Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Riding Comfortably as a Passenger (sportsbike), couple tips, lean angle

Question
My husband has a CBR which obviously doesn't have a
backrest. I have tried to find a comfortable position riding
passenger, but my back and shoulders are always tense and I
get sore very quickly. I'm currently putting my right arm
around his waist and bracing my left arm on the tank. I'm
trying to stay close to him so that I'm in line with the
balance of him and the bike, but if we are both wearing
helmets, I keep bumping into his.

Is there a better way to hold on to him? I know if it were a
cruiser I could probably just put my hands on his hips, but
because the supersport accelerates so quickly, I'm a little
afraid to sit up any more.

Perhaps I'm just inexperienced. Any advice?

Answer
Megan,

As you discovered sportbikes aren't the most comfortable bikes for the passenger. I do have a couple tips for you. The way you are holding on sounds like it is a good method to feel secure on the bike. That's a good thing.

As far as bumping helmets, if you stay focused on the road ahead and anticipate turns you should be looking over his shoulder in the direction of the turn. If the bike will be leaning to the left, look over his left shoulder, if turning to the right then look over his right shoulder. By looking over his shoulder you will be leaning slightly with him and the bike.

When riding two up on a motorcycle you are more than a passenger, you are a co-rider.  You should be communicating with each other when a situation presents itself. The suspension on the motorcycle does a lot of the work to keep you both on your intended path of travel. Both of you want to move smoothly in a way that doesn't cause abrupt changes in the lean angle or suspension. You'll have a smoother ride and it will be easier for him to control the motorcycle. If the ride is more controllable and the bike handling smoothly, you will find that you bump helmets less often.

For the comfort part, there isn't a whole lot you can do. You didn't mention your height but there are companies who make rear footpeg lowering sets that will lower the passenger footpegs. Depending how your legs feel on the bike, they make make you more comfortable and possible feel more secure on the bike.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if it does and if you have any fuurther questions.

Thanks,
Tom