Nowadays, it’s possible to purchase a whole host of ingenious products to ensure that your pet is comfortable every time they join you on your bike. Carriers with access holes for their heads mean they can enjoy the views from your bike, specially-designed goggles stop the wind from making their eyes water or getting bugs in them, blankets keep them cosy during the colder months and an entire range of pet-friendly helmets are there to protect them, whatever happens. Don’t forget a bandana if you want your pet to look as cool as you do on the bike.
Make sure your pet is fit enough to ride if you’re thinking of getting them on your bike with you. If your dog is particularly anxious or your cat is elderly and infirm, it may be better not to bring them with you.
Despite stereotypes, dedicated motorcyclists are also real softies who love their pets like family. At Devitt, we know our customers, and we know how important their pets are to them. So keeping pets safe and content on and around motorbikes is a cause we’re committed to.
Having your pooch, or even your cat or other animals, hitch a ride on the bike is a true joy. Bring them on all your rides and you’ll no longer have to worry about them pining for you when you head off. Whether you’re on-route to the countryside, the coast, or you’re running errands around town, it’s more fun with your best friend on board.
Either way, this guide is your go-to when you want to share your love of motorcycling with the (furry) love of your life.
Do Dogs Enjoy Riding on Motorcycles?
Again, whether a dog shares your appreciation for the open road depends on the individual dog. The loud noises and vibrations can induce anxiety in some dogs because they view the machine as a threat.
Larger dogs, in particular, may be less amenable to hopping on a bike. Part of the reason is that they tend to dislike being picked up. If your dog is a herding dog, you might have even noticed him trying to “herd” bikes when they roar down the street.
Smaller dog breeds may be less threatened by motorcycles. They’re used to being handled and picked up by their owners, and the safety they feel in your arms or your proximity can more than compensate for any jarring noises or vibrations from the bike.
Introducing your dog at a young age can also help him acclimate better to the bike. Instead of having to “learn” how to ride with you, your pup will view riding as a way of life.
There is a surprisingly large number of options for motorcycle dog seats. To help narrow down your choices, we picked three of our favorites.
What Safety Measures Do You Take?
Despite the inherent risks, there are many measures we can take to improve the level of safety for the rider and the passenger. Some of the standard safety measures include:
When you ride with your dog, there are several additional categories of safety measures to consider:
In our experience, checking off all or as many of these as possible can substantially reduce the risks.