Pillion Pride

**Charlie** · 27th September 2005, 13:07

Ladies... two questions.

Did you struggle taking a pillion at first and more importantly...
Does your man ride pillion to you?
(if he's not on his own bike of course).

I am exploring the idea that I might take a passanger at some stage, if only to get from a to b.
There is a lot of talk of the smaller new female riders about bike selection and what the best options are RE height and weight. Its not an issue for me as I'm quite tall, however I wonder what it might be like to carry the extra weight of another rider? Especially if they wiggle a lot!

And secondly, when I brought this up with a male friend he laughed at the prospect that I would ride while be sat at the back. He apparently wouldnt be seen dead on the back of a chicks bike.

I can see this might be of issue to some guys perhaps, kind of, no not really... guys what are your thoughts?

The way I see it he'd rather walk.

Besides I have a bike and license and HE does NOT! Simple.

**Hitcher** · 27th September 2005, 13:12

My thoughts?

Some ladies ride their own bikes. Don't presume that a lady in bike attire carrying a helmet is somebody's pillion and treat them accordingly. It really irritates the shit out of them.

Some lady riders may let men pillion on their bikes.

The role of pillion is not the exclusive preserve of women.

**ManDownUnder** · 27th September 2005, 13:14

I'm a lousy pillion (apparently) but that's the only reason I don't go on the back of other bikes.

I don't care who's riding, if it was a bike it'd be fun!

**WRT** · 27th September 2005, 13:19

Well, I know I prefer to take female pillions rather than male (not that I get all homophobic on it, and I do take male passengers from time to time, its just I like the way that female pillions feel pressed up against my back

).

So in theory, surely all the guys going for a ride on the back of their mates bikes should actually prefer to be on the back cuddling up to some chick, rather than a big sweaty, leatherclad biker bloke?

Admittedly, if there are two of us hopping on the bike then I would prefer to be the rider rather than the pillion, but thats regardless of whether the other person is male or female.

Thats my two cents anyway.

**Rashika** · 27th September 2005, 13:38

Originally Posted by Charlie

Ladies... two questions.

Did you struggle taking a pillion at first and more importantly...
Does your man ride pillion to you?

nope i had no issues at all, in fact it was usually better riding with the extra weight on the back ...once you got used to it ofcourse! but slow manouvering takes a little bit of practice.
Used to take my sister to a lot of rallies, had lots of fun actually. Its nice having someone to keep ya back warm going to the brass monkey. Altho she was a good pillion having spent many years on the back of her partners bikes so that made it easy.

My ex hubby occasionally used to go on the back, but he just wasn't a good pillion...that can take a bit of practice and he just wasn't into it enough.
....and yeah i think he would have prefered to be on the front!

**Charlie** · 27th September 2005, 13:44

Cheers - loads of women ride bikes - and yes it is annoying that when your kitted out people think your just a tag along. I love the look on their faces when I point to MY bike and get on and ride without a babysitter (even if its just a wee 250).

I'd be happy to take pillions, guys or gals, as my riding skills improve. Is it hugely different or hard work?

**ManDownUnder** · 27th September 2005, 13:47

Originally Posted by WRT

its just I like the way that female pillions feel pressed up against my back

).

...oh that goes without saying....

**ManDownUnder** · 27th September 2005, 13:50

Originally Posted by Charlie

I'd be happy to take pillions, guys or gals, as my riding skills improve. Is it hugely different or hard work?

The bigger the bike the easier it it. It's just extra weight, and the technique does vary a little... but with a good pillion not much.

Tell 'em to sit still and not wobble around too much. Take it slow to start with and you'll see what I mean. Eventually the two of you will learn how to ride together and all will be well.

**Aitch** · 27th September 2005, 14:26

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

The bigger the bike the easier it it. It's just extra weight, and the technique does vary a little... but with a good pillion not much.

Tell 'em to sit still and not wobble around too much. Take it slow to start with and you'll see what I mean. Eventually the two of you will learn how to ride together and all will be well.

When she's on my bike, I don't even notice that she's there...she the perfect pillion!
(Though i will admit it would be nice if I could feel her hugging me tight, bloody cordura and kevlar! )
The extra weight (not very much admittedly cos she skinny) makes not a jot of difference to acceleration or handling, ah the joys of a big bike!

**Charlie** · 27th September 2005, 14:32

Originally Posted by Aitch

The extra weight (not very much admittedly cos she skinny) makes not a jot of difference to acceleration or handling, ah the joys of a big bike!

Hmmm.... well I dont have that joy. Are 250's comfortable to carry two. Or gutless and slow?

**jrandom** · 27th September 2005, 14:39

pillioning gives me the screaming heebie-jeebies. I try to avoid it at all costs.

anybody assuming I was a pillion if I walked in carrying a helmet would get a slap upside the head.

and funnily enough Ive pillioned guys but never girls on my bikes.

moto-sisters, represent!

would one of you like to take me for a ride sometime? Ive never been pillioned by a chick. Id try and get over my paranioa for the one ocassion.

**ManDownUnder** · 27th September 2005, 14:40

Originally Posted by Charlie

Hmmm.... well I dont have that joy. Are 250's comfortable to carry two. Or gutless and slow?

Yes and yes - which makes them ideal for learning to go two up in town...

**BM-GS** · 27th September 2005, 14:41

Pillion-carrying secrets:

Make sure the pillion knows to be a sack of spuds on the back, no leaning unless you know that they know what you're doing, and you know thet they know.....etc. Leaning's best left for the 2nd ride.

Take it easy. Until you know what it feels like it's a bit hard to adapt to.

If you're able to, stick in each gear longer than you might otherwise. Constant gearchanging is when the helmet-to-helmet interface problem is at its worst.

If they're a bloke and won't ride on the back, they probably don't deserve a lift!

Watch out for involuntary wheelies at the lights, over humps in the road, etc. Maybe no biggie on a 250, but my YPVS shat me up a couple of times, and they're not that different.

Make sure pillion is properly equipped with lid/gloves/boots/jacket, etc. Nothing is more embarassing than coming off and taking someone near & dear with you, except when you scar them for life at the same time.