What do you say to a pillion...

[Thani-B]

... when they ask what they should do if we crash?

My sister asked me this the first time she came on my new bike with me just after Christmas last year, she'd been on my GN with me before, and on her past boyfriends bikes, so she wasn't new to bikes or me riding.

What would be the right thing to tell someone if they ask?

[Maha]

''Dont Follow me''

[kave]

Just be honest and tell them that generally it will happen so fast that they wont actually have any time to react.

[mashman]

just tell her that it'll be death or a trip to the hospital or lots of pain killers for a few days or some plasters on de-skinned body parts or various shades of the previous, but hopefully without the death bit. Failing that, throw her off and ask her what she thought!!!

[kiwifruit]

"we won't crash"

[ukusa]

... when they ask what they should do if we crash?

scream in pain ?

[breakaway]

"we won't crash"

+1 <img src=''/>

[slofox]

I usually tell 'em "kiss your arse goodbye before we start then, huh?"

[ckai]

Start running like hell. Hopefully the ground will catch up.

[Quasievil]

Get off !!

[Bikemad]

get off !!

i concur q

[onearmedbandit]

"Stop, drop, and roll. Or tumble. It's your choice."

[Duke girl]

If it ever happens and here's hoping it never does it will happen that quickly that as long as you are both wearing the correct gear hopefully you will both get out of it with only a few bruises.
Crashes is something that a majority of the time is out of our control when it happens as you never know when it could happen and how it will happen.

[Squiggles]

Perhaps a reminder (not that'll it do much vs instinct) to not go nuts on the back if something surprises them and makes them *think* they're going to crash?
Chances are its over before they even know it.

[Murray]

Close your eyes and pray very fast!!

[Katman]

All I ever seem to say to my pillion is "No, I will not put a pack frame on it!"

[AD345]

Don't bleed on the leather

Don't scream in my ear

If anyone asks - yes YOU were the rider.

[P38]

Just say "Dunno I havent planned for that event yet"

[{.bLanK}G_o_D]

"Stop, drop, and roll. Or tumble. It's your choice."

You're in a motorcycle accident, not on fire dude. :doobey:

From my experience of going down a couple of times back in the day, you dont have time to think about it much when you go down.
Couple of things to note tho. If your on the ground, don't hang on to the bike, or the rider if your a pillion.
A natural reaction is to put your hands out to break your fall, often it ends with a broken wrist or collar bone. Done both of those btw.

[bogan]

tuck and roll, and most importantly, while rolling shout something awesome, like "that was one hell of a ride"

[sondela]

Well in all honesty, there's not a thing they can do... gravity, and momentum will take care of everything..

Just say 'it'll be over before you know it, so don't worry, be happy... '

[PirateJafa]

This is the same girl who cried after her stint on the back of my bike? :Oops:

I still feel bad about that...

[EJK]

When I pillioned my sister, she asked me the same thing. So I replied

"No, we won't crash!"


Purely optimistic. Healthy psychological method.

[steve_t]

Say to them "Don't do this:"

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[Okey Dokey]

First, reassure the pillion that you have never crashed and will be taking it easy. Maybe suggest that if you do come off and slide that it is good to avoid being hit by the bike- ie kick away from it or something?

[Iggy]

hang on for dear life :shit:

[Hitcher]

... when they ask what they should do if we crash?

Don't tell mum?
Tell the police the accident was caused by roadside debris?
Lie to the insurance company and to ACC?
Don't sue?
Don't post a biker down thread on Kiwi Biker.

[jimbo_on_travels]

I would explain the difference between low side and high siding it - and if high siding it, get the f**k out of the way of the bike!

[davebullet]

Has she been scared shitless, watched too much youtube or have been in a crash before?

Knowing what to say all depends on the context of any fear or concern.

[PrincessBandit]

All I ever seem to say to my pillion is "No, I will not put a pack frame on it!"

Yes, I was very conscious initially of that last time I was on the back of your bike. However I trust you completely with my life.

[Toaster]

General operating proceedure is to jump 200 feet into the air and spread yourself over a wide area.


... oh no, that was landmines.

[caseye]

Good question Thani-B.Pity is there is no blanket answer that alays their fears.
Truthfully, the "it'll all be over before you know it" answer is the right one, but logically and optimistically the " I'm not planning on it " one is the winner.
Only advice that fits all off situations as a pillion, is "don't hold onto the rider or the bike, let go! get clear, slide as long as possible" Of course make damn sure they are wearing as much gear as possible too.While this could work either way,"oh no we're going to crash' or uh huh this will help if we fall off" at least they will not die of negligence on your part, after losing all their skin and or meat off unprotected bones.
A bit gruesome? well reality has a habit of kicking you in the arse so plan for the worst and whatever happens can't be that bad.
Some people make great pillions, orthers don't, the trick as a rider is to pick em early and avoid taking the bad ones anywhere.

[gijoe1313]

I've remarked that one should yodel like a swiss milk maid while gregariously flapping one's arms, since fear gives you wings! Also a sniping comment ala Lord Blackadder like "tch, typical, such an inconvenience to fall off one's ride at this juncture is just what I needed"

[<Rhino>]

I would say, "if your concious and I'm not, don't let anyone move me and call an ambulance, I will do the same for you!!"

[Thani-B]

Thanks for the replies guys. Now I've got some good answers for if anyone else asks me the same thing.