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Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:15 am
by Neorion
lo all, I am going to have the missus on the back of the bike for some short runs to get used to it, and was wondering if there were any golden rules to carriying a pillion.
I know about them not getting on/off until you say so and getting them to lean into the corners with you.

funnily I was wondering how off balance you feel when using the back brake at lights for example on hill? She is small so thats a bonus but the heaviest thing I have carried has been my tank bag and back pack so far. :cool

So any tips?

Cheers

Kev

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:18 am
by Dave
Ride smoothly !


Same when on the bike :log :log

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:39 am
by Tones
Just be smooth on the brakes, don't go as fast as you would on your own till you're both used to it, if they need to get comfy, make sure it's not mid corner. I've never found balance a problem sitting still. My son does slide about a lot, but he's only 8, my daughter I have to reach back on occasion to see if she's still there, such a good pillion. Don't scare the crap outta your passenger, no matter how tempting it is to do with an adult on the back :fire it'll make them tense and make riding harder.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/__tribosea ... 447_229455

Had one on the Thundercat and now on the STD. Does make a differance, have had adult pillions and I noticed a differance with the seat cover too, especially when braking.

(sorry, I've forgotten the code to shorten links :P )

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:43 am
by Dave
More weight = more braking required

More weight above the COG (centre of gravity) = less stable

The steering will be completely different.



So, as per my first reply, be smooth :2up

And ride slower until you get used to a pillion on the bike and the different feel.

Although you should always be looking ahead, react sooner like gently closing the throttle before you normally would.


Arrange signals that you both understand
eg:
If the pillion want to stop, a few taps on you shoulder, or grips round you waist.
Junctions...Pillion tapping you on the shoulder then pointing in the direction on turn, ie left shoulder for left turn...might sound obvious, but some it can take a while for a non driving/riding passenger to think about road sense.


Sort out what the pillion will hold on to.
My three kids do different things.
One holds onto the grab bars at the side.
One holds on to the jacket at the waist, so I bough one of those belt with handles for pillions to hold on to.
One doesn’t hold onto anything, “because I don’t need to” he says.

If going over rough stuff or, a series of quick bends, or filtering where you might need to stop or change direction quickly, I always indicate for the pillion to hold on, even my lad that is so cofedent on the bike.

Last tip for now...if doing long distances, keep communicating with the pillion, as they might go to sleep... no kidding.

Consider getting “wired for sound” (or wireless) so you can talk on the move.



And, the tip after the last tip...you relax and enjoy. :2up :2up

The first couple of times I took my kids on the bike, I was so tense that I was riding like sh!te (no change there some will say).
So, chill and enjoy.
If you are OK, then you lass will be OK.

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:48 am
by Ratz
DONT GO FAST!

since its yer other half youll get a right kick in the knackers if you do

but yes most of whats been said, slower, allow more room round things, longer brake distances, less leaning (esp to start with), steering will seem light due to weight being more at the back etc etc

just be careful and youll both enjoy it

:)

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:52 am
by Neorion
Cheers guys, just need to think about it and watch the nerves I am sure all with be fine though, I intend on taking it really easy just so we both get used to it. So some

Going to get some of those grab handle things they seem to be a good option. And got a pillion to pillion coms thing just need to figure out how to install the bloody thing!

We learn through doing right?

Aye she will give me a swift boot for misbehaving she's not shy. :2up

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:56 am
by speedaddictedberk
I've said this before but...

Give it death from the moment she's on the bike. Do drag starts and wheelies when possible, skid when stopping. If you can filter stupidly fast do it.
Burnouts at the lights that turn into wheelies will also be good.

That way you can happily ride on a bike that goes and handles like it should without having to take a pillion every time you go out. If she likes it you're stuffed!

(my wife hates bikes :2up )

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:59 am
by Zax
Another option is to go for a run with your GF on the back of someone elses bike out to Braemar for example so that she gets the hang of being on a bike with someone who has experiance riding 2 up.

That way when she is on your bike she will have a much beter idea on what (and what not) to do.

But heed the warning of SaB

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:13 pm
by Tones
Zax wrote: But heed the warning of SaB
Image

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:25 pm
by Zathos
Tell her to get her own bike ;)

Every pillion I have ever taken on the back of the bike has never gone for a second trip :log

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:07 pm
by Dave
Zathos wrote: Every pillion I have ever taken on the back of the bike has never gone for a second trip :log
Why, do you eat them or something :confused

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 7:30 am
by 02iomtt
I always tell mine not to lean into corners but instead just to go with the movement of the bike. Years ago I had one of my mates on the back and he was a right cocky know it all and he was trying to steer the bike into every corner for me which really wasn't good and you always get the odd one that sits up when you go into a corner.

As for how to hold on, I tell my pillions to put their arms round me and put their palms against the back of the tank that way I don't get headbutted so much when I'm braking and they can grab me really easy when I'm pulling away if they go a bit off balance...hope this helps.

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 9:56 am
by RK6
Like Zax said, chuck her on the back with one of the maniacs from round these parts and hope for the best when it comes to being your turn.

It really isn't that difficult and I reckon you'll get to grips with it in no time.

There will be the odd wobble at low speed but you'll find your feet quickly enough.

I tend to tell all my pillions to simply sit like a sack of spuds (the bike will do the rest providing they're neutrally balanced).

The hands on tank idea is good & certainly works well but isn't ideal for someone that's new to riding pillion as it provides little to no secure feeling if that makes any sense.

Get her to hold onto you & be gentle for the first 10 minutes or so. :log

Enjoy. :arse

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:02 am
by jbrebel
I bought a set of motrax love handles and they are great. Gives the pillion something decent to hold on to and handy for both acceleration and braking stability due to the belt fitting round the waist of the rider. I think blueflame has mine and his missus gives them a big thumbs up. I also fitted a non-slip turboseat cover - these are great and stops the pillion sliding all over the rear seat.

Usual rules apply: try to use the back brake to eliminate fork dive and squashing the pillion into your back, time your gear changes to remain smooth and have your pillion relax on the bike and try to have a good time :2up

If all else fails - they can always get the bus and meet you there ;)

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:05 am
by RK6
jbrebel wrote:I bought a set of motrax love handles and they are great.
Reckon I may have a set of these kicking about my garage somewhere. . .

Yours for free if I can find them! :cool

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:12 am
by Coddy
Check your insurance covers you to take a pillion.
I always remove the rear pegs, and have a single seat, so no intentions of taking a pllion (wife hates it on the back of the bike - thankfully) so my insurance does not cover a pillion.

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:44 am
by Neorion
aye aye

I asked for pillion cover as I knew she was going to come on at some point :???

She is light and I fully intend on taking it easy to get her used to it and me obviously, looking forward to it at the end of the day the 1st time I got on the VFR it was pant wettingly fun so this should be the same she is only 11 stone or something so I can just pretend I am a fat lad, although that would mean pretending I am 27 stone :eek

RK6 if you have one I would love a shot mate, she might like to use grab handles who knows!

Thankfully the VFR is forgiving at lower revs, I will need to remember to lok like a new boy and rev the tits of it at the lights so we dont stall, maybe she will like the vibration's you know like washing machines.......... :freebird

as the VFR is linked brakes I may even get away with braking but we will see.

Still not fully settled with "my" steering style yet so it will really be an easy run, so if you see a 2 up Red thing near Oldmeldrum in the future...just overtake eh ;)

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:50 am
by Zax
If you and your lass want to go for a run just give me a shout as I am over in Ellon.

I am happy taking a passenger on the bike :2up

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:51 am
by jbrebel
Zax wrote:I am happy taking a passenger on the bike :2up
Do you think she'll fit in your topbox??? :log
;)

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:59 am
by al
jbrebel wrote:
Zax wrote:I am happy taking a passenger on the bike :2up
Do you think she'll fit in your topbox??? :log
;)
I recon you could get more than one lassie in Zax's top box. Just a question of you you fold them!

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:39 pm
by Neorion
Zax wrote:If you and your lass want to go for a run just give me a shout as I am over in Ellon.

I am happy taking a passenger on the bike :2up

Nice one I will do :2up , hmmm top box never thought of that, she might get motion sickness though? hmmm

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:49 pm
by Dave
Neorion wrote:
Zax wrote:If you and your lass want to go for a run just give me a shout as I am over in Ellon.

I am happy taking a passenger on the bike :2up

Nice one I will do :2up , hmmm top box never thought of that, she might get motion sickness though? hmmm

easy...keep the lid closed so it doesn’t make a mess of your bike :biggrin2

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:02 pm
by Zax
Neorion wrote:
Zax wrote:If you and your lass want to go for a run just give me a shout as I am over in Ellon.

I am happy taking a passenger on the bike :2up

Nice one I will do :2up , hmmm top box never thought of that, she might get motion sickness though? hmmm

I will even put the pillion seat on the bike for the run. :2up

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 1:03 pm
by fazermal
[quote="jbrebel"]I bought a set of motrax love handles and they are great. Gives the pillion something decent to hold on to and handy for both acceleration and braking stability

I thought they were natural ;)

Re: Pillion biking

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:48 pm
by jbrebel
fazermal wrote: I thought they were natural ;)
I would give you them back but I think you've plenty enough to go 'round' :log

;)