1st time pillion advice

Izzbust · Derestricted Danger Joined: 24 May 2011 Karma :

What should I be concentrating on when taking a pillion out for the 1st time.

I am aware of the need for braking, steering and balance differences.......but any other tips would be gratefully received.

Will it take long to become accustomed to the extra weight etc?

4eyes · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 08 May 2011 Karma :

one thing make sure your firmly planted and ready before your pillion gets on and off.

dazzzaa · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 22 Apr 2011 Karma :

Shocks,tyres aand headlights and i would say the extra weight would be like shaving a little off your bhp (in a way)

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Takes a bit more throttle to move off, a bit more braking to stop.
Get then to squeeze you with their legs
if you have a grab rail, one hand on that and the other hand on your waist.

get them to look over your shoulder slightly and they will know when you are going to brake / accelerate.

tell them to pay attention!

not to move unless you are stopped and have both feet on the ground.
This will change as you both get more confident, my missus knows when it is ok to shift about even if the bike is moving.

depending of your passenger is one of the fattys you may need to put a couple more PSI into your tyres.

addition, your mirrors will need to be adjusted too.

Minty · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Karma :

Invest in a pair of 'love handles' for nervous/new pillions. Grab rails are hard work if you are a spirited rider. Thumbs Up

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DR-BIKE-DELUXE-LOVE-HANDLES-PILLION-PAL-GRIPPER-BELT-/120683571326?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1c194d287e#ht_2094wt_1140
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Capt Castle · Scooby Slapper Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Karma :

I agree that Love Handles are a good idea.

Also tell your pillion if they need to adjust position or move their bum a little bit to do it when your moving quick not slow. The bike is far more stable at speed and it upsets the bike less if they move about a little, unlike when your moving slowly when a little movement from the back can be a bit scary!*

*At least in my experience Laughing

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Killer Rat · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 May 2010 Karma :

lean with the bike and to trust the bikes power.
A shit-out signal like 3 taps on your side.
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Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

Have a look at this.
https://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/riding-tips-taking-a-passenger/
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pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

Izzbust · Derestricted Danger Joined: 24 May 2011 Karma :

Thanks for all the great replies and links.......all very helpful.

When approaching junctions that require a necessary "stop" would you just put the one foot down or go for a two foot plant as a matter of course?

Killer Rat · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 May 2010 Karma :

i'd use 2 feet, unless you are Geoff Capes in disguise.
____________________
No! No more talk! We go in! We kill! Kill! We kill 'em! They kill us, we kill them! Kill 'em! Kill 'em! Kill! Kill!
_______________________________________________________
cbf125 09', cbt passed 4/6/2010 - 28k miles - 1 major breakdown (stator)

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

All these replies and nobody has pointed out the obvious?

https://images.kaneva.com/filestore7/3661418/4751172/104NoFatChicks.jpg

I am disappoint.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Cunnington · Spanner Monkey Joined: 01 Jun 2011 Karma :

I'd highly recommend the love handles - my mrs became more confident when we got them, which in turn made her more relaxed and much easier on me. I also got one of those seat cover things that make it less slippy after a mate gave me a lift back from dropping my bike in for a service and I realised how bad it was. How about having a go on the back of a mate's bike so you know what your are inflicting on your pillion?

It was a lesson in smoothness for me when I first took a pillion. I was used to not having to think about gear changes - just swap the cog as quickly as I could and get back on the power. If you try that with a pillion, their helmet will quickly make contact with the back of your head.

All the other stuff about both feet on the deck before they move applies. Someone explained once that because the pillion is higher up and further away from the front wheel, their movement has more effect on the bike. Kinda makes sense to me?

Good luck!
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