keep your weight a little bit on your feet ... not entirely on your seat. Then, when you hit a bump, you can "stand into it" and avoid the bounce.
Always wear a helmet. Tom "Top Gun" Cruise be damned, only a fool rides a sport bike without a helmet.
And wear protective clothing. Leather is okay. Kevlar is better, both for arms and legs. There is nothing like a full-body skin graft to ruin your day.
Oh, and laugh and shout a lot. Let him know you're enjoying the ride as much as he is.
Cheers.

Answer 3

Hold on!

No, seriously - you have to ask the rider what the rider is comfortable with you doing. Typically, I like my wife to hold on to my waist, or to hold on to the "sissy bars" on the back of the bike - the grab handles. When I make turns, I recommend that she not necessarily lean with me - because she doesn't know what a lean is on a motorcycle and she'll get us both killed! I recommend that when I turn, she look over the shoulder leading into the turn. It makes her lean just as much as we're supposed to.

Riding on the back of a motorcycle is effortless if done right - the passenger will enjoy it. Just don't panic!

Answer 4

Really its all a question about how comfortable you feel on the back. As a beginner you are probably nervous and will want to hang on to the driver really tight. No problem though, it can be romantic. However as you grow more comfortable you will be able to just lean back and enjoy the ride.

Answer 5

you should sit closely straddled behind the driver, with your feet on the pegs (if provided) for you. lean into the driver and hold firmly around the waist (like a bear hug). you should not obstruct the operator's ability to manuever or operate the motorcycle. while driving, you want to lean in to the turns with the bike and operator. one of the worst things you can do is try to counter lean during a turn (either that or let go!)

Answer 6

u should always hav a tight grip on the vehicle or the rider as he is the key to safe ride...u should wear glasses to avoid any difficulty in exploring the view..
2nd thing is u should use ur space in the bike and sit at the edge and lean forward a bit to give it a aerodynamic effect which will also help u to stay in balance and be in control....lastly avoid stepping on the silencer

Answer 7

the motorcycle would have a seat for the pillion rider. Sit on that place your feet on the footrests on both sides. Hold on to the rider either around the waist or on the shoulder and lean a bit to the front.

Answer 8

You sit behind the person that is infront of you. You hold on and hope you won't fall off. All you got to do is be brave. Its like what you see with two people riding on a motorcycle on the road on the same one. yeah...

Answer 9

Sit behind the driver, lean against them and hold on AROUND THE WAIST.

Don't put your hands on their shoulders because if they hit the gas a bit, you can go right off the back end.

Answer 10

Sit in the middle of the seat, don't lean from side to side as it makes it difficult on the driver. In a turn, stay upright, don't lean into the turn as the driver does. You'll naturally lean a little and that's okay.