Riding with a Pillion?

[placidfemme]

I'm currently on my restricted and can do my full license test next week. I havn't booked it yet as right now I need to choose between a gear mount bracket (about $147) or a "B" Service (approx $350) or my full license (no idea how much this costs yet).

Anyway... I was meant to try pillioning with Sam last weekend or the weekend before but couldn't find an open enough space close to home that Sam could walk to for us to try it out...

So as of yet I'm a pillion virgin so to say...

Sam only weighs about 5kg's more than me, and she is shorter than me...

Any tips on pillioning? The basics? etc...

Thanks in advance

PF

[bugjuice]

don't waste money on services unless it's something tricky like carb balancing or engine internal stuff.. brakes, fluids, checks etc.. just ask someone to help you out. You know where I am anyway..

As for pillion, double everything. Braking distance, length of accelerating, a third less speed in corners until you're confident.. Pillions do have a lot of control over the bike. If they shuffle, you'll feel it. If they lean into the corner, the bike will dive in. If they lean out of a corner, the bike will run wide. With the extra weight, the bike will take longer to stop. You can't accelerate too much, on bigger bikes anyway, cos the balance is off over the back.

Again, if you want, come over and take me as a pillion round the block

oh, and come up with a basic hand system. I use;
a tap on the knee = you/everything ok?
a tap on the shoulder = need to stop
few taps on the shoulder = need to stop asa
crack around the head = stop pulling wheelies

[bladez]

good luck :shit: my advise is to get them to hold on to the tank as gives good grip breaking and taking of. no preasure on rider and they go with the bike when you lean my partner loves it that way when she holds on :angry:

[skelstar]

pf, have a read of this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=13882&highlight=Pillion) thread. Lots of great advice in it.

[Squeak the Rat]

What buggy said re doubling everything. Especially watch out for the braking - it always catches me out if I haven't pillioned for a while.

I'd also suggest short shifting a little to make the gear changes a little less violent on the pillion, but being a 250 I'm not sure how practical that is having never ridden one.....

[placidfemme]

don't waste money on services unless it's something tricky like carb balancing or engine internal stuff.. brakes, fluids, checks etc.. just ask someone to help you out. You know where I am anyway..

Well... The ZXR had its last service about 2-3 weeks before I crashed it. Since the crash it spent months in limbo before being brought back to life (thanks Jono :)) And since then its had 3 oils changes (first two were to get rid of the green gunk that was once oil)... But the rest of the bike hasn't been touched much... It just feels like its sluggish, so I thought a service would sort it out... cheapest quote so far is $350 by Mt Eden motorcycles...


As for pillion, double everything. Braking distance, length of accelerating, a third less speed in corners until you're confident.. Pillions do have a lot of control over the bike. If they shuffle, you'll feel it. If they lean into the corner, the bike will dive in. If they lean out of a corner, the bike will run wide. With the extra weight, the bike will take longer to stop. You can't accelerate too much, on bigger bikes anyway, cos the balance is off over the back.

Again, if you want, come over and take me as a pillion round the block

oh, and come up with a basic hand system. I use;
a tap on the knee = you/everything ok?
a tap on the shoulder = need to stop
few taps on the shoulder = need to stop asa
crack around the head = stop pulling wheelies

Sweet thanks for the tips... I was thinking of just getting into it, and having Sam hop on the back and go around the block or something, but am worried about being busted (on a restricted with a pillion)... I know the chances are slim of being busted, but I'm not into taking financial risks that right now I can't afford...

Hopefully the weather this weekend will be decent and on Sunday I'll attempt to take her for a little spin... it'll make life so much easier (RE: Less bitching that I'm going for a ride and she isn't - lol)

[WickedOne]

Hey Tammy, make sure she keeps her feet on the footpegs at all times, this is important for balance. Tell her to just move with you, sometimes pillions (who have riden before) will try to anticipate leaning into or out of corners as they would when riding but because your riding styles may be different you may find yourself leaning against them which you don't want. Just ease into it, you will both become comfortable in no time. You may find that Sam holds onto you tightly and your helmets may bump into each other occasionally. As she becomes more confident being your pillion she will be able to loosen her grip on you and this will allow her to move back a little bit which will give you more manouverability (sp) and make the ride more comfortable for both of you. Start with short rides and slowly progress to longer rides. Eventually you will hardly notice she is there. Enjoy!!!

[degrom]

Quick tip... Don't get a first time pillion to practice on!!!

[placidfemme]

Hey Tammy, make sure she keeps her feet on the footpegs at all times, this is important for balance. Tell her to just move with you, sometimes pillions (who have riden before) will try to anticipate leaning into or out of corners as they would when riding but because your riding styles may be different you may find yourself leaning against them which you don't want. Just ease into it, you will both become comfortable in no time. You may find that Sam holds onto you tightly and your helmets may bump into each other occasionally. As she becomes more confident being your pillion she will be able to loosen her grip on you and this will allow her to move back a little bit which will give you more manouverability (sp) and make the ride more comfortable for both of you. Start with short rides and slowly progress to longer rides. Eventually you will hardly notice she is there. Enjoy!!!

Cheers :)

While Sam was pillioning with you (and this question also goes to BugJuice cause he's taken Sam pillion too)... where there any things that she did (as a pillion) that either of you found annoying or could be improved on?

[ManDownUnder]

Tam - Come out on the Wed night mentor ride (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=39958). I can pick up Sam if you want and take her to wherever you guys can safely practice (some quiet roads - if you know of any) and I'll take her home again afterwards.

Or any sensible variation of that thought.

Let me know.
MDU

[placidfemme]

Quick tip... Don't get a first time pillion to practice on!!!

lol no worries about that... Sam's been pillion heaps of times... but each time with guys on bigger bikes (as in bigger than my 250) and all the guys have been bigger and physically stronger than me... and more experienced... So I'm assuming she has it down pat almost... its just my side of things (the riding) thats worrying me cause I've never done it before...

[placidfemme]

Tam - Come out on the Wed night mentor ride (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=39958). I can pick up Sam if you want and take her to wherever you guys can safely practice (some quiet roads - if you know of any) and I'll take her home again afterwards.

Or any sensible variation of that thought.

Let me know.
MDU

The weather on Wednesday looks a bit crap... but other than I don't see any issues as to why not :)

I'll confirm with Sam tonight if she's keen to come along and try pillioning... otherwise I'll just potter along on my own :)

[bugjuice]

Cheers :)

While Sam was pillioning with you (and this question also goes to BugJuice cause he's taken Sam pillion too)... where there any things that she did (as a pillion) that either of you found annoying or could be improved on?
nope, she was a good girl ;)
actually, with her lack of weight, the bike acted like I was riding round with a heavy rucksack on, which isn't anything unusual. Just tell Sam to just stay upright and not to lean in too much, until you get comfy.
I rode down to Wellington with HDTBoy on the back from Rotorua onwards. He can give you some tips on being pillion. And how to take the corners so the rider doesn't have to do anything!!

But, the best tip by far; relax. If both of you relax and don't stress, it's a lot easier. And just go for it. Up the road and back, take a few corners around some of the quiet streets, and you'l be fine. Really isn't much to it

[WickedOne]

Cheers :)

While Sam was pillioning with you (and this question also goes to BugJuice cause he's taken Sam pillion too)... where there any things that she did (as a pillion) that either of you found annoying or could be improved on?

Nothing really, just the usual things when taking a new pillion, but these things change with experience. When we went to Hamilton we didn't go though any twisties so it's quite difficult to comment on cornering. She was holding on tight and out helmets bumped quite often but that is to be expected. As she becomes more confident she will relax (she was quite tense) and your helmets won't bump and it will become comfortable. Just take your time and you'll be fine.

[ManDownUnder]

Sounds like mileage might be the answer... learn to ride together as pillion and rider... the problems will sort themselves after a while anyway.

Still happy to give any pointers of course

[placidfemme]

Thanks all... I'm keen on the Wednesday night monitoring thingie... just need to confirm with Sam... I'll PM you tomorrow MDU about pillioning there :)

[cowboyz]

I am sure you will work it out on the way but I thought I would throw 2 c in.

2 things that piss me off with pillions...

1. If they try to put there feet down at lights or stops. Especially if you are not expecting it. It throws the bike off balance especially if they put more weight on 1 side. Pillion should always keep foot on pegs.

2. Make sure you both know which side the pillion is going to dismount on. I like to have both feet on the ground and front brake on while pillion is getting on and off. Helps if you know which side they are getting off.

Apart from that its all the normal stuff. You don't put a pillion on the back to scare the crap out of them.. (well sometimes you do) so ride more conservatively than you would on your own. And the hard braking come helmet bashing gets a bit old for both of you real fast.

Best of luck. take it easy.

[ManDownUnder]

1. Pillion should always keep foot on pegs.
Yes


2. Make sure you both know which side the pillion is going to dismount on.

Always from the left. Away from traffic/side with the footpath. And only when the bike is up off the side stand.

[dawnrazor]

everything said here is valid.....but one small thing should be added....you may want to add some kinda protection to the back of YOUR helmet, 'cus I assure you you'll be head butted by your pillion a few times until she works out the signs that your braking and how to brace herself with her legs and arms....first time I took my partner on the back, she manage to take lumps outa the back of my helmet....not solely her fault either, I probably wasn't the smoothest of riders and didn't help matters....I've actually hidden the pillion seat for my bike as I don't like the responsibility of riding two up, well on a sportsbike its a bit of a mute point as the pillion don't get much to sit on.

My old guzzi was a firm favourite, but that may well have had more to do with the V-TWIN and the open lafraconi pipes....that bike could practically VIBRATE itself off its sidestand LOL

[bugjuice]

that bike could practically VIBRATE itself off its sidestand LOL
must have been a hit with the chicks.. :niceone:

[hXc]

I have never taken a pillion, apart from through the pits at Taupo, but a pillion should just act like a sack of potatoes.

[dawnrazor]

must have been a hit with the chicks.. :niceone:

Ah the washing machine on spin cycle had nothing on my little V50...that said a washing machine has better brakes, better handling and is probably faster....funny though it didn't seem to matter HAHAHA

[scracha]

You'll actually find that in an emergency you can brake almost as hard with a pillion. It's just that the poor sod behind you has nothing to hold onto so they end up pushing things against petrol tanks.

Gently roll off the throttle before upshifts and then get on the gas again gently. The key is gently. That stops the headbutting.

Use more back brake than normal, especially around town as you'll find the front pogo's more than usual with the extra weight.

Umm....basically have fun.

Oh...and check your pillion isn't kicking cars that get to close or flicking the V at them like my little sister did.

[hXc]

Umm....basically have fun.

Oh...and check your pillion isn't kicking cars that get to close or flicking the V at them like my little sister did.Contradictory, isn't it?

[Mom]

lol no worries about that... Sam's been pillion heaps of times... but each time with guys on bigger bikes (as in bigger than my 250) and all the guys have been bigger and physically stronger than me... and more experienced... So I'm assuming she has it down pat almost... its just my side of things (the riding) thats worrying me cause I've never done it before...

I spent a couple of years pillioning a friend between Wellsford and Warkworth, we were on a Yamaha 175. She was a bigger gal than me all round and we managed ok. As has been said here though, really be aware of stopping, it makes a huge difference being two up. Apart from that have fun together, its been 20 odd years since we commuted like that and we still laugh about some of the things that happened to us back then. Take care.

[Waylander]

PF, did you check or change the spark plugs last time you did the oil? If not you may need to just clean or replace them to sort that sluggishness.

As for carrying pillions, Nothing I can add that others havn't said other than being smoother in everything than you normally would. Makes it much more relaxing for your pillion and that helps keep you relaxed.

[sunhuntin]

glad that someone started a thread. lol. first time i pillioned, i went down to one of the places i work at and took the little indian guy around the forecourt. wasnt really much different, and although it was only slow speeds, i didnt notice any handling differences. kinda like having a heavy backpack strapped to the back seat [which i have all the time]

my partner is thinking of coming over from canada, and its either buy him a bike or take him as a pillion. so pillion tips are helpful.
i used to pillion with him all the time on his harley decker, and the only way i could get off was once he was off, lol. same with getting on. i tried swinging my leg over the topbox once but was terrified hed drop the bike [me not being the lightest of people, and him being the skinniest....literally flesh and bone] so since then, id get on first and slide back. only time wed smack helmets was when i wrapped myself around his back to talk to him.

[crash harry]

Can I be the one person to point out here that taking pillions on 250s can be a bit fraught... I'm not saying don't do it, and especially to PF I have no idea how big you or Sam are, so it might be OK, but a ZXR really is a small bike so please take it easy - I'm only saying this as someone who used to ride a CBR250 and who may well weigh as much as the two of you combined (yes it looked hilarious...) Those little bikes really sag down when you put a bit (lot) of weight on them.

Go for it though, it's not really that big a deal, the first time I took a pillion neither she or I had ever ridden two-up, she'd never been on a motorbike before and had not even ridden a push bike for about 10 years... We did OK. Just go slowly until you've felt out how the bike handles, you'll be fine.

The Lee Parks book I read a while back reccomends that you tell the pillion to look over your left shoulder when turning left and look over your right shoulder when your turning right. That seems to work well with some pillions, but others get a bit over-enthusiastic about it and it seems to be better to tell them to just stay straight behind you. And get them to put their arms around your waist and brace their hands against the tank when your braking - takes a lot of weight off your arms.

Hmm - that's about all I can think of - good luck and have fun!

[NighthawkNZ]

I do find a pillion a lot easier on the open road than around town...

One trick to ease you into and to get use to the extra weight is to load up your pack rack with some weighty (ensure secured tightly). Turn inward so it sits on the pillion seat... you will feel that the bike handles slightly differently and maybe a little lighter upfront... and you will notice more at slower speeds... and maybe we you acelletrate

Once use to the idea of extra weight take your friend around the block...

As said tips: Double your braking distance, slow down more for corning, Try to avoid errr quick accellerations :scooter: and heavy breaking (unless needed) else you will get a smack on the back of the head as your two helmets colide... especially untill you and the pillion are comfortable with each others riding styles etc. Remember also if you are overtaking you will need more road accellerate and complete the manouver.

Make sure the pillion leans with the you/the bike, and not fight you especially in corning... if they need to jiggle a bit to get comfortable ensure they do it on the straights not during a corning manouver. On long trips the pillion will get colder quicker

The physical size and weight of the pillion can be a issue... full stop (depending) on the size of the bike, plus your weight. Not so much an issue on the bigger bikes but mainly the smaller 250's etc.

Get some signals for quick communications... "Smack around the head... Slow frackin down..." :scooter:

Final thing to rememebr is that you have someones elses life in your hands. So both of you need to relax and trust each other... and have fun. :done:

[M1CRO]

Some people like being pillions from time to time :rockon:
Hint: Zoom in onto the pillion

[Gineen]

I didn't realised being a pillion was such a big deal to the rider.

I've been doing it for decades, so if anyone needs a lightweight pillion to practice with in the Manawatu, (all 35kg of me) PM me. Just have a seat for me to actually sit on please!

Me thinks some learning is in order for me here too, though I've never run into any problems, umm well maybe once :psst: my lips are sealed

[placidfemme]

Thanks all for your tips and advice...

Spoke to Sam last night about all the tips/advise and we talked about and decided on some hand signals... (ie... her tapping my leg twice = slow down, more than twice = stop NOW, if I tap her leg = holds on etc).

My aunt came over from Aussie yesterday so it looks like I won't be on the Wednesday & Thursday rides this week... but I'll definatley try the pillion thing as soon as we get the chance :)

Thanks again

[ceebie13]

Before your pillion even gets on (or off) the bike, be sure you are settled and feet are firmly on the ground in readiness for their "leg-over" (if you'll pardon the expression). The extra weight on whichever side as they step on the footpeg can catch you unawares. Soften your braking and your acceleration too.

[Hawkeye]

One trick to ease you into and to get use to the extra weight is to load up your pack rack with some weighty (ensure secured tightly). Turn inward so it sits on the pillion seat... you will feel that the bike handles slightly differently and maybe a little lighter upfront... and you will notice more at slower speeds... and maybe we you acelletrate

Once use to the idea of extra weight take your friend around the block...



I was also about to suggest this. I have never ridden with a pillion and it's years since I was a pillion myself. The one thing I know is when I nip down to the shops and have a full load coming back, the extra weight on the back totally changes the dynamics of the bike.
From previous posts, your pillion is experienced but your not. Try riding with a loaded pack on the back for a few days. You will not be putting your restricted at risk but it will give you a feel of the extra weight on cornering, stopping etc.

[skelstar]

In my (very) brief pillioning experience:

1. Don't let you pillion get on or off the bike unless youre very comfortable with where the bike is...ie secure footing, not on a slope, not slippery gravel etc. Yeah as ceebie says, the lurch of the bike when the P gets on and off gives you a bit of a surprise sometimes.

2. Move the bike out onto the road a bit so that once the pillion is on the bike you can take off with as few problems as possible ie with no tricky manouvres.

3. P doesn't get on unless engine is running, and knows not to get on unless engine is off or has been told to get off.

[ManDownUnder]

Before your pillion even gets on (or off) the bike, be sure you are settled and feet are firmly on the ground in readiness for their "leg-over" (if you'll pardon the expression). The extra weight on whichever side as they step on the footpeg can catch you unawares. Soften your braking and your acceleration too.

So to clarify... I need to brace myself before my wife can get her leg over?

[placidfemme]

Thanks for the extra tips... I'm printing this thread out now so Sam can have a read of it too :)

[RantyDave]

Hint: Zoom in onto the pillion
*That*, is cool.

Dave

[Keystone19]

Just one more thing to add. I quite often pillion people (often quite bigger than me eh Texmo...).

I find it can be helpful to have the side stand down and the bike leaning on it when the pillion is getting on and off the bike. This means that if you are worried about the pillion unbalancing you the side stand actually holds the weight of the bike. The only minor issue then is hoisting the bike upright off the stand to ride off.

With Texmo I found I didn't need to do that as he was so big he just had to put his feet out and he'd touch the ground from the pillion seat if we unbalanced...

[NotaGoth]

The ride down from Auckland to Hamilton was my 3rd ever pillion... Longest ride I've been on too....... Was real real nervous so I'm lucky I'm quite light... Glen reckons he barely noticed me on the back... (yeah right)

For me it was a difficult pillion down... But later on I got to watch who I think was Quasi and his Mrs... I watched the two of them in front... Watched her positioning on the bike... Adjusted my positioning.. And in turn found my ride much more enjoyable... (For me... Will wait on Glens comment on that one...)

Glen was also a perfect height for me... And I was able to see just over his shoulder... Which was comforting for me... Start of the ride I'd been sliding around on the seat alot.. Being able to see what was going on in front of me was fantastic... I knew when to put my hand on the tank etc.... And I think during the whole trip I only tapped helmets once...

Hand signals sound like a good idea... Though a nice poke in the ribs is an obvious sign to slow down hehe.. :innocent:

[placidfemme]

The ride down from Auckland to Hamilton was my 3rd ever pillion... Longest ride I've been on too....... Was real real nervous so I'm lucky I'm quite light... Glen reckons he barely noticed me on the back... (yeah right)

For me it was a difficult pillion down... But later on I got to watch who I think was Quasi and his Mrs... I watched the two of them in front... Watched her positioning on the bike... Adjusted my positioning.. And in turn found my ride much more enjoyable... (For me... Will wait on Glens comment on that one...)

Glen was also a perfect height for me... And I was able to see just over his shoulder... Which was comforting for me... Start of the ride I'd been sliding around on the seat alot.. Being able to see what was going on in front of me was fantastic... I knew when to put my hand on the tank etc.... And I think during the whole trip I only tapped helmets once...

Hand signals sound like a good idea... Though a nice poke in the ribs is an obvious sign to slow down hehe.. :innocent:

That was you on Glens bike? Now I feel rude cause I didn't say hello

*sez hello*

[TerminalAddict]

here's my biggest tip I can offer.

Buy some "love handles" from quasi.

they provide:
1. Something for the pillion to hold on to
2. free movement for the rider even while the pillion is holding on.
3. The ability for the pillion to move thier head without smacking you in the back of the helmet

It is by far .. and I mean *by far* the best money I have spent on riding apparel (sp?)

Mrs TA couldn't go 1 hour holding around my waist without a rest for her to stretch her neck, and move her spine a bit. Also I felt like she was going to pull me off when accelerating hard.
With the love handles she can move her head and back freely without pushing me around, because she has the ability to lean back a bit, and make a gap of a couple of inches between her and I

Great for the kids too !!!!

[BarBender]

I find riding with a pillion tends to exagerate any weaknesses you may have in your riding style. You'll soon be on your ass if you tend to break late, accelerate too soon or take dodgy lines into corners.

I make a point of checking my tyre pressures and suspension settings before going out with a pillion. More from a comfort and safety perspective than anything else.

I also tend to use the clutch alot more (smooth changes) and rear brakes to initially slow the bike down so weight transfer to the front end is smooth

Pillion handles are useful (see www.quasimoto.co.nz) They help the pillion move with you and give your pillion some confidence.

[bugjuice]

here's my biggest tip I can offer.

Buy some "love handles" from quasi.

they provide:
1. Something for the pillion to hold on to
2. free movement for the rider even while the pillion is holding on.
3. The ability for the pillion to move thier head
they're not just great on the bike you know :msn-wink:

[placidfemme]

*is PMing Quasi now about the love handles thingies*

[bugjuice]

*ordering a bigger flash card for camera now...*










to take photos of PF and Sam on their first pillion ride, for all those dirty minds...

[placidfemme]

*ordering a bigger flash card for camera now...*


to take photos of PF and Sam on their first pillion ride, for all those dirty minds...

lol yay piccies!

[Stroker Girl]

Also, another good point is for the rider to check the pillion is securely in place before moving off! Not a good feeling when a bike accelerate off whilst only one leg is over.........:shit:

[Hellraiser]

Don't forget those wise words form Ronald .......

[bugjuice]

Don't forget those wise words form Ronald .......
what? try our cheese burger for a $1.99?

[Hotchefnz]

All the above advise is great - and is the advise I used when taking my son for his first couple of spins.
The only problem I have now is on a hot day he decides to doze off - LOL...
Start off on small trips and get longer - it works a treat.
Best of lck

[Hellraiser]

what? try our cheese burger for a $1.99?

NO


MAKE IT CLICK

[placidfemme]

*wonders how I can make my bike click... it makes all sorts of other funny noises... but not clicking*

[Whynot]

*wonders how I can make my bike click... it makes all sorts of other funny noises... but not clicking*

let me guess .... rattles mostly :innocent:

[placidfemme]

let me guess .... rattles mostly :innocent:

Rattles... squeaks... sometimes a clonking... but mostly she just purs :):love:

[NighthawkNZ]

All the above advise is great - and is the advise I used when taking my son for his first couple of spins.
The only problem I have now is on a hot day he decides to doze off - LOL...
Start off on small trips and get longer - it works a treat.
Best of lck

My Ex use to doze off as a pillion, but she was secure as... she use to tuck her hands int the handles of the side panniers and with the back rest on the top box she said she just use to doze off...

I heard her snoring over the intercom once... twas funny.... But she was so lite a and tiny that I didn't even notice when she was there...

[Waylander]

My Ex use to doze off as a pillion, but she was secure as... she use to tuck her hands int the handles of the side panniers and with the back rest on the top box she said she just use to doze off...

I heard her snoring over the intercom once... twas funny.... But she was so lite a and tiny that I didn't even notice when she was there...
My last GF would put her hands in my pockets and take naps on long straightish rides. Fuck I miss that.

[NotaGoth]

That was you on Glens bike? Now I feel rude cause I didn't say hello

*sez hello*

*cough* yup... Hi.. ;)

[Hillbilly]

I don't know if anyone's mention that your pillion needs to trust you implicitly.
Had a mate take a guy for a ride home from work. All the way home the guy kept screaming " you're gonna kill me! you're gonna kill me!"

My first ride a pillion with that mate was a quick "blast" along the NW Motorway on his VF1000FF, where he got to 195km/hr just past Pt Chev. It was "payback" for taking the Wellerley St offramp lefthand corner (from the southern motorway) at 70 mph (112km/hr) in a long wheelbase left hand drive Dodge Monaco. It took months to get the clawmarks out of the front passenger's seat.

Been pillion with the same mate in a two-up race to Piha as well, averaging 170km/hr into the corners on that VF. On the left handers, all I could see was the long grass hitting the visor from the banks. The bike was shod with Metzler's and the rear tyre wasn't holding on too well, so we were also drfting. He changed to Michelin Hi-Sports after that ride. Got spotted coming into Piha by a work mate, leant right over sparks off the centerstand and pegs. No worries!

Those Michelins proved a little too sticky . Imagine being pillion, facing up Queen St at the lights opposite Meyer's Park. Mate goes to ride off, and drops a wheelie by accident, TWICE! That's It was really hillarious 'cos it gave the boy racers next to us the shits something terrible. I've also been pillion with this person weaving though traffic in Downtown Auckland and along the waterfront at speeds around 200km/hr including blasting between a bus and a car.

Only crashed once when I was with him. He made the mistake of slowing down on a unsealed country road near Taupiri. It was in interesting experience sliding down a slope for 30 meters pinned under 250kg of bike. It had a full tank of gas. Now that will tell you whether you'll ever get on a bike again!! His was pissed off because he bent the clutch and gear levers. Nevertheless, we picked up the bike, got on and rode home.

That's what I mean about a pillion totally trusting you as a person and your skills as a rider.

[ceebie13]

So to clarify... I need to brace myself before my wife can get her leg over?

Well, that depends on several factors, MDU. Best you keep them private though:yes:

[klingon]

I don't know if anyone's mention that your pillion needs to trust you implicitly.
Had a mate take a guy for a ride home from work. All the way home the guy kept screaming " you're gonna kill me! you're gonna kill me!"

My first ride a pillion with that mate was a quick "blast" along the NW Motorway on his VF1000FF, where he got to 195km/hr just past Pt Chev. ... etc



A prime example of someone I would never, ever pillion with. I enjoy pillioning with someone I trust, but I value my life too much to hand it over to someone like that.

[placidfemme]

A prime example of someone I would never, ever pillion with. I enjoy pillioning with someone I trust, but I value my life too much to hand it over to someone like that.

I've only ever been pillion 3 times... first time was the first time on a bike ever... an FJ1100, knew the rider beforehand... but knew nothing about bikes... my helmet was too big and I was cold (from not wearing any gear other than a helmet)... still enjoyed myself to no end... second time was a Thundercat600 (the old R6's) and loved that even more than the FJ1100, nearly came off as the rider went over a speed bump and I wasn't holding on tight... scared the shit out of me... but still loved the "thrill". Third and last time was here in NZ on a yamaha R1... the rider scared me stupid doing speeds of over 160kph on the rodney district road... didn't enjoy myself at all...

[Hillbilly]

I've only ever been pillion 3 times... Third and last time was here in NZ on a yamaha R1... the rider scared me stupid doing speeds of over 160kph on the rodney district road... didn't enjoy myself at all...


160km/hr, it seems so slow on a big bike...even as a pillion. I trusted that rider with my life then, and still do. There' no way I'd pillion with anyone I didn't know very well or trust.

[placidfemme]

160km/hr, it seems so slow on a big bike...even as a pillion. I trusted that rider with my life then, and still do. There' no way I'd pillion with anyone I didn't know very well or trust.

No 160kph isn't that quick, but this guy was throwing the bike around heaps without giving me any warnings as to when he was speeding up slowing down or anything, I was just hanging on and couldn't see a thing...

[Maha]

160km/hr, it seems so slow on a big bike...

Seems bloody quick on my bike 2up.....i think?....have i been that fast before? ..........:scooter:

[Hillbilly]

We wanted to see just how fast the old VF1000FF was 2-up, so we rode from Otara to Pakuranga one night. Along a decent stright we hit 250km/hr, which i believe is pretty much as fast as they could go. And yes, it was bloody hard to hang on, espescially as it was such a tall bike and only had a half fairing w/ belly pan. Not bad for a Sports Tourer.

[NighthawkNZ]

Trust is a huge factor for the pillion... but the rider also has to have some trust in the pillion. Both should be comfortable with each other.

When you stop, make sure your pillion is still comfortable riding back there... if not chat about what s/he is uncomfortable with. Whether speed, corning... or need more breaks because a liitle more cramped up etc...

Rememeber most pillion seats sit a little higher than the rider postion and will give a sense of leaning further than you as the rider feels

[Hillbilly]

I agree 100%. The type of wild rides mentioned above I would only take with one person, and that's the guy who owned the VF. I couldn't trust anyone else to safely ride the way he does with 100% confidence.

OK, flipside is I went on a scooter run as a pillion. The scooter was a Bergman 400, and it scared the shit outta me. We had to contend with a 20 - 30 knot crosswind, as well as the scooter's piss poor handling. After the run I was asked if I needed a Valium. The rider was experienced, but it wasn't fun. Got invited on another scooter run and politely declined.

[dawnrazor]

Hey PF check out this website for another perspective and some other useful stuff for girliebikers as well.....alledgedly...'cus I ain't looked at it or nuftin'...LOL

http://www.bikegirl.co.uk/resources/resources.html

[EZAS]

I've actually had some of the best times as a pillion ANYWAYZ,

I've always wondered why dismounting by jumping of the back is frowned apon so much?
When I was a pillion, I'd tap my mate on the back and then hoist myself off my hands to jump off the back while the bike was moving forward (sub 15kmh)

Provided your agile enough, I don't see this being so much of an issue?

[scracha]

That's what I mean about a pillion totally trusting you as a person and your skills as a rider.

Yeah. Dickheads who try and scare pillions should be given a good kicking as it puts a lot of people off going on the back.

Back in Ipswich a couple of years ago I drew up alongside Gixer 750 rider whilst I'm 2's up with the burd on the TDM 850 (with 3 box givi luggage). Gixer rider gives "the look" and adopts drag racer stance. Burd notices and leans forward more and hangs onto me like a baby monkey. Lights go to amber and we both launched. Gixer rider glad he's wearing a tinted visor. Must be the 360 firing order of the TDM or maybe longish travel suspension (plus maybe the weight on the back) but it was so easy to get off the line. He buggerd off once we hit about 40 (mph) but I was off the gas by then anyway...don't see the point in speeding through town. Stupendous 2's up + luggaged wheely though :-)

[placidfemme]

Thanks for the extra tips and advice...

Last night Sam and I tested out the "getting on and getting off" of the ZXR with her pillion (engine wasn't even on), this is not a problem as I took someones advice (can't remember right now and too lazy to check back through the posts... but it was a chick) and put the side stand down, Sam hopped on and right away I noticed the extra weight on the back... pulled the bike upright and noticed a few more things...

Firstly, I have a small skinny ass... and when I lean forward while in my normal riding stance... my ass is about 10cm away from the back of the riders seat/pillion seat. This requires Sam to lean down further to grip onto me...

The good point however... me being so skinny... and Sam being short limbed, means that Sam can reach around me and lean against the tank... she said she's never been able to reach the tank before with anyone else cause they are all bigger...

The pillion seat on the ZXR is also fairly high (See here: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=47493&d=1165178037)

So Sam is way higher than me, exspecially when I'm leaning down more than normal...

I've already ordered and paid for "Love Handles" from Quasi, but seeing as Sam can reach the tank, I'm assuming she'd be more comfortable leaning down a little then sitting back getting buffered by the wind holding the love handles...

We didn't go for a ride cause my throat is still killing me and everytime I cough my face goes blood red and my eyes water... (think I'm getting the flu :()

Anyway... Hopefully I'll feel better by Sunday and we can test it out :)

[dawnrazor]

on a bike like that I expect she'll be better off using the grab rail most of the time....its not an all day tourer thats for sure heeheehee

[placidfemme]

on a bike like that I expect she'll be better off using the grab rail most of the time....its not an all day tourer thats for sure heeheehee

The ZXR doesn't have a grab rail... those bars you can see are for my packrack (and its bent so I can't get the packrack on there grrrr)... On the pillion seat it has an extra leather strap (or something) that the pillion can hold onto... but when she holds onto it she is sitting completely upright and I'm leaning over, just from our little test last night I could feel her uprighted-ness throwing the bike off balance, I'd personally prefer for her to hand onto me or lean against the tank... at least that way there is a bit more of central gravity stabilising the bike (if that makes sense)