Stage 2 Course Content 18 — Information on Riding Double on Two-Wheeled Vehicles

※ This course content is for people intending to acquire a large motorcycle license or regular motorcycle license.

• Laws and regulations concerning riding double
• Special riding characteristics of riding double

1. Laws and Regulations concerning Riding Double

The cases where riding double on a large motorcycle or regular motorcycle is allowed and prohibited are provided as follows (excluding those with sidecars).

(Refer to p. 162)

2. Special Riding Characteristics of Riding Double

Fully understand the difference in riding characteristics between riding double and riding alone and drive carefully. To ride double safely, becoming skilled in riding the vehicle alone is important. Also, take a training on riding double.

1. Preparations for Riding Double

1. Choose a vehicle of the type that you can ride double comfortably, that has superior stability, and has enough space in the rear seat.
2. Give instructions to a passenger about how to ride properly, so that he/she can ride safely.
   • A passenger should ride as one with the driver, and avoid moving in an unwanted way.
   • Follow instructions of the driver.
   • Since it is difficult to talk with the passenger while traveling, notify the passenger of the destination, the places to rest before starting. Also, signals to communicate with each other should be agreed in advance.

<Proper riding posture>

• Face: Look ahead carefully and understand the movement of the driver.
• Knees: Press both knees firmly against the driver's hip.
• Feet: Do not move the feet off the steps. Keep the feet firmly on the step to remain stable during acceleration and deceleration.
• Hands: Ride as one with the driver. Putting both arms around the driver's waist is the ideal way to do so. Prevent the body weight from moving forward at the time of braking by firmly holding the grab bar, etc.
• Sitting position: Sit with a proper distance from the driver. (Do not be too close or too far)

Clothing, helmets, and protectors — A passenger should also wear a motorcycle helmet correctly and wear noticeably colored clothing with minimal exposure, suited to protecting and maintaining the temperature of the body. Also, wear protectors when possible.

2. Operation Based on Special Characteristics of Riding Double

When riding double, as a vehicle becomes heavier with the weight of the passenger, the driving characteristics that are not observed in riding alone appear, such as a shift in the center of gravity, change in inertia, etc. Since such differences have a considerable impact when a driver takes action suddenly to avoid danger, etc., the driver should try to drive carefully without hurrying.

1. Cautions when accelerating

• Note that since acceleration becomes hard compared to riding alone as the vehicle becomes heavy with the passenger's weight, you will need a longer distance to overtake a vehicle or to merge on an expressway.
• If you start or accelerate suddenly, the passenger may be pulled backward and lose balance. Accelerate the vehicle gently.

2. Cautions when decelerating

As the weight of the passenger falls on a driver's back, the driver should keep his/her upper arms close to his/her sides, hold the handlebars firmly, and decelerate gently. Sudden braking is especially dangerous, since the weights of the driver and the passenger are both applied to the front wheel, which leads to losing balance. Decelerate sufficiently in advance, without hurrying.

3. Cautions when driving on curves

Since the gross weight increases, it becomes hard to tilt the vehicle body, and once the vehicle starts to tilt, it tilts very quickly. Also, the passenger may raise his/her body instinctively because of the fear. Since the driver does not expect such action of the passenger, he/she may lose balance and become unable to deal with the curve. The important points are "to reduce speed sufficiently before curve", "not to tilt the vehicle body excessively", and "to avoid sudden operations".

Also, tell the passenger to take a posture similar to the driver before entering the curve.

When riding double, the center of gravity shifts to rearward and the traction of the front wheel becomes weaker, and driving becomes unstable. Therefore, do not accelerate until the curve is passed.

4. Cautions when changing course

As the vehicle is heavier, moving to the right or left becomes harder, and the balance is easily lost. You should ensure sufficient clearance to the front and rear as well as to the right and left, and change course without hurrying, while slightly accelerating.

5. Avoiding danger

Drive with the understanding that avoiding danger becomes very difficult compared to riding alone.

6. Consideration for the passenger

Consideration for the passenger is also important. To prevent the passenger from falling asleep or to help them recover from fatigue, take a rest occasionally in good time.

Let's Try — Course Content 18 — Check your understanding with right/wrong questions.

(See page 275 for answers.)

1. (Traffic sign: Prohibition against riding double on a large or regular motorcycle) — On the road where this traffic sign is posted, riding double on large motorcycles and regular motorcycles is prohibited.
2. When a driver applies brakes while riding double on a large or regular motorcycle, the passenger's weight shifts, due to which the vehicle is likely to lose balance and overturn.
3. When riding double on a large or regular motorcycle, a driver does not need to worry about the fatigue of the passenger.
4. Since riding double on a large motorcycle or regular motorcycle has different driving characteristics from riding alone, a driver should be skilled in riding the vehicle alone before riding double.
5. When riding double on a motorcycle, it is better to choose a vehicle equipped with a narrow rear seat, so that unwanted movement of the passenger can be restricted.

(正: right, 誤: wrong)