Safety and Pillion Passengers 

AllAboutBikes.com Staff Writer

Everyday riding for motorcycle users can be a great way to have fun out on the open road.  There is nothing like the feeling that you get when you are soaring along the road on your motorbike.  Many times people decide to take along a second passenger who rides behind the driver.  This passenger is said to ride pillion, and you can actually refer to the passenger as a pillion in general.  Motorcycles can be a lot of fun, but there are also many hazards associated with riding one.  You are much more vulnerable to injury on a bike then you would be in a car.  This is true for your passenger as well, and they have absolutely no control or extra protection, so it important for you to know how to ensure their well-being.  Safety is always the top priority, so know the rules and techniques that will get you home safely each and every time you go out on your motorbike.

First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the law.  There are some licensing and restriction issues that apply to safety and pillion passengers in some countries.  For instance, in America and Great Britain, you need to have the proper license for the motorcycle in your possession.  You also need to have adequate seating features for the pillion passenger.  That means that there must be a proper seat with foot pegs and some sort of handle for the passenger.

There are some other tips that relate to safety and pillion passengers.  It does not matter if you have a sport bike or another style of motorcycle.  There are some suggestions that can always add to the level of safety.  If you are going to take a pillion passenger on your motorbike, you should probably alter the suspension.  The extra weight of the passenger on the back of the motorcycle can throw off the suspension if you do not prepare for it.  This can lead to the bike tipping over or backwards in some cases.  Also make sure to adjust the headlight after altering the suspension.

Remember that the extra weight of the pillion passenger will also change the handling characteristics of the motorbike.  Practice somewhere safe around home first to get used to the difference.   Stability is reduced and it will be harder to brake or accelerate.  While it is the driver who is responsible for the safety of both riders, the pillion passenger should also understand how to ride in the rear.  Take the time to learn the proper methods and techniques.  Safety is always important for those who choose to ride motorcycles.