 If
you've looked lately, most bikes have provision for a rider and a pillion
passenger (Although with the varying degrees of comfort offered, the
intention of the manufacturer is sometimes dubious). This is because bikes
are set up to carry two people.The engineering's there - suspension is (usually) easily adjustable, tyre pressure can be readily increased and (mostly) there's something other than the rider to hold on to. So why is there such a stigma with riding on the back? How often do you see a bloke on the back of a girl's bike? Why is it almost always a young, adoring and licence-less girl on the back? And why, when approached about this, do the girls always say they're too scared to learn to ride and they're quite happy on the back? I know this is a generalisation, but it happens far too often, and it's crap. But, more importantly, what about the guys - why do you have such a problem with riding on the back? It's not like it's got anything to do with your riding ability or the size or your dick, or whatever it is that men use to judge each other. My first experience taking a pillion happened in the crowded inner city streets of Melbourne, where I took off my L plate and put a boy, who had far more stars in his eyes (and probably trousers) than sense, on the back. I admit I had four months riding experience under my belt, and far more confidence than sense, but we both came out of it OK. Well, I did better than he did, he copped a huge ribbing from his mates. And before the civic-minded of you get all excited, I know this was naughty and dangerous and illegal, and lots of people get killed this way. I know the AMA or the Royal College of General Practice or something similar has been trying to outlaw pillions since Adam was a corporal. Bear in mind, most of the pillions killed are kids mucking around on clapped-out dirt bikes on farms. They don't wear helmets, they don't have licences, and they tend to collide with fences and trees. Nuff said. Riding pillion is one of the great joys of motorcycling. You get to see the scenery, you can drink and you can daydream. And my beloved - who always jumps at the chance to ride on the back - reckons it gives him unlimited opportunity to grope. MCNEWS.COM.AU |