Pillion & pillion + luggage..?

[Steve C]

Hi there.
I've ridden a fair amount since being a kid but it's only sometimes my main mode of transport (like now) and I went 15-years without climbing on a bike (early eighties to mid-nineties). Was retrained and took proper bike licence then. Having survived them, I'd say my nutter days are behind me

I guess my attitude to falling off is I'd prefer not to but hey, it happens sometimes... and I also guess I'm pretty much in the 'a bike is best for one' camp so have not often carried a pillion.

My partner has never been on a bike but is expressing interest in a trip (we're talking Scotland, mainland Europe South or North, that kind of thing). Any advice or thoughts to pass on to me, things you wish you'd known before you began, that kind of thing?
Absolutely anything - I'm not easily offended

[stanbloke]

Have plenty of practice with an unloaded bike and short trips!!
build it up slowly and take your time !!.

If you need any help, give me a shout ( i'm in M/K 20 min away) i,m a bike instructor( sssshhhh!!) dont mind popin down for an hour .

good luck.

[Lord Vader]

If you got time tommorrow i could come past since i am doing the grand tour de M25.Been to scotland recently 2up with all the gear ,camping and all.We could have a chat over a cuppa

[chronyx]

Whack up the adjustment on the rear shock to maximum, put more air in the tyres, adjust the chain tension accordingly, and enjoy!

The AT is fine with a pillion in my experience.

[Steve C]

...snip If you need any help, give me a shout ( i'm in M/K 20 min away) i,m a bike instructor( sssshhhh!!) dont mind popin down for an hour .

good luck.

Thanks!
We have yet to go buy her some gear, but I feel it in the wind...

[Steve C]

Whack up the adjustment on the rear shock to maximum, put more air in the tyres, adjust the chain tension accordingly, and enjoy!

The AT is fine with a pillion in my experience.

Well, I'm a mere 93 kilos at the moment and it's probably a bit soft with just me on it. Unfortunately, there isn't masses of adjustment left either but I'll give that one a try soon.

[Steve C]

If you got time tommorrow i could come past since i am doing the grand tour de M25.Been to scotland recently 2up with all the gear ,camping and all.We could have a chat over a cuppa

What a gent! And that would be useful.
Sadly for me, I have clients all day until about 9.00pm and the bike in for 4k mile service first thing. What a shame - I'll have more freedom and me bike back on Wednesday Maybe I could come in your direction instead.

[Mr NiceGuy]

I'd echo what Stanbloke said and get plenty of practice two up, especially slow speed riding.

An intercom is a great investment not only can you pass the time chatting and pointing out things on your journey but also enables you to calm the pillion and help them relax when they start. New pillions don't tend to relax on the back of a bike to begin with and tense up going into corners or when leaning the bike over making the bike harder to handle. Until they become comfortable with a bike leaning over they are a pain and make rides a chore. Then they start to lean when you don't expect it and you end up dropping the bike faster into corners than you wanted to.

Then the magic happens, they relax and just enjoy the ride.

Luggage try to keep the heavier items at the bottom of the panniers and the lighter stuff in the top box.

[Steve C]

I'd echo what Stanbloke said and get plenty of practice two up, especially slow speed riding.

An intercom is a great investment not only can you pass the time chatting and pointing out things on your journey but also enables you to calm the pillion and help them relax when they start. ...snip

Thanks, that's helpful
I've noticed a few threads on intercoms and ignored them on the basis that I'll never need one and as soon as I began to think about this, the benefit becomes instantly apparent! No idea what I'm doing in that area though - got a favourite - or perhaps even more usefully, one to avoid?

[Lord Vader]

What a gent! And that would be useful.
Sadly for me, I have clients all day until about 9.00pm and the bike in for 4k mile service first thing. What a shame - I'll have more freedom and me bike back on Wednesday Maybe I could come in your direction instead.

I could do Wednesday afternoon.I finish work at around 2.30ish
Lets meet somewhere for a cuppa