[mmattockx]

In my mid 20’s there was nothing better than the feel of my (actually, any) girlfriend pressed into my back

Ah, the good old days...

I was taking someone else’s life in my hands

This is something I have impressed on both my kids when they took up street riding. It is a huge responsibility to carry a passenger and many people don't ever seem to grasp this. One should never carry a passenger without acknowledging this responsibility and treating it seriously. It's one thing to be a retard with your own body, quite another to do so with a separate person who may not fully understand the risks in the first place.


Mark

 

[mmattockx]

I’ve only ever had one really good passenger, a friend named Bear who needed a ride to the HD shop that had repaired his bike after a crash.

I've had a couple, but they aren't common. One GF liked riding and really enjoyed spirited riding on my GSXR1000. She was pretty light weight and would lean in with me, making the bike handle nearly the same as solo. My wife is also pretty good, going with the flow and not fighting the bike. She is so relaxed I worry about her falling asleep sometimes. I could never be that relaxed on the bike, but it makes things easier as the operator.


Mark

 

[mmattockx]

My train of thought is the more experience they have while you are in charge of safety the Better they will be when you are not around.

+1 on that. I used the same approach with mine for cars/motorcycles/guns/alcohol and other things that need some judgment and restraint to survive the learning experience. It's about the most you can do to prepare them and guide them while they still will listen some.


Mark