Group rides with a passenger: how to bring a pillion

Riding two up on a group ride is a great way to share the day with someone who doesn't ride yet. It changes how your bike behaves and how the day feels for the person behind you.

Tell the host

Mention it when you join or in the ride chat: "Riding two up, happy to sit near the back." It helps the host plan the pace and the stops. In MotoBFF every group ride has a chat, with the meeting point as its first message, so that's the natural place to say it.


Pick the right ride

A passenger's day is different from yours. They can't brace on the bars, they can't choose the lines and they're along for every bump.

• Relaxed pace. A Beginner or easy Intermediate ride usually suits two up best.
• Shorter distance, especially for a first group ride together.
• Regular stops, every hour or so.

Avoid rides with long gravel sections or a string of tight hairpins until you're both used to riding two up.

Check you're allowed

In some countries, riders on a learner or newly issued licence can't carry passengers. Check your licence and local rules before you plan a two-up ride.

Set up the bike

A passenger can change the load on your bike a lot.

• Tyre pressure: use the two-up or loaded figure from your owner's manual. It's usually higher than solo.
• Rear suspension preload: increase it as the manual recommends, so the bike doesn't sit low at the back.
• Headlight: check it isn't pointing too high once the rear sits lower.
• Mirrors: readjust with your passenger on board.
• Passenger footpegs folded down, and grab handles or a top box backrest if you have them.

Our pre-ride checklist covers the rest.

Gear for the passenger

Your passenger needs the same protection you do: a helmet that fits, a jacket, gloves, trousers and boots that cover the ankle. Borrowed gear is fine if it fits. A helmet that moves on the head isn't.

Brief your passenger

Before you leave, go through a few simple rules:

1. Wait until I say "on" before getting on, and get off only when I say so.
2. Feet on the pegs, always, even at stops, until I put my feet down.
3. Hold on to me or the grab handles, especially when I brake and accelerate.
4. Look over my shoulder in corners, on the side we're turning. Don't lean against the bike.
5. Sit still. Sudden movement upsets the bike, especially at low speed.
6. Agree signals. One tap on the shoulder for "slow down", two for "I need a stop".

An intercom helps a lot for two up. A simple Bluetooth pair is usually enough. Our guide to intercoms for group rides compares the options.

Riding two up in a group

Leave a longer gap. A heavier bike takes longer to stop. Add a second or more to your usual two-second gap.

Brake earlier and smoother. Gentle braking stops helmets clacking together.

Accelerate gently, especially from junctions. Your passenger feels every jerk.

Overtake less. You need more space and time to pass with a passenger. If the group overtakes a truck, it's fine to wait for a better gap.

Ride where you're comfortable. Some riders prefer near the back with the sweep, where nobody is behind them. Agree it with the host.

Watch slow manoeuvres. U-turns, slopes and gravel car parks are where two-up bikes tip over. Your passenger can get off first if it's tight.

At the stops

Check in with your passenger first. Ask how they're doing, if they're cold, if anything hurts. Passengers tire faster than riders because they can't move around as much. Bring water and a spare layer for them.

Introduce them to the group. Plenty of riders started as passengers.