For others, however, the only thing scarier than riding on a Spyder Roadster is riding on the back of one. If they're just plain frightened of the whole open-air experience and have no interest in riding whatsoever … well, that's a topic for another article. The people we're talking about here are interested in riding with their spouse, friend, or significant other, but are nervous about the idea.

Maybe they've just never been properly instructed on how to be a good passenger. Or – and this is more common than you might think – somebody gave them a ride on a motorcycle years ago, and it scared them to death.

"I didn't like all that leaning you have to do," one anonymous associate WCS member recalls about her early experience. "I didn't like not being in control, and I always felt like I was about to fall off."

What this would-be rider apparently didn't understand (and her rider no doubt failed to explain, perhaps because he didn't understand it himself) is that if you're doing it properly, the leaning happens very naturally. If the passenger is trying too hard to lean, they are only causing problems for herself and her rider.

The rider, of course, shares equally (or perhaps bears an even greater responsibility) in creating a safe and enjoyable two-up experience. In addition to making sure the passenger knows what to do, the rider must understand, for example, how differently the Spyder Roadster will handle with an extra body on board. Confidence is a must for the rider; trust is essential for the passenger.

Always consult your owner's manual for guidelines for riding 2 up.

As always, practice and experience are keys to getting comfortable for both the rider and passenger. But by studying some of the basics presented here (even if you're already part of an experienced rider-passenger team), you'll be taking solid steps toward getting the most out of the two-up experience.

Adjust and Equip Your Motorcycle
Chances are, your passenger won't appreciate it if you refer to them as "cargo" – and definitely avoid using the phrase "oversize load"! But it will help you as a rider to think of them that way, as many of the same principles and guidelines apply to carrying passengers as do to carrying cargo.

Tires
More loads on the Spyder Roadster probably mean more air pressure is required in your tires. Again, consult your owner's manual for guidelines. Under-inflation can reduce gas mileage, adversely affect handling, and create an unsafe situation. Over-inflation increases the risk of a blowout.

Headlamp
One consideration that is often overlooked with a passenger is headlamp adjustment. See how your bike sinks down a little when the passenger climbs aboard? There's a good chance that will affect the angle of your headlight, especially on a Spyder Roadster. Have someone check the angle of your headlight while both you and your passenger are aboard, then make adjustments as needed. In addition, make sure your Spyder Roadster is properly equipped for carrying a passenger.

Seat
Your seat should be large enough to accommodate both of you without crowding. You (the rider) should not have to sit any farther forward than normal. Adding a backrest for the passenger provides some extra comfort, not to mention an added feeling of security. If your Spyder Roadster was changed to a solo seat, never never NEVER carry a passenger. Not ever.

Foot pegs/Floorboards
Make sure your Spyder Roadster is equipped with passenger foot pegs. These come standard on all Spyder Roadster models. In addition, make sure your passenger can reach the foot pegs easily, an especially important factor if your potential passenger is a child.

Instruct Your Passenger
In some ways, this is the most important step – especially if you're dealing with a first-time passenger, or someone who had a bad previous experience. The better you prepare him or her for their ride, the better the chance they'll enjoy it and want to do it again.

Attire
Generally speaking, the same guidelines apply to the passenger as apply to you. They should wear a helmet, sturdy boots or shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, and gloves. Make sure nothing is "hanging out" – such as shoelaces, loose pant legs, or a scarf – that could potentially get caught in the moving parts.

Hot Stuff
Show your passenger where the hot things are, such as the header pipes and mufflers, and caution them that touching them can cause injury. Explain that this is one reason proper attire is important.

Suspension
No matter what type of Spyder Roadster you're riding, you'll improve its passenger performance by making sure you have the suspension – both front and rear – set properly. Not only will you maximize comfort by creating a smoother ride, you'll enhance the handling. When you're suspension is working properly, your tires maintain better contact with the road, providing more traction and greater stability. Consult your Spyder Roadster owner's manual for details about your specific model (and to make sure you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR), but here are a couple of tips for knowing you've hit the mark:

• Use your eyes, ears, and the seat of your pants as diagnostic tools. That is, watch, listen, and feel for any bottoming out or any metal-on-metal noises.
• When the front end is adjusted properly, your suspension should be doing all the work – constantly moving up and down to absorb road shock – while your handlebars and hands remain steady and relaxed.
• Finally, don't assume that just because you're not experiencing any overt "problems" your Spyder Roadster is adjusted properly. You may well be very surprised at just how much better it will feel and perform by making a little extra effort to set things properly.