Riding with pillion: Advice?

Hello,

I was wondering if people could tell me what it's like riding with a pillion. Would like to get some experience with someone on the back, so if anyone wanted to come for a ride i'd be confident. But need to start somewhere so would like some knowledge of people who have ridden to feel more confident.

Also any tips would be appreciated!

Cheers!

- Karl

Been covered many times on here so have a look through some old threads , but the basics are...

Ride smoother, brake earlier, change gear smoother, increase your stopping distances due to extra weight.

Slow speed turns etc are a bit more tricky at first, your pillion needs some education too.

They should never put their feet down until you have told them too, tell them to lean with you not against you, a lot of new pillions will instinctively lean away from a corner.


I've probably missed loads out but I ride a lot of my miles with my wife on the back so experienced at it.

Cheers!
I tried to look for older threads but terrible at searching for stuff, mostly was stuff about selling pillion grab rails and stuff.

But I will keep all that in mind!

My advice if its worth anything -

Give the pillion a good brief before setting off, how to get on and off properly, how to sit on the bike, what to do when going round corners, Not to fidget!!, where to hold, what to do if they want to stop or slow down etc.

Adjust things on the bike, check and adjust the tyre pressures, suspension, lights. (probably missed something else)

Remember the bike will handle a bit differently, braking and acclerating will also be affected.

Lastly enjoy

Originally Posted by TheRuffellator

Adjust things on the bike, check and adjust the tyre pressures, suspension, lights. (probably missed something else)

Actually one bit I remember , last one was mirrors

Everyone's' advice is worth something haha, I like to have the knowledge so will always keep collecting. Will remember to tell them to not lean against me probably the main thing and ride more relaxed than I do (just because of the differences).

Originally Posted by MrKarl

last one was mirrors

I knew there was something! The more advice the better I guess, just relax really and have fun

my advice don't pillion anyone who is large then you, heavier then you or generally fat. the suspension will break if not the rear tyre will scrub the undertray of the bike. every time you accelerate the front wheel will lift up, and when you break the fat guy behind will crush your private parts against the metal tank and you will no longer be able to use your magic wand as a functioning device.

Originally Posted by kiggles

my advice don't pillion anyone who is large then you, heavier then you or generally fat. the suspension will break if not the rear tyre will scrub the undertray of the bike. every time you accelerate the front wheel will lift up, and when you break the fat guy behind will crush your private parts against the metal tank and you will no longer be able to use your magic wand as a functioning device.

Hahaha! That is hilarious.

Another tip if there are sliding into you whilst brakeing they can support themselves with one hand on the tank and one behind on the grab rail

[Tomor]

I had to take fallout to Oxford to collect his new bike. He said he had ridden pillion loads, and it was my first time. I just rode smoother, and he only told me when we go there that it was also his first time pillion! Just take it smooth and be confident. When you get going it much the same as riding normally to an extent.