QuestionHello, I am fairly new to riding motorcycles. I just recently bought a 2004 Kawasaki Ninja 500R, and in the short time I have been riding it, I have been gaining ability and confidence. I in no way believe myself to be experienced enough to do so, but I wanted to ask how riding with a passenger changes the dynamics of riding. I am wondering how it changes handling, whether the bike becomes more top-heavy, and any other issues.
AnswerAaron, good choice for a first bike!
Essentially, riding with a pillion doubles the weight the bike has to carry, and puts it up high, and way back. That's going to change the center of gravity and make the bike feel less stable, especially at lower speeds and in slower corners. The front tire will have less weight on it, while the rear will have more, meaning that the normal 75/25 front/rear brake bias will move more towards 50/50. It will take more effort to speed up, slow down, and steer. And that's assuming you pick a GOOD passenger, one who can sit still and not make any movements to destabilize the motorcycle. Unprepared passengers can cause you real problems--even minor movements like turning to look at something can cause the bike to track off line.
There is a ton of information for passengers at the MMSC Web site: http://www.dps.state.mn.us/mmsc/latest/MMSCHomeSecondary.asp?cid=5&mid=83&scat=2...
or go to motorcyclesafety.org, click on Safety Tips at the top, then click on Passengers at the right.
Good luck,
Pat
