Carrying a pillion

MC900 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 21 Jan 2014 Karma :

My girlfriend has been on the back of my back quite a bit now and im trying to iron out a few problems. Ive become a bit smoother over the last few weeks with gear changes and braking so she isnt flung into the back of me. The problem we have now is everytime i go over a little bump in the road it seems like she can feel it a hell of a lot more than me. When i go over bumpy road it feels like almost nothing to me but she says its very uncomfortable, is there anyway around this?
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Current Ride: Fazer 600 (02) & YBR125 (07)

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Drive?

However, have you adjusted your suspension for carrying someone.

MC900 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 21 Jan 2014 Karma :

Beehive Bedlam · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Oct 2013 Karma :

FZS600? Your shock will be fucked a fat bitch on the back won't help.

Fitted an R6 shock to mine it is much better.

SophR so good · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Aug 2016 Karma :

Tell her to get her own bike. I nearly flew off the back of Shinigami's fazer when he went over a bump too enthusiastically, was airborne for a good few seconds.

From memory having lower pillion pegs helped a little, was less uncomfortable and meant that I could have some weight through my legs rather than bum which is probably what you're doing as the rider. Not been pilly on there for a long time though so this might be bullshit.
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el_oso · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2008 Karma :

She's probably too tight. Get her to loosen up a bit. Being serious. No euphemism intended. Pretend like you're a sack of potatoes
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Islander · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Aug 2012 Karma :

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

As above, increase the preload on front and back is about all you can do with standard suspension, fitting some firmer springs and changing the fork oil if it is bottoming out.

Something else is you can do is lift your weight off the seat as you go over these bumps. It'll reduce some of the momentum and create less 'bounce'. Depending if your pillion can see anything they can also put a bit of weight onto the pegs to help the bike.
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pja8 · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 21 Jun 2013 Karma :

The Fazer 600 does not have the worst pillion seat I ever did see but compared to your part the seat let's face it she is gonna feel more of the bumps.

Plus the pillion pegs are high so all in all base of spin is taking alot if the initial impact as opposed to being supported by a nice thick padded seat and leg muscles able to take some of the shock coming through the bike.

So yes up the preload to stiffen the springs but unless you drop the pillion pegs and buy a better seat Not much you can do to improve the situation.

May be a good excuse to change bike 😋 worked for me in the past.
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Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

The pillion is more rearward of the point of rotation than the rider, they are always going to get more reaction from bumps. Try increasing your rebound damping, that will prevent the shock from extending so quickly.
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