Gear for pillion

[Dakara]

After my Bin I said to the other half she wasn't getting back on the bike until we had full Leathers for her... Previously only her top half was protected. Helmet, Leather Jacket, Leather Gloves.... Jeans, Shoes.

[Neon]

I think when the time comes (late Oct) I'll see about borrowing some size 8leathers from some kind person and see how she likes pillioning. I reckon she'll know pretty quickly whether she's into it or not. If not, no loss. If yes, then I'll go buy her a set of leathers.

You're right Dakara, I'd feel shithouse if something did happen and I hadn't done my best to reduce the chances of injury.

[vifferman]

I'm gunna get cruicified by the ATGATT crew for saying this, but if you just want to see if she likes it, then some strong pants/jeans, lace-up boots, any jacket, and some quality knee and elbow armour (80 bucks max) will do for some quiet trips down to the cafe/beach/lake (insert other favourite place).

No.
While I wear all or most of the gear most of the time (I think...), you're right on the money here.
When the WifeAccountantPorcupinePillionist decided she wanted to take more of an interest in my interests (after over 20 years ), I took her for a couple of easy rides on the FahrtSturm: the first around Mission Bay on a nice day (typical cafe cruise, even though I wasn't on a Hogglery), then another out Riverhead way. On both rides I wore the same gear as her (jeans, shoes, lightweight gloves and jacket), to make her feel relaxed, and to make me feel vunerable so I took it easy. It worked well (apart from my nuts getting crunched from us sliding around on the seat ). Once I determined she liked it, we bought some cheap ($40 or $50) leather trou from Cash Perverters, then I bought her some cheap (but new) race boots on TardMe (Diadora, for around $140, IIRC). This was followed by a 2-piece leather suit (TardMe again) for around $250, and finally her own helmet and gloves (Shoei for $12,399* and gloves were free.)
Soon, if she keeps riding with me (she hasn't ridden for a while), we'll probably buy her a textile suit, as it makes it easier in UnZud's changeable weather.

Although it usually is, bike gear needn't be expensive - there are some real bargains around. While the WifeAccountantPorcupinePillionist's gear's not as good as mine, she doesn't ride every day like I do, so it doesn't need to stand up to the rigours of every day wear'n'tear. It also doesn't need the same degree of comfort, as she's only sitting there, not operating controls, so as long as it's not ncomfortable, and she's warm/cool and dry, and it can protect her in the event of a spill, it's fine. When she's on the back, I ride more carefully, so if there's an accident, it's likely to be of the kind where some other koont takes us out, in which case we're toast anyway. And yes, this is a worry. While I don't care much if I get toasted, it worries the crap out of me having her on the back - I'd really hate it if she was injured in a crash. WHether the pleasure of us riding together outweighs that by a sufficient margin or not, I'm not sure. But (however!) life has a 100% mortality rate, so WTF.


* The helmet was $399, but in the process of buying it she and the salesman made me buy a new bike

[duckonin]

While I don't care much if I get toasted, it worries the crap out of me having her on the back - I'd really hate it if she was injured in a crash. WHether the pleasure of us riding together outweighs that by a sufficient margin or not, I'm not sure. But (however!) life has a 100% mortality rate..

Same here...My wife may just seem to sit but she is also an xtra pair of eye's and ears plus she is my mate, and as she is with me 99% of the time only the best will do, (as above, would not want that to happen!!!!), if she was to be casual as a pillion I would want her gear to be safe and warm..

[The Pastor]

Pillions arnt worth much anyways, just get a cheap cycle helmet from the warehouse and some disposable gloves.