26-02-13, 11:13 PM
I take a pillion on a regular basis, usually with a 52ltr topbox and occasionally also with 2x 36 panniers on top.
I'm a short arse and weigh 11st, my pillion weighs about the same. With practice it became second nature, so anybody can do it.
I adjust the way I ride and I'm definitely steadier but I don't avoid overtaking or filtering but that confidence has come with practice and advanced training, which if you haven't done already I'd thoroughly recommend. I live in London so filtering and slow speed stuff is unavoidable so I crank up the preload to suit the load and it's all quite manageable. In regards to u-turns etc, it helps if you're already confident doing slow manouvers solo. Plenty of practice and taking it easy to begin with is the way to go.
Mounting and dismounting needs getting used to, especially if there's luggage that can make it awkward. The bike can move around quite a bit depending on how good your pillion is, so it helps to be able to have both feet firmly on the ground (beware of gravel etc). There's no harm in practicing mounting & dismounting with your pillion, especially if the pillion is new to it all. My pillion is far better now at getting on and off than a few years ago, bear in mind that they need practice at pillioning too.
I'm also very clear with my pillion that she may only mount and dismount when I say so (hehe), that way I can be ready and can ensure it's safe for them. We usually talk about it after so we can give each other a bit feedback to improve the next time.
Still, the main thing for me is making sure I'm in the right state of mind to deal with the extra responsibility and that I act accordingly. My objective is to get my pillion to the destination safely, comfortably and that we both enjoy it. It can be great fun
I'm a short arse and weigh 11st, my pillion weighs about the same. With practice it became second nature, so anybody can do it.
I adjust the way I ride and I'm definitely steadier but I don't avoid overtaking or filtering but that confidence has come with practice and advanced training, which if you haven't done already I'd thoroughly recommend. I live in London so filtering and slow speed stuff is unavoidable so I crank up the preload to suit the load and it's all quite manageable. In regards to u-turns etc, it helps if you're already confident doing slow manouvers solo. Plenty of practice and taking it easy to begin with is the way to go.
Mounting and dismounting needs getting used to, especially if there's luggage that can make it awkward. The bike can move around quite a bit depending on how good your pillion is, so it helps to be able to have both feet firmly on the ground (beware of gravel etc). There's no harm in practicing mounting & dismounting with your pillion, especially if the pillion is new to it all. My pillion is far better now at getting on and off than a few years ago, bear in mind that they need practice at pillioning too.
I'm also very clear with my pillion that she may only mount and dismount when I say so (hehe), that way I can be ready and can ensure it's safe for them. We usually talk about it after so we can give each other a bit feedback to improve the next time.
Still, the main thing for me is making sure I'm in the right state of mind to deal with the extra responsibility and that I act accordingly. My objective is to get my pillion to the destination safely, comfortably and that we both enjoy it. It can be great fun