advice for new pillions

[Fatjim]

What advice would you give to someone who has never pillioned before?

[Motu]

Potato - sack....

[Fishy]

Sit Down

Hold On

Shut Up.

[Matt Bleck]

When the bike leans around a corner go with it, and don't try climbing to the highest point!

[WickedOne]

Sit still, shut up and hang on... (and don't lean in the oposite direction to the bike when cornering)

[WickedOne]

Sit Down

Hold On

Shut Up.

Ah... Ya beat me to it.

[beyond]

Keep their feet on the pegs at all times, even when they feel they should be sticking a leg out.
Do not try to lean the bike yourself but sit on the bike and go with it. For first timers, this is aided by them holding onto your waist which means that they don't flop off backwards as well.
Tell them to relax.

If they want you to slow down, single tap on the right shoulder. To stop, a double pat on the shoulder.

Under heavy braking, to use their chest against your back so you avoid the helmet knock.

Don't try and scare the crap out of them. Introduce them gradually.

[WRT]

There are two methods - one for normal people (this method is best) and one for homophobes.

Method One:
Give the rider a bearhug, and keep holding on to him/her. If you are one of the Zen types, then focus on "Being the backpack". If he/she is freaking you out, shut your eyes, but dont let that bear hug go.

Method Two:
Hold onto the bike as firmly as you can, and roll with the bike.

One makes the rider feel like they are wearing a big back pack, Two makes the rider feel like they are riding a heavy bike. Either way works (altho One is by far the most preferable for "spirited" riding), but consistancy is the key. Dont change positions or methods at any time.

One other pointer that I never thought would be a problem until my sister went pillion, is no matter how much you think it will work, grabbing the rider by the waist and turning them into each corner like you are trying to steer a bus WILL NOT HELP!!

[Maha]

And for fucks sake dont make a sudden movement cos your arse is numb or for any other reason, thats rather off putting.........

[bert_is_evil]

I would tell them:
- I know it's exciting but don't get on until I at least have the stand up
- Hold on tight, I could accelerate at any time
- If I brake hard you can reach your arms around and put your palms flat one on top of the other on the back of the tank, it might be more comfortable for you
- If you get scared, either tap my right leg or close your eyes and go to your happy place (I probably won't hear you screaming if you have reason to)
- Don't lean in or out of the corner, just keep your body in line with the bike
- Be aware that every time you move I can tell, so don't get up to any funny business back there

[MSTRS:Me]

Even gentlemen must remain seated for the entire performance

[Squeak the Rat]

I've always found that pillions have trouble working out if they are leaning or not, so I usually supplement the "lean with the bike" advice by telling them to relax and when the bike turns to look around the corner.

Oh, and the tap system:

One tap = faster.

Two taps = faster.

Many taps or holding real tight = heaps faster.

[dveus]

I only tell new pillons 2 things.

1, Keep your feet on the pegs.
2, Don't panic until I do.

seems to work.

[sunhuntin]

squeak, thats what i read too, to look over their shoulder in the direction they are going. i prefer pillion if ive got something to stop me assing off the back.....one friend i rode with accelerated fast and i nearly did come off....fun to ride with though!

under extreme braking i found it best to try and anticipate when it was coming and then braced my legs and feet hard on the peg and hold them there. would also lean back a bit. still had clunking of helmets, but not as bad.

[MSTRS:Me]

under extreme braking ....

Try reaching around & putting both hands on the fuel tank, then you have something to brace against.