Getting on a Motorcycle: How It Works for Rider and Pillion

The engine is humming, the next mountain pass is waiting, and today someone is riding on the back. As soon as you ride two-up, the motorcycle changes noticeably. One moment is often underestimated, even though the ride begins with it: getting on the motorcycle correctly as rider and pillion. Get it wrong and the bike can end up on its side before you have even set off.

Here you will learn how rider and passenger (pillion) become a well-coordinated team from the start. It is about suspension, trust and a few tricks that work on any type of motorcycle.

Trust between rider and pillion

Whoever climbs on the back gives up control. Whoever sits in front is responsible for a second person. Getting on is the first moment in which you both have to work together physically. If the rider stands wobbly or the pillion clambers on hastily, adrenaline shoots up immediately – and the unpleasant kind.

Experienced instructors know this: if the pillion feels insecure, they tense up in the first bend. That upsets the weight distribution and makes the motorcycle unwieldy. A calm, clean mount, on the other hand, says: "I've got us under control. We're safe." So: talk to each other beforehand.

Technical check: setting up the suspension for a pillion

A motorcycle is a finely tuned system. A pillion moves the centre of gravity noticeably backwards and upwards. If you don't adjust anything, the motorcycle can handle dangerously in the worst case.

Understanding the geometry

If the rear sinks too low under the pillion's weight, the fork trail increases. The motorcycle becomes unwieldy, reacts sluggishly to steering input and pushes wide over the front wheel when leaned over. It "doesn't want to turn".

• Spring preload: increase the preload on the rear shock. This brings the rear back to the same level as when riding solo. That way the suspension travel remains available for absorbing bumps instead of being used up while standing.
• Tyre pressure (safety-relevant): with a load the tyre flexes more, which can heat it up considerably. Increase the rear pressure to the value the manufacturer specifies for a loaded bike. You will find it in the owner's manual.
• Damping: if your suspension is adjustable, increase the rebound damping. Then the motorcycle won't bounce like a rubber ball after bumps.

The rider's role when mounting: solid as a rock

1. Check the ground: never stand on sloping ground or loose gravel when your passenger gets on.
2. Stable stance: place both feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Don't let your knees buckle – keep them stable.
3. Front brake: pull the brake firmly. That way the motorcycle can't roll forwards or backwards. This is especially important when the pillion climbs on via the footpeg.
4. The command: give a clear signal. A nod is often not enough when the passenger is already wearing a helmet. A loud "Ready!" is safer.

Getting on correctly as a pillion

As a pillion, it is best to move as if you were part of the machine. The aim is to shift the motorcycle's centre of gravity sideways as little as possible when climbing on.

Step by step

• Mount from the left: always approach the motorcycle from the left side.
• Support yourself: put your left hand on the rider's shoulder. Push yourself upwards instead of holding onto the rider and pulling them towards you.
• The footpeg as a step: put the ball of your left foot on the peg and push yourself straight up. Keep your body as close to the motorcycle as possible.
• Swing your leg: swing your right leg over the rear in a wide arc. Watch out for panniers or luggage rolls.
• Sit down gently: lower yourself calmly. Plopping down onto the seat can throw the rider off balance.

Special cases: adventure bikes and tall luggage

On a fully loaded adventure bike (for example a BMW GS with aluminium panniers), the normal leg swing doesn't work. Here the pillion really has to climb. They then stand with their full weight on the left peg while the motorcycle is still on the side stand or held by the rider with full force. That stresses the material (especially the side stand mount) and demands full concentration from the rider, because the motorcycle jerks to the left as the pillion climbs on.

Harmony while riding: gaze and balance

As soon as you set off, the pillion's gaze helps determine safety.

The mirror rule: as a pillion you never try to steer actively or, worse still, push against the lean. Simply look over the rider's inside shoulder. In a right-hand bend, look past the right side of the helmet. That way you automatically take up the right lean without thinking about it.

No helmet billiards: nothing annoys a rider more than a helmet knocking from behind when braking. As a pillion, tense your core muscles when braking and hold onto the grab handles or the rider's hips so you don't slide forward.

In a nutshell

Riding two-up takes trust, the right technique and a little preparation. If you put the tips above into practice, a wobbly start becomes a calm, flowing routine. Riding through bends together with someone you like is one of the best sides of motorcycling – provided you have mastered the craft.

Set up your motorcycle properly, agree on the signals and then off into the bends.

Frequently asked questions