Pillions , Should they put their feet down when we stop?? - Horizons Unlimited

**Red Bull** · #1 24 Jan 2006

Hello All,
Pillions , Should they put their feet down when we stop?? >> This question has been bugging me since some time,
Personally I don't mind my pillion putting his / her feet down when we stop some where but I know some uys who are fanatics about pillions being off the ground.
I know there are some riders who'v had pillions for a long time , Just wanted to know of what do you all think of this issue.
Many websites that I have read recommend Pillions keeping their feet off the ground.
Any pointers for newbies like me please!
Thanks in advance,
Red Bull

**XRM** · #2 24 Jan 2006

Pillion should keep their feet up.You should be incontrol, and don't want your feet tangled with the pillion.

I mostly tour with a pillion. The agreement is that they stay put with their feet up until I OK any move.

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.. no gods .. precious few heroes.

**tor1150r** · #3 24 Jan 2006

Ditto.
Rules are (for me anyway!):
Pillion doesn't mount until bike is started.
Pillion keeps feet on pegs until bike is turned off, AND I say it's OK to dismount. Pillion rider (my wife in almost all cases) knows to sit tight until my instruction. This prevents unexpected bike movement.

**Wheelie** · #4 24 Jan 2006

I agree, let'em keep their feet on the pegs until you say it is ok to take them off.

Another reason for this is that inexperienced and jumpy passengers may out of reflex put their feet down while moving, this to try to keep the bike up straight in turns, to use their feet to brake it to a hault, or for numerous other stupid back seat rider reasons. You decide when it is ok to put the feet down, and done with that.

[This message has been edited by Wheelie (edited 24 January 2006).]

**Boxer** · #5 5 Feb 2006

Strangest experience I had with this was a near crash in a car park. I had just picked my daughter up. Making herself comfortable she actually put her feet on my footrests. This came as a surprise to me when I set off, but fortunately we got sorted out without mishap.

**mustaphapint** · #6 6 Feb 2006

Quote:

Originally posted by tor1150r:
Ditto.
Rules are (for me anyway!):
Pillion doesn't mount until bike is started.
Pillion keeps feet on pegs until bike is turned off, AND I say it's OK to dismount. Pillion rider (my wife in almost all cases) knows to sit tight until my instruction. This prevents unexpected bike movement.

ditto
but it's ok for them to put their feet down if it stops you falling off at traffic lights!

**Hindu1936** · #7 7 Mar 2006

Somewhere I have lost something. My wife could not reach the ground to put her feet down without kicking me off the drivers seat first. A man 6'3" would have trouble reaching the ground. Where her feet are on her footpads, they are at least 18" (I haven't actually measured) from the pavement. What giants does everyone else ride with?

**JonStobbs** · #8 8 Mar 2006

Quote:

Originally posted by tor1150r:
Ditto.
Rules are (for me anyway!):
Pillion doesn't mount until bike is started.
Pillion keeps feet on pegs until bike is turned off, AND I say it's OK to dismount. Pillion rider (my wife in almost all cases) knows to sit tight until my instruction. This prevents unexpected bike movement.

Another good one to add....
Pillion always buys the first

too!

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Just going for a short ride on my bike....

**Nigel Marx** · #9 8 Mar 2006

I always ask my pillion to get on from the left side and use my arm to help steady herself as she climbs on. She doesn't get on until I lift my elbow up and out while I am still holding on to the 'bars, to show I'm ready for her. There is nothing quite as embarrassing as both of you laying under a bike because someone has leapt on just as you were adjusting your balance.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

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"The world is a book and those who do not travel read but a page"- St Augustine