INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Jackson, WY | (307) 413-6480

OUR BLOG

3/11/2020
Are you planning to ride your motorcycle with a passenger for the first time? Motorcycle adventures are very exciting, and ensuring you are safe and ready is essential. If you want to ensure success on your trip, ensure to read these tips that Vaughan Distributing has for you in this article.

If you are an experienced rider, you know that motorcycle road-trips are full of excitement. But what about taking someone with you along the ride? If you are planning to ride with a passenger for the first time, it's important to learn about the aspects you should be specially careful about to ensure you have success on your adventure. Learn some tips by reading this article that Vaughan Distributing in Jackson, WY, has for you to keep both you and your passenger safe.

How Riding with a Passenger Affects Handling a Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle on its own can be a challenge, but riding with a passenger makes riding a whole lot more difficult. Your motorcycle is used to carrying your weight and by adding another person, your motorcycle has to carry almost twice the weight it normally does. This puts pressure on your tires and completely changes your center of balance. Additionally, your braking will be different as the stopping distances will become longer and your accelerating will also be more difficult.

Prepare Your Motorcycle

As mentioned before, your motorcycle has to hold extra weight, reasons to why it's important to ensure your tire pressure is at the right measure. Also, you should ensure to adjust your suspension to ensure it is ready to perform correctly for your adventure. For long rides, ensure to get a pinion seat and rear footrests to ensure your passengers safety and comfort.

What better way to ensure your motorcycle is road-trip ready than by giving it proper maintenance. With products like AMSOIL's 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, your engine's performance will increase while having maximum protection. Learn the benefits of a synthetic oil change by calling (307) 413-1011 and speaking with a professional at Vaughan Distributing in Jackson, WY.

Help Your Passenger Be Prepared

Especially if your passenger isn't an experienced rider, making sure they are prepared and informed on how to behave while riding a motorcycle is crucial. Here is a short list of some of the aspects you should discuss with your passenger before embarking on your adventure:
  • How to get on and off the motorcycle: take some time to explain to your passenger the best way to get on and off the motorcycle. Start by having your motorcycle in an upright position and your feet planted firmly on both sides of the motorcycle. Instruct them to get on the motorcycle on the left-hand side to avoid getting burnt by the muffler.
  • Hand signals: it's important you come up with some hand signals together to ensure you have optimal communication while on the road. The signs can be any sings that work best for you. Create hand signals for things like "pull over," "you are going too fast, slow down," "everything is in order," and so on.
  • Movements: help your passenger understand the importance of them mirroring your movements while riding. Also, ensure you tell them to avoid making any sudden movement that could put your balance in danger. Ensure to tell them to hold on tightly to you to prevent them from slamming into you in case of having to come to a sudden stop.

Are you in need of some extra assistance to prepare for your adventure? Speak with a professional at Vaughan Distributing in Jackson to learn about the benefits that a synthetic oil change can give your engine. Learn about the best motor oil on the market for motorcycles by visiting the online store or calling (307) 413-1011.

Protective Gear

Safety is the most important thing when it comes to riding a motorcycle. Having proper safety gear is crucial to ensure you and your passenger are protected in case of any accident or unexpected situation. Remember that your passenger's safety is in your hands, so ensure they are properly equipped for the ride. Some essential gear items are a motorcycle helmet, jacket, long pants, gloves, and appropriate footwear. Motorcycle gear is made with special materials and with armor over the joints to ensure your safety and protection. If your passenger doesn't own motorcycle gear, ask your fellow riders if they can lend you some gear. If this is not a possibility, ensure your passenger wears garments made out of durable and strong materials like leather or denim. Also, ensure your passenger's footwear doesn't have laces to prevent them from getting caught on the rear wheel.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Ensure you take some time to practice before heading out on the road. Head out to an empty parking lot with your passenger to practice your braking, accelerating, turns, and more. By practicing you will be able to get used to the feeling of riding with someone and the changes you need to make to your riding. Additionally, your passenger will be able to get comfortable and learn how to properly behave on the motorcycle before going on your adventure.

Ensure You and Your Passenger Are Prepared for Your Adventure by Giving Your Motorcycle Maintenance

To ensure your success on your trip, ensure your motorcycle is in the best condition possible. Give your engine proper maintenance in Jackson WY. With products like AMSOIL's 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, your engine will have great performance while being protected. Speak with a professional at Vaughan Distributing and learn about the benefits of a synthetic oil change. For more amazing products visit the online store or call (307) 413-1011 today!