Recommended Suppliers
Pillion Riding Gear
Riding gear is as vital for the pillion as it is for the rider - don't cut corners on this one!
It’s my general rule that my passenger should be geared up just as good as me, if not better. I don’t feel comfortable if I go out in my leathers while my partner is wearing jeans.
But as a minimum, you should at least wear the following to protect yourself:
- Helmet – Never borrow or buy a second hand helmet
- Jackets – Ladies, make sure yours has body armour. There seem to be quite a few manufacturers out there that sell jackets that offer more in the fashion department than protection. (Again, leather is best if you have it; a nylon flight jacket or parka are satisfactory, and a denim jacket will do at a squeeze.)
- Trousers – Leather is always best but if you cannot get your hand on leather, you will have to make do with jeans
- Gloves – To cut costs as a passenger you may be tempted to use normal gloves (i.e. ski gloves) or even be tempted to lose the gloves completely. This is not a wise option. Yes, of course gloves are there to protect you from the cold but the biggest part they play is in protecting your hands from possible serious damage if you are unfortunate enough to come off the bike
- Boots – look for boots that have re-enforcement particularly in the ankle area. (Hiking boots are good)
- Eye protection - The helmet you borrow or own should have a face shield for comfort as well as protection. If it does not, goggles are good, and glasses (dark or prescription) will do
- Dress for the weather – it can get extreme on the motorcycle
- Don’t wear anything loose that can come off during the ride, or even anything that can distract the driver
- Waist Strap – This is my personal favourite must have item as a pillion but it is not a necessity like the gear above. It is simply a strap that goes around the riders’ waist. It has two handles attached to it which the pillion can hold on to. This strap can definitely make all the difference when it comes to a comfortable and secure ride as a pillion. Once you’ve used it once you will never want to go riding without it again
Where to Buy Pillion Riding Gear
- SPORTBIKE have a great selection of gear, but they especially have a great selection of gear. You can search their product listings by the following brands that cater for Ladies
- Weise Ladies Textiles (Prices range from £99.99 - £129.99) target="_blank"
- Weise Ladies Leather (Prices range from £99.99 - £169.99)
- Weise Ladies Gloves (Prices range from £27.99 - £59.99)
- Alpinestars Ladies Textile Jackets (Prices at £149.95)
- Sidi Boots (Prices range from £134.99 - £206.99)
- Texport Ladies Clothing (Prices range from £79.99 - £119.99)
- Antifreeze Clothing (Prices range from £11.99 - £79.99)
- SPORTBIKE also offer the following useful links for ALL riders
- Motorcycle Clothing for the Pillion Rider
- Cargo Luggage (Prices range from £9.99 - £89.99)
- Kappa Hard Luggage (Prices range from £39.99 - £224.99)
- Luggage Accessories (Prices range from £0.59 - £7.99)
- Get Geared offer a great touring and luggage range
- Touring/Pillion Motorcycle Clothing
- Motorcycle Luggage, Bags and Rucksacks (Prices range from £9.99 - £49.95)
- Motorcycle Saddlebags (Prices range from £54.99 - £129.99)
- Motorcycle Luggage Tank Bags (Prices range from £9.96 - £89.99)
- Motorcycle Leather Luggage (Prices range from £9.99 - £89.99)
- Motorcycle Luggage Accessories (Prices range from £2.95 - £49.95)
If you after more information, check out my motorcycle riding gear section for more detail on protective gear, but if you still have not found what you are looking for to buy, then check out mymotorcycle directory which has an extensive list of reputable motorcycle gear suppliers for men and women!