First Time Pillion

DanielB
Good luck. Find out if she has rode pillion before. My Tracy like to hold my waist sometimes wraps her arms right around me. Explain to her she must be part of your body and lean and do as you do. And if she is a first timer then take it steady. I know at least three idiots took their partners out and rode like idiots hence the partners don't like bikes. As for set up really you just have to try starting with one notch and if need be stop and dial in a bit more to suit how you feel. And a big and have a great time.
Joe.

 

DanielB
You will be fine and she will end up loving bikes and biking with you. Have a great time and do let us all know how you get on with the good lady.
Joe

 

Make sure you hold the bike steady when she gets on and off,I always ride slower than normal when she's riding pillion, I'm sure she will love it

 

The turny thing sets the preload which you'll need to increase so when you're both on the bike the rear sits at the same height as when you were on it solo. She needs to wait until you're ready before she both gets on and off and just needs to sit there relaxed and go with the lean. Obviously your stopping distance will increase and when you come to a stop it's important to plan each one and where you're going to put your foot down. Just take things steady and ride smoothly and you should be fine.

 

Does your bike have grab rails?

 

DanielB
You will fine the good lady will choose what makes her comfortable and what she is happy with. Those contraptions to me are a waste of time.
Joe

 

All good advice there.

It doesn't matter really whether your passenger sits back or forward. Whatever is comfortable for them. What is important is that they lean with you and not counteract it by leaning the other way.

To help avoiding a clash of helmets use a bit more rear brake when coming to a halt.

Oh and try and relax yourself.

 

Like i said she will find her own stance. She will hold your waist sit back against the box and hold the rack or seat. Like Johnjo said stop worrying take it easy and get her moving with you as you were one. It will be ok. Go get your self a good nights sleep. My Tracy was seven stone when she took her first passenger who was 20 stone believe me and on a t100 triumph bathtub.
Joe.

 

Communication with both of you wearing full face helmets is nigh on impossible. It's difficult enough when just stopped and trying to talk through open visors.

If it's going to be a regular occurrence ( your pillion ) I'd look to invest in dedicated comms. In the short term I'd make an agreement before the off. Perhaps a tap on your left shoulder to let you know your pillion wants to stop and talk. A simple thumbs up to each other should be enough to let you know all is well.

 

There's a lot of talk about lean. Just to be clear your pillion shouldn't lean at all (think sack of spuds or tail pack attached to the back seat), basically just go with whatever the bike does and don't physically do anything except hold on
Wrt holding on it really is whatever they feel most comfortable with. Some like to hold on to your waist, some like to brace their hands on the tank when braking to prevent them sliding forwards and some are happy loosely holding grab rails or rear rack behind them. They will quickly find their happy place
Don't over think it and enjoy

 

If you intend doing a lot of 2 up riding a coms solution is almost unavoidable and with bluetooth stuff the norm it's a god send. It allows you to talk to your pillion and vice versa and 2 sets of eyes are better than one plus you can let her know when you're going for an overtake as well as checking she's ok, doesn't need a stop etc. You can link it onto your phone and play music too if that's your thing.

 

As a long term rider , with the same pillion for most of that ! Been married 38 yrs this yr , together 40. My first time with Brenda on pillion , just told her , doing nothing in a hurry , look forward over my shoulder , left if leaning/turning left and R, for R ! Told her hang on to whatever didn't move or make her nervous ! Don't encourage her to move on the seat ! Unless bike is Stable , either stationery or straight-ish line ! Tell her sit comfortably , not too close , unless spirited riding is ON ! Sitting Too far back as that can make bike a little more unstable/unpredictable on corners.
Brenda doesn't hang/hold on to anything , we know and ride in tune !!