Pillion Passengers

It may seem obvious but carrying a pillion passenger at least doubles a riders responsibility. Anyone who elects to carry someone on the back seat of a motorcycle has an obligation to keep him or her safe. It is a resonsibility that must never be taken lightly.

Legalities

The legalities of carrying a passenger are essential knowledge for every rider.

A learner driver is not allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
A secure seating position is required. If a child cannot place their foot on the pegs it does not comply with the law. Kits are available to accommodate the length of childrens legs.
The rider is responsible for the safety of the passenger. This means if you are in an accident with a pillion passenger, they have the right to sue the rider if necessary.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the pillion passenger wears a correctly fitted and fastened helmet.

Sounds Familiar

The biggest mistake most riders make, especially male, is being drawn into the machismo syndrome. Pretty girl gets on the back of his up to the minute, 170mph track day special with under-seat race can and mini-number plate. Pretty girl tries to make herself comfortable but because of the ergonomics is forced to hang onto the rider for grim life.

While she's trying to secure her seating, macho rider is revving like mad and when she nods that she's ready he drops the clutch. Bike, with rear wheel spinning suddenly finds some traction and pretty girl is almost thrown off the back.

Moments later the rider has to slam his brakes on because he hasn't seen the 16 - wheeler indicating to turn right and pretty girl slams into riders back with such force she makes an implant on his leathers.

This continues until pretty girl is being sick in her helmet. Strangely enough pretty girl is put off riding and stays as far away from bikes as she can for the rest of her life.

Good Pillion Passenger Guide

Experienced riders can only ride the way they want when they have gained the confidence of their passenger. If you want to impress someone who is trusting enough to be your pillion passenger, here are a few ways of doing so.

Before a potential passenger gets on the back of your bike make sure that he or she is equipped with all the right clothing (including boots and gloves) and a safety helmet of the correct size, securely fastened.
Have a verbal briefing before the ride. Impress upon them that you are aware of your responsibilities towards them and that you will ride well within your capabilities and the bikes limitations.
Tell them not to get on or off the bike without your say so, as you need to have both hands on the handlebars to maintain control of the bike.
Make sure they know that they shouldn't try and assist when cornering.
Their best posture is to be just a 'sack of potatoes' and just sit there.
If rider and passenger are not using an intercom system, agree on a communication system of physical taps on the back or hip. If you intend on a long-term partnership with someone, invest in an intercom system.
Ride more smoothly than you've ever ridden before. Pull away slowly, but positively, and accelerate and brake progressively. Try to get every gear change as jerk-free as possible.
Finally, don't forget that the extra weight of a passenger will change the bikes characteristics. More braking distance will be required and braking will be tempered. Therefore, more time will be required to overtake and braking distance will need to be increased.
Beware of the passenger falling asleep; this will often be made apparent when the passengers helmet bangs onto the back of the riders helmet. At times like this an intercom system or a good thump on the side of the head will solve the problem.

Help your passenger to have an enjoyable experience

Last Modified: 15/08/2006 15:02:14
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