Taking a pillion on a GPZ?

[Weedy]

I've got a '97 GPZ500 and would like to take a friend of mine pillion in the summer for a couple of rides.

I'm wondering how capable the bike would be with a pillion and if we'd be better off getting the bus?!

Anyone taken a pillion on this bike or one similar before?

Thanks
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[hmmmnz]

i used to take a pillion on my gs500 all the time,
the 500's are more han capable of doing it, you have to wind up the preload a bit on the rear shock,
brake earlier, and it takes a bit longer to get up to speed, but thats the same with all bike,
you'll have no bothers
____________________
the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[Weedy]

Brilliant, thanks for that. I think it'll probably help that she weighs about the same as a bag of sugar!

Thankies
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[stinkwheel]

They actually seem to handle a bit better with a bit more weight on the back. It'll handle a pillion no bother.

You might want to not bother your arse adjusting the rear shock, you have to remove it to do so and the adjuster will almost certainly be seized beyond redemption when you finally get at it. It's an exercise in frustration you could probably do without.

Do put some more air in the back tyre though.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Weedy]

Thanks stinkwheel.

Might not bother with the with rear shock if it's a pain in the arse to get at.

Like I say, she barely weighs a thing (7.5stone if I remember correctly) so maybe some more air in the rear tyre will be just fine.

Any tips for corners and the like with someone on the back?
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[hmmmnz]

if she's new to being on the back, then get her to hold on to your waist and make sure she moves with you, not what she thinks is the best place to lean,
some girls get it, and in the case of my girlfriend, some just don't !!!
if she is still are trying to fight you through the corners, tell her to shut her eyes and move with you.
____________________
the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[Weedy]

She's never sat on a bike before but really likes the idea of coming on the back in the summer (never heard of a fair weather pillion before?! )

We're going to get her some proper kit instead of her borrowing what I have spare, at least she'll feel safe that way.

I guess it'll be a case of explaining it to her and then just seeing how she goes. Won't be going too fast or leaning too far, don't want to scare the life out of her or have her fall off the back!

Thanks again
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[Ichy]

If it possible start off in a quiet carpark. Do a couple of laps to see how they feel.

The first time my wife went on the back she was all over the place from nerves. It was almost impossible to keep a straight line. Now she goes to sleep on long journeys.

[Weedy]

That's what I was thinking of doing, just going round a carpark or even a quiet road so she can get used to it.

I won't do what was done to me on my first pillion ride late last year. We hit 90mph in the first 5 minutes and were going round corners at almost NSL! Was terrifying for a while, I'm used to it now though and will only go pillion with that person.
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[stinkwheel]

One thing to explain to her is that you grip the tank with your knees under braking so she should in turn grip you with her knees so the weight is transferred through your legs. Otherwise she'll lean against your back/shoulders and you'll find yourself bench-pressing 7.5 stone against the handlebars on the entry to every corner.

Likewise that she should take the acceleration forces through her legs and feet to avoid being tipped backwards.

Just tell her it's a really good workout for her bum and thighs, tones them up a treat.

Some people find it easier if you put some of that non-slip rubber mesh matting on the pillion seat, stops you sliding about and makes things feel a lot more under control. I can vouch for this having ridden pillion on a mates bike which had a lorry inner tube saddle cover, you could just hold-on using your arse.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Walloper]

[Weedy]

I was trying to explain to her about what the rider of the bike does and how yesterday. She's not the most intelligent person in the world, so it didn't suprise me when she said: "So you use the clutch with your hand? How do you steer then?!"

I shall invest in one of those non-slip mats then, don't want her to go flying off the back because I know she'll probably let go to sort something out and then wonder why she's watching me dissappear into the distance!
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[stinkwheel]

If you're riding along steadily and feel a thump roughly between your shoulder blades, chances are she has fallen asleep and that's her head leaning against you. Don't make any sudden manouvers.

I usually come gently to a halt, let her wake up then come out with a tactful comment such as "Fucking hell! we were just doing 120mph around the M25 and you fall asleep!". Then threaten to bungee her feet and hands to the bike.

You can take the second part of this post as an example of what not to do.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Walloper]

[Weedy]

Two questions:

1) Would a GPZ actually be capable of 120mph two up?
2) Would a GPZ actually be capable of 120mph two up on the M25?



She's just been asking me lots of questions about going on the back and what happens if we crash. I told her chances are we won't unless she or another driver does something really stupid, and if we did we wouldn't know much about it
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[Walloper]

[thegubner]

Got to agree with stinkwheel, my missus had never been on the back of a bike until she came on my GPZ500, she found it fine, I found the bike was little more steady round the corners too, must be the extra weight on the back wheel.

I didnt really notice too much of a difference in power either, but then I never went fast enough with her on the back to notice much at all.


Result: Fine for pillion.

[Weedy]

[Walloper]

[Weedy]

I work for Millets! I've severel tents, infact, I've probably got the best part of a grand in camping equipment sitting in my loft (all paid for of course!! )

Thing is, if you knew this girl (who takes 6 holdalls for a weekend stay) you'd understand that she's not even aware of the concept of camping!
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[stinkwheel]

[Weedy]

[Itchy]

Female passenger first time eh? , detune the carbs and remove the rubber cushes you find all over the bikeseat
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[Weedy]

Female passenger, female rider

That could get a bit interesting, if you catch my drift?!
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[wilbur]

As commented GPZ500 if fine with a passenger. And I have done 120 two up on mine (on a test track obviously )