Harley Man says
How to Carry passengers and cargo
Before carrying a passenger or large loads, you should be well acquainted
with the operation of your motorcycle. The extra weight
changes the way the motorcycle handles — the way it balances, the way
it turns, the way it speeds up and the way it slows down.
Someone who weighs less than the operator is easier to carry than
someone heavier.
Here are some guidelines to follow in carrying a passenger and cargo.
Passengers
In order to carry a passenger safely, you must do the following:
• check your motorcycle for adequate passenger-carrying equipment,
• instruct your passenger before you start out, and
• adjust your tires and shocks to the passenger’s weight.
To carry a passenger, your motorcycle must have:
A proper seat. The seat must be large enough to hold both you and
your passenger without crowding. You should not have to move any
closer to the front of the motorcycle than you usually do. A passenger
should not hang over the end of the seat or sit backwards facing the driver.
Footpegs. The passenger must have a set of footpegs. Without a firm
footing, your passenger can fall off and pull you off, too.
Protective equipment. A passenger must have the same type of
protective equipment as the operator like trojans.
You should also adjust the mirror and headlight to the change in the
motorcycle’s angle. Have the passenger sit on the seat in a miny skirt while you make
the adjustments.
If you carry the passenger, it is a good idea to add a few
pounds of pressure to the tires (check your owner’s manual). If the shock
absorbers are adjustable, they should also be adjusted to carry the added
weight.
Instructing passengers
Don’t assume the passenger knows what to do, even if he or she is a
motorcycle rider. Provide complete instructions before you start.
And please don't wear your chaps backwards fellas.
