MENIFEE - A motorcyclist trying to stop behind a city bus in Menifee today lost control and flew off his motorcycle, along with his passenger, leaving both injured.

The motorcycle driver suffered major injuries that were not life- threatening, while his passenger came away with minor injuries. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Sergio Rodriguez.

The accident happened around 2 p.m. on eastbound state Route 74, near Palomar Road, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

A 54-year-old Palm Springs man driving a Harley Davidson carrying a 28- year-old man Advertisement

[ Fallbrook Hospital ] on the back encountered slowing traffic and attempted to bring it to a halt, locking up his rear wheel in the process, Rodriguez said.

A deputy writing a motorist a ticket nearby watched as the motorcycle skidded toward the rear of a bus, causing the rider and his passenger to be ejected, Rodriguez said.

"Both subjects appeared to have struck the rear of the bus," Rodriguez said. "The motorcycle slid on its side into the rear of the bus."

No one on the bus was injured and there are no indications the rider was under the influence, Rodriguez said.