Riding with your Dog
Your four-legged best friend can make a great riding partner! Plenty of riders take their pet along on a bike ride and you can too. You will need some kind of adjustment to your motorcycle to ensure your pet has a safe and comfortable ride and we discuss the many options below. For all your bike needs, visit Maxey's Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Small Dogs
If your dog is 25 pounds or less, consider tank or tail bags. These get strapped to the passenger backrest. He can sit securely on your motorcycle with ease, taking in the sights and enjoying the trip. Keep the bag cover open so that your pup can fully enjoy the sensation of wind in his face. Some options come with extra features to help make the ride even more comfortable, such as built-in windows, ventilation panels, and extra padding.
Another small dog option is a backpack. But this is not whatever backpack you currently have laying around your house. This one is more of a fitted harness that can go on your chest or back. Either option works, it just depends on what is more comfortable for you and your pet. This approach can be beneficial for sensitive dogs who get nervous in a tail or tank bag. With the backpack, they are situated much closer to your body (which can resemble the soothing feeling of being held).
Medium and Big Dogs
For owners of larger breeds, you'll need a different strategy since your dog won't be able to fit on your bike! If that's your situation, a great strategy is a dog seat or sidecar. It provides a separate seating space for your pet to still go on the ride without being cramped on your motorcycle.
For the dog seat, it can be custom-made to fit your bike. You'll ride like normal and your dog can rest her paws on your back. Keep in mind this option is not as secure, so you will be wise to purchase an added harness for extra safety. This option is also feasible for smaller breeds, which may be ideal for you if you want to avoid the pressure of extra weight that happens with the tank or tail bags.
The sidecar is a great option for the big breeds who are too large to fit on a motorcycle seat. It can be hard to find an option that is compatible with your bike and the sidecar is a more expensive option. But it may be the only way to get your bud on the road, which is well-worth the investment!
Your Dog's Comfort
When you take your pet on a motorcycle ride, you'll want to adapt your riding style to keep him comfortable. Sudden braking or changes in directions should be avoided as much as possible. Each time you make a drastic change, he could lose his footing and end up in an uncomfortable position. Installing grip pads help provide more friction so he can more easily stay upright. Take breaks to give him water and a break as needed. If you are taking him on a touring trip, you'll want to stop at parks so he can go to the bathroom and stretch his legs. Plenty of great adventures await for you two!
We hope you found these tips helpful! For all your motorcycle needs, visit Maxey's Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, and Shawnee, Oklahoma. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions about riding with your dog or anything else related to motorcycles, so stop by today!