Passenger tips?

[mister c]

Would have to say that Pillionpals are the best & cheapest invention for pillion passengers.
I remember seeing them advertised when they 1st came out by, i think, performance bikes mag. Those prats, as normal, were pulling wheelies, stoppies & all manner of idiotic things 2 up using a pillionpal, they said it was far safer than using the grab rails on the bike, so I bought 1 - still got it as well
My ex wife used to ride pillion & she said the same. It is more natural to sit on the back of the bike with your hands in front of you, than reaching behind for the grab rail. Sorry went off topic slightly there, as a rider, just basically remember there is someone else on the bike with you, so as has been said before, ride smoothly & more progressively, no snatching at throttles, brakes or gears.
Also, just a quick point, ride to the pillions capabillities. The number of stories I have heard from CBT students that go something like "Well I went on the back of my mate & he scared the cr@p out of me". All I can say is.... It isn't big & it isn't clever, the more people that enjoy biking & take up riding, the better I say

Thanks guys. (some of you are....um, hilarious).

I understand its more fun to not have a passenger, but I want to develop the skills to ride well with one.

Anyways, the thing that I was most concerned about (now that I have read the replies and thought about it) was the weight on my back and arms. Oh...and her legs squeezing my waist....damn girl, get off me!

Is it okay (safe) to tell her to sit upright and sit back a bit? Or should a passenger be close on my back?

I am sure more practice will help us figure this out....but just wanted some opinions...

Thanks!

[yorkie_chris]

Yeah sit wherever she want's, a human backpack isn't good though as thats what puts a lot of weight on your arms. You also need to grip the tank a little harder and let your stomach muscles take the weight

I cant say what she should do, but I'll tell you what me and maria have worked out:

1) she dosnt get on or off the bike until I say so. This is very important!!!

2) when she is on the bike, her arms go around me; never on the grab rail. My dad held onto the grab rail when I took him on the back, I hated it.

3) the advantage of her holding around me is that she can push against the tank underbraking. This is better for her and me, since she dosnt push against me, and better for weight distrubution aswell.

4) when we go left, she looks over my left shoulder

5) when we go right, she looks over my right shoulder

Points 4 and 5 ensure she leans with the bike, and not against it, ensuring that although the handling is heavier, its not drasticly differant - still that amazing, awesome planted feel you get from the SV.

For yourself, remember everything needs a bit more effort - turning, braking, and you need to give yourself a bit more time for everything.

Have fun!

Matt

I guess just experement a bit and see how it works for you and them. i much prefer my missiz to hold the grab rail and brace with her arms rather than put weight on me (or crush my crown jewels on the tank if she isn't expecting me to break) but we are both very used to riding together and she trusts me. She sits quite happily leant over at 120 and doesn't bat an eyelid. New pillions will probably feel better holding onto you - just make sure they know to use the grab rail or tank under heavy breaking unless you fancy being winded - From experience it's not what you want!!! I've never found having a pillion lean back upsets the bike, its when they decide to shift their ar*e mid corner that causes an issue. So long as they can sit still, I think just let em sit how they feel most comfortable.

Originally Posted by Lozzo

Tell the woman to get her own bike.

Sag of spuds theory is spot on for me. The best pillion is a relaxed one (except my mother who is so relaxed she gets bored and fidgets, shifts in the seat, digs about in pockets and generally drives me nuts). Some of the best rides I've done with my wife on the back is late at night when she's fallen asleep!

I tell new pillions "Relax, forget anything you've heard about leaning in the past and do whatever comes naturally, if there's a problem we'll stop at the side of the road and fix it!".

90% of the time theres no need to stop. Natural balance and centrifugal force keeps them non-intrusive. If pillions start conciously leaning on purpose they'll get the lean wrong and they'll stiffen up as they think about what their muscles are doing too.

I like being a passenger, all the fun with no responsibility.

When I take a passenger - usual advice is not to fidget, not to put feet down, and lean with me - pretty well what others have said.

My worst passenger - my mate, been riding 30 years, who thinks he knows best when to lean over - he nearly had us off at one junction when he unexpectedly pre-empted a turn, I had to give the bike beans and go for it just to keep us from making me look like an idiot

As has been said, the sack of spuds method is the best, tell your passenger to relax and go with the bike - human tail pack mode

I get them to give me a tap at the lights to say they're ready to go. That way they can relax at red lights.

Make sure they don't lean on you; your arms will be knackered in no time.