When you do start carrying passengers, carry someone who is light, 100 pounds or less, before carrying a heavy person.

Here are some guidelines to follow when carrying passengers and cargo.

PASSENGERS

To carry passengers safely:

• Make certain your motorcycle is equipped to carry passengers.
• Instruct your passenger before you start out.
• Adjust to the passenger's weight.
• Your passenger is required to wear a helmet.

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).

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR PASSENGERS

To carry passengers, your motorcycle must have:

A proper seat. The seat should 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. Passengers should not hang over the end of the seat.

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. Passengers should have the same type protective equipment and clothing worn by the operator.

INSTRUCTING PASSENGERS

Don't assume the passenger knows what to do. Even if he or she is a motorcycle rider, give complete instructions before you start.

Passengers should be told to:

• Get on the motorcycle after the engine has started.
• Sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.
• Hold tightly to your waist, hips, or belt.
• Keep both feet on the pegs at all times. The Vehicle Code states that the passenger must keep both feet on the footpegs "...while the vehicle is in motion." They should be kept there even when the motorcycle is stopped.
• Keep legs away from the muffler(s).
• Stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean.
• Avoid any unnecessary motion or talk.

RIDING WITH PASSENGERS

When carrying a passenger, the motorcycle responds more slowly. It takes longer to speed up, slow down, or make a turn. The heavier the passenger or the lighter the cycle, the longer these things take.

To adjust for the added weight of the passenger, you should:

• Operate at a somewhat lower speed, particularly on corners, curves, or bumps.
• Begin to slow down earlier than usual when approach ing a stop.
• Allow a greater following distance and keep more distance between yourself and cars to either side.
• Look for larger gaps whenever you cross, enter, or merge with traffic.

Warn your passenger when you intend to start moving, stop quickly, turn sharply, or ride over a bump. Tell your passenger to tighten his or her hold when you approach surface problems or are about to start from a stop, and warn them that you are going to make a sudden move.

If you have to talk to your passenger, turn your head just enough to make yourself understood while keeping your eyes on the road ahead.

CARRYING LOADS

Although motorcycles are not really designed to carry cargo, small loads can be carried safely if they are properly positioned and fastened.

Keep the load low

Secure loads to the seat or put them in saddlebags. Do not pile loads against a sissy bar or frame on the back of the seat. This will change the center of gravity and disturb the balance of the motorcycle.

Keep the load forward

Place the load over, or in front of, the rear axle. Anything mounted behind the rear wheel can affect the way the motorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause a wobble.

Distribute the load evenly

If you have saddlebags, make certain the load in each one is about the same. An uneven load can cause the motorcycle to pull to one side.

Secure the load

Fasten the load securely with elastic cords (bungee cords). Rope tends to stretch and knots can come loose which will permit the load to shift or fall. A loose load can catch in the wheel or chain. If this happens, the rear wheel may lock up and cause the motorcycle to skid.

Check the load

Check the load every so often, when stopped. Make sure it has not worked loose or moved.

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