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 tour starts 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've even set off.
Here's how you work as a well-coordinated team from the start. It's about suspension, trust and a few tricks that work on every type of motorcycle.
Trust between rider and pillion
Whoever gets on the back gives up control. Whoever sits in front is responsible for a second person. Getting on is the first moment you both have to work together physically. If the rider stands unsteadily or the pillion climbs on hectically, adrenaline shoots up straight away, and not the pleasant kind.
Experienced instructors know this: if the pillion feels insecure, they tense up in the first corner. That upsets the weight distribution and makes the bike unwieldy. A calm, clean mount, on the other hand, says: "I've got us. 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 shifts the centre of gravity significantly backwards and upwards. If you don't adjust anything, the bike 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 bike becomes unwieldy, reacts sluggishly to steering inputs and pushes wide over the front wheel in a lean. It "doesn't want to turn in".
- Spring preload: increase the preload on the rear shock. That brings the rear back to the same level as when riding solo. So the suspension travel remains available for absorbing bumps instead of being used up at a standstill.
- Tyre pressure (safety-relevant): with a load, the tyre flexes more, which can make it extremely hot. So increase the pressure to the manufacturer's value for two-up riding (in the owner's manual, often also on a sticker on the swingarm or chain guard). The German automobile club ADAC gives a rule of thumb of at least 0.2 bar more than solo. Don't go up to the maximum pressure stated on the sidewall.
- Damping: if your suspension is adjustable, the ADAC also recommends increasing damping, especially rebound. Then the bike won't bounce like a rubber ball after bumps. Use the values in the owner's manual as a guide.
The rider's role: solid as a rock
- Check the ground: never let the pillion get on when you're standing on a slope or loose gravel.
- Stable stance: put both feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Don't let your knees buckle, keep them stable.
- Front brake: pull the brake firmly. That way the bike can't roll forwards or backwards. This is particularly important when the pillion climbs on via the footpeg.
- The command: give a clear signal. A nod often isn't enough once the pillion has their helmet on. A loud "Ready!" is safer.
Getting on correctly as a pillion
As a pillion, move as if you were part of the machine. The goal is to shift the bike's centre of gravity to the side as little as possible while getting on.
Step by step
- Get on from the left: always approach the bike from the left side.
- Support yourself: put your left hand on the rider's shoulder. Push yourself up instead of holding on to 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 bike as possible.
- Swing your leg: swing your right leg over the rear in a wide arc. Watch out for cases or luggage rolls.
- Sit down gently: sit down calmly. Dropping onto the seat can throw the rider off balance.
Special cases: adventure bikes and high luggage
On a fully loaded adventure bike (such as a BMW GS with aluminium cases) 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 bike 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 bike jolts to the left as the pillion gets on.
Harmony while riding: vision and balance
Once you're moving, the pillion's vision also affects safety.
The mirror rule: as a pillion, never try to actively steer or, even worse, push against the lean. Simply look over the rider's inside shoulder. If the road goes right, look past the right side of their helmet. That way you automatically take up the right lean without thinking about it.
No helmet billiards: nothing annoys the rider more than a helmet knocking from behind under braking. As a pillion, tense your core muscles when braking and, if possible, brace yourself with your hands on the tank, as the ADAC also advises. When accelerating, hold on to the rider's waist or the grab handles. Also remember: two-up, the braking distance gets considerably longer.
Audio version available (German)
You can also listen to the German version of this article, for example on the go or on a long tour. Just click the player below.
Summary
Riding two-up takes trust, the right technique and a little preparation. If you follow the tips above, a wobbly start becomes a calm, smooth routine. Riding through corners together with someone you like is one of the best sides of motorcycling, as long as you've mastered the craft.
Set up your bike properly, agree on the signals, and off into the corners.
Frequently asked questions
From which side does the pillion get on the motorcycle?
Always from the left. The pillion supports themselves with their left hand on the rider's shoulder and climbs on via the left footpeg.
What does the rider need to do while the pillion gets on?
Stand on level, firm ground, put both feet flat on the ground, pull the front brake firmly and give a clear command such as "Ready!".
Do I need to adjust the suspension for a pillion?
Yes. Increase the rear spring preload, raise the tyre pressure to the manufacturer's two-up value (ADAC rule of thumb: at least 0.2 bar more) and increase damping if your suspension is adjustable.
How should the pillion behave in corners?
Don't steer and don't push against the lean. Just look over the rider's inside shoulder, and the lean takes care of itself.
Sources
- Riding a motorcycle with a pillion (ADAC, German)
- Tips for safe riding with a pillion (R+V, German)
- Motorcycle pillion: behaviour and tips (Verti, German)
Last checked: September 2026.