Passenger helmets - who should buy me or them?!?!

I have been in a similar situation lately. I ride with my gf as a pillion and in the past 2 years we have both paied for some of her gear. Some was bought as a present others she bought them cause she needed it.

The question I wanna ask is WHY she doesn't wanna pay for it........the answer might be something you are missing out of your decision making process

If she's just skint then fair enough - offer to buy her some basic gear and she can pay you back later on. If she doesn't wanna pay because she sees it as your responsibility to buy gear for your "passengers" then ask yourself how many helmets will you buy for your other passengers to come?

If it's the later then tell her to F off and get yourself a fellow biker as a pillion!

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by 600+

If it's the later then tell her to F off and get yourself a fellow biker as a pillion!

He! He! Tell it like it is!

FWIW I agree with the if she wants to come, tell her to get her own gear - if you invite her out, you need to get some decent gear for her.

However, if your plan is to be able to take pillions whenever you like, then you will need to invest in some gear. I have two spare sets of leathers of different sizes, gloves, boots and helmet. Most of it is 'old' gear that I've hung on to in order to be able to take folks on the bike in (relative) safety. Lately was a friend of a neighbour who had not been pillion for 10 years, she loved it. Having my own pillion gear means I am able to give friends a lift / ride should I want to.

If she has already stated she isn't going to help buy any gear then spend the money on the bike instead. She obviously isn't that interested in riding pillion.

Originally Posted by Lozzo

"If the woman wants to ride, tell her to get her own bike"

You beat me to it Lozzo, although I would say it slightly differently - to her...

If you cant beat 'em, join em - its so much more fun - and you can see where you are going!

having said that I went pillion for 30ish years, but always had and paid for my own kit...but only because I wanted to be on the back whenever possible

Originally Posted by Luckypants

He! He! Tell it like it is!

You know I do speak of my mind in the most truthful and blunt way......remember old geezer on plastic automatic bike on our Lakes trip?

Originally Posted by ArtyLady

having said that I went pillion for 30ish years, but always had and paid for my own kit...but only because I wanted to be on the back whenever possible

I think the word in bold says it all really! If she wants to join you and be part of your life that is.....

Originally Posted by Gazza77

Is there anyone you could borrow some stuff from at least to give her a trial? If not, it's going to be very expensive for one of you if it turns out she doesn't like it!

+1, where are you? Maybe someone on here could lend you a lid and a jacket to give her a trial run. She might get on the bike once and refuse ever to go near it again.

Saying that you should have a spare lid for passengers doesn't really wash unless your gonna buy three different sizes. My wife has all the gear but I can generally only take women on pillion using her gear as it's too small for most blokes.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

+. My wife has all the gear but I can generally only take women on pillion using her gear as it's too small for most blokes.

hmmmm

Hmmmmmmm....very interesting.

Well, ok, I want her to ride with me and she says she would. Its ME doing the asking. OK....then I guess I will buy her gear, but its not gonna be HERS obviously. It will be for any other person I want who will fit in it.

Now, I live in Washington, DC. I have been riding for a year and don't really do any "extreme riding" yet. I just use a helmet, jacket, and gloves. I wear jeans and a some high ankle basketball shoes.

I want her to have at least that much protection. You guys are talking about full kits, leather pants, etc... Her safety is more important than mine to a degree - is what I am thinking sufficient, or you guys really recommend a full leather suit??? I am not racing down any tracks or streets!!!!

[yorkie_chris]

Get some 2 piece leathers or textiles for her, at the very least some draggin jeans or similar.

I've fallen off in jeans, trust me when I say it really really hurts!
Also get some proper boots on, you don't need the latest SIDI titanium this kevlar that, but something beefy (or indeed leathery) Army boots are great. Trainers won't do a right lot for you.

You don't have to spend a fortune, I found my girl a set of zip together leathers for about £50, that and a new, ACU rated lid and its sorted.

sounds like she doesnt want to get on the bike to me (IMO)
next time you go out, make a big deal of it & leave her behind