Pillion passenger onboard

Like passing your test, taking your first pillion is a ride you’ll never forget.

But before we ride off into the sunset it’s a good idea to consider what to expect when carrying a pillion. The handling and performance of a motorcycle is different when carrying a pillion. The steering may become lighter, it will take longer to slow down or accelerate, and cornering will not be quite as sharp. With this in mind it’s vital to give yourself some extra space and time when riding two-up.

If at all possible it’s a great idea to practice taking a new pillion in an empty car park, it can help you get accustomed to riding with a pillion and it will also allow your pillion to gain in confidence more quickly.

Here are our top tips:

1. Make sure you both have proper riding gear.
2. Explain which parts of the motorcycle get hot and ensure that loose clothing or luggage will not interfere with the rear wheel, drive belt or other moving parts.
3. Make sure your motorcycle is equipped with a suitable pillion seat, footpegs and ideally a suitable backrest.
4. Don’t allow them to get on until you are on and have both feet on the ground.
5. Show them where to hold on and where to place their feet.
6. Pillions should not stand or make sudden moves. Tell them to copy your actions and movements, especially when cornering.
7. You must ride as smoothly as possible, avoiding abrupt acceleration, harsh gear changes and late and heavy braking.

Comments

1. khan malomir Says:
   September 28th, 2008 at 11:02 am

   Heres a good one!

   If you and your pillion are using a wired intercom,naff these days with wireless ones I suppose, make sure you disconnect before getting off.

   One day, my wife having got cramp in her legs decides to get off before disconnecting, stumbles with her dead legs and nearly drags me, my pride and joy and everything with her!!!. Not recommended for marital harmony, as my usually placid temperament went awol. Luckily I had both feet down and held the bike up, the wife was rolling on the floor, but that was OK, cause I could pick her up easier than the bike!

   Ride safe, just treat all car van and truck drivers as potential hazards rather than fellow road users and you won’t go far wrong.

2. Guzzi Girl Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 8:24 am

   I’ve clocked up nearly 3000 miles since passing my DAS test earlier this year, but still not plucked up the courage to try carrying a pillion passenger! I think this is partly because I can only get flat foot on the ground without tilting the bike. Any tips for finding the courage for that first ride?

   Am I the only one (lady or not) scared to take a passenger?

3. caroline Says:
   October 17th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

   Hi there

   I’ve been riding for over 25 years, yes I am a woman, and no my feet have never touched the ground on any bike, but I have taken my son and daughter all over spain, pretty special pillions, you just have to learn to trust yourself and them. We had signals like, when I tap your leg that means hold on cos i’m off!! Only once did I pull a wheelie (ducati 748) with my daughter on the back, she was 15 at the time, I didnt mean too, and I felt pretty stupid cos it was dangerous with her as well, but all she could say was cool, can we do it again…. Just trust yourself, also I think non riders make better pillions, they dont have preset ideas, and also dont know when you make little mistakes therefore you’ll feel less self confident. Happy riding… Caroline

4. Sandie Says:
   October 18th, 2008 at 1:37 am

   I`d had my license for a few years when I decided to take my first pillion passenger. He was a young learner biker. Everytime I went into a corner the bike went `all twitchy` … scary stuff!!! When we stopped my mate, who was riding behind us, enlightened me … the young guy was doing his `lifesavers` every time I cornered. Luckily for my `twitchy` pillion I didn`t know him too well … otherwise I`d have given him such a slapping!!! Hehehe. Safe riding to us all.

5. clint noonan Says:
   October 18th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

   Hi all.I passed my test a few months ago and I was a bit worried about taking pillions, but I plucked up a bit of courage and took my son out with me , he is 9, we have never looked back since. He loves it , I enjoy haveing him on with me its our time out from the rest of the family. A good tip is just take it easy and talk to them tell them the dos and dont`s.and try it with someone light first.
   happy riding

6. John Says:
   October 22nd, 2008 at 11:33 am

   All good tips. I came across this at hartside.com. We could have it printed on the back of our leathers.

   Notes for Pillions

   If you’ve never been on the back of a bike before, chances are that your friend will take it easy to start with. We’ve put a few tips together to make your ride more enjoyable.

   * Relax, don’t sit there as stiff as an old board.
   * Lean with the motorbike. That is don’t deliberately lean around corners. Just relax and go with the bike.
   * Don’t try to sit bolt upright around corners.
   * Don’t fidget at high or low speeds.
   * Arrange a signal with the rider if you are uncomfortable. A dig in the ribs usually works!
   * Don’t get off the motorbike until the rider has both feet on the ground and is aware that you are about to get off , again it’s good to arrange a signal.
   * If your rider is filtering through traffic, remember that the bike is harder to handle at low speeds, so the less movement you make will help steady the bike.
   * Expect the unexpected. Watch the road so you can anticipate any sudden braking or accelerating.
   * During braking, you will lunge forward slightly and will probably nut your riders lid, prepare yourself on the approach of junctions and roundabouts by a) gripping the grab rail to steady yourself or b) if you are holding on to the rider twist your hand to the tank to take off the strain and to prevent you sliding into the riders seat.
   * During acceleration you will lunge back a little. If your holding on to a rear grab rail then just grip a bit tighter to steady yourself, leaning forward will help so long as you are not putting your body weight on the rider.
   * If you are holding on to the rider during acceleration then it is easier to steady yourself.
   * Don’t distract the rider whilst moving. They need their concentration on the road.

   Notes for Riders

   The worst motorcycle pillion, is a fast rider themselves. Taking your mate on the back who rides like a looney themselves on their road or track bike, will undoubtedly be a rubbish pillion.
   The reason is that they put themselves in the position of being the rider, your style of riding will be different from theirs. If you take your fellow motorcyclist as pillion, no doubt they will get off and tell you that you are the WORST rider in the world - don’t take it to heart - you’d say the same if you got on the back of an expert’s bike.

   If you’ve never taken a pillion before, and want a few tips.

   * Prep your pillion before you set off.
   * Arrange a signal that they can give you if they are uncomfortable. Don’t let them sit there scared witless at 70mph afraid to move.
   * Stop frequently to check they are ok.
   * Take it steady to start with. Having a pillion on the back effects braking and acceleration. So allow time in judging gaps during overtaking and don’t break suddenly.

7. Mack Says:
   October 22nd, 2008 at 11:45 am

   Found this in a book about Triumph.

   During the Second World War, the British Army introduced a requirement following the debacle in France in 1940 requiring all officers up to the rank of colonel to be proficient in the use of the motorcycle, and all officers holding the rank of brigadier were required to be able to ride pillion. These requirements came about as a result of the large number of motor cars that were lost in action. The requirement for riding pillion was quietly dropped as large numbers of jeeps came into service in the middle of the war.

8. Carole Says:
   November 10th, 2008 at 12:59 pm

   http://www.vtwinmama.com/november2008.htm
   is a useful sight for the ladies. It is American and lots of harleys, but has some useful stuff on bike height, lifting bikes, and more.

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