Pillion

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A pillion is a secondary pad, cushion, or seat behind the main seat or saddle on a horse, motorcycle, or moped. A passenger in this seat is said to "ride pillion" or may themselves be referred to as a "pillion." The word is derived from the Gaelic for "little rug," pillean, which is itself from the Latin pellis for "animal skin." One or more pelts would often have been the form a secondary seat took on horseback, and the usage was carried over to motorcycles.

"Bitch seat" is vulgar American motorcycle slang for the pillion, as is "riding bitch" instead of "riding pillion." While used presently for both men and women, these terms come from antiquated notions about both gender roles and motorcycling in general.

Before carrying a pillion passenger on a motorbike, it is advisable to alter the suspension and adjust the headlight as the extra weight towards the back will tip the motorcycle backwards. A passenger will alter the handling characteristics of the vehicle, reducing stability at low speed as well as reducing the bike's braking and acceleration capacities. To carry a pillion passenger in the United States or United Kingdom, one must hold a full motorcycle or moped license, and there must also be a proper seat and foot pegs for the passenger.

Pillion-riding is associated with terrorist or criminal attacks in some South Asian countries. In Pakistan, for instance, pillion riding is often banned by local authorities around sensitive times, such as the Ashura commemoration, when there have been violent attacks on worshippers.

[edit] Safety

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A motorcycle's dynamics will change when there is a passenger riding on the pillion. It is the driver's responsibility to compensate for this and keep both riders safe. The following points will make the ride safer and more comfortable for both driver and passenger:

  • Don't get on or off until when the driver indicates they are ready for you to do so.
  • Use the pegs all the time.
  • Let the driver do the leaning. A subtle weight shift can be achieved by looking to the left of the driver's helmet in left turns, or to the right in right turns.
  • Never fidget in corners or try to lift the bike out of the lean.
  • Try to sit back far enough that you don't bump into the driver's helmet with your helmet.
  • Under braking, lean back slightly and use your thighs and pegs to avoid sliding forward. Ask the driver if you may put your hands on their back during braking (this also helps to prevent helmet bumps).
  • Under acceleration lean forward using thighs and pegs and hands to grip, or pillion pal to hold on.
  • If the driver taps/pulls your leg, hold tight. There is a bump or sudden maneuver coming. If they tap again, hold tigher.
  • One tap no / two taps is yes - if the driver gives you a 'thumbs up' they are asking if you're ok.
  • Tap on my lid (helmet) to stop.

[edit] External links and references

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