Part 120 - Carrying Passengers and Cargo... (",)

Carrying Passengers and Cargo

Adjusting to carrying a passenger

To adjust for carrying a passenger, do the following:

• Operate at a slower speed, particularly on corners, curves or bumps.
• Begin to slow down earlier than usual when approaching a stop.
• Allow a greater following distance.
• Look for large gaps in traffic whenever crossing, entering or merging with traffic.
• Before making any sudden moves, warn the passenger so that there are no surprises.
• Adjust the suspension of the motorcycle as outlined in your owner’s manual.

Carrying a passenger

Sudden movements by the passenger will make the bike difficult to control. The passenger should always move when the operator does. This includes leaning forward when the bike speeds up, leaning back when slowing and leaning to the side when turning.

Make sure the bike is built for carrying a passenger. Check the owner’s manual to see if the air pressure in the tires needs adjustment. The passenger should sit as far forward as possible without crowding the operator. Make sure the passenger knows that it is necessary to sit still, and hold on to the driver’s waist and/or any of the bike’s hand grips.

Both of the passenger’s feet should stay on the foot pegs, even when stopped. Hot pipes and mufflers are a major hazard for passengers.

To allow for the extra weight of the passenger, adjust the shock absorbers and check the slack in the drive chain.

Carrying cargo

Most motorcycles are not designed to carry much cargo. Small loads can be carried safely if positioned and fastened properly.

• Keep the load as low as practical.
• Fasten loads securely or put them in saddlebags.
• Place the load over or in front of the rear axle. Mounting loads behind the rear axle can affect control of the motorcycle.
• Tank bag loads should be kept forward, but use caution when loading hard or sharp objects. Make sure the tank bags do not interfere with the handlebars or controls.
• Load saddlebags with about the same weight on each side. An uneven load could affect the motorcycle’s balance.
• Fasten the load securely with elastic cords (bungee cords or nets). Elastic cords with more than one attachment point per side are more secure. Rope tends to stretch and knots come loose, permitting the load to shift or fall.
• Stop and check the load regularly to make sure it has not worked loose or moved.
• Never attach cargo to the front fender or handlebars.

TQ to http://transportation.alberta.ca/