Don't just get on the back of a motorcycle without knowing a few things.
Just because you're a passenger on a motorcycle doesn't mean you don't have a responsibility. We know that with the added weight of a person moving around on the back can totally change the dynamics of how your bike rides and handles. But this article isn't about that. This article is about you as a passenger knowing something about the person that is operating the motorcycle that you are about to get on and trust your life to. Don't assume that because they have been riding for awhile that it is safe for you to get on. Years of riding does not mean years of expertise. Sometimes it only means years of bad habits that haven't caught up to them yet.
This article was inspired by some advice one of these experienced riders was trying to pass down to new riders. This experienced rider stated that he and a female companion were traveling down the road one day when he turned his head to speak to his passenger. Although he claim it was only for a brief moment, he then stated that when he turned around the light was turning red and he wasn't going to make it. This rider stated that he had to slam on his brakes and the motorcycle skidded for and undetermined amount of feet before coming to a stop. Luckily it didn't skid into the intersection. This experienced rider's advice to new riders was, in hindsight I should have never tried to stop for that red light. Don't try to stop at red lights when it's that close because with a passenger on the back it is harder to stop with the extra weight. I'll give you a second to digest that.
Now that you have finished shaking your head, let's replay this. Not once did he mention that his inattentiveness to the road played a factor. Nor did he mention speed or the fact that running red lights is illegal and bad for your health. Going through a green light at an intersection is sketchy enough. I don't even think it occurred to him that he was putting someone else's life in danger. We won't even mention if alcohol or drugs played any factor in this. Because this rider saw nothing wrong with his actions, he is a prime suspect to do it again, but maybe next time he or they won't be so lucky. That passenger should have gotten off that motorcycle as soon as it stopped and found another way back.
This is why passengers need to be educated about motorcycles and riders before getting on the back of one. Just because someone seems to be a good rider by themselves doesn't mean they are a good rider with a passenger. If you're operating a motorcycle with a passenger remember it's not just your life you're risking. Have fun, be safe.
I've heard that anyone who wants to ride on the back of a motorcycle should be able to ride alone, and I think that's very wise. Take the MSF course and get the endorsement. That way the passenger will know the behavior of a bike in general, and is a potential driver for the bike if something happens.