Like most things in life, sharing the experience is often more fun. This is the case when it comes to pillioning a passenger on your scooter. There is something about riding together to the cafe or out for a bit of exploring. I know some couples who make it into a date and take turns on deciding on the destination whether is be to the national park to read a book or maybe to an art gallery or local market.
While it may seem daunting at first, pillioning will soon become second nature by following a few simple tips.
First of all you will need the correct license to pillion here in NSW. It is worth noting that you cannot pillion while on your Learners license or P1 license.
To make for a safe journey, your pillion rider must be capable of resting their feet on the pillion foot rests and must wear a correctly fitting and approved helmet. Your pillion rider must also be 8 years old or older. Suitable protective clothing and footwear is also highly recommended.Â
Fortunately, the rules also state that you can only carry one passenger at a time, regardless of what you make have seen overseas, ( I’ve seen a family of 5 on one scooter in Asia ).
Also the scooters maximum laden weight also must not be exceeded. This is the total carrying weight of the scooter which in most cases is quite generous and will be stated in your owners handbook.
A good tip is that normally you aim to pillion someone who is lighter than you. Â This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it is the most common theme.
My big tip for pillioning a new rider is to give them a quick briefing of what to expect. This should include the places they can hold on including grab rails. I find one arm around the rider and one on the grab rail is often the best. A top box fitted to the rear of the scooter for extra storage is handy in a pillioning situation as the pillion rider can’t move back and often feels more secure.
Make sure to explain that the scooter will lean over and they are to lean with you and not try to sit upright, or lean more than you do. It is key that they relax and go with the flow and don’t fight your your posture.
As the rider it is very important to ride smoothly. Your pillion won’t know exactly where to intend to brake or accelerate, so keep your throttle and braking smooth and you will avoid a clashing of helmets, or any unnecessary surprises for your pillion passenger.
Allow extra distance for braking with a pillion. The scooter will still pull up smartly as they do, but the extra load is noticeable and there’s no need to push it. I find it’s best to do the bulk of your braking while still upright before a corner.
I recommend thinking about your pillion riders experience. Riding hard and braking late will make for a tense pillion experience, so keep fit smooth and relaxed.
As the rider, you will likely find the actual riding with a pillion white easy. Â If you are going to have difficulty it’s more common when your pillion gets on the scooter or you are stopped. Â Try to load or stop where the footing is secure ( no gravel or sanding sections as they are slippery). Â Let your pillion know when you want them to get on or off so you are prepared and remember to let them know when you are about to take off for the first time so there are no surprises.
Advanced tips.
If you intend on pillioning regularly a tweak to the rear suspension can improve your scooters handling. You may decide to stiffen the rear shocks by turning the adjustment bezel on the shock. Our techs can do this for you or simply Google it. I find that 2 clicks up from your single rider position is often about right.
I also recommend not lane filtering with a new pillion until you are confident of them. Â Also, consider there will be slower acceleration when you overtake, so allow for that.
Pillioning is a good fun. If you are a confident rider, you should give it a try.
Murray