advice for new pillions [Archive]

beyond

4th May 2006, 12:41

Keep their feet on the pegs at all times, even when they feel they should be sticking a leg out.
Do not try to lean the bike yourself but sit on the bike and go with it. For first timers, this is aided by them holding onto your waist which means that they don't flop off backwards as well.
Tell them to relax.

If they want you to slow down, single tap on the right shoulder. To stop, a double pat on the shoulder.

Under heavy braking, to use their chest against your back so you avoid the helmet knock.

Don't try and scare the crap out of them. Introduce them gradually.

WRT

4th May 2006, 12:43

There are two methods - one for normal people (this method is best) and one for homophobes.

Method One:
Give the rider a bearhug, and keep holding on to him/her. If you are one of the Zen types, then focus on "Being the backpack". If he/she is freaking you out, shut your eyes, but dont let that bear hug go.

Method Two:
Hold onto the bike as firmly as you can, and roll with the bike.

One makes the rider feel like they are wearing a big back pack, Two makes the rider feel like they are riding a heavy bike. Either way works (altho One is by far the most preferable for "spirited" riding), but consistancy is the key. Dont change positions or methods at any time.

One other pointer that I never thought would be a problem until my sister went pillion, is no matter how much you think it will work, grabbing the rider by the waist and turning them into each corner like you are trying to steer a bus WILL NOT HELP!!

Maha

4th May 2006, 12:45

And for fucks sake dont make a sudden movement cos your arse is numb or for any other reason, thats rather off putting.........:gob:

bert_is_evil

4th May 2006, 12:46

I would tell them:
- I know it's exciting but don't get on until I at least have the stand up
- Hold on tight, I could accelerate at any time
- If I brake hard you can reach your arms around and put your palms flat one on top of the other on the back of the tank, it might be more comfortable for you
- If you get scared, either tap my right leg or close your eyes and go to your happy place (I probably won't hear you screaming if you have reason to)
- Don't lean in or out of the corner, just keep your body in line with the bike
- Be aware that every time you move I can tell, so don't get up to any funny business back there

MSTRS

4th May 2006, 12:47

Even gentlemen must remain seated for the entire performance

Squeak the Rat

4th May 2006, 12:49

I've always found that pillions have trouble working out if they are leaning or not, so I usually supplement the "lean with the bike" advice by telling them to relax and when the bike turns to look around the corner.

Oh, and the tap system:

One tap = faster.

Two taps = faster.

Many taps or holding real tight = heaps faster.

dveus

4th May 2006, 12:56

I only tell new pillons 2 things.

1, Keep your feet on the pegs.
2, Don't panic until I do.

seems to work.

sunhuntin

4th May 2006, 13:05

squeak, thats what i read too, to look over their shoulder in the direction they are going. i prefer pillion if ive got something to stop me assing off the back.....one friend i rode with accelerated fast and i nearly did come off....fun to ride with though!

under extreme braking i found it best to try and anticipate when it was coming and then braced my legs and feet hard on the peg and hold them there. would also lean back a bit. still had clunking of helmets, but not as bad.

MSTRS

4th May 2006, 13:08

under extreme braking ....
Try reaching around & putting both hands on the fuel tank, then you have something to brace against.

nodrog

4th May 2006, 13:14

What advice would you give to someone who has never pillioned before?

hold on, this is going to hurt!

madboy

4th May 2006, 13:15

It's preferable to have a pillion that doesn't hold on like no tomorrow, that just drains the rider of energy and gives the rider a sore back/neck/wrists. Relaxed and going with the flow is the order of the day. It is a never ending surprise just how fast you can go with a pillion without them needing to hold on that tight. That assumes they're got the sense to be ready for the sharp changes in direction either left/right or forward/back.

Eurodave

4th May 2006, 13:17

ManDownUnder

4th May 2006, 13:20

Work out a way of communicating with the rider (i.e. two taps means I want you to slow down...)

Sit like a sack of spuds

Do what THEY want to do. Holding the grab bar, or grabbing the rider - whatever works.

Take their time - it takes a few miles to learn the art.

As for the rider, go slow, go easy and seek feedback. If they're confident enough - you can push it a little more. Don;t push it till the pillion says though, and back off if they want you to.

Scaring the living shit out of someone is a GREAT way to put 'em off bikes for life

SpeedyGirl

4th May 2006, 13:21

- Be aware that every time you move I can tell, so don't get up to any funny business back there

Sheesh...spoil all the fun!!!!:blip:

sels1

4th May 2006, 13:25

I tell newbie pillions to keep their feet on the footpegs at all times, hold on to my waist & look over my shoulder when we corner, left hand corner, look over my left shoulder ,right hand corner look over my right shoulder
I find this tricks them into leaning the correct way:yes:

Yes I have used this method and it works well. Having a decent back seat is a help, as is having your pillion in comfortable protective gear (proper fitting helmet etc)- all adds to the feeling of security

Insanity_rules

4th May 2006, 13:49

My method is to get my pillion to lean from the hips, hold me round the waist and gently push against my back when we brake. It seems to work!

bert_is_evil

4th May 2006, 14:41

My method is to get my pillion to lean from the hips, hold me round the waist and gently push against my back when we brake. It seems to work!

Except when your pillion is heavier than you, it's pretty hard work! Probably an indication that it's not a good idea to ride with a pillion that's bigger than you eh?

bobsmith

4th May 2006, 14:43

Something I think no one's mentioned, is... Don't muck around getting on and off the bike, - conversely don't jump on the bike when getting on either... I think I gave my girlfriend's dad a bit of a sore leg when I did that (never been a pillion before and there is the fact that I'm MUCH heavier than my girlfriend's mother or my girlfriend) he complained that I was hanging around on one peg too long getting off (therefore loading all my weight on one of his legs) and jumping on the bike too quickly (almost made him drop the bike.... with me on it - ouch!)

-Oh yeah, and I'm heavier than him.....

skidMark

4th May 2006, 14:59

it'll only hurt for your first time

after that youll enjoy the ride...

and keep the screaming to a minimum....

oh you were talking about bikes?

ummmmm don't try and lean as much as me if i'm half off the seat don't swing yourself off ....just go with the bike .

i find when ive pillioned people still try and go upright when the bike leans over......and i ask them later and they say it just feels weird leaning over i'd rather be upright...

at which point i usually say something to the effect of.

if you do that youll be horizontal 6 feet under

cruxis

4th May 2006, 15:02

See that big stainless steel can below the footpeg. Dont touch is very......
OWWWWWWW FUCK MY LEG!!!!.

skidMark

4th May 2006, 15:12

fck your leg ....well if you want to play doggies?

James Deuce

4th May 2006, 15:14

No pillions. Get single seat conversions. Pillions suck (or not).

Fatjim

4th May 2006, 18:00

Yes, but it's what they suck that counts.

ZeroIndex

4th May 2006, 18:19

just cable-tie the persons legs and hands to the side of the bike.. they should just stay there.... just like the toys on the toy run :D

Madness

4th May 2006, 18:20

Point to the centre, back of your helmet (put a sticker on it?) and explain that ideally, the pillion's head should be in line with that central spot. Try getting them to stare at that spot at the back of your helmet, explain that it's okay to look side to side by turning their neck, but their head should always be directly in line with the central dot.
I hate pillions that want to remain upright half way into a corner, it's hard enough getting the BigRedZed to go round sometimes by myself. Not this weekend though, I've got new tyres.

Did I mention that I have new tyres??? :nya:

BuFfY

4th May 2006, 18:26

My first time on the bike as a pillon was a bit of a disaster! i was sooooooo scared for one! and I had no idea what to do!

One thing I can say to the rider.... if you say you will take it easy.... take it easy! I was honestly scared shitless and he seemed to think I was alright, yet once I told him, after almost an hour!, he slowed down a bit and I enjoyed it a lot more. Going crazy speeds is something to be done with a confident pillon!!

The whole tap thing is a good idea! We should have used that one!

Hitcher

4th May 2006, 19:30

Instructions for pillions:

1. Don't get on the bike until I tell you.
2. Watch out for the exhaust. It's hot.
3. Check to see that both footpegs are down first.
4. Get on and off on from the left-hand side.
5. Don't get off until I tell you.
6. Make sure your feet are on the pegs at all times.
7. Make sure you know where the grab-handles are.
8. Tap my back when you're ready to go.
9. Tap my shoulder if you want me to stop.
10. Do not lean or make sudden movements. Imagine you are a sack of potatoes.
11. Enjoy your ride!

FROSTY

4th May 2006, 19:44

gas grass or ass --Nobody rides for free !!!!!!---Ohh and lil lady --Ive got a full tank and I dont smoke--still want a ride??

Ironman

4th May 2006, 19:48

Pillock and Pillion have the same amount of letters and no-one likes either of them!

Darkman

4th May 2006, 19:52

something that really works,,espessially for sports bikes.

let the pillion lock his/her arms around you with their hands pressed on the tank(could be a bit uncomfortable for long ride,but good for twisties).
By doing this they will automatically go where the rider goes and the helmets won't clash when breaking hard ,for the pillion will press against the tank. If the pillion is just holing onto the rider, the rider will get squashed against the tank..

BuFfY

4th May 2006, 20:20

gas grass or ass --Nobody rides for free !!!!!!---Ohh and lil lady --Ive got a full tank and I dont smoke--still want a ride??

Do you mean me??

paturoa

4th May 2006, 20:31

Keep your legs together - no wait !

FROSTY

4th May 2006, 21:56

Um actually seriously--I tell first time pillions either think Im gonna kill ya or trust me -either way ya might as well relaax and enjoy the ride

Wonko

4th May 2006, 22:32

first off, make sure the are wearing some gear, no skin showing helmet goves and a jacket.

Don't get on or off the bike until I tell you
Allways get on/off the left hand side.
Keep feet on footpegs.
Hands on my hips
Lean with me into courners
I can't hear you screaming, so use taps to comunicate. Right taps mean slow down(Brake side) left taps mean go faster.
if you can't tap, squeeze me tightly in a bear hug. I will stop breathing and then pass out and then we will crash and stop:yes:
I will stop any time they want me to stop
we will go 5 minutes up the road and then stop.At that point we can go for a furthr ride at a resonable pace, we can go back to the start, or get someone to come and pick them up.
if we crash, don't worry about me, don't worry about the bike, worry about yourself. The bike I can replace, I am industructable, you are the most important thing I have when I take you out for a ride.

Now take a deep breath, and relax, you will enjoy this.