POLOKWANE – At some point a motorcycle rider will either want to carry, or be pressured into carrying, a passenger on his or her motorcycle.
According to Nong, who has over 20 years of biking experience, carrying a passenger can affect the way a motorcycle handles.
Ways that a bike can be affected include:
• Braking procedures may be affected. Braking sooner or with greater pressure may be required.
• A passenger will affect the handling characteristics of a motorcycle due to the extra weight and independent motion.
• Extra caution is called for in a corner because of the extra weight. Cornering clearances may be affected.
The owner’s manual can provide valuable information about weight limitations, operational recommendations, and equipment setup. In addition, it will give the rider information on the needed suspension and tyre pressure that should be adjusted when carrying a passenger.
“The weight makes starting out more difficult, and reduces acceleration capability. More time and space will be required for passing. It may also increase total stopping distance. Stability may be affected in turns and curves,” Nong said.
He said that bikers must make sure that they follow the correct equipment requirements by law for themselves and their passengers.
This may differ from one motorbike to the next and will include the following:
• The motorcycle must have passenger footrests
• Passengers must be able to reach the footrests
• The motorcycle must have a separate seating area for a passenger.
“When it comes to driving any form of vehicle the most important thing will always be doing it the right way. There is no other way than making sure that you have the licence to not only ride a motorcycle, but to do it well, so that people who trust you with their lives are safe,” Nong said.
