Carrying a pillion and luggage

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say who is allowed to carry a pillion passenger and what the passenger must do.
• You can brief a passenger before the ride so they help rather than hinder.
• You can load luggage evenly and securely within the bike's limits.
• You can adjust the bike, as the handbook says, for extra weight.
• You can allow for longer braking and slower acceleration when loaded.

What you need to know and understand

• Provisional licence holders, including riders on a CBT certificate with L plates, must not carry a pillion passenger.
• You may carry only one pillion passenger, and only if the motorcycle is designed to carry one.
• The passenger must sit astride a proper seat, facing forwards, with both feet on the footrests.
• The passenger must wear a securely fastened protective helmet that meets the regulations (Sikhs wearing a turban are exempt).
• Learner riders must not tow a trailer until they have passed their test.
• A motorcycle towing a trailer has lower speed limits: 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

The legal rules for passengers

You need a full licence for the bike you are riding before you can carry anyone. Your passenger must wear a helmet, and good protective clothing, gloves and boots are strongly advised for them as for you. Sidecars are a separate case and are not covered here.

Briefing your pillion

A nervous or inexperienced passenger can upset the bike by shifting about or leaning the wrong way. Agree a few simple rules before you set off.

1. Get on only when you say so, after you have the bike upright with the brakes on.
2. Keep both feet on the footrests at all times, including when stopped.
3. Hold on to you or the grab rail, and lean with the bike, not against it.
4. Stay still at low speed and in queues; do not put feet down.
5. Agree a tap signal for 'stop' or 'slow down'.

Loading luggage and setting up the bike

Check the owner's handbook for the maximum load, which includes you, your passenger and luggage. It usually also gives higher tyre pressures, suspension preload settings and headlight aim for carrying weight. A loaded bike can dazzle oncoming drivers if the headlight points too high.

• Keep heavy items low and close to the centre of the bike.
• Spread weight evenly between panniers so the bike does not pull to one side.
• Do not overload a top box; weight high and behind the rear wheel makes steering light.
• Strap everything down so nothing can catch in the chain or wheel.
• Make sure luggage does not cover lights or the number plate.

Riding with the extra weight

Expect slower acceleration, longer braking distances and heavier steering at low speed. Brake earlier and more smoothly so your passenger does not slide into you, leave longer gaps, and allow more room when overtaking. Smooth gear changes stop your helmets clashing.

Common mistakes

• Carrying a friend while on L plates. It is illegal for provisional riders.
• Not briefing the passenger, who then leans the wrong way. Brief them every time.
• Forgetting to adjust tyre pressures and suspension for the load. Follow the handbook.
• Piling heavy items in a top box. Keep weight low and central.
• Braking as late as you would riding solo. Start braking earlier.

Test yourself: Carrying a pillion and luggage

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.