How many pillion seats are out there?

**Big Dog** · 20th December 2006, 23:22

Originally Posted by Dutchee

Wierd poll. I've had my FULL licence over 20 years but have less than 3 years road experience and have pillioned once (over 20 years ago).

Around10-15,000 kms with pillion.
My "Pillion in a million" loves it but she is more than a little biased.
Blondini is the only unbiased person here with experience in my saddle.
But that was only a short this is what counter steer feels like 500m

**Vagabond** · 20th December 2006, 23:25

Been riding for 24 years and have had various pillions, some were excellent and some I've refused to take again mainly because you have to be able to trust each other implicidly and both rider and pillions lives rest in each others hands.

I would take a pillion but they would have to be around the same size as me or smaller, I only say this because I'm a small dude and my Z1000 won't be too comfortable for larger beings! (no offence meant!)

**Big Dog** · 20th December 2006, 23:28

Keep in mind max weights are normally to do with will the subframe snap with a pillion on at speed kind of immagining.
if you stay under 100, your parts are not groaning, and your rubber is not deformed your golden. just don't get near the top of the clock if you want your linkages to stay in one peice.
I've riden a GPX250h with me a 100kg pillion and weeks clothes each. around 300kg on a 180kg rated bike to Wanganui from NP.
Did have to put some air in the tires (max rec inflation) but other than that it just took a quiet talk to myself to remember, no speeding and same lean = less turn at same speed.

**Gremlin** · 20th December 2006, 23:31

mmm cheers for that link Big Dog... mine has a N/A max load? That means its heavy enough, or so heavy, and umm... well-engineered that it can handle anything?

Had my full for like... a month... but have pillioned 4 different people, decent number of k's... errr... you figure out how I managed to do all that in 1 month

Granted, all were riders anyway, so I haven't had any "eeeeek, I don't want to lean for this corner" moments...

Don't think I'm that bad... and weighing enough... pillions don't have too much effect, unless I let them.

I enjoy pillioning... and in East aucks...

**Big Dog** · 20th December 2006, 23:45

Originally Posted by Gremlin

mmm cheers for that link Big Dog... mine has a N/A max load? That means its heavy enough, or so heavy, and umm... well-engineered that it can handle anything?

No, just not tested.
Kawasaki heavy industries are withholding comment until the crash stats are in, it seems that there has not been one last long enough for the subframe or linkages to fail from weight stress

:Rofl:

**blacksheep** · 21st December 2006, 07:11

gineen pm me your ph # and i'll see what i can do.

**Jimmy B** · 21st December 2006, 08:05

Back to riding after a 5 year break but plenty of pillion experience. Ive only put 2K on the new bike so havent quite got my groove back, I reckon this will take another 3 or 4 months (8K) so after that I will be set. Bike rated at 180kg gross laden and I suck up about 100kg, max recomended speed fully laden 130kms, so if you are a tiddler who doesn't like speed then I am happy to take you from about march 07

**ManDownUnder** · 21st December 2006, 08:12

ok - so.... we have 40 seats available in Auckland, 25 in Wellywod, 10 in Chch and another 25 or so scattered around the place.

How do we let people know they're available, and connect the wannabe pillions with bikes? From a practical point of view, it seems to me pillions would want to find someone near them. Can we somehow flag profiles making this possible?

Set up a new group, per the mentors group, "Pillion Seats" or something?

Ideas....?

**Jimmy B** · 21st December 2006, 08:25

MDU

I think you are onto it, It needs to be a sticky and prolly located in Newbies/wannabes so anyone interested can scan through and make contact with the appropriate rider

**Charlie** · 21st December 2006, 09:30

What about off shore....?

I'm only a newbe rider myself and have been out a couple of times with KB in Wellington a while back. I havent reached the taking pillions stage yet, and although riding upfront is best I still love being on a bike, even if its on the back seat!

I moved to West Sydney (Penrith) a couple of mths ago leaving my bike locked up in Welly and sooo miss riding. Would love to a) get on a bike as a pillion and b) explore my new home.

Long shot; but if there are any experienced KBer's across this way who are bored over summer and wouldn't mind meeting up I'd be more than interested.....

P.S I dont have any of my riding gear with me as yet either so a loner helmet and jacket is also required.

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 21st December 2006, 09:35

There has to be some rules, and tips...

Ie; riding gear...can you supply a spear helmet (how well does it fit) sturdy boots and footwear, heavy jacket etc...

They should met first and get to know them before the ride... (you can pick up a lot about people in a few minutes and alot more over a cuppa coffee) can I trust him/her with my life... Go for a quick test ride to see if you are both compatible with each others styles, rides (and any weight restrictions). Get to know the other person before any long ride.

Get your signals sorted before the ride...

blah blah blah

Also for the riders... Old stuff but needs to be said and reminded every now and then.... remember add length to your stopping distance, cornering, pickup speed, and the way the bike will handle, may feel lighter up front... You may have a nervous newbie pillion and can destablise the ride and corning (You have to make your pillion feel relax and have faith in your abilities) Don't show off... Check your tyre pressure. etc...

**Charlie** · 21st December 2006, 09:49

Originally Posted by NighthawkNZ

They should met first and get to know them before the ride... (you can pick up a lot about people in a few minutes and alot more over a cuppa coffee) can I trust him/her with my life... Go for a quick test ride to see if you are both compatible with each others styles, rides (and any weight restrictions). Get to know the other person before any long ride.

Wize words Nighthawk AGREE 100%.

**Nutter34** · 21st December 2006, 10:18

I'm in Nelson. Done pillioning before on several bikes. Been riding 18ish years

Of course I'd be biased to taking ladies out for a ride...

**Gremlin** · 22nd December 2006, 00:41

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

How do we let people know they're available, and connect the wannabe pillions with bikes? From a practical point of view, it seems to me pillions would want to find someone near them.

I'm a single guy... so it seems an easy answer to me?

I'd always be available to do my chivalrous duty for some young lass

errr.... thanks Big Dog

And its had around 180kg around town, 160ish sporty riding...