Pillion Lessons/Coaching

[05062586]

Evening all,

So I recently got my license and I want to get my girlfriend on the back of the bike and start disappearing for the day as soon as possible but it isn't something I want to rush! Has anyone ever done or can anyone recommend a course specifically aimed at training the pillion to be a pillion and the rider to ride with a pillion?

 

[Ogmios]

Evening all,

So I recently got my license and I want to get my girlfriend on the back of the bike and start disappearing for the day as soon as possible but it isn't something I want to rush! Has anyone ever done or can anyone recommend a course specifically aimed at training the pillion to be a pillion and the rider to ride with a pillion?

yes but...

you'd have to pay my expenses i'm afraid.

surely someone nearer can help?

bump

 

[eggsy]

Pillion training

I would seriously get yourself competent and confident first before getting a pillion on the back. If you have only just got your licence, try and go on a Bikesafe course to build your riding abilities up then start taking a pillion out otherwise your going to be paying out for training. Bikesafe is a really cheap and very good way of improving your abilities.
Good luck.
eggsy

www.bikesafe.co.uk

 

[Gundog]

Just tape her feet to the footrests.......

She'll be fine

 

[Lord Snooty]

You don't need a course.

First of all set the bike up for carrying a pillion - increase tyre pressures and suspension according to the manual.

Make sure your pillion doesn't fidget, leans with the bike, keeps her feet on the footpegs at all times and holds on.

Remember braking and acceleration distances will increase and the centre of balance is now higher.

Take it easy until you get used to the extra weight and the difference in handling.

 

[barneydinosaur]

Evening all,

So I recently got my license and I want to get my girlfriend on the back of the bike and start disappearing for the day as soon as possible but it isn't something I want to rush! Has anyone ever done or can anyone recommend a course specifically aimed at training the pillion to be a pillion and the rider to ride with a pillion?

Don't know of a course but Kevin Williams has some good thoughts on the matter:

http://home.clara.net/survivalskills/riding_skills_44.htm

He's very good for 'advanced' training in general and coming to the peaks in the foreseeable furure:

http://www.therevcounter.com/sponso...spring-tour-provisional-dates.html#post994632

 

[Dave78]

Can't offer any courses, but I took my mrs on as pillion after only have had my licence a little while..

We spend some time on our drive just getting on and off the bike together, so I knew how the bike would move, and she would know howthe bike would move as she got on and off.. As we were planning on going to scotland touring we also had a go with the panniers on

We then found an empty trading estate close to our home, she drove I rode..

We then spend some time just riding around slowly, me getting use to extra weight in moving off, and braking.. it also her getting a feel for moving off and braking..

We then early one sunday morning so little traffic around went for a couple of mile ride, then just built it up from there little by little.. 3 weeks later we did over 400 miles from the midlands to Oban.

We started off with a system of tap left shoulder if wanting to stop, right shoulder if everything ok etc.. We ended up getting an intercom.. not so much that we spend hours talking, but it's nice to have a quick, are you ok? I'm going to go for a overtake, are you holding on etc..

What I would say is get some miles on two wheels under your belt first, and take it stead.. but it's great going places together.. failing that get her a bike of her own..

 

[Myke Rocks]

Teaching Pillion

As I recall, around 40 years ago the standard advice to a new pillion passenger was: "Sit like you are a bag of spuds".
Don't think the advice is in need of an upgrade.
Myke

 

[The Stimulator]

This guy may be worth a call:

Enhanced Riding

 

[HORIZONTALLY OPPOSED]

As I recall, around 40 years ago the standard advice to a new pillion passenger was: "Sit like you are a bag of spuds".
Don't think the advice is in need of an upgrade.
Myke

Sound advise, my ex never quite managed to get it, my partner is a natural & knows when I am going for an overtake etc. by my body language, I don't think it's something that can be taught, it's part pillion passengers confidence in the rider with the rest being very much intuitive.

 

[Yellow Peril]

Like HORIZONTALLY OPPOSED said its all to do with confidence and your pillions confidence in your ability, more confident more relaxed = easier ride.

To date my pillion has done about 50k miles and is so relaxed, she has been known to nodd off on really long trips, but I believe thats not unusal amongst the seasoned pillions.

 

[LiquidLAN]

I would seriously get yourself competent and confident first before getting a pillion on the back. If you have only just got your licence, try and go on a Bikesafe course to build your riding abilities up then start taking a pillion out otherwise your going to be paying out for training. Bikesafe is a really cheap and very good way of improving your abilities.
Good luck.
eggsy

www.bikesafe.co.uk

Got I must be getting old... I past my test many, many moons back and back then I was only one a 125 or 250 for an age so taking a pillion wasnt really of interest.

I really would advocate getting some experience on the road 1st, but if you are serious I'd suggest considering the following...

is your girlfriend physically the same size as you or larger? If she is, then I'd suggest forget it until you have more experience. Its hard enough as an experience rider when a pillion of reasonable mass in relation to you gets on the back. Male or female, their actions can seriously effect the bike.

If your girlfriend is reasonable smaller than you, you will be in a better chance as anything she does on the back - short of jumping off - is unlikely to really effect you or the bike.

Either way, if you've got a mate you both really trust get them to take her out for her first experience at least he might be able to handle it better if she freaks...

Sorry, I know exactly why you want to take your girlfriend on the back, biking is a fantastic experience, but having ridden with a newbie/girlfriend combo on a ride out last year the phrase "accident waiting to happen" flashed in my mind a lot

if you go for it take care.

 

[Beetle2112]

As I recall, around 40 years ago the standard advice to a new pillion passenger was: "Sit like you are a bag of spuds".
Don't think the advice is in need of an upgrade.
Myke

What he said.........


My Ex Mrs once fell off the back of my Gixer standing at traffic lights when she fell asleep .
It would have been funny apart from there was a Kent Police Jam Sarnie in the queue directly behind us.

 

[LiquidLAN]

What he said.........


My Ex Mrs once fell off the back of my Gixer standing at traffic lights when she fell asleep .
It would have been funny apart from there was a Kent Police Jam Sarnie in the queue directly behind us.

lol... I almost lost my cousin off the back of my ZZR600 the same way, except he was staring at his reflection in a shop window when I pulled away - I only caught him as his knees clipped my sholders that'll teach him to pay attention