Riding a pillion doesn’t reduce the safety risk in any way. Here are 8 pillion rider tips to follow to ensure maximum safety and comfort.
1. Wear full protective riding gear
Always be equipped with the full riding gear as the rider. Wear an appropriate helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves. Never neglect the importance of proper riding gear for the pillion as the chances of the pillion getting hurt in the event of a fall are almost equal to the rider.
2. Use a pillion backrest
Fix an aftermarket backrest on your bike. This goes a long way in ensuring maximum comfort for the pillion rider.
3. Never let your hands be free
Pillion riders should always have at least one of their hand holding onto the grab rail at all times. Never let your both hands be free as you never know when the rider intends to brake or accelerate.
4. Keep your thighs close to the seat
Never let your legs sway away from the bike. This is will lead to unnecessary wind resistance and loss of balance. Keep your thighs close to the seat.
5. Never try to steer the motorcycle
Often the first instinct for pillion riders, when they see the oncoming traffic at a fast pace, would be to use his/her body weight to try and steer the bike to the opposite side. This is dangerous.
Trust the rider and keep yourself rigid to maintain the balance and thus make it easier for the rider to steer and control.
6. Never distract the rider
As tempting as it is to show the rider the unexpected sights you see on the side, it comes at a great cost to safety. The rider should always focus on the road and the immediate roadside.
If you have something to bring his/her attention to, signal him to slow down or stop the bike first.
7. Use helmet mounted Bluetooth intercoms for communication
Maintaining communication with the rider is vital. The rider has to be kept engaged so that he/she doesn’t dose off on long highway hauls. Do not try to talk through the helmet while riding. The wind noise makes it difficult to both speak and hear. Use helmet-mounted Bluetooth intercoms for communication.
8. Practice!
Practice riding pillion for short distances before you take on long highway hauls. Pillion riders tend to fatigue faster as they receive more impact of the road and have less seating real estate. So practice riding short distances first to get comfortable with the rider and the bike.
Pillion riders can also have a good time on a motorcycle without compromising safety. Never neglect the importance of gears and practice for the best safety and comfort. Follow these pillion rider tips and enjoy your long highway hauls.
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