We dedicate numerous articles and advice to those who are on the handlebars but few to those who occupy the rear seat of the motorcycle. And it's unfair because they get just as wet, just as cold, and are at exactly the same risk as the driver. And in the same way that he must be responsible, considerate and prudent to ensure his passenger a pleasant and calm trip, also from the back seat it is necessary to know what must be done to become a perfect companion and make a motorcycle trip duo a pleasant shared experience.
The current intercom systems help a lot so that the driver and passenger can talk and be permanently in communication, making any route a much more vivid and pleasant shared experience.
Many trips already start badly when occupying the back seat. And it is that few things annoy more from the handlebar than a passenger who gets on the motorcycle "hanging" from the footrest and standing on it, as if he were getting on a horse. It must be taken into account that this forces the driver to carry all the weight on his legs; that of the motorcycle, that of the luggage if there is one and that of the two people and also punishes the resistance of the footrest. He gets on the motorcycle astride... even if it's a trivial thing to remember.
Obviously, if the person is short or there is some type of luggage or Top Case that prevents movements to get on the motorcycle normally, it may be more practical to do it as mentioned -that is, standing on the footrest although It is not recommended in other circumstances - but in this case always notify the driver beforehand so that he can stabilize himself. "Hanging" from the footrest suddenly is a sure guarantee of a standing fall.
The ideal is to move as little as possible, beyond the natural gestures of the head and arms, but if it is necessary to do so -for example, to adjust a garment while moving or to activate a device- the driver must always be notified beforehand, since movements generated in the rear seat are immediately transmitted to the front. Only those who are on the handlebars know if it is a good moment or if you have to wait a bit to generate that interference in the march.
There are few things more unsympathetic to those who are on the handlebars than a passenger hitting their back with each movement or crashing their helmets. This occurs by not being in tension; the passenger must exert force on the footrests with their legs to manage their weight and when necessary, lean on the tank or the corresponding handles with their hands, but never on the body of the person on the handlebars. There is no problem in holding on to his waist as long as his freedom of movement is not restricted.
The passenger's body must always be parallel to the driver's. It is still disheartening to see how in some turns the passenger -generally out of fear- remains straighter than a stick while the poor driver strives to keep the group leaning. In full curve, a motorcycle is subject to a series of force vectors; keeping the body upright raises the center of gravity, generates instability and is a serious risk of accident.
The passenger should always slightly follow the inclination made by the driver or simply let himself go while staying in the vertical axis of the motorcycle without counteracting the inclination.
We said it before: the passenger gets the same wet and the same cold, so his technical motorcycle clothing must also be the same. Sometimes there are many passengers who prefer to wear street or lighter clothing to be more comfortable in the back, but it is a mistake that should not be made. In fact, sometimes there is more exposure to inclement weather at the rear of the bike than at the front. Someone poorly equipped, who is getting cold or getting wet will be a terrible company on the road and a danger to both.
"Communicate" does not only mean giving the driver a chat so that he is not distracted, but above all, explaining to him at all times what is happening in the back seat. If there is a need to stop in order to fix the luggage or do some need or even if there has been some mistake, then you have to tell them. Of course, you have to look for the moment and not do it, since in the middle of a curve or when you are driving on pavement in poor condition or any other that requires more attention from whoever is on the handlebars.
There are two types of passengers; those who are not noticed during the entire trip and those who are too noticeable. As always, in the centrality is the truth. Every driver appreciates a proactive attitude from a companion suggesting routes, providing information and above all feeling that the passenger travels relaxed and at ease. A motorcycle route can be a very pleasant and fun experience... or hell if you don't live with a positive attitude.
