How much experience is needed to take a pillion passenger?

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

YC doesn't let me on the back without my full gear, so leathers too even if we're just popping up the road

Then he is a clever guy.

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by J2UK

shes been pillion before when she was younger on her dads cruiser.

i have already got my old lid (never crashed just upgraded when bought the SV), another jacket and some gloves. So as long as she wears some jeans i think she should be alright if we just go round the block a few times.

Jeans tear very easy, get her too wear a couple of pairs if she's at all anxious/you see it fit.

[Mej]

...

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by AndyL

Then he is a clever guy.

And/or has a taste for women in leather

Ive been riding full licence since 1st november i feel confident but to be even more sure im gunna wait till summer to carry pillion

Originally Posted by AndyL

Then he is a clever guy.

Well... At least he got this right

Originally Posted by AndyL

Then he is a clever guy.

Nah he just knows I'll give him hell if I get hurt

I reguarly carry the misus pillion, though having gone through bike or two shes very picky about her grips.

She'll use the rear grabrail if there is one, and hold onto me if there isnt (as in a siderail etc, has to be directly behind - nearly lost her when she was using rails on the Hornet). She got bought a pair of 'love handles' for xmas and we now reguarly use those for any journey likely to last more than 45 mins. The strap makes it easier on the wrists and I prefer em cos I can feel how much pull my driving is having on her. I really reccomend the love handles if your not used to the pillion, just adds a bit of confidence to you both, leather on leather grip isnt always great and it gives her something familiar to hold into.

Generally if your confident with the bike and are willing to take it easy (sharp braking and you lose your testies as her weight drops you against the tank, sharp acceleration and you lose a lot of weight off the back real sudden like) it shouln't be a problem. Just make sure shes well geared.. i've come off a few times and fair enough, my risk if I'm not geared. I couldn't face myself in the mirror if I went down with the lass and she wasnt protected.

Rob

As the bike will handle differenly 2 up, I would suggest that you start by getting used to carying the extra weight on the back of the bike first if you're a tad nervous. Start by strapping plenty of kit to the rear seat (spare full kit of gear for your prospective passenger for starters would help). Also strap the weight on top of the seat as, not the sides as a passenger will have a higher center of gravity.

As for the passenger comfort, smooth gear changes and braking are the order of the day to avoid getting your lid knocked by hers.

It's not down to time after passing a test to carry a passenger, it's down to confidence and common sense. Take your time to walk before running.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by AndyL

Then he is a clever guy.

Originally Posted by Dave20046

And/or has a taste for women in leather

Rumbled.



Seriously though, it's whenever you feel confident. SV feels like a big bike at first so you need to get used to the weight.

Just don't ride like a tw4t 2 up and you'll be fine.