A friend asked me about taking his wife riding, saying she was less than thrilled when he had attempted it before. Well, I have to say there are those that will NEVER enjoy riding as a pillion, but then there are those that simply don’t know how to be a pillion and are chilled at the thought, both metaphorically and physically!
Riding as a pillion isn’t exactly fun, if you don’t know what’s going on. You can’t really see that well, and non-riders aren’t exactly enlightened on how to ride, so many are in abject horror!! As a seasoned rider, you can help put your pillion at ease by providing a few facts about riding in general, the dynamics of the bike, how to stop, how to take off, and how a pillion should follow your lead in the curves. Doing all this before the ride will help put your pillion at ease!
The following tips will also help. I have written this as if the pillion was female, but it would obviously be the same for male or female! ; )
1) Teach her how to get on, pointing out where the foot pegs are. It’s easiest to mount a bike from the left side (where the kick stand is located). Riders know this, but if you’ve never ridden, who’d know? Tell her to put her hand on your shoulder and to slip her right leg over the seat then settle her weight evenly on the seat before putting her left foot on the peg to right herself. I know this is elementary, but it’s complicated if you haven’t done it. It also helps to discuss this before she just stomps on the peg, throwing off the balance of the motorcycle with the additional weight. Let her know the passenger always gets on last, gets off first and never puts her feet down in between.
2) Get comfortable with her added weight and let her know she’s not to put her feet anywhere but on the pegs, even if you stop. Some pillions feel it necessary to place their feet down as well, but it isn’t necessary and can be downright dangerous! If there’s a top box it gives a pillion a lot more confidence feeling she isn’t going to fall off. Also note for her where to hold on, aside from holding onto you. Are there some hand holds along the pillion seat or grab bars she can hold? For many the hand holds makes them feel much more secure, until they are more used to how the motorcycle feels when traveling. Hanging onto the driver of the motorcycle does keep the pillion close which is best for the corners!
3) Riding… teach her to grip with her legs, especially when you are stopping so she won’t slide into you. If you shift smoothly it will help to keep from clunking helmets, and let her know if this happens it isn’t her fault. You really want her to be relaxed and comfortable, especially as you take on curves. Some pillions are afraid to lean and some lean too much. So let her know RELAXING is the key… and to stick to you like glue. If there are winds, let her know to tuck in as close to you as possible so the cross winds won’t alter the motorcycle dynamics. Also she will be less frightened and there won’t be any air pressure between you and her, thus no aerodynamic drag.
4) If you won’t have any communication system like an Autocom, devise some signals for when she needs to stop. Also let her know if she needs to make any kind of shift in her position, to do it in the straights, not in a corner. And it’s probably good to have a signal to let you know she is shifting position. ; )
5) If she is feeling comfortable, have her take out a camera on a lanyard and shoot away!! A small point and shoot is excellent for this and she will get some truly awesome photos. She will be able to spot wildlife too keeping you alert and getting some great pictures!
6) Make sure your pillion is geared up well for safety and for the weather. It’s chillier than most people think when riding and it’s best to layer so if it warms up, you can simply remove a piece of clothing. Your pillion is facing the same risks as you, so keep her safe with proper riding gear!
I hope this helps alleviate some of the fear many pillions have before the ride and that they too can enjoy the open road and the touring passion of their rider/partner.
For further reading: Pillion Tips