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CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO
Only experienced riders should carry passengers or large loads. The extra
weight changes the way the motorcycle handles, balances, turns, speeds up, and
slows down. Before taking a passenger or heavy load on the street, practice
away from traffic.
Children should be placed immediately behind the rider. A child sitting in front
of the rider will not be able to properly balance him/herself and may interfere
with the rider’s control of the motorcycle.
Equipment
To carry passengers safely:
• Equip and adjust your motorcycle to carry passengers.
• Instruct the passenger before you start.
• Adjust your riding technique for the added weight.
• Have your passenger wear the same type of protective gear
recommended for motorcycle operators.
The following equipment is required by Idaho law:
• A Proper Seat
— large enough to hold both of you without crowding, or
a separate, permanently attached passenger seat. You should not sit any
farther forward than you usually do.
• Footrests
— for the passenger. A firm footing prevents your passenger
from falling off and pulling you off, too.
• A Helmet
— any person under the age of eighteen (18) must wear a
DOT-approved helmet while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
Adjust the suspension to handle the additional weight. Add a few pounds of
pressure to the tires if you carry a passenger. (Check your owner’s manual.)
While your passenger sits on the seat with you, adjust the mirrors and headlight
according to the change in the motorcycle’s angle.
Instructing Passengers
Even if your passenger is a motorcycle rider, provide complete instructions
before you start. Tell your passenger to:
•
Get on
the motorcycle only after you have started the engine. As the
passenger mounts, keep both your feet on the ground and the front brake
applied.
•
Sit as far forward
as possible without crowding you.
•
Hold firmly
to your waist, hips, or belt.
•
Keep both feet
on the pegs, even when stopped.
•
Keep legs away
from the muffler(s), chains and moving parts.
