OzSTOC

General Category => LADIES & PILLION'S of OzSTOC => Experiences/Backseat Advice/The Perfect Pillion => Topic started by: StinkyPete on May 09, 2013, 08:22:11 AM

Title: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: StinkyPete on May 09, 2013, 08:22:11 AM
Here is a set of instructions I give to pillions who have never ridden before.   This list came about after I had some inexperienced pillions do some quite alarming things while sitting behind me.
 :well


If you don’t own dedicated motorcycling protective clothing, then wear jeans, long socks and decent shoes like hiking boots, a warm jacket, sunglasses and gloves.

Only mount and dismount when instructed

Keep your feet on the pegs at all times, even when stationary

There is a grab rail behind you if you feel the need to hang on to something,  but there is not really any need to hang on.

Relax and sit upright on the bike like a “lump of luggage”.  You don’t have to lean during cornering, as the bike will do that for you.  Take your lead from the rider’s body position

If you feel disoriented when cornering, just point your chin into the corner, so that your head remains vertical.   Take your lead from the rider’s head position

Sit still, particularly when cornering or at slow speed.  This is really important, as any movement at these times makes controlling the bike much more difficult for me.

Under heavy braking, squeeze your knees together to grip the seat, and if necessary brace your hands against my waist, and not my shoulders.

But most of all, relax and enjoy the ride
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Biggles on May 09, 2013, 09:03:19 AM
All good and true.  I'd only add the need to hold the head firmly and back a little to control "helmet knock".
Much of the jerkiness that causes the knocking can be eliminated by smooth controls by the rider.
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Brock on May 09, 2013, 11:33:30 AM
You for got the important bit..

If you know the bike is about to tip over, as quickly as you can, if not faster, throw your self under the low side so that the bike doesnt get damaged

This instruction at times brings about a violent reaction from potential pillion, dont  understand why but..
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: StinkyPete on May 09, 2013, 01:58:54 PM
All good and true.  I'd only add the need to hold the head firmly and back a little to control "helmet knock".
Much of the jerkiness that causes the knocking can be eliminated by smooth controls by the rider.

I totally agree Biggles.    One of the biggest mistakes that a rider can do is to ride in a manner that frightens your pillion, so accelerate gently, brake gently, corner conservatively, and be aware that the life behind you is not yours to risk and play with.  Your pillion must feel safe or they'll never want to get on a bike again.
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Pocket STocker on May 09, 2013, 02:05:32 PM
All good and true.  I'd only add the need to hold the head firmly and back a little to control "helmet knock".
Much of the jerkiness that causes the knocking can be eliminated by smooth controls by the rider.

I totally agree Biggles.    One of the biggest mistakes that a rider can do is to ride in a manner that frightens your pillion, so accelerate gently, brake gently, corner conservatively, and be aware that the life behind you is not yours to risk and play with.  Your pillion must feel safe or they'll never want to get on a bike again.

Amen  :grin
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Mitch on May 09, 2013, 02:40:39 PM
 Another important instruction for pillions. Keep your boots off the muffler.  :well :||||
                                  :grin :blk13 :grin
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Sabie on May 09, 2013, 06:21:10 PM
Or in other words......    Sit down, Shut up and Hang on...... :crackup
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Pocket STocker on May 09, 2013, 08:16:15 PM
Or in other words......    Sit down, Shut up and Hang on...... :crackup

Is that right Michael !!! :Whipped

You should know by now there is no possible way a woman can shut up when we have a man in our sights in needed of direction LOL  :nahnah
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Sabie on May 09, 2013, 08:44:40 PM
Or in other words......    Sit down, Shut up and Hang on...... :crackup

Is that right Michael !!! :Whipped

You should know by now there is no possible way a woman can shut up when we have a man in our sights in needed of direction LOL  :nahnah

I wasn't talking about you Jean....I..I ...I. Was talkin about someone else um, yer um someone else nobody anyone knows..... :-++


Chris, help........she bites.... :runyay  :crackup
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: ST2UP on May 09, 2013, 09:02:44 PM
Well it was nice knowing you mate....glad we got to ride together that one time.....see you in the next life  :p

 :beer
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Sicman on May 09, 2013, 09:10:34 PM
Thanks Sabie - Tag ur it  :nahnah  :butt Now I am back in Pockeys good books again  :grin :clap

 :slvr13
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Biggles on May 09, 2013, 09:11:49 PM
Thanks Sabie - Tag ur it  :nahnah  :butt Now I am back in Pockeys good books again  :grin :clap


It doesn't work that way.  There's more than one page in the Bad Books.
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Pocket STocker on May 09, 2013, 09:14:04 PM
Haha your safe this time Michael, but that's once !!  :grin love the banter  :thumb

But Roosters enter the Hen House at your own risk  :law  :p :p


Pockey

Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Sabie on May 09, 2013, 09:32:07 PM
Haha your safe this time Michael, but that's once !!  :grin love the banter  :thumb


Pockey

Reminds me of a story an old guy told me years ago.

Back in the horse and buggy days a young married couple were on the way home. After a little while down the road the horse starts to play up, strong willed with a mind of its own. The young Husband hops down goes to the horses head grabs it by the reins and says in a stern voice..."Once"!!!

Hops back on board and continuues down the road. Well the new bride is taken aback by this.

A few miles further down the road the horse palys up again not doing what the driver wants. The young Husband hops down grabs the reins again and states.... "Twice"

Away they go again and things have settled down for a while, but sure enough the horse plays up for a 3rd time. The young Husband jumps down takes a rifle from the back of the buggy and shoots the horse...

Well... the new Wife is shocked, and starts up on the Husband.... You idiot, now we have to walk, what are we going to do with the buggy and so on and so on ...

The Young Husband turns to her and says..... "ONCE".
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Poppy Dave on May 09, 2013, 10:49:22 PM
All good and true.  I'd only add the need to hold the head firmly and back a little to control "helmet knock".
Much of the jerkiness that causes the knocking can be eliminated by smooth controls by the rider.

I totally agree Biggles.    One of the biggest mistakes that a rider can do is to ride in a manner that frightens your pillion, so accelerate gently, brake gently, corner conservatively, and be aware that the life behind you is not yours to risk and play with.  Your pillion must feel safe or they'll never want to get on a bike again.

Agree totally with both of you. Just to add to it a bit................... I always tell, inexperienced pillions to place their hands on their knees. If they do this they can push down on their knees if/when heavy braking is required. This prevents them transferring their weight to the riders back (trying to brake your arms in the process) and 'helmet kissing', it also tends to keep them sitting square in the saddle and discourages them from leaning against corners.

Always worked for me.........................

Poppy                                                            :wht13
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: alans1100 on May 09, 2013, 10:51:54 PM
I have to keep waking Heather up
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Biggles on May 09, 2013, 10:55:28 PM

I always tell, inexperienced pillions to place their hands on their knees. If they do this they can push down on their knees if/when heavy braking is required. This prevents them transferring their weight to the riders back (trying to brake your arms in the process) and 'helmet kissing', it also tends to keep them sitting square in the saddle and discourages them from leaning against corners.
                                               

Hadn't heard that one.  I've seen it done and didn't quite "get it", but I see the point now.
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: STeveo on May 10, 2013, 07:23:25 AM

You should know by now there is no possible way a woman can shut up when we have a man in our sights in needed of direction LOL  :nahnah

That's why I don't have helmet communications, hand signals so much quieter.  :grin


 :bl11
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: ST2UP on May 10, 2013, 07:30:15 PM
Way easier STeveo to have the Comms verbal between us.....less likely to cause pain to my melon from constant belting upon my helmet. :grin
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Sicman on September 02, 2013, 11:32:47 AM
PitSTop and I went for a ride yesterday. The last time I rode I had taken the top box off. It had been on since new. I just wanted a bit of a change so off it came.
Yesterday before we left I asked PitSTop if she wanted it on but she said no. Off we went and after a few minutes I noticed she was holding the rear top box plate and she wasn't settling like she normally does - I normally don't notice she is on the bike at all. She couldn't use the side grab handles as the Sargeant pillion seat is a lot wider for comfort but stops the pillion using the grab handles if they need to.
I asked if she was ok and she said she didn't feel secure like she normally does sitting between me and the top box. I took it nice and easy for the rest of the ride. She said as the top box had always been on from when she started to pillion with me she was just used to having the support / security there. I have never seen her use the grab handles before.
When we got home she said she will always want the top box on the bike. It was interesting how a small change can make such a big difference to the comfort of your pillion  :wink1

Cheers

 :slvr13
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Pocket STocker on September 02, 2013, 11:45:23 AM
Absolutely Tony, I don't think that I would like the top box taken off either. I find it a security blanket for myself as well.

I guess if we as pillions feel comfortable and more secure the whole riding experience for both of us will be more relaxed.

Pockey  :grin
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Marcus on September 02, 2013, 02:12:55 PM
Agreed... My Wife won't ride without it... and every time she see a bike with a pillion and no top box, she dies a little on the inside thinking they are going to fall off... And also because she would constantly feel the need to hang on to something
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: WendyL on September 02, 2013, 06:47:42 PM
My daughter also freaks a bit without a topbox behind her. She's usually a very relaxed pillion, but not without that security blanket. My son on the other hand can be a scary pillion, either he's really stiff, gripping with his knees, or so relaxed he falls asleep, he's 6'1 to my 5'7 so I really know he's there!
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Sabie on September 02, 2013, 07:11:33 PM
Wendy, sounds like you need a sidecar for your Son, while your Daughter Pillions..
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: WendyL on September 02, 2013, 09:23:02 PM
I actually have a sidecar Sabie, but I'm thinking my bike is getting a bit long in the tooth to go to the bother of mounting it.  It's not that my son is a bad pillion, he's just so much taller than I am that I really know he's there
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Sabie on September 02, 2013, 10:09:07 PM
Ya just gotta remember Wendy, a family that rides together....is gunna need a bigger bike.... :rofl
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: WendyL on September 03, 2013, 10:10:13 AM
It's only 13 months until my boy can get his own bike.  He's already asked me to pay for his METAL courses for his 16th birthday and is saving for his first bike.  I'm thinking a road/trail will suit his height (and build...6'1 and only 60kg!), can't see him being comfortable on too many of the LAMS bikes....
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: StinkyPete on July 20, 2020, 07:51:20 AM
Many of us carry our beloved pillions on a regular basis and I note that there has been no additions to this thread for ages.    :eek

To give the thread some life, here's a great summary of pillion issues from "FortNine" who has some great stuff on his YouTube channel.     See..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5vUZouBNgE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5vUZouBNgE)
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Nigel on July 20, 2020, 09:12:14 AM
Hi all, yes he does some great vids on relevant topics. Always worth a look.  :eek
Title: Re: Instructions for Pillions
Post by: Jdbiker on July 20, 2020, 09:24:32 AM
Keeping your pillion as comfortable as possible makes for 100ks of pleasant riding. Alert your pillion on your moves, like overtaking, coming to a quick stop etc. A good pillion knows your riding style and does everything in sync, some can be like a sack of potatoes on the back 😄