To all pillion riders

[varminter]

We tried half a dozen bikes before settling on the V-Strom, the boss liked the seat and I liked the bike, now all I have to do is learn to ride it. Fine when I'm moving but you sure as hell better be fully upright when you stop, I find it really heavy especial as it's high. Guss I'll get better.

[leo.zeona]

My lady and I have covered some 50000ks together on a Ducati ST3 and when she has other things on and you get to go out by yourself you will find it to easily be a match for the SV and its still a v twin. I bought an ohlins rear shock and set the sag for 2 up riding and its the bees knees.

[Highlander]

I think start off with short trips. Go for a circuit where you can go for an hour or so stop for coffee and come back again. you'll feel it when she starts getting a bit fidgity so stop for a leg stretch.

Find a bike with a pillion SEAT as opposed to a Patch the size of the palm of your hand. Like others have said she needs to feel secure sitting on it, and not feel like a half folded pocket knife.

We did lots of 2 up Km on my CB, and it was great, but I felt it lacking power sometimes, and after 4 years wanted something a bit different. The BMW I have now is awesome but we don't do much 2 up riding these days, we take 2 bikes.

[NiggleC]

Mrs C and Miss C love the VStrom rear sear, rating it better than the BMW R1100GS that i owned.

[avgas]

Enfield.....................no shit......

[9rider]

Any BMW or Honda ST 1300 etc with plenty of leg room. Decent screen to protect her. Trouble is, if she likes the non-sports bikes, that's you stuffed for the future. Bye bye SV

With comments I have heard from the ladies, these would be my choice of bike.

[unstuck]

Dont mind the vf,but really wants me to get a goldwing or similar which I am not all that happy with. I had the pleasure of being pillion on a zzr1100d7 at the weekend and i think she would like that.

[oneofsix]

Dont mind the vf,but really wants me to get a goldwing or similar which I am not all that happy with. I had the pleasure of being pillion on a zzr1100d7 at the weekend and i think she would like that.

At least you get the 'or similar' option and she hasn't even tried the Gsxr yet after only 24 months she has had a buggered patella tendon

[Camshaft]

haha my missus loves the gixxer, he dad not so much.

[DrunkenMistake]

My misses has common sense and refuses to ride pillion with me in control haha..

and her old man has a thing about young fellas on sports bikes, although he did offer me his Vmax to test ride when he is finished rebuilding it

[Richard Mc F]

CB1300 honda, we both manage to sit on it all day without complaint, still fun for one as well

[wingnutt]

the goldwing is designed to carry rider and pillion, with luggage, long distance, depending on the model goldwing, they have radio, mp3 players, CB radio, cruise controll, intercom between rider and passenger, heated seat and grips.

the passenger, can talk over intercom, listen to music, and talk on the CB, also backrest for passenger, and feet are on boards for comfort. handgrips are either side.

all the folks I know who ride pillion reckon its just effortless riding.

[Icemaestro]

why don't you start her on the sv, then take her on one of the previously suggested ones and she'll love the difference!!!

My wife started pillioning on a cbr250 so the vfr is only slightly worse ;-). And I'm pretty sure it doesn't get any worse than the back of a vfr400 that has been raised (she sits on about a 15-20deg angle)

Or there's the "..If she really loves you...."

[skinman]

when I first took the wifey on the back I had a 250virago & took her to the local cafe which is about 15 minute on 80km roads so she didnt freak with the speed. Then when I upgraded I had to get a bike that was comfortable for her as well. As we both like the look of cruisers it wasnt too hard.
Pillions dont like overtaking or splitting, in fact better to avoid riding in traffic with them at the start if possible.
She does complain of knee locking after about 1 1/2 hr riding so stop often for coffee.
good luck