Tandem Riding

Useful tips for backriders [pillion passengers] for more enjoyable and comfortable riding.




Passenger behavior affects the rider's operation of the motorcycle. Therefore, backriders or pillions must be advised of the correct riding position. It is also wise to ride safely in order to avoid any tension with the pillion.

Key Pointers for the Rider

• To provide backriders [pillion] with a greater sense of safety, allow extra margin for safety when negotiating corners.
• When riding with a pillion, be careful when accelerating and braking. Abrupt acceleration and braking will make the rider lose balance easily due to weight considerations.
• Apply brakes earlier when tandem riding. Riding with a pillion increases the total weight of the motorcycle - hence, braking distance becomes longer.

The basic riding position for the pillion is to hold the knees in lightly; and to place the arms around the rider's waist. The backrider must move his/ her weight forward during acceleration. The weight must be passed on to the back during acceleration. When cornering, the backrider must lean together with the rider.

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7 Points for correct riding posture for the backrider.

Eye: Look in the same direction as rider.
Shoulder: Release tension and relax.
Elbows: Hold the riders waist lightly.
Hands: Put around the rider's waist
Waist: Assume natural position that is not too far from rider's
Knees: Lightly grip the rider's waist.
Feet: Place the arch of the feet on the foot pegs

Pre-ride discussion with the back rider

The ride will be a lot safer if the backrider is given pointers on the correct riding position when cornering, getting on and off and other important information especially for first timers.

Share information in advance such as destination, route, places of interests, etc. It would also help if rider and pillion agree on hand signals for "rest," "hunger," etc. For long trips, it is best to take sufficient and well-planned rest or stops.