It’s no secret that riding a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have. Another joyful experience that comes to mind is simply spending time with your dog. While the two might seem unrelated, you can easily bring them together for one of the most memorable experiences yet. However, you can’t just have your dog on your lap as you attempt to steer your bike. You’ll need to make some minor modifications to your Harley motorcycle before you bring your dog along for the fun. Read on to learn more.

If you’re still shopping for the perfect motorcycle, visit us at American Harley-Davidson in North Tonawanda, NY. We can also assist with repairs, parts, financing, and more.

Tank Or Tail Bags

For those who have a relatively small dog, you can get away with a simple tank or tail bag setup. Ideally, your furry friend should weigh 25 pounds or less for this option. Tank or tail bags are strapped around the passenger seat’s backrest. This ensures your pet will ride safely and securely without sliding around. You should keep the bag cover open so your dog can poke their head out and enjoy the feeling of the wind on their face. You can even find bags with additional comfort features, like built-in windows, ventilation panels, and extra padding.

Backpack

You don’t want to stuff your pup into an old backpack you have tucked away in a closet. However, you can invest in a special backpack that is specifically made for small dogs. These backpacks are designed with a fitted harness that keeps your dog secure. You can choose whether you’d prefer one that goes on your chest or your back. Don’t forget to consider your pet’s comfort level when making this decision.

One appealing aspect of this option is that some dogs feel nervous with the tank or tail bags. They may feel much more comfortable when they’re close to your body, which is where a backpack option will come in handy.

Dog Seat Or Sidecar

While the last two options are great for small pups, you’ll need to think outside the box for bigger dogs. Medium and large-sized dogs will need to have their own seat on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. The good news is that there are plenty of custom-made dog seats that you can add to your bike. Your pet sits in the seat with their paws on your back. Keep in mind that this isn’t the most secure option. You should consider adding a harness for extra safety. This is also an alternative for small dogs so you don’t get too tired with the extra weight on your chest or back.

If you’ve got a really big dog that simply won’t fit on your bike, you’ll need to add a sidecar to your Harley motorcycle. This might be the most expensive option of the bunch and it’s not always easy to find, but it’s the only safe option out there for bringing a large dog on a ride.

Make It Easy For Your Dog

As you cruise around town with your dog on your motorcycle, be mindful of their comfort level. If you brake suddenly or change directions unexpectedly, it can be tough on your pet. They could end up slipping and sliding, getting thrown forward, or put into another situation that makes them uncomfortable. Keep sudden movements to a minimum. You can also think about installing grip pads that give them more traction. Do whatever you can to make the experience as positive and comfortable as possible for your dog.

We hope our guide has been helpful and you feel ready to hit the road with your four-legged best friend. If you have questions or if you’d like to browse our Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale, stop by our dealership in North Tonawanda, NY. Our team would be happy to help you find your dream bike. American Harley-Davidson is also proud to serve those in Buffalo.

If you happen to be the proud owner of a motorcycle, you probably want to ride it for as long as possible without feeling cramped and uncomfortable. This is a common barrier for riders. After all, your body can only handle so much before it starts giving you issues that you simply cannot ignore, like lower back pain and sore joints. These health problems often cause you to head home earlier than you planned. Fortunately, American Harley-Davidson® has rounded up some great tips for making your ride more comfortable so you can enjoy the open road longer.

For those who are still in the market for the perfect bike, swing by our dealership to check out our inventory. We’re located in North Tonawanda, NY, near Buffalo.

Cruise Control

When you operate a car, cruise control is a feature that definitely comes in handy on long rides. All you have to do is engage it and your limbs will receive a much-needed break. This feature can be just as beneficial on your motorcycle. It’s difficult for any part of your body to remain in the same position for an extended period of time. Cruise control offers the break you need without having to compromise your ability to safely ride. This could even result in you needing fewer breaks!

Unfortunately, the cruise control feature isn’t as common on bikes as it is on cars. It tends to come as a standard feature on touring models, so you do have hope of finding a motorcycle that comes with it. However, if you already own one, you’ll need to find another approach that’ll give you cruise control ability.

Seat Pad Material

The standard seat on your bike might have been the cheapest one for the manufacturer to install, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best one for you to use. Luckily, there are plenty of other options to choose from that will make sitting down for a long period of time much easier.

Some seating options are inflatable cushions while others are made from polymer cushioning, which utilizes the same materials as hospital beds to prevent bed sores from forming. Other seating options use comfy materials, like sheepskin covers. With all of these options, it won’t be too challenging to find a more comfortable seating solution for your motorcycle.

Windshield

Another way to make your ride more comfortable is with a windshield. The constant beating of the wind against your body will inevitably lead to wind fatigue. When you install a windshield, you’ll help boost your overall endurance. It will also help block other discomforts, like snow, rain, bugs, debris, and so on. You’ll be able to choose between a permanent windshield or one that’s removable.

Hydration Pack

It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle is a physically demanding activity, similar to a workout. This means you’ll need to stay hydrated throughout the process. Dehydration can quickly ruin a ride, with side effects ranging from feeling thirsty to coming down with a headache. No one wants to pull over and remove their gloves and helmet just to take a sip of water. When you invest in a hands-free hydration pack, it’ll be much more convenient for you to stay hydrated during your ride without having to slow down.

Breaks & Stretches

Your bike might be built to go for hours on end, but your body isn’t. You’ll need to take ample breaks to avoid fatigue and soreness. You can take the risk and wait until you feel exhausted, but you’ll end up needing to take more time to recover when you go this route. Preventative breaks prevent you from facing these uncomfortable situations and enable you to ride longer.

Another factor to keep in mind is stretching. You certainly wouldn’t hit the gym and start an intense workout without a bit of stretching. The same concept applies to motorcycle riding. Make a point to stretch every muscle group you’ll be using on the road, like your legs, arms, neck, core, and shoulders. This helps cut down on the soreness that can set in during the middle of your ride.

You’re ready to hit the road! For more tips, contact American Harley-Davidson® in North Tonawanda, NY. If you’re in need of parts or repairs before your next ride, visit our dealership for assistance.

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