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More advanced pillion techniques help with this. One of the best for pillion and rider is pillions hands on their own knees, they can use their thighs to keep themselves back on the set and it's easier for the pillion to balance their weight. Thing is you need to lean with the rider to steer the bike in the corners so it's easier if your pillion feels comfortable with that feeling.
It's quite nice to ride really slowly if your pillion is all over you, build their confidence slowly. You'll miss the day when they felt the need to be hugging you so tight. :)
As far as noticing a pillion I would say I normally do, there have been times on long tours where they get involved and the weight disappears but generally I notice that weight on the back.
Airhead-
Ah yes I forgot about hands on knees, I’ve used it when being the pillion. She’s ok with leaning (been riding a 125 scooter to work) but was shitting it a bit at the wind noise over 50mph. Not helped by it being a very windy day down here.
The hugging is fine, just not the pressure on my wrists!
I’m glad we waited till we had intercoms though, I could explain what was about to happen and she gradually relaxed. The biker side-nod thing helped there too. Apparently very amusing! -
This is really handy advice - my other half has had a few goes, my first experiences riding with a pillion, and its been really hard work on the arms. She's mostly been grabbing me as I found that more confidence inspiring (if I tip her off on a RAB i'll definitely be in trouble with her mum), but I have a grab rail and a strap so we'll try those next time.
Dramatic_Hammer
jackbepablo
Took Mrs Hammer as a pillion for the first time today, which went ok (no-one fell off) but I hadn’t anticipated how much a physical workout it was going to be. Breaking/downhill especially!