Every motorcyclist needs a friend to chart the open road. A trusted companion will watch your back, help you navigate and call for help in an emergency. Talking shop will keep you informed as you learn from each other, and you can always borrow their tools to make repairs on the fly. With close to half of U.S. adults experiencing loneliness, you can use your love of bikes to cement the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Consider these factors to find a riding buddy who shares your sense of adventure.

Comparable Experience

You can’t share the experience when one person can’t keep up. If you’re an old pro, you’ll want someone who can hold their own on the road so you can drive at your usual speed without holding back. If you’re still learning, find a more experienced rider willing to show you the ropes. Be upfront about your riding abilities as a beginner to ensure they have the required patience.

Just because someone has been riding for a while doesn’t mean they share your skills. Ideally, they ride roughly as often as you and in similar environments. Platonic riding romances are made for exploring new routes. You should agree on how long you plan to ride each day and the destination to ensure you’re both up for the trip.

Similar Riding Style

Every rider has a signature style. The trick is finding someone with one similar to yours. From braking times to your average mph, how you and your friend drive will affect your relationship. A faster, more reckless driver might leave you in the dust or put you in a dangerous situation. Friends don’t let friends ride unsafely. You and your companion should respect the rules of the road. Avoid riding with someone who puts your safety at risk.

One of your first decisions is how and when to communicate. Using hand signals and looking at each other to share a few words while riding increases your risk of accidents. You can wait until you come to a stop to finish your thought or use motorcycle helmet Bluetooth headsets to talk hands-free mid-trip. They mount onto your helmets and connect automatically in range so you can focus on the road. Sync up to 15 riders before you depart to chat all day long.

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Safe Equipment

Your companion also needs the gear to meet you where the rubber meets the road, including a quality helmet, goggles (if using a skull cap), gloves, boots and a bike with a comparable engine size. Even the best rider can’t keep pace on the highway with an 800cc engine. Riding near a malfunctioning motorcycle can endanger you and other riders. They should bring their safety gear to the festivities every time or use yours if you have extras. If mounting a GPS, use smart motorcycle speakers to connect wirelessly to your device so you don’t have to pull over and look at the map.

Proximity

Developing your friendship requires you to be in the same place simultaneously, which means living near enough to one another that you can ride together regularly. Online pals are great, but talking through a screen pales compared to sharing the road with another capable rider. Find fellow motorcyclists using location-based apps and social networks. Consider how much you’ll spend on gas to visit one another to see if planning a get-together is practical.

Schedule

Life is hectic, and making time for new friends can quickly fall by the wayside. You need time to meet for rides with similar lifestyles or working hours. Even if they’re busy, they should prioritize social connections, or they may never follow through. The same applies to you. Don’t hunt for a buddy unless you’re willing to put in the time.

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Strong Communication

Meeting in real life requires planning and coordination. They should respond to your messages and clearly communicate their background, experience and interests. You’ll learn a lot about their communication preferences and temperament from texting back and forth. They may not be ready for a connection if they refuse to answer your questions or don’t seem motivated to meet.

Boundaries

Not everyone has the same idea of friendship. An eager beaver may come on too strong, bombarding you with messages and pleas to hang out. Others may see your invitation as romantic. State what you’re looking for in a connection to ensure you’re on the same page.

Looking for more motorcycling friends to build out your formation? Join a motorcycle club to try connecting with multiple fellow riders. If you’re shy around strangers, meeting in a group can take some of the pressure off. You can also bring the people to you and potentially start a motorcycle club in your area. Limit your first group outing to five to seven riders and maintain a two-second following distance to reduce the risk of collisions.

Overall Compatibility

Making friends as an adult can be challenging as you learn to be open and vulnerable with a stranger. Comparing riding styles and safety protocols further complicates the matter. You both need to feel comfortable expressing your needs while respecting the other’s wishes and be willing to compromise when necessary. It all starts with an introduction and a shared love of motors on two wheels.