Tips for Two-Up Touring from an Experienced Rider

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Riding a motorcycle is often an intentionally solitary endeavor, but being able to enjoy it with a partner can make the ride more fun while also bringing you closer together. Whether you’re just riding out to dinner on your daily commuter, or crossing the country on a full-dresser, here are some tips to keep you and your significant other passenger happy and comfortable while out on the road.

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There are a number of things that a passenger can do to prepare for the first trip, but as the pilot it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of anyone who gets on the back of your bike.

Communication

Being able to communicate while you’re riding allows you to share the scenery together and enjoy things you see along the journey, rather than talking about them when the bike is stopped. There are a few ways to go about this, from the simple tap and point, to a full Cardo or Sena system, each of which has its perks.

Establishing hand signals before the ride lets you communicate clearly, even with full-face helmets on, and it doesn’t cost a dime. Ask the passenger to refrain from making gestures or signals directly in your blind spot that you may find jarring.

Tap your partner’s knee or shoulder and point at whatever’s cool, or make an eating motion to ask if they’re hungry. You also don’t have to install anything in your helmet, and can remain focused on the road without phone calls or other distractions.

Installing a comms device like a Cardo or Sena lets you and your partner talk in your helmet at a relatively normal volume. New units are loud and clear with effective noise-canceling functionality, so you’re not shouting over wind and engine noise. The newer, quality devices are spendy, going for upwards of $400 for the really good ones.

Start Slow and Build Up

Consider how the vulnerability of being on a bike with someone else at the controls would feel to you, and act accordingly. Make sure your passenger is comfortable and work up to speed. When you first start riding together, it’s easy to get excited and plan a longer trip. Long days and inclement weather on a bike can be daunting, particularly for someone less experienced and enthusiastic about the journey.

Rather than getting into a situation where you’re a long way from your home or hotel, start by staying close for the first few trips. You can still stay on the bike for most of the day, but if at any point you decide you want to turn around and point it back at your garage, it won’t take hours for you to get there.

Shorter trips will not only allow the passenger to get acclimatized, but will allow them to make changes to clothing, seating or gear in order to be more comfortable.

Planned and Unplanned Stops

When you’re riding with a partner, it’s more about a shared experience together than getting from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible. Plan frequent stops to experience and enjoy the locations you pass through. If you see something interesting or photogenic, stop. Stretch your legs and go for a walk, stop for a coffee, and hit up the local antique or vintage shops. It’s best not to try to do too many miles in a day, particularly with a new passenger. Take your time, relish in the stops, and get back on the road whenever you’re both feeling it.

Packing with Purpose

If you have saddlebags or luggage racks on your bike, it’s always smart to pack a few essentials in case of emergency like a tire patch kit and pump. Packing for two requires some imagination and efficiency, especially for longer rides. Rain gear is always good to have on hand and no matter where you are and what time of year, it is a good idea to pack layers to protect you from the elements. Reusable water bottles and some snacks to munch on during shorter stops will keep you hydrated and energized.

The Hoodie Hack

Alright, some of you may not want to tell your partner this one, as it can get annoying if abused, but the Hoodie Hack is a game changer for your passenger. Your job is simple: wear a hoodie. Your passenger then gets to use your hood as a little pocket for their phone, snacks, and whatever else they may want access to while riding. Simple, cheap, and effective.

Too Much Comfort?

The old adage of getting spoiled the first time you ride a full-on touring bike like a Honda Gold Wing or Indian Roadmaster is more true than you’d think. Once your passenger gets a taste of the good life, complete wind protection, heated seat with a nice cradling backrest, and an abundance of storage, that old Dyna or sportbike seat is going to be a much harder sell.

Consider the short and long game of getting your other half on the back of a bike, as they may just like it. Who knows, they may even enjoy being a passenger so much that they decide to make the transition and start riding a motorcycle too.

Morgan Gales

Morgan Gales grew up in Southern California, enamored with motorcycles and the culture that surrounds them from his first moment of exposure. He's a daily rider that hasn't owned a car in years — it's two wheels or nothing. Having written for Cycle World, Motorcyclist Magazine, Road and Track, Cycle Trader, MSN, Hot Bike, Street Chopper, and more, there's no avenue of the two-wheeled world where Gales doesn't feel at home. He brings a level of expertise and authenticity found only by living the life every day, and his passion comes through in every written story.

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