Riding with a pillion passenger or luggage

Carrying a passenger needs even more thought than riding solo. It alters the way your motorcycle performs thanks to the extra weight and where it's sited.

And of course there's another person's safety to consider. I've lost a pillion through my own negligence, and it ranks as one of the most shocking motorcycle experiences I've ever had.

Take a ride on the back of any big sportsbike, and you'll know they are barely fit for the purpose – something worth bearing in mind when you take someone on-board such a motorcycle, especially at speed. In saying that, with the right approach and understanding there's no reason why a pillion can't have as much fun as the rider.

The first consideration to make is for their welfare, which will be affected by the sort of motorcycle you have. Riding on the back of a Honda Goldwing is both secure and sumptuous. The seat is as big as a sofa and there's plenty to grab hold of. Something like an Aprilia Tuono is a very different matter. With virtually nothing to hang onto, the already wheelie-prone Aprilia becomes a liability for a passenger if it's used in just a spirited fashion, never mind hard.

The pillion's experience matters greatly too. If they've been doing it for years they'll know what to expect and what's expected of them. If not, then a few tips from the rider about the importance of keeping still and bracing themselves against forces of braking and acceleration won't go amiss. I always tell someone new to pillion riding to make it quite clear if they're unhappy. And make sure they're dressed as well as you are. They're at as much risk in a fall as the rider.

Biking for two isn't for everyone, but done right it can be twice the fun.