Do many of you ride with your bloke as pillion?

**Hanne** · 3rd February 2009, 20:02

Originally Posted by -easy--rider-

what about two chicks on a bike?

thats a nice thought...

I often take my sisters about as pillions and they really like it. They are awesome as they stay still and i can't tell they are there.

Nothing like the first pillion I took, which happened to be my partner. That made me think I didn't like taking pillions, but it was mainly the fact I wasn't used to the weight... and also that he tried to steer and was super tense because we ride quite differently. So no, he doesn't like not being in control of the machine.

Maybe it makes a difference if you rode first or pillioned first though. I reckon it's worse taking a rider as pillion. Wonder if the majority of guys do ride as well as their partners so don't like pillion? And those who don't ride are more relaxed so easier to take regardless of weight? Slyr wasn't a difficult pillion when I took him, that was before he got his bike...

**Higgledy** · 16th February 2009, 13:54

Originally Posted by Lucy

I've got my full licence, but am still pretty inexperienced. My husband hasn't got a licence, but says he'd be happy to ride as a pillion. I always seem to see couples but it's the girl on the back. We don't have a problem with it, but I'm just wondering if it's very common.

I've had hubby on the back - prob looked a bit like what slimjim described as I'm a big girl so am bout 50% bigger than hubby. He's not that keen, mainly because he prefers to be in control of the handlebars.
No gropping to date - just a couple of squeezes!

**rosie631** · 8th March 2009, 16:47

Glad to see this thread because I have been wondering the same thing. My man is always on the back because he's blown his license. He's rides himself so at first he used to try and take control of the bike but after a couple of slaps round the head he learnt to behave himself, lol. He's 6'2" and I'm 5'3'' but doesn't seem to be too much of a problem. Must admit I do like to get out solo when I can. Different sort of ride.

**Mojito21** · 10th March 2009, 08:41

I ride a 150cc Belladonna scooter for commuting to and from work, i have pillioned my man on the back (he's a solid 6 foot and 30kg heavier than me) and it was totally fine! Makes it much better when they're drunk they tend to be a little more relaxed and less tense

**klingon** · 10th March 2009, 12:49

Originally Posted by Mojito21

I ride a 150cc Belladonna scooter for commuting to and from work, i have pillioned my man on the back (he's a solid 6 foot and 30kg heavier than me) and it was totally fine! Makes it much better when they're drunk they tend to be a little more relaxed and less tense

Thanks for that tip. Will get my lad staggeringly drunk, then heft him onto the back of my bike and take him for a ride!

(I think that's the only way I would get him on there)

**Mojito21** · 11th March 2009, 14:57

Originally Posted by klingon

Thanks for that tip. Will get my lad staggeringly drunk, then heft him onto the back of my bike and take him for a ride!

(I think that's the only way I would get him on there)

Yeah i think that's the only way i got mine on there! But they are the funniest when they're drunk

**bittertwistedcute** · 13th April 2009, 13:08

kind of amusing if you reverse it...

Communication
If you don't have an intercom then establish a rule for various prods, signals and gestures before you set out, for instance:
Push the middle of his back = go faster, I'm bored
Bash on the right shoulder = take the next turn right
Bash on the left shoulder = take the next turn left
Bash around his head several times whilst gesticulating wildly = I'm a little nervous, would you slow down now please?
Lean forward and wave to the side of his helmet = slow down so I can tell you something
Pat his legs or a give big hug = I'm really enjoying the ride, thanks, keep going (though watch out, it could be misconstrued as "please stop in the nearest layby, I want sex")
Wave in front of his face when passing a sign = I want to go there (e.g. service station, cafe, fine restaurant, Paris) - just make sure you don't obscure his vision.

**carver** · 13th April 2009, 15:46

i usually have sidewinder on the back after he has crashed

**Thani-B** · 15th April 2009, 21:49

Originally Posted by bittertwistedcute

Push the middle of his back = go faster, I'm bored
Bash on the right shoulder = take the next turn right
Bash on the left shoulder = take the next turn left
Bash around his head several times whilst gesticulating wildly = I'm a little nervous, would you slow down now please?
Lean forward and wave to the side of his helmet = slow down so I can tell you something
Pat his legs or a give big hug = I'm really enjoying the ride, thanks, keep going (though watch out, it could be misconstrued as "please stop in the nearest layby, I want sex")
Wave in front of his face when passing a sign = I want to go there (e.g. service station, cafe, fine restaurant, Paris) - just make sure you don't obscure his vision.

lol love this. My partner and I had the same left/right signals, never needed to tell him to go faster, he did that enough by himself. And if it was too much for me I'd just hold on really tight and close my eyes. Guess he figured out that when it felt like I was squeezing the life out of him it was time to slow down. It was nice when he reached back and held my hand for periods of time as well.

**bittertwistedcute** · 15th April 2009, 22:57

Originally Posted by Thani-B

I've been wondering what is the best way to break it to my father that I ride a bike... (he doesnt know)

Turn up at his house with a spare helmet!

love the quote!!!

**A_Mans_Ruin** · 24th April 2009, 14:06

Seeing as the only guys in my life are my sons, I think I can safely add that yes I do frequently take my Guy ('s) as pillion....
And they love it.....

**peachy** · 24th April 2009, 18:11

Originally Posted by Lucy

I've got my full licence, but am still pretty inexperienced. My husband hasn't got a licence, but says he'd be happy to ride as a pillion. I always seem to see couples but it's the girl on the back. We don't have a problem with it, but I'm just wondering if it's very common.

Have a wonderful friend who 18 years ago I would pillion him till he got his licence. Now years later when we ride since i am not riding a road bike, I pillion behind him and we swap because he knews I love riding. What a really cool guy. I have a lot of respect for him riding and in life.

another guy I used to ride with would not pillion his ego was so big and he had ridden road, offroad, raced, competed, etc. Well ride behind a woman.

and that was him I have meet others who have done these and i am sure would not mind at all. Just for a matter of interest next time i see the guys at a meet I will ask them whether they would mind. :lol

But with how i look at it, it depends with their attitude, riding ability and bike (as in safety). And would expect the same from them with me. And I must feel comfortable so would have a try with them on first like around a carpark or up and down the road.
If he is willing who gives a stuff. We are riding because both people enjoy it and are spending time together.

**Kendoll** · 20th November 2009, 08:11

I woudl like to take my partner as a pillion but so far we have only been on his, with me on the back. The problem is that I am 5'2'' and he is 6'... my bike had to have a lowering linkage manufactured for the swingarm just so I could touch the ground well enough to ride it!

I have a question for anyone who is knowledgeable on this: Is there any advice you can give on taking a heavier and much bigger pillion from a rider's perspective? Generally everyone who wants to go on the back is bigger than me and it does worry me a little.... If they are balanced, it's OK right?

**buellbabe** · 25th November 2009, 11:14

My advice is very simple. if it bothers you then don't do it. Its your bike and your choice, don't let yourself be pressured by what other people may tell you or say to you.

My personal rule is no pillion bigger than myself. I have tried pillioning people larger than myself and decided 'bugger that!' So I have removed the rear pegs. They only go back on if one of my guy friends is pillioning ME...and wow! thats a freaky feeling. Pillioning on your own bike... LOL

Oh and BTW I'm only 5'3" (on tippy toes ha ha ha) so most people are bigger than me!