Pillioning. Is it discussed enough?

**Dobbin** · 6th October 2013, 15:00

Thanks for all the advice in this thread.

I plan to have a pillion for the first time next weekend. It's the pink ribbon ride, so we won't be going fast or far. Unfortunately, he's as big as I am so I'm expecting quite a bit of difference in the bike's performance.

I have big panniers, so I plan to take them off for the ride to make getting on and off easier.

**Gremlin** · 6th October 2013, 15:10

Dobbin, I suggest you get out with him on the Saturday before the ride, to get some practise. Don't want to be learning in amongst 2-300 bikes.

**Dobbin** · 6th October 2013, 15:30

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Dobbin, I suggest you get out with him on the Saturday before the ride, to get some practise. Don't want to be learning in amongst 2-300 bikes.

Thanks, I will do so if weather permits. He's coming down from up north for the event so I don't get a chance to practice earlier, and I don't have a spare helmet to practice with someone else.

**pritch** · 10th October 2013, 09:31

Originally Posted by GravelRashKid

Here's one for the panel...

Pillion hands on the tank seems to be working pretty well. Although more grip would be better, plus the hands can get tired after a while. So looking at various options for pillion grips on the tank.

Stomp Grip could assist purchase on the tank under braking. It is probably available locally as I see it on bikes quite often. I use the alternative TechSpec - just my preference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VjReAPzBNE

(And no, I don't ride in shorts...)

**Juniper** · 10th October 2013, 12:21

Originally Posted by pritch

Stomp Grip could assist purchase on the tank under braking. It is probably available locally as I see it on bikes quite often. I use the alternative TechSpec - just my preference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VjReAPzBNE

(And no, I don't ride in shorts...)

I like that idea..... at $50 though someone did put in the comments below it that skateboard stuff could work.

The other thing we were thinking of (thanks Angel) is a harness style thing around the tank that would have handles..... thoughts?

**Maha** · 10th October 2013, 12:51

Originally Posted by Juniper

I like that idea..... at $50 though someone did put in the comments below it that skateboard stuff could work.

The other thing we were thinking of (thanks Angel) is a harness style thing around the tank that would have handles..... thoughts?

Velcro pads attached to the hip area of the riders and the inside of the for the pillions knees ... Its just a bit of a hassle getting off the bike but that's no biggy...thank me later.

**Juniper** · 10th October 2013, 13:02

Originally Posted by Maha

Velcro pads attached to the hip area of the riders and the inside of the for the pillions knees ... Its just a bit of a hassle getting off the bike but that's no biggy...thank me later.

Attaching to the rider is fine, its attaching to the bike so dont get in the way of rider that im after...

**Paul in NZ** · 10th October 2013, 13:18

We use the Oxford pillion grip belt on the Sprint... Vicki says it really makes a difference. I just assumed it was a positive one...

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/product...der_grips.aspx

Looks a bit ghey while you are wearing it .... Only riders firmly in control of their man image should attempt it...

**Juniper** · 10th October 2013, 13:57

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

We use the Oxford pillion grip belt on the Sprint... Vicki says it really makes a difference. I just assumed it was a positive one...

http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/product...der_grips.aspx

Looks a bit ghey while you are wearing it .... Only riders firmly in control of their man image should attempt it...

Haha!!

Yeah we're not too keen on that whole holding the hips or waist thing.

**Paul in NZ** · 10th October 2013, 14:16

Originally Posted by Juniper

Haha!!

Yeah we're not too keen on that whole holding the hips or waist thing.

Why not - they work amazingly well and I can't feel anything while shes holding on... Its a lot better than her swaying back and forward etc. We tried them when Vicki developed carpal tunnel and they work so well they stayed.

Had a few funny comments at cafes....

**Juniper** · 10th October 2013, 15:05

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Why not - they work amazingly well and I can't feel anything while shes holding on... Its a lot better than her swaying back and forward etc. We tried them when Vicki developed carpal tunnel and they work so well they stayed.

Had a few funny comments at cafes....

Oh I don't sway. I use my thighs/knees to hold on and hands on legs. You can feel if he's about to change gear or brake by the tensing or just movements in legs. Then when were having fun hands go onto the tank so gives him more room to move and any stops and go's don't end up with his bits saying hello to the tank lol.

For me its all about the rider and letting them ride their style help not hinder.

**Maha** · 10th October 2013, 15:40

Originally Posted by Dobbin

Thanks for all the advice in this thread.

I plan to have a pillion for the first time next weekend. It's the pink ribbon ride, so we won't be going fast or far. Unfortunately, he's as big as I am so I'm expecting quite a bit of difference in the bike's performance.

I have big panniers, so I plan to take them off for the ride to make getting on and off easier.

The panniers do hinder the mount/dismount of a pillion (height dependant) on the GSXFA but in saying that, having almost 100 Ltrs of cupboard space is a blessing at times.

**Dobbin** · 10th October 2013, 20:27

Originally Posted by Maha

The panniers do hinder the mount/dismount of a pillion (height dependant) on the GSXFA but in saying that, having almost 100 Ltrs of cupboard space is a blessing at times.

Yes, I love the panniers. They even take my full-face helmet. But they won't be necessary for this ride.

**GravelRashKid** · 11th October 2013, 08:01

While taking a beautiful corner 2-up last night, my foot scraped even though it was tucked in hard against the bike (exhaust).
This scared the bejesus out of me because:
a) I'm not historically a foot scraper on this bike (97 Katana, perhaps 10 scrapes in 13 years),
b) I often corner a lot deeper than this 1-up so wasn't prepared for the possibility of a scrape, and
c) it was somewhat disconcerting that I couldn't tuck my foot any further out of the way.

The guy from Motorcycle Doctors tells me the front and rear suspension is suitable for 2-up.
Is it worth getting this checked and properly set up? Who would you suggest in Auckland?

I'm also looking at carving away some of the meat from the soles of my boots.
I'm not aiming to scrape the pegs 2-up, but one would have thought the peg should touch before the boot.

Any other ideas on this problem?

**Juniper** · 11th October 2013, 08:06

Originally Posted by GravelRashKid

While taking a beautiful corner 2-up last night, my foot scraped even though it was tucked in hard against the bike (exhaust).
This scared the bejesus out of me because:
a) I'm not historically a foot scraper on this bike (97 Katana, perhaps 10 scrapes in 13 years),
b) I often corner a lot deeper than this 1-up so wasn't prepared for the possibility of a scrape, and
c) it was somewhat disconcerting that I couldn't tuck my foot any further out of the way.

The guy from Motorcycle Doctors tells me the front and rear suspension is suitable for 2-up, although he wasn't very technical about this - he gave the rear a bounce.
Is it worth getting this checked and properly set up? Who would you suggest in Auckland?

I'm also looking at carving away some of the meat from the soles of my boots.
I'm not aiming to scrape the pegs 2-up, but one would have thought the peg should touch before the boot.

Any other ideas on this problem?

And I think someone would rather not be punched in the arm too (once was safe to do so)