TEAM Arizona Riding Tip: Pillion? What’s Riding Pillion Mean?

Published: Posted on by admin

Last Updated: February 6th, 2021

The fantastic weather is bringing out the motorcycles.  I’m sure some folks are begging you for a ride.  If so, we want to make sure we’re prepared.  So if you’re going to ride with a passenger (aka, pillion!), you’ll want to consider these topics.  Don’t want to read?  Check out this video from a 2-Up Riding Seminar at Buddy Stubbs Harley Davidson.

COMMUNICATION

It all starts, continues, and ends with this important “C” word.  As riders, we sometimes take for granted what the passenger may or may not know.  Communicate early.  Communicate often. Make sure to listen.  A first ride well done can translate into MANY fun, enriching shared experiences with a kindred spirit.

PASSENGER READY?

The passenger should be aware of the risks of motorcycling before they even consider riding with us.  If they are under 18, we should consider getting parent/guardian approval before riding.  Keep in mind, it is mandatory for riders under 18 to have a DOT approved helmet and they must be able to reach their own set of foot pegs.  Riding that niece or nephew around the block on the tank may look cute to some, but law enforcement regards this as child endangerment.

Here’s a quick checklist of items to discuss with your passenger:

  • How to mount the motorcycle, especially how to avoid the hot exhausts
  • Where to hold onto the bike/rider
  • How to position the body when stopping and taking off, including keeping the feet on the footrests at all times (no sudden movements)
  • Proper attire before mounting the motorcycle (All The Gear All The Time)
  • Where to look during turns and cornering
  • When crossing over an obstacle, rising slightly off the seat

BIKE READY?

Once again, our ol’ friend T-CLOCS stands at attention waiting to be used like a trusty friend.  Yep, we’ll want to make sure we give our motorcycle some attention before we head out with a passenger on the back.

Here are some things to review:

  • Make sure the bike is well maintained according to the owner’s manual.
  • Adjust the suspension and tire pressures as per operator’s manual recommendations.
  • Review weight limitations of the motorcycle. 

YOU READY?

We will want to prepare for the adventure by considering a few things.  We want to be in the right mindset before we take the responsibility of having another person on the motorcycle with us.

Have we considered the following items:

  • Are we well rested and ready to perform?  Handling, stopping, and accelerating on a motorcycle with a passenger all take on a new feel with a passenger.
  • Are we healthy mentally and emotionally?
  • Are we prepared to accept the risk of having someone else with us?

Image of Trish KaiaPart of the fun in motorcycling is sharing the experience with our friends and loved ones.  We’ll want to make sure our skill is up to the challenge of having a bike that will handle completely different with someone on the back of the motorcycle.  An easy, fun way to enhance your skill with a passenger would be to attend one of TEAM Arizona’s advanced courses, like the Confident RiderCourse!

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