Notes for Pillions
If you've never been on the back of a bike before, chances are that your friend will take it easy to start with. We've put a few tips together to make your ride more enjoyable.
- Relax, don't sit there as stiff as an old board.
- Lean with the motorbike. That is don't deliberately lean around corners. Just relax and go with the bike.
- Don't try to sit bolt upright around corners.
- Don't fidget at high or low speeds.
- Arrange a signal with the rider if you are uncomfortable. A dig in the ribs usually works!
- Don't get off the motorbike until the rider has both feet on the ground and is aware that you are about to get off
, again it's good to arrange a signal.
- If your rider is filtering through traffic, remember that the bike is harder to handle at low speeds, so the less movement you make will help steady the bike.
- Expect the unexpected. Watch the road so you can anticipate any sudden braking or accelerating.
- During braking, you will lunge forward slightly and will probably nut your riders lid, prepare yourself on the approach of junctions and roundabouts by a) gripping the grab rail to steady yourself or b) if you are holding on to the rider twist your hand to the tank to take off the strain and to prevent you sliding into the riders seat.
- During acceleration you will lunge back a little. If your holding on to a rear grab rail then just grip a bit tighter to steady yourself, leaning forward will help so long as you are not putting your body weight on the rider.
- If you are holding on to the rider during acceleration then it is easier to steady yourself.
- Don't distract the rider whilst moving. They need their concentration on the road.
Notes for Riders
The worst motorcycle pillion, is a fast rider themselves. Taking your mate on the back who rides like a looney
themselves on their road or track bike, will undoubtedly be a rubbish pillion.
The reason is that they put themselves in the position of being the rider, your
style of riding will be different from theirs. If you take your fellow
motorcyclist as pillion, no doubt they will get off and tell you that you are
the WORST rider in the world - don't take it to heart - you'd say the same if
you got on the back of Neil MacKenzie's Bike.
If you've never taken a pillion before, and want a few tips.
- Prep your pillion before you set off.
- Arrange a signal that they can give you if they are uncomfortable. Don't let them sit there scared witless at 70mph afraid to move.
- Stop frequently to check they are ok.
- Take it steady to start with. Having a pillion on the back effects braking and
acceleration. So allow time in judging gaps during overtaking and don't break
suddenly.
REMEMBER Your Pillion needs to wear a crash helmet by law- the right
size and strapped UP. And do be sure to advise them to wear gloves, suitable
jackets and trousers.
Comments
The number one way for a pillion to not slide
into the driver’s seat during braking is for them to squeeze their thighs
together as tightly as they can, not place their hands on the tank. Placing
your hands anywhere that could possibly interfere with a driver’s arm
movement is asking for a crash. I am surprised that European Motorcycle
Safety courses would not teach this; however I do understand there are some
differences in the way cruisers, tour bikes, dirt bikes, and rice rockets
handle.
Lyman P. Tryon
Reply: Absolutely it is bike
dependent. The pillions position will be dependent on where is safe to place
ones hands. Resting support on the 'crotch' region of the tank of
Sportsbikes, has never interfered with the riders control of the bike; in my
experience. It's actually been a preferred method of the rider, as it takes
any weight or pressure off their body position.
On a cruiser-style bike, with lower smaller tanks it is not the best way.
However on cruiser style bikes, the pillion is a lot lower in position,
which can mean less 'lurching' or 'sliding'.
Have your say... info@hartside.com
