New pillion

[Paul P]

Hi

I have logged in under my husbands user name.

I am a new pillion passenger and have found it hard to reach the grab bars on his R1200GSA . Just wondering if this is this normal? And if it is has anyone got any suggestions that might help make things a bit easier for me.

Many thanks

Sarah

 

[Nutty]

Hi

I have logged in under my husbands user name.

I am a new pillion passenger and have found it hard to reach the grab bars on his R1200GSA . Just wondering if this is this normal? And if it is has anyone got any suggestions that might help make things a bit easier for me.

Many thanks

Sarah

Try these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/OXFORD-MOTORCYCLE-PILLION-GRIPS-HANDLE/sim/B002XLKLCG/2

 

[topcat2006]

Hi Sarah,

I use the same thing for my son when he rides pillion as he cannot easily reach the grab handles or get his hands round me (he is 8).


I also use a coms system so I can talk to him and find out how he is doing.

Both things work really well for me.

My wife has never really done pillion so she did her big bike test instead and now she rides her own bike. That works well for her

Tom

 

[Yellow Peril]

My pillion never uses me or the grab rail, never feels the need too, but then I ride with consideration that I have a pillion. Regularly on long hauls she'll go to sleep on the back, she will occasionally hook a foot under one of her pegs if the riding gets a bit more spirited or for a quick get away.

But if you are that worried get a top box that would solve any problems.

 

[FD2]

Try with a top box Sarah, or stick something like it on the rack. My wife doesn't feel secure without one. The only problem is if it causes you difficulties getting on.

 

[Giles]

Yes ... same as the above two. Top box gives wifey the mental security that she won't fall of the back. She just puts her hands on her knees / in her lap ....

 

[Rockred]

Another plus for a top box...

 

[Roymondo]

Just checked with SWMBO and she says she has no problem at all reaching the grab handles on my GSA (she can't rely on legs/feet as she has severely limited use of said limbs - which makes for an unusual mount/dismount routine...). She's 5'2" or thereabouts, and not long-limbed (I think that's about as far as I can safely go).

 

[stolzy]

If you're feeling the need to hold on to something you should have a word with the rider.
Slapping the side of his helmet will normally gain his attention

 

[Deleted account 200502001]

Just had a thought (seeing as I've never ridden with a pillion), with the panniers and top box fitted what's the easiest way for a pillion to mount? Do the panniers make mounting more difficult?

 

[diplomaticdanny]

Another +1 for top box. My wife drifts off to sleep leaning on it.

With all three boxes in place, my wife will stand on the left rear footrest and jump up to full height (whilst leaning forward to keep centre of gravity in line with the bike), lift her right foot up and over the seat and sit down, simple.

It might take a bit of practice and if she doesn't lean forward whilst jumping up, the bike suddenly wants to fall sharply to whichever side she is mounting from.

I will get to a flat stable place with both feet on the ground before asking her to get on.

Hope that's not too confusing.

 

[diplomaticdanny]

It's also kind of how I mount the bike as well.

With the bike on the centre stand, I put my left foot on the left footrest, stand up, lift my right over and onto right footrest and sit down.

 

[Mr Anderson]

My wife has no chance of getting on with the panniers on! Proper comedy act to watch!
I Have her sit on the riders seat and shuffle back onto her seat, while on the side stand then I'll get on.

That's the only way for us.

 

[SteveM]

you need a trampette then you can vault on to the seat from the rear like Zorro mounting a horse

 

[Roymondo]

My wife has no chance of getting on with the panniers on! Proper comedy act to watch!
I Have her sit on the riders seat and shuffle back onto her seat, while on the side stand then I'll get on.

That's the only way for us.

Ours is even worse. We start with the bike on the side stand, and Karen stands on the rider's footrest with her left foot. She then leans forward onto the tank, while I lift her right leg over the seat. Once vaguely in place, she shuffles herself back onto the pillion, and I arrange her feet on the footrests. Being a fairly tall chap, I am then able to get on by launching my right leg over the seat from a standing start. Dismounting is pretty much the reverse, but involves a sort of "controlled slide like a sack of spuds".

One day I'll figure out a way of mounting a folded wheelchair in place of one of the panniers, so that we can get around off the bike as well

 

[Paul P]

Hi Everybody

We have now tried with topbox and panniers and, as many of you say, it is much better. We did have laugh with me getting on and off but I now have it concord.

Thanks very much for your replies they were all very helpful.

All the best and happy riding

Sarah