Perfect pillioning

Never taken a passenger? Never been on the back of a bike? Here’s what you need to know

Getting on

Rider: Stand over the bike. Hold the front brake on. Tell the passenger when you’re ready for them to get on. Turn the bars as they do, to keep the bike level. Pillion: When the rider’s ready put one hand on their shoulder, one foot on the peg, stand up and step over. Don’t rush and don’t “drop” onto the saddle.

Pulling away

Rider: Check the pillion is ready. Confirm when you’re about to move off and give them a second to get a secure grip. Don’t take off like it’s a Motogp start: pull away gently and smoothly – but positively to avoid wobbles. Pillion: Get comfortable with holding on to grabrails or the rider’s waist. When you’re happy, let the rider know. Lean forward slightly as the bike pulls away. Don’t shift about in the seat until the bike is moving at speed.

Riding along

Rider: Smoothness is everything. Accelerate more gently than normal – even when overtaking – and change up early. Brake sooner and more gently than when riding solo. Don’t throw the bike into corners: take smooth, gentle lines. If helmets clash, you need to be smoother (try a little more back brake). Pillion: Brace yourself gently, gripping with your knees or hands (no white knuckles) and lean forwards slightly as the bike accelerates or lean backwards when it brakes. Lean with the bike in corners. If you need to shift about in the saddle, do it when the bike is upright – never in a corner or at low speed.