Pillion

[CKBear]

Hi all,
Just after a bit of advice. I am about to take my first (poss only) pillion passenger. As I wont be going far (5 miles tops) and it may only be the once, is it worth adjusting the preload, only to reset it an hour later?
Thanks

[The Artist]

Unlikely. Make sure the suspension doesn't compress all the way with you both on and you will be fine.

[binge]

Will it be your pillions first time also?

[Chuffin Nora]

What's the bike?
What value of lard-arseness are you and they fully togged?
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There's a fine line between integrity

[c_dug]

I dont think I've ever adjusted the preload for a pillion, I might if I had fancy electronic suspension, or even just an easily accessible preload knob.

Not for 5 miles though, that wouldn't be worth the hassle.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Ichy]

Hard to comment unless you tell us the bike. Small commuter, probably. Large tourer? Nah.
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https://www.metacafe.com/watch/1972097/how_to_behave_on_a_forum/

[Ichy]

[talkToTheHat]

I found going from 3/5 to 5/5 preload on the old 535 worked the magic of keeping the headlamp aim thereabouts similar. Not been more than 200 yards with same bike and a pillion at 3/5 before convinced more preload required, similarly a ride home solo in the rain at 5/5 was an education in how quickly out of shape the bastard thing got when the suspention topped out. I think with a modern monoshock with a progressive linkage you will have less of an issue.

If it's a multi-position cam thing and you can carry a c-spanner under the seat, consult owner's manual for best guess and crank up some preload. If you have threaded shock body and need to fuck about with a ruler then i wouldnt bother.

Of course if pillion is smaller than dani pedrosa then don't mess around. If pillion looks like he/she/it could eat a 90lb racing snake as a light snack then consult owners manual for max load, max tyre pressures and crank up that preload.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[CaNsA]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=221744
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=215384
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=204207
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=256759

[CKBear]

Oops sorry, I have only just logged back on to reply. The bike is a GPZ500, im a bit heavier than average, and she is average build. I plan on just popping up the A25 at around 40mph for around 5 miles. We are both pillion virgins.
Thanks

[CKBear]

And i have NO IDEA why i put this in Biking News....I must have been pissed.

[Rogerborg]

The rear shocks are saggy from stock, you'll definitely want to have a go at the preload, if it's not seized to buggery.
____________________
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

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

[CaNsA]

https://i.imgur.com/hi4gf3Q.jpg

[MCN]

Be careful you don't 'break' too violently. It's an easy noob mistake to make.

Always BRAKE smoothly.

Most important is mounting and dismounting the bike.
It is a more common point of hassle as you cannot avoid it.

Easier on Level ground.
Novice Advice:
Before anyone of you gets on.
Tell the pillion to follow your body movement and not to try to 'lean the bike'. They are not Barry Bastart Sheene.
Show your pillion where the pegs are and where to sit.
Show them your pegs too and let them know to keep their plates of meat OFF the rider's pegs (or you'll kick their head in).
1st thing, try to make it clear to your pillion or tell your pillion only to get on when you say to get on. If they just jump on you. may not be ready and you could both end up on the ground.
And you may as well tell them the same rule applies for getting off, when the time comes, that they only get off when you say so.

No loose gravel (it's like ball bearings underfoot).
Bike in neutral or engine off 'Belt and Braces' (engine off is more difficult for kick-started machines).
Hold both handle bar grips AND the front brake.
Both feet on the ground, flat on ground if you can.
Then the pillion climbs aboard.
One hand on your shoulder for steady.
Left foot on left pillion peg.
Carefully swing a leg ower the back of the bike to land on the opposite right side peg. Without pulling the bike over of course. Some folk are genetically clumsy.
If you don't hold the brake, are not on level ground, both feet on the ground then disaster will be more imminent.
When they let you know they are cumfy and holding on you can pull away. No wheelies (yet).

After two or three ons, scoots aboots and offs the whole frigmarole become 'memory moves' for the body.
If they do not enjoy it then un-friend/block them on Facetube and score them off your Christmas list etc.

Have/had fun.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[Chuffin Nora]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=4179347&highlight=#4179347

[talkToTheHat]

The redhead to my right would like to helpfully suggest that the little straps made of seat-cover vinyl and affixed to some pillion seats are both in the wrong place and stretchier than a good bungee strap, and are thus worse than useless.
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Bandit. does. everything.