Just passed test - How long til taking pillion?

As I've said, I passed my test on Tuesday. The misses is gagging to come out with me on the back.

I've told her that it will probably be a couple of months until I'm safe enough, but what have other people done and how did you feel with it?

I think I'm sensible enough to ride to my ability, especially if I had a passenger.

How different is it riding with a passenger?

when i ride with a pillion all i think about is pillion safety they are the passenger you are in control, try some nice quiet roads first to build your confidence.

there is no "time" limit but it'll be when you feel comfortable enough to take a pillion.


For me i was chucked in at the deep end, first time taking a pillion was also first time on a motorway and did 30 odd mile.

i took a couple of weeks to get used to my new bike before i took my missus on the back but it helps when they have experience of biking already if not make sure they know how to react on the bike it makes it a lot easier if you both know what to expect

I would wait until you're comfortable with your bike and not having any moments like these:

a) Oh **** will I make this bend
b) Damn which gear am I in and what is that shuddering?
c) Why did my rear wheel lock up?
d) I can't find anywhere to park my bike that I can get into and out of easily

In other words, wait until you're confident with road speed and positioning and mechanically operating the bike.

Any pillion, but particularly an adult one seriously adjusts the weight distribution of the bike. You're clearly aware of this but it's worth stating another time.

Oh... when you do take a pillion, particularly on an SV - PUT DOWN BOTH FEET WHEN YOU STOP (at least until you're well used to it...)

[ScottishRawker]

i waited about a year before i took my missus on the back!

she is lighter than me and its not that bad, i sometimes forget she is there isn't too bad a weight distribution, im nearly 11 stone and she is just under 10stone.

took my dad on the back and he is about 15stone and feck sake any slight movment from him, it felt like the bike was going to twitch and highside!

well i was riding my RS for a year before the SV but i couldnt take any one on the back cos of my age. The day i passsed and had the SV on the road i took some one out. i found that it calmed me down alot having some one else on board to. i didnt ride as fast. ive short legs and i normally get my passenger to hope off while i park the bike or get into a good position to let them get on.

Just make sure they have the gear too. i dont let any one get on my bike if they dont have the gear.

hth scott.

Thanks for the replies.

I'm 13st and the misses about 10st so hopefully it wont be too bad.

She's been on the back of my mates bike a couple of times and apparently is well behaved. I got her a brand new half price Frank Thomas leather jacket from ebay, and will slowly gather more bargains for her as they pop up.

She needs a helmet though so waiting for a bargain new helmet will buy me some time!

I'm obviously still learning a lot so wouldn't take her now, I guess I'll give it a month and see what I think.

So is it completely different riding with someone, or just the same but a bit slower and less nimble?

Hi

As someone said earlier it is when you feel comfortable.
I would make sure you get all the gear for you precious passenger before you take them on the back, how upset would you feel if the worst happened and you had all the protection and she had minimal or worse?

At my age 40+ -
Had new bike waiting at home - Suzuki V-strom DL1000 Grand Tourer - Top box on - no side boxes at this stage
Passed test
Came home 30 minutes ride on my own - came home and took my wife out on the back.

Worth talking to passenger about expectations before you set off :-
When to get on bike.
When safe to shift position and when not.
Cornering bahaviour.
When to get off bike.

I would also add that the top box adds to the passengers experience as she feels that she cannot come off the back.

I would also add neither of us are lightweights but the only difference I have noticed between passenger weights are when they get on or off the bike and as you have experienced if they shift position at an awkward time.

As I said earlier it is when you feel comfortable...you don't want to scare her if you want years of happy biking.

As others have said, don't take a passenger until you are confident yourself. It's best to start with someone who is experienced on the back of a bike. If they make a mistake it can really mess up your control.
I took a friend out a while back, she had done a lot of miles on bikes, but she lost her bottle when we where lent over and sat up. It was like the bike disappeared from under me, I don't know how we didn't come off.
You'll find it easier if they hold on to your waste, I find if they hold on to the grab bar it puts their weight too far back and also means they don't tend to lean with you .
Don't let this put you off though!