First Time Pillion

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by DanielB, Apr 16, 2022.

  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
  1. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    I may have asked this before...but...I am close to taking a pillion for the first ever time.

    2002 Speed Triple.

    Any advice etc?

    What am I supposed to do with the turny thing on my rear shock? I have never really adjusted this (or the fork tension) and so again am never sure what I'm "looking for".

    What will she hold on to?

    How best to communicate?

    All advice welcome!
     
    • Like Like x 2
  2. joe mc donald

    Dec 26, 2014
    13,874
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    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.
     
    • Like Like x 4
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Thanks Joe!

    No, she hasn't ridden before...but that advice all sounds good.

    I don't ride hard when it's just me, so I'll certainly be taking it easy!
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Agree Agree x 1
  4. joe mc donald

    Dec 26, 2014
    13,874
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    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
     
    • Like Like x 4
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • Thanks Thanks x 1
  5. Dougie D

    Dougie D Crème de la Crème

    Jan 30, 2016
    10,664
    1,000
    Blairgowrie Perthshire
    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
     
    • Like Like x 4
    • Agree Agree x 2
  6. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Thank you chaps, all useful information.

    So...suspension...do I "want" it softer, or harder. Harder, I assume...so that the front doesn't feel too light, is that the jist of it?

    (She's not a big girl ;))
     
    • Like Like x 1
  7. littleade

    littleade The only sane one here
    Subscriber

    Mar 17, 2015
    236
    1,000
    Worcestershire
    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.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  8. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Excellent, thank you @littleade

    Are these things of any use, or is it all just a "trial and error for what suits US"?

    Screenshot_20220416_180702.jpg
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  9. Dougie D

    Dougie D Crème de la Crème

    Jan 30, 2016
    10,664
    1,000
    Blairgowrie Perthshire
    Does your bike have grab rails?
     
    • Like Like x 1
  10. joe mc donald

    Dec 26, 2014
    13,874
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    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
     
    • Agree Agree x 4
  11. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    No dedicated grab rails, but will have a rack, and thought I may put a box on for the good lady to lean back on?

    However I am thinking, and from what others have said, she needs to lean more "on me", rather than back...untill we're on the straight and open road of course!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  12. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire

    ...but what does she hold on to then!? o_O
     
    • Like Like x 1
  13. Johnjo

    Johnjo Senior Member

    May 29, 2017
    545
    243
    Birmingham
    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. :)
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
    • Like Like x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
  14. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Thank you!

    Both wearing Fullface helmets...is it possible to still communicate, or really need a coms solution?
     
  15. joe mc donald

    Dec 26, 2014
    13,874
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    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.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Funny Funny x 1
  16. Johnjo

    Johnjo Senior Member

    May 29, 2017
    545
    243
    Birmingham
    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.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
  17. Helmut Visor

    Helmut Visor Only dead fish go with the flow
    Subscriber

    Oct 3, 2018
    6,095
    800
    Three Counties
    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 :cool:
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
    • Thanks Thanks x 1
  18. littleade

    littleade The only sane one here
    Subscriber

    Mar 17, 2015
    236
    1,000
    Worcestershire
    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.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Useful Useful x 1
  19. capt

    capt Elite Member

    May 8, 2016
    3,052
    750
    western Australia
    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 !!
     
    • Like Like x 2
  20. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    • Like Like x 1
Loading...

Share This Page