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When should I take passengers?

I guess it depends on you and your passenger as to when you are ready. However there are a number of things to consider before you do so and there are a lot of articles about it, but the basics are as follows. 1. Understand the dynamic handling changes in the bike in relationship to balance of gravity, weight distribution, acceleration, cornering and braking as all these things change. 2. Communication with your passenger on the "rules of behavior" and expectations. 3. Understanding that you have another person to consider as to when to make/take stops. How and whens to mount dismount (see communications) and of course the added gear required to accommodate your passenger. IE: don't expect them to wear your handmedowns. AKA "2linby" That's 2-lin-by folks! Northwest Area Director COG #5539 AMA #927779 IBA #15034 TEAM OREGON MC Instructor http://community.webshots.com/user/2linby http://tinyurl.com/njas8 (IBA BunBurner Gold Trip) http://tinyurl.com/lwelx (Alaska trip)
 
2linby hit the nail on the head!!!! Also, make sure your passenger uses gear! Helmet and jacket along with some good riding pants with boots! Keep them safe. Yuma, Summer in Yuma is not hell, but hell is a local call :) 2006 Connie http://community.webshots.com/user/Lateck?vhost=community
 
Here is a link I got out of the Maintenance links area. I put a lot of work into finding all those links and not many use it is seems. Lots of good info there. http://www.msgroup.org/Articles.aspx?Cat=3 ---------------------------------- I will answer any question. It is up to you to figure out if I should have.
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<p align="left"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20211686@N05/">My Photos<br
 
My MSF instructor said 500 miles before I should take on a rider, so you're good to go on that. Take it easy first few times out, the bike will be heavier and brake slower, it'll take a bit to get used to it. Tell your rider to keep their feet on the pegs at all times, hold on to you or the grips on the bike (if you have'em, Connie does) and to look over your shoulder in the direction of turns. ...I should add this... If, like the motorcycling instructor for our local police department, you go on a late night mystery ride with your SO on your big HD touring bike and, in a curve, you scoop up a possum in your floor board that wraps around your SO's leg in terror. Ask her not to kick wildly trying to dislodge it while screaming as this is both distracting and destabilizing, especially in a curve on a NC mountain road. Also, if, like my MSF instructor, you're following someone when this happens, try not to laugh hysterically because that is also very distracting and destabilizing.
 
Yes, if a oppossum is desired on the ride, it is better to bring your own oppossum so that everyone will already be familiar with one another and the ride can go on without the high level of "new friend anxiety" and distraction previously mentioned.
 
When did the attitude change regarding passengers leaning in curves. I was taught that a passenger should lean as much in curves as the pilot, but I followed a link in this discussion that advises that the passenger should not "help" through curves?
 
[/quote]When did the attitude change regarding passengers leaning in curves. I was taught that a passenger should lean as much in curves as the pilot, but I followed a link in this discussion that advises that the passenger should not "help" through curves?[/quote] I think what they mean by not helping is to not exagerate the pilot's movements,in other words, stay with the pilot and look left or right depending on where he or she is going. And do not under any circumstances go counter to what the pilot is doing, or you may find yourself in hot water very fast. As for when you are ready.....just go for it, take it real slow, and follow 2linby's great pointers and have fun!!! Claude / BC, Canada COG #8173 2008 C14 aka Ribbit II
 
This is an excerpt from the following link http://www.msgroup.org/Tip.aspx?Num=004&Set= "that they NOT try to help me through the turns - that they not lean in anticipation or when we are in a turn." This is why I am concerned/confused.
 
I don't want them doing anything back there. "I" need to be the only one controlling the bike. How can you guess how someone else is going to effect you in a corner? Only if they are still. ---------------------------------- I will answer any question. It is up to you to figure out if I should have.
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<p align="left"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20211686@N05/">My Photos<br
 
Here is another excerpt-this time from the MSF website regarding instructions for passengers "However, when you lean going around a corner, passengers should definitely lean as well. So have them look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn when you go through a corner; that will put the weight where you want it." Please, for safety's sake, let's not advise differently. I have ridden with passengers for 35 years and I have been much more confident knowing that my co-rider is following my lead in curves.
 
But that could be read as only meaning for them not to try and sit up like a post north and south when you and the bike are all leaning. I see things different, sorry. :) Still having them holding you and tracking your upper body would be best but how many Wing back seat riders do you see doing that. Main thing is to not have a surprise backseat driver. ---------------------------------- I will answer any question. It is up to you to figure out if I should have.
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<p align="left"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20211686@N05/">My Photos<br
 
Yes you are correct in stating that the passenger needs to lean as much as the pilot. No more and certainly no less. Where any discussion should center IMHO is for the pilot to take on passengers if and only if they are comfortable enough with their bike riding single. Then to carefully and considerately work into the position of taking on a passenger. Of course keeping in mind my first series of considerations. There also needs to be a mental shift you have to undergo before taking on passengers. This is to say you now have another being to consider in the equation of possible consequences. So decide and execute decisions with this in mind. AKA "2linby" That's 2-lin-by folks! Northwest Area Director COG #5539 AMA #927779 IBA #15034 TEAM OREGON MC Instructor http://community.webshots.com/user/2linby http://tinyurl.com/njas8 (IBA BunBurner Gold Trip) http://tinyurl.com/lwelx (Alaska trip)
 
When we used to ride double years ago, My wife would hook her thumbs in my belt loops, put her head on my shoulder and go to sleep for miles at a time. Of course that was on Venture Royal. 1990 Aint she a pretty Tomato (the bike ofcourse) wedshots albums http://community.webshots.com/user/sawfiler64/albums/most-recent
 
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