Riding With Passengers; Carrying Loads - Vermont Castings MOTORCYCLE Manual

36
As you prepare for your ride, tell your
passenger to:
• Get on the motorcycle only after
you have started the engine and
have the transmission in neutral. As
the passenger mounts, keep both
your feet on the ground and the
brakes applied.
• Sit as far forward as possible
without hindering your control of
the motorcycle.
• Hold firmly onto your waist, hips,
belt or passenger handholds for
balance and security.
• Keep both feet firmly on the cycle's
footrests, even when stopped. Firm
footing will prevent your passenger
from falling off and pulling you off.
• Keep legs away from the muffler(s),
chains or moving parts.
• Stay directly behind you and lean
with you through turns and curves.
It is helpful for the passenger to
look over the rider's shoulder in the
direction of turns and curves.
• Avoid unnecessary conversation and
avoid leaning or turning around.
Make no sudden moves that might
affect the stability of the motorcycle
when it is in operation.
• Rise slightly off the seat when
crossing an obstacle.
Also, remind your passenger to
tighten his or her hold when you:
testyourself
If you are chased by a dog:
A. Kick it away.
B. Stop until the animal loses interest.
C. Swerve around the animal.
D. Approach the animal slowly, then
speed up.
ridewithinyourabilities
11
Answer - page 47
• Approach surface hazards such as
bumps or uneven road surfaces.
• Are about to start from a stop or
begin moving into traffic.
• Are about to turn sharply or make a
sudden move.

Riding With Passengers

Your motorcycle will respond slowly
when you ride with a passenger. The
heavier your passenger, the longer it will
take to speed up, slow down, or turn.
When riding with passengers:
• Ride a little slower, especially when
taking curves, corners, or bumps. If
any part of the motorcycle scrapes
the ground at lean angle, steering
control can be lost.
• Start slowing earlier as you
approach a stop, and maintain a
larger space cushion whenever
slowing or stopping.
• Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter,
or merge in traffic.

Carrying Loads

Everything you are likely to need for
a riding holiday or weekend trip can
be packed on your motorcycle in many
different ways. There are complete
luggage systems, saddlebags that are
permanently attached to the motorcycle,
soft bags that do not require a carrier
system and can be tied to the seat,
and a tank bag for other small items.
You can also travel simply with only a
backpack. Whatever you decide, do not
exceed gross vehicle weight rating when
traveling with cargo and a passenger,
and always make adjustments to the
motorcycle to compensate for the
added weight.