Hello, my dear friends and fellow riders! This is your Odia Nana, back with another story and some tips from the highway. You all know how much I love hitting the open road on my bike, feeling the wind, and discovering new places. But what makes these trips even more special? When I have a good friend riding pillion with me!
A pillion rider, or a passenger, is not just extra weight. They are your partner on the journey. Their safety and comfort are 100% your responsibility as the rider. Over my many years and thousands of kilometres, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make sure both of us have a fantastic and, most importantly, safe trip. So, let’s get into it.
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1. The Pre-Ride Check: The Foundation of a Good Trip
Before we even think about starting the engine, there are a few non-negotiable things we do. This is the golden rule for The Odia Nana.
The Gear Talk: I always tell my pillion, “No gear, no go.” It’s that simple. I make sure they have a proper ISI-certified helmet that fits them well. I also recommend a jacket, gloves, and covered shoes. If they don’t have their own, I have some extra gear they can use. Safety first, always.
The Bike Inspection: Two people put more strain on the bike. I always check the tyre pressure (it should be as per the manual’s recommendation for two people), the brakes, the chain, and the headlights and taillights. A well-maintained bike is a predictable bike.
The “Settle-In” Session: I take five minutes to help my friend get comfortable. I show them where the foot pegs are, where they can hold on, and explain how the bike moves.
2. Communication is Key: Talk Before You Roll
You can’t have a conversation once you’re riding at 80 km/h with the wind roaring. So, we set some basic signals before we start.
The Tap System: I tell my pillion, “If you need me to stop for any reason, just tap me firmly on the shoulder.” This is a clear signal that something is wrong. We also set taps for “slow down” or “I’m okay.”
Setting Expectations: I explain that they need to look over the same shoulder I do when I’m turning or changing lanes. This keeps our combined weight centered and helps me maneuver smoothly.
3. The Art of Riding with a Pillion
This is where my experience as The Odia Nana really comes into play. My riding style changes completely when I have a pillion.
Smooth is the Name of the Game: No sudden acceleration, no hard braking, no sharp leaning. I pretend there’s a bowl of my favourite pakhala on the fuel tank that I can’t spill! Every input on the throttle, brake, and handlebar is gentle and gradual. This prevents my pillion from getting jerked around.
Braking Early: The extra weight means the bike takes longer to stop. I start braking much earlier than I normally would. This gives me a big safety cushion and makes the ride less scary for the person behind me.
Taking Corners Gently: I take corners slower and wider. I tell my pillion to just look over my shoulder into the corner and let their body naturally follow mine. They shouldn’t try to lean too much or sit up straight – just go with the flow.
4. Prioritizing Pillion Comfort
A comfortable pillion is a happy pillion, and a happy pillion makes for a happy rider!
Regular Breaks: I stop every 60-90 minutes, even if we don’t need fuel. It gives us both a chance to stretch our legs, have some water, and relax. Sitting in one position for too long can become very painful.
Checking In: During these breaks, I always ask, “How are you doing? Everything comfortable?” A small act of caring goes a long way.
The Backrest Advantage: If you ride with a pillion often, consider getting a small luggage bag or a dedicated backrest strapped behind them. It gives them something to lean against and adds a huge comfort factor, especially on long rides.
Conclusion: The Journey is About Sharing
For The Odia Nana, a motorcycle journey is about the shared experience, the laughter at a dhaba, and the shared wonder of a beautiful sunset. By taking these simple steps, I ensure that my pillion feels safe, comfortable, and enjoys the ride as much as I do. It builds trust and creates memories that last a lifetime.
So next time you have a friend riding with you, remember these tips. Be smooth, be communicative, and be responsible. Let’s make every ride a safe and joyful one.
Ride safe, ride far!
Your Odia Nana