Grip Handles for pillions.

[RenamedMonkey]

Are they any good?

Does/has anyone use/used them? How did you find them?

I get really paranoid my girlfriends gonna come off the back if I accelerate to much, and I wanna show how much fun it is if you really go for it :twisted:

I have this feeling that it will be a pain for the rider when break, etc. :?:

[Itching 2 go]

well my mates use the grab rail and the misses holds on to my jacket i think i will invest y £15 else where on my bike :wink:

let me add before i had a grab rail if i braced myself properly on the bike it didn't matter who i took on the back but the other half is only light and she feels comfortable holding on to my jacket however if you dont have a belt on your jacket for her to hold on to i guess it might be a good idea for you

[Warren Isaacs]

I get really paranoid my girlfriends gonna come off the back if I accelerate to much . . .

then don't accelerate too much

. . . and I wanna show how much fun it is if you really go for it :twisted:

Aah, now I see.

A word to the wise: being pillioned by a rider who want to show you how fast bikes are ain't much fun. A colleague of mine took his GF out on his 'Busa. She was quite happy tooling along at three miles per minute, but when he accelerated hard to make a gap in slow-moving traffic, he realised that the only thing keeping her on was her feet hooked under his armpits! When they arrived home she broke down into an inconsolable, sobbing heap.

Having said that, it's not unknown for my SV to wheelie with my GF on the back, but I blame that on the resultant high C of G :wink:


Cheers
Warren

[Nekkid]

Me and the gf use 'love handles' and they are really good. I don't even notice wearing them, even when I accelerate as hard as I do when I'm on my own. GF sayes it makes the whole thing 10 times more fun for her cos she doesn't have to slouch over and get her arms round my waist or hold the handle at the back which I don't think helps at all with the whole 'accelerate and lose the gf off the back ' thing.
£15 well spent.

[graycat]

sound like they could be a useful thing to have. though i think i've got more than enough on the love handle front!!

so where's good to get them from, guys? :)

T.

[Itching 2 go]

get them direct from motrax or your local bike dealer

[RenamedMonkey]

Yes, I was thinking it is gonna give the pillion more confidence being on the back. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to recklessly ride full throttle, but at current I am so afriad of accelerating at any adequate speed in the fear of arriving at the destination single :? :lol:

[PBx]

Me and the gf use 'love handles' and they are really good. I don't even notice wearing them, even when I accelerate as hard as I do when I'm on my own. GF sayes it makes the whole thing 10 times more fun for her cos she doesn't have to slouch over and get her arms round my waist or hold the handle at the back which I don't think helps at all with the whole 'accelerate and lose the gf off the back ' thing.
£15 well spent.

Couldn't agree more. Also (so I'm told by she who must be obeyed) they are really good on long trips because you can change hands (she does one hand on the love handles and one on the grab rail)

[Grinch]

My fiancee just uses her knees to grip with and pays attention to what I'm doing on the bike.. plus I've learn't to be a much smoother rider with my gear box.... 8)
I've taken the grab rail off my bike.. at her request, cus as she said "it was a waste of time, and it just unbalences me".

[jonboy]

My wife won't ride pillion without the "love handle" pillions grips. Do I have a problem with a belt around my waste? No. Is she a relaxed and competent pillion? Yes, mainly cos she feels safe (okay no wise-cracks!). They're overpriced at £15 (but the same goes for most bike gear) but it's still well worth paying as it will allow your pillion to relax and therefore you both can have fun on the bike.


.

[weegaz22]

i have taken my girlfreind on once(dont think she enjoyed the experience too much :? ) the material of the trousers she had on caused he to move around a bit and she didnt like to hold the grab rail, i had my leather jacket (or the top half of my power ranger suit as hazel calls it)on so there wasnt much to grip on to,

if she feels uncomy and you are unsure about the "lovehandles", then secure an old belt round you so she can hold on, if she feels much comfier with this then get the "lovehandles", as this is what i will do before i spend 15 quid on somthing that she might not use(could be 15 quid toward a 46 tooth sprocket :D )

[RenamedMonkey]

Weegaz, a very good idea, i'll give that a go. Like you say, if she's confident and comfy, then the ride will be pleasant for the both of you.

At the moment she uses the grab rail, which I feel un-confident about her using (she's only got sweet little hands see :P ), and if she wraps her arms around me it restricts me and breaking causes helmet clash!

I'm getting her some leather trousers as well, grrr :wink: anywhere on the net that do them at a good price?

[SteveNZ]

I've ridden pillion on my own bike(s), and I've never felt secure with those grab rails on most bikes. That said, I'm always very careful on the very rare occassions I ever have anyone on the back, try to accelerate smoothly, and generally put up with being stuck in traffic rather than flicking the throttle to get past it. "Helmet dash" seems to be less of a problem if they're a relatively "well endowed" girl riding pillion (mate thought that was pretty funny considering it was his GF).

I haven't ridden pillion over any long distance for about 15 years, so don't recall how much hassle it was (I would've been 20Kg lighter or so then, and a BMW R80 or Honda 500 Turbo are fairly big pillion-friendly bikes as long as the torque doesn't kick in too sudden).

Grab rails are good in some cases, depending on size, weight and to some degree, strength of the pillion, also riding position, style and trip distance.

They're also not as good for inexperienced pillions, as holding onto the rider means that it's a lot harder for them to not lean with you.

[Anonymous]

when I took my 10 year old daughter out for the first time a couple of weeks ago I borrowed my neighbours pillion pal its called, basically a belt with 2 handles, I gave me the reassurance that she would not fall off bakwards. for cornering I told her to lean in towards me and close her eyes and relax the body moves naturally with the bike, until she got used to it. we did 103 miles that day and she loved it, getting her her own gear in the new year including a pillion pal. when I used to go pillion I sat with my hands on my knees and watched the road, if he was going to overtake he used to tap my left leg, I used the grab rail for braking to stop me running into his back. but as he has a fireblade now with no strap, no grab rail and a seat the size of a postage stamp you will not catch me on it pillion :lol:

[Benji]

Itching 2 Go + TL1000S = HARSH A FECK acceleration.

As someone who makes great use of the pillion grab rail, trust me, unless the bolts are loose, it wont come off or break.

I found two things with grab rails:

1. The grab rails that go round the back are the best for bracing against any accelerating or braking and I will explain how in the second part though they arent supremely comfortable. The dual grab rails usually either side of the seat are nice for motorway runs okay for bracing against braking but accelerating they are pants.

2. To hold a grab rail round the back fold your arms behind you as if you crossing them over behind your back (but dont cross them) with your palms facing away from you and grab the grab rail. This way under acceleration you are pushing down on the grab rail as your body tries to roll over backwards but it cant because you are pushing down and your arms are acting as a back rest for your back. Under braking you are pulling against the grab rail and your body will only be able to move until your arms are straight at which point they arent going any further (unless they pop out of their sockets and so far even Joe hasn't managed this yet but has given it a damn good try).

Also brace yourself by squeezing rider which your legs which will stop you sliding forwards too much.

The ONLY time when I have truely thought I couldnt do this for any long periods of time was when:

Itching 2 Go + TL1000s + Different Sprockets = Dislocating acceleration.

That really really did hurt, you couldnt do anything without your fingers hurting.

Also if rider is wearing a tight 1 piece suit the air flow into the pillion is horrendous and makes it very difficult for someone who is not expecting a change of direction and hasnt got handle bars to hold on to, but we are only talking 120+ here :oops:

Benji

[Luckypants]

My 16 yo son (who ride pillion all the time) Reckons that the standard SV pillion rain is fine. Accelerating as hard as possible has not seen him disappear off the back. Apparently you need to brace your arms and there is no problems.

[RenamedMonkey]

Benji, all of what you said I am aware of but that applies more to someone with strong arms/hands. And like you say, it's the comfort thing also, I want her to be comfy, and that would increase her confidence.

You say they wont fall off, but when I first got my bike I took my mate on the back and I accelerated a little to fast and found his feet under my armpits :shock: a sort of scary/funny feeling for him I think :lol:

My thoughts were that it is very unlikey she will come off the back, the arms, like you say, act like a back rest and lock her in if palms are facing away (she does position her hands like you mentioned Benji). I believe this, I think my GF half believes this :? :lol:

Maybe I could fit a Harley seat on the back! :lol:

[Benji]

Lol good idea :? :lol:


Not saying that girls or even your girl is weak but even with their arms they still should be able to put a hell of a lot of force into it, I guess having my weight helps as well though. The best person to speak to would be Itching 2 Go's girlfriend, she has spent many an hour on the same bike and she holds on fine.

The feet thing will happen no matter what you do, who you are, what bike you ride. When Joe accelerates to wheelie I do the same but thats only ever reallyreally sharp acceleration.

Benji

[RenamedMonkey]

Cheers, think we'll try some different things, the old belt idea is good, don't think I'll fit a back rest on my SV just yet :lol:

I think it's more me than her who's worried about this :oops: :lol:

[Geordie Genius]

This depends upon your size, but being a bit short and only slim it works well for me.

I always sit right forward and my pillion (you do have to be quite friendly) drops into the gap behind me on the front seat and puts hands around me.

Benefits:
1. Pillion less likely to rock backwards under acceleration
2. Less likely to smack into you under braking
3. Lower C of G minimises handling changes

As long as you're both not huge people works a treat.

Try it - very cosy

[RenamedMonkey]

This depends upon your size, but being a bit short and only slim it works well for me.

I always sit right forward and my pillion (you do have to be quite friendly) drops into the gap behind me on the front seat and puts hands around me.

Benefits:
1. Pillion less likely to rock backwards under acceleration
2. Less likely to smack into you under braking
3. Lower C of G minimises handling changes

As long as you're both not huge people works a treat.

Try it - very cosy

I will, haven't thought of that, she's slim enough, most cosy :)

[RenamedMonkey]

I have a gut feeling cellotape wont work in this situation, but I might try webbing... :lol:

[graycat]

monkey, you could always try a bit of webbing to stop em sliding then duct-tape them to the seat. :) nothing moves after duct-tape has been used!! :) lol

T.

[RenamedMonkey]

monkey, you could always try a bit of webbing to stop em sliding then duct-tape them to the seat. :) nothing moves after duct-tape has been used!! :) lol

T.

True, but that could be a problem of it's own :lol: "just sit down n' shut up!" :lol: :lol:

[graycat]

and don't forget all the uummmmm "kinky" aspects of it. :shock: :oops: :oops:

but hey, maybe she's into that kinda thing! :) :twisted:

T.

[Anonymous]

I THINK IF YOU ARE TAKING SOMEONE ON THIS GIRLS BIKE YOU SHOULD CELLOTAPE THEM TO YOU TO STOP THEM FALLING OF WHEN THEY FALL ASLEEP AFTER THE FIRST MILE

Are you having to shout because you are a long way away or angry, or is your caps lock button stuck on? Just a friendly question. I'm not trying to derail this everyone, just wondering.

[RenamedMonkey]

but hey, maybe she's into that kinda thing! :) :twisted:

T.

Not sure she'd appreciate me discussing her 'ways' :lol: I'll leave it the minds imagination :lol: :twisted:

[Allie]

I like being the pillion on the back of hubby's SV. I try to be as observant as possible regarding what's going on in front of him when we are out and about so when he brake's, I don't crush him against the petrol tank, etc! I think my hubby is a very good and considerate bike rider (most of the time!) I must ask him to check that the grab rail is screwed on tightly, just to make sure....I'd never really thought of it coming off before! What faith I have....

One point though, I found it a little hard sometimes to clamber on the back of the bike when I first wore my leather trousers....quite funny really...hubby grabs the front of my calf near my booted foot whilst I've got one foot on a foot peg, so that I can hop on! I'm now more used to this as time has gone by, and the trousers have now worn in a lot more and I can get on the back more easily.

Al.

[Luckypants]

I try to be as observant as possible regarding what's going on in front of him when we are out and about so when he brake's, I don't crush him against the petrol tank, etc! I think my hubby is a very good and considerate bike rider (most of the time!)

'tis true that being a 'good' pillion is a skill in itself. The pillion needs to be aware of what is happening around you so that they can anticipate braking / acceleration.

As the driver, just be considerate of your passenger. Check they are OK b4 setting off, check again when you reach towns (slowdown), chat abput how the ride is going when you stop for tea / calls of nature etc. Finally remember that the rear seat of an SV is not as comfy as the front, so takes breaks more often to keep the pillion happy.

[RenamedMonkey]

I do talk to her at any opportunity, making sure she's comfy, etc. And I think she feels fine but we haven't done any lond distances yet, I wonder if her arms might ache in the 'behind the back' position (no puns :wink: :lol: ).

I was thinking, it would be nice to have adaptions of them pedal clips you get on racing bicycle, to keep your feet secure, not that would be handy for the pillion.

Quick, patent it... :lol:

Go on, someone find it on the net, it's got to be done already..?

A better adaption would be boots with clips at the bottom that go under the foot rest, it would mean your could release your feet sideways no problem but still have the security of your feet staying on the pegs.

I've not been a pillion for a while, I can't remember what it feels like :?:

[Luckypants]

Monkey,

If you are so concerned about her and you talk with during the ride, then I reckon you've got it cracked. I'm sure she'll let you know if you get things wrong! :P

Don't stress so much! 8)

[RenamedMonkey]

Monkey,

If you are so concerned about her and you talk with during the ride, then I reckon you've got it cracked. I'm sure she'll let you know if you get things wrong! :P

Don't stress so much! 8)

True 8) :D

[Benji]

Its true, professional pillions do exist and if they can learn to predict what the rider is going to do it will make it that much more comfortable for them and the rider.

As for the behind the back (oo er) usually you hold on because your doing short trips which usually means lots of corners and stopping and starting. On longer trips which generally means motorway stuff its fine to just losely hold on to rider around waist and its then much more comfortable. I've done this at quite high speeds (read: up to about 130mph) and its fine. You only ever really need to use the grab rail when your doing lots of cornering, lots of starting from a stand still and lots of stopping.

Benji

[Itching 2 go]

ben do you think it would be better if you could pull hard when accelerating on one of those love handle thigs or do you think you would prefer to stick to the grabrail?

[Benji]

You know me mate, I prefer the grab rail all the time, Manji might prefer it though.

I guess its just coz of my weight I will put a lot of force through whatever I am holding on to and of all the things I have tried the grab rail is the ONLY one that has never moved and stops me from moving about. I try not to disturb rider at all and its the best one for me that makes me a part of the bike as closely as possible.

If you had the love handle things you'd probably get ****ed off with me pulling you around your seat and probably suffercating you.

Benji

[Anonymous]

I was a pillion for donkeys years from RD350ypvs (fell off the back numerous times at traffic lights and the chip shop) then GS550 lovely with comfy seat and strap to hold onto then GSXR750 (we are talking 18 years ago) hell, had to sit like a grasshopper and could only hold onto grab rail with 2 fingers. then a few years ago hubby got a fazer 6 - ok, cbr 6 - ok, blackbird - fantastic and now fireblade - will not get me on the back in a million years. I find holding onto grab rail for slowing down but on accelerating just sitting leaning forward with hands on knees works, as long as not harsh accelarating. harsh accelarating is stopped by a good right hook to the kidneys or a lean forward and squeeze of the nuts usually lets him know Im not happy. (this has to be a hard painful squeeze or he gets the wrong idea!)

[ray smith]

wife doesn,t ride pillion anymore but when she did 20 years ago she was brilliant. we toured france, italy, germany many times and she would often fall asleep on the motorways which was disconcerting when you looked in your mirror to see her slouching slowly to one side. she said she just felt safe and that was it. she must feel safe on the couch now cos everytime she sits on that she falls asleep. i had a mate with a kawasaki 750 h2 tripple cyl two stroke and when that hit the powerband it was feet under the arms time. i learned to hook one foot behind and under the footrest to keep me on board. for some of our younger members the 750hr was nicknamed the widowmaker cos it was an evil handling bastar
d. funny, as i get older the days were longer the summers were sunnier the skys were bluer. ******* still didn,t handle tho