Taking a pillion for the first time

Kido

I've been riding motorcycles for about 5 years now but never had the courage to take a pillion, partly because my first "big" bike was a bit big to be comfortable. I bought it straight after passing my test and thought it's big but it doesn't matter I'll get used to it. I never did. A year ago I finally gave in and changed to an ER-6F and I now feel I have no excuse for not taking my friend on the back. I can put both feet on the floor reasonably easily.

Does anyone have any advise on taking a pillion for the first time. My friend did ride a 125cc bike for year but didn't like it much so sold the bike, she's also ridden pillion on her husband's bike a couple of times as well as other people's bikes.

I'm pretty scared about taking a pillion. I'm told my friend is probably the best person to start with because she's small and light.

I guess my first question is about her getting on, I assume that the side stand will need to be up and it'll be up to me to keep the bike upright. Is this as difficult as I fear or is it just me making a big fuss out of nothing.

Sorry if I'm rambling, I'm just trying to convince myself it's not going to be as bad as I fear.

custardy

Im no biker but would it be a help to set up near a wall for the first attempt at getting everyone on?
then you can put a hand out if need be and have the extra confidence of knowing its there if needs be

Incyder

Get the bike off the stand and sit on as you would, start it up. Then she will throw her leg over behind you and probably put her little arms round your waist (yum)
You may need to 'budge up' the seat an inch or two from your normal riding postion, maybe not, depends how big the seat is.
Then off you go as normal. Nice and steady and get used to the extra weight.

Its good she is experienced as she will lean at the correct times into bends. So relax and enjoy your [STRIKE]affair[/STRIKE] ride

Kido

Thanks for the help Incyder, can safely say though that there will be no affair as we're both female. Maybe one day I'll find my dream man on the back of my bike. A girl can dream anyway.

Atom

Hey make sure they lean your way heh - nothing worse going round a tight bend or roundabout and there trying to lean the opposite way :mad:

Anyway was probably because i always have the foot pegs scraping on the road - must have thought there was a fire

Take the Busa..Not the Bus... as i always said

Norman_Castle

It's as difficult as your friend makes it. As she has had her own bike and been a pillion on others without causing problems I would assume you will be fine. Have fun.

Sagz_2

Best bit of advice is wear ear plugs: I screamed my lungs out the only time I rode pillion! And I'd been riding bikes for about 10 years the feeling of not being in control totally did my head in.

Good luck x

smiffy01uk

Get some of these. I take my kids out pillion and they say they feel so much safer with the pillion pal than hanging on to me.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MOTORBIKE-PILLION-HANDLES-jet-ski-love-pal-grab-belt-/300516445451?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item45f82d0d0b

puppy999

My late partner had a fireblade he said that it rode better with a pillion on and as she as done it before she knows what she is doing .....
Good luck and hav fun

Kido

Thanks for the help guys. My friend was great on the back and I was really getting my confidence up by the time we got back. We'd decided to go for a day out from Manchester to Castleton in the Peak District. Probably not the best of places to go for a first time but it was all good (despite getting lost along the way). She finds it easier to get on and off if the side stand is down so it's lower. When she gets her weight across the bike naturally seems to follow and we're upright. Much easier than I thought.

Incyder

great stuff. If you can post some pics of you and friend in riding gear and a few bike shots next time I am sure everyone will appreciate viewing them.