Riding your motorcycle with a passenger sure sounds like a great idea for a new adventure. However, riding with a passenger drastically affects your motorcycle's handling. Learn more about the topic and about some useful tips in this article by Sheriff Synthetics.

Are you planning a motorcycle road trip with a passenger? If so, make sure you are prepared and know what you should look out for. Even if you are an experienced rider, riding with a passenger changes your motorcycle's handlings drastically and requires a lot of practice. Your braking as well as the change in your center of balance are some of the aspects you should consider. To learn more about the topic as well as some tips on how to have success on your adventure, read this article by Sheriff Synthetics in Key Largo, FL.

How Ridding with a Passenger Affects Handling

Riding with a passenger greatly affects the overall handling of your motorcycle. By having an extra passenger, your bike will have extra pressure as it will have to carry almost twice of the weigh it is used to. Also, your center of gravity will change, making you have to adjust to a new feeling of riding. Your braking and accelerating are also aspects you should look out for, as your braking distances will be different. These are some of the aspects you should be aware of to ensure yours and your passenger's safety.

Adjusting Your Motorcycle

First, ensure your motorcycle is properly equipped to carry your passenger. Ensure you have a pinion seat as well as rear footrests. Also, check your tire pressure and adjust it for the extra weight. Your suspension will also need some adjustment to ensure it is prepared for your adventure. If you aren't sure about correct levels or measurements for your motorcycle, give your motorcycle's owner's manual a good read. It will tell you the specific details for your bike.

To ensure your motorcycle is road-trip ready, ensure you give it proper maintenance. Give your engine the best products like AMSOIL's 20W-40 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil to ensure maximum protection. Speak with a professional at Sheriff Synthetics in Key Largo, FL, to learn about the benefits of a synthetic oil change by calling (305) 451-2147.

Prepare Your Passenger

Especially if your passenger is a first time rider, it's crucial you prepare them and educate them on the correct ways in which to behave on the road. If your passenger isn't aware on what to pay attention to,  you can end up in a possibly dangerous and unwanted situation. To ensure both yours and your passenger's safety, here are some of the details you should teach them about:

• How to get on and off the motorcycle: make your motorcycle be as upright as possible and place both your feet firmly on the ground before instructing your passenger to get on. Instruct them to get on the left-hand side of the motorcycle to prevent them from getting burnt by the muffler.
• Movements: it's crucial to instruct your passenger to follow your movements as a lot pf people tend to sit straight or lean on to the opposite direction when the motorcycle is turning. Also, make it a point for them to hold on to you to prevent them from slamming into you when you stop.
• Hand signals: develop some hands signals so you are able to communicate while riding. These signals can be about anything you find necessary. Some hand signals could be about things like "slow down", "pull over" or "everything is okay".

If you need extra assistance on how to prepare for your motorcycle adventure, speak with an expert at Sheriff Synthetics. Learn about amazing AMSOIL products for your engine by visiting the online store or learn about the benefits of a synthetic oil change by calling (305) 451-2147 today!

Safety Gear

Safety is the most important thing to ensure on any motorcycle ride. You as a rider surely have your proper motorcycle gear, what about your passenger? Remember that your passenger's safety is in your hands, so ensure they have appropriate and adequate gear. The essential items every rider should have are motorcycle helmet, jacket, long pants, gloves, and appropriate foot wear. Motorcycle gear is made with special materials that ensure maximum protection and that have armor over the joints. If your passenger doesn't own motorcycle gear ask your friends, they might be able to lend you gear. If this is not an option, a jacket and pants made out of fabric like denim or leather are the best option. Also, ensure your passenger's footwear doesn't have laces to prevent them getting caught in the rear wheel.

Practice and Practice Some More

Before heading on the road, make sure to get some hours of practice. Head out to an empty parking lot and practice riding with your passenger. This is the best way to ensure you are prepared and are able to get a good feel of what it's like to ride with another passenger on your bike. Practicing will also allow your passenger to understand the way they need to move and how to behave properly while riding the motorcycle.

Make Sure You and Your Passenger Are Safe on the Road by Giving Your Motorcycle Maintenance

Giving your engine maintenance is a great way to ensure you and your passenger are safe on the road. Speak with a professional at Sheriff Synthetics in Key Largo, FL, to learn about the benefits that a synthetic oil change can have for your engine. Also, learn about products like AMSOIL's 20W-40 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil that offer your engine maximum protection and improvement on its performance. For more information, call (305) 451-2147 today!