Davidtav Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 Well I’ve been on my own a few years now. And taking a pillion hasn’t been an issue. However strangely enough I seem to have met someone. And she is attractive and likes boats and motorbikes. My two main passions … what’s not to like lol Anyway, she is keen to accompany me on the bike as a pillion. And has actually borrowed a decent helmet and some leathers etc from a friend. So is obviously genuine about that. And she has been a pillion before. Now the thing is, I don’t think my bike is ideal for a pillion. If this becomes a thing then I will need a new bike. Which I’m ok with. But it would be fun to go on some short trips on my current bike and see how we get on. My bike is a 2019 Kawasaki Z650. I’m insured for a pillion. But never taken one. I’ve taken pillions years ago on a 125. And that all worked ok. … the thing that concerns me is that the pillion seat on the Z650 looks small. Now my new friend is not tall. And she isn’t overweight. But still she is an adult passenger. There are no hand holds on the Z650. Because of that, I’ve ordered this belt thing from Amazon to go around my waist. And it has two handles for her to hold on to. I’m hoping that’s going to be helpful … I’ve never touched the suspension on my bike. But there is a spanner in the tool kit to adjust pre load on the rear suspension. Should I do something with that? Should I increase tyre pressure? … appreciate any advice … and any ideas on a new bike. Thanks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 Those belt grips are good, better than grips on the bike i reckon. If youve got a top box rack consider strapping a softbag on there as a bit of support. . She's been pillion before but make sure she understands about getting in and off, leaning etc. You probo will want to adjust suspension. Comfort is everything for a happy pillion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Frog Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 Just a thought ! Cheers Ian 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Throttled Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 I have ridden a lot with pillions, but I always have bikes with a sizeable pillion seat and a top box. I don't need to move as one with my pillion, who I encourage to sit upright and to keep their back against the top box. I would not like to take a pillion perched on a tiny seat like that, unless they were also a biker. If I had to, we would start with lots of short, slow rides and go somewhere to practice heavy breaking & accelerating, so you both learn to move as one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onesea Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 (edited) Do not commit to long journey, have back up plan to get her home of she doesn't get on. Circular ride an hour from home, coffee and ice cream stops ever 40 minutes or so, so she doesn't get sore ass (Keep that till later). As someone said grab handles. Oh and suggest she squeezes her legs together for grip on to bike, not just for your pleasure... As for advice to her scream if she wants to go faster? Actually have system so you know to slow, my misses uses repeated jabs to my kidneys. Don't lean go with the bike, let you guide her... Edited June 2, 2023 by onesea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 First rule of thumb is decent gear https://themotorbikeforum.co.uk/topic/48826-for-sale-arai-profile-v/#comment-608094 Next just take it steady! Do everything smoothly Check the manual for recommended pressures with a pillion As for suspension that's a personal choice! Personally I wouldn't touch it to begin with and see how the bike is 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastbob Posted June 4, 2023 Share Posted June 4, 2023 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ninja650-Passenger-Kawasaki-Motorcycle-Accessories/dp/B08BJ3B2PY. Thank me later . 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastbob Posted June 4, 2023 Share Posted June 4, 2023 Or if you prefer a different style from a trusted manufacturer .. https://renntec.com/product/kawasaki-z650-2017-2018-grab-rail-in-black/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The GOAT Posted June 4, 2023 Share Posted June 4, 2023 Another shout out for Renntec and I also used a Triboseat cover for my R1 and they both worked a treat. Only adjusted the pre load on the forks to stop the dive when braking. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 9, 2023 Author Share Posted June 9, 2023 (edited) Thought I would update this to say that I decided to fit a top box with a backrest for a pillion. And we went out for a little ride this evening. And all seemed good. So longer ride planned for tomorrow Edited June 9, 2023 by Davidtav 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Well my bike behaves much better with a pillion on board than I would ever have thought. And my friend loves it! Had a brilliant day out yesterday. Went to Scarborough and then on to Whitby for fish and chips. Did 150 miles and everything was good. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 (edited) Edited Edited June 13, 2023 by Davidtav 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 I was expecting and hoping to say I need to buy a new motorbike. But actually this is great. I’m not sure whether to feel happy or not about that 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 12, 2023 Share Posted June 12, 2023 33 minutes ago, Davidtav said: I was expecting and hoping to say I need to buy a new motorbike. But actually this is great. I’m not sure whether to feel happy or not about that You need a new bike. To be more specific ,you need another bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyrider Posted June 12, 2023 Share Posted June 12, 2023 52 minutes ago, Davidtav said: Here is a pic of my pillion. What’s not to like lol and very nice too 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Posted June 12, 2023 Share Posted June 12, 2023 1 hour ago, Davidtav said: I was expecting and hoping to say I need to buy a new motorbike. But actually this is great. I’m not sure whether to feel happy or not about that Well if you are going to be doing any sort of touring you need a new bike Also if you are off to the seaside you need a new bike and if you are going for rides you need a new bike 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 1 hour ago, Stu said: Well if you are going to be doing any sort of touring you need a new bike Also if you are off to the seaside you need a new bike and if you are going for rides you need a new bike Yeah Here is a pic of my pillion. What’s not to like lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 (edited) 7 hours ago, Davidtav said: Edited June 13, 2023 by Davidtav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 (edited) 9 hours ago, skyrider said: Edited June 13, 2023 by Davidtav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fullscreenaging Posted June 15, 2023 Share Posted June 15, 2023 This pillion is not just in your head is she? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mississippi Bullfrog Posted June 16, 2023 Share Posted June 16, 2023 Here is my solution to carrying a pillion. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidtav Posted June 16, 2023 Author Share Posted June 16, 2023 Yeah. She was in my head lol. And I was in her head lol … make your own joke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Metcalfe Posted June 22, 2023 Share Posted June 22, 2023 My missus has done 1000's of miles ss a pillion with me. For first few trips she would put her hands on my waist gripping loosely onto the jacket belt. Know she sits on the back without holding on, i alot of cases on longer trips she either falls asleep or reads her kinde. The dnoring while she asleep is abit much through headsets but you can stske your life onit if i mute the mic wakes up Trust and understanding of each other is the priority for a safe and enjoyable ride. Admittedly our bike is made for 2up long distance touring 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastbob Posted June 27, 2023 Share Posted June 27, 2023 Make sure you know where the nearest train station is incase the relationship ends abruptly . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.