The Physics of Pillions

[pommie girl]

I've never had a pillion passenger before and was thinking about taking the better half out. However, before I do, I want to know about any possible problems regarding the weight ratio i.e. my husband weighs about 35kgs more than me. How is this going to affect the bike? Is it safe? How about cornering, braking and acceleration?

Obviously don't want to kill off the hubby too early or scare him into never riding with me again

Any advice gratefully received.

[MSTRS:Me]

I've never had a pillion passenger before and was thinking about taking the better half out. However, before I do, I want to know about any possible problems regarding the weight ratio i.e. my husband weighs about 35kgs more than me. How is this going to affect the bike? Is it safe? How about cornering, braking and acceleration?

Obviously don't want to kill off the hubby too early or scare him into never riding with me again

Any advice gratefully received.

Higher centre of gravity, weight heavily towards the rear, reduced performance from engine/brakes. Just take it easy & 'feel' your way. Don't try to ride like you normally do. Increase stopping distance allowance etc. Does your BH ride too? Whatever, tell him to keep his head in line with yours & not to try cornering himself. Hope that helps.

[pommie girl]

Higher centre of gravity, weight heavily towards the rear, reduced performance from engine/brakes. Just take it easy & 'feel' your way. Don't try to ride like you normally do. Increase stopping distance allowance etc. Does your BH ride too? Whatever, tell him to keep his head in line with yours & not to try cornering himself. Hope that helps.

Thanks for that - no, sadly BH doesn't ride and swore never to go near a bike after a mate of his died on one about 10 years ago. I'm working on changing his mind...

[Ixion]

..
Obviously don't want to kill off the hubby too early ..

Quite right . Always wait to kill them off until you've gotten the goodness out of them .

[Gixxer 4 ever]

I've never had a pillion passenger before and was thinking about taking the better half out. However, before I do, I want to know about any possible problems regarding the weight ratio i.e. my husband weighs about 35kgs more than me. How is this going to affect the bike? Is it safe? How about cornering, braking and acceleration?

Obviously don't want to kill off the hubby too early or scare him into never riding with me again

Any advice gratefully received.

Simply tell him to sit still and do not lean just sit like a sack of spuds and let you do the riding. Keep your speed down. It takes longer to stop in a big hurry but go with the flow and you will be good. Maybe keep the revs up a bit more in the corners and passing cos it will give you the power you are use to. Get him to sit close to you. Will keep the weight forward. And allow him to hold on to.................ummmmmmm ..... wellll....the grab rail Go do it this afternoon and he might get a bike tomorrow

[Wolf]

Quite right . Always wait to kill them off until you've gotten the goodness out of them .

Or at least a decent life insurance policy and the house is nearly paid off.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Or at least a decent life insurance policy and the house is nearly paid off.

Get a new bike paid for as well cos you will need a new one to do the higher mileage when you are free...........

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Hope that helps.

Get off the net and go and do your washing and vacuum cleaning stuff............when she "in doors" back?

[pommie girl]

Damn right! Life insurance is topped right up ... but I think he got that for me actually... hmmm

He'll be using the grab rail too - don't want him getting any ideas on the motorway at 120.

[MSTRS:Me]

12 days, 9 hours & 47 minutes. But who's counting?

[Gixxer 4 ever]

12 days, 9 hours & 47 minutes. But who's counting?

Feel like a ride to the viaduct?

[MSTRS:Me]

Feel like a ride to the viaduct?

can't finish this post as have to get gear on ....

[Sniper]

How much do you love him????

[FROSTY:Me]

Heres my tuppenths worth.He needs to have his hands on your waist.
Explain to him about weigh transfer forwards under brakes and about the bike leaning when you go round corners.
You need to be aware that his weight is going to affect the bikes cornering and stopping distances.
Also a first time pillion can react in unpredictable ways -by trying to be "helpfull" or out of sheer fear.
If you live in Auckland I'll be happy to take him for a ride on the trusty ol XJ
Not being funny but I can ride around a pillions "assistance' whereas you may not be able to.
Ill bring baby bikie to show there aint nuffing to be scared of.

[pommie girl]

Thanks for the offer Frosty, I'll have a word with him. I think possibly as well I may practice my taking my girlfriend on the back before he comes anywhere near the bike, she at least weighs the same as me