carrying a pillon ?

[tchallenger]

Hey guys , so first question about carrying a pilion , what rear tire pressure do you need to adjust to ? Do you need to adjust the rear shock as well ? oh come to think of it what psi do people run normally without pilion as well ?
Thanks in advance guys

[CaNsA]

depends on the weight the bike will be carrying.

http://www.zxrworld.co.uk/Manuals/L%20M ... er%209.pdf

You're welcome.

[gavinfdavies]

if it's just pillion (as opposed to fat pillion + luggage etc), I wouldn't worry about adjusting the rear end, since it's very hard to begin with. tire pressure, maybe 2psi extra but don't quote me. My missus is only 50kg (about 8 stone) so not a massive weight, and since with a pillion you won't be going as fast, I would worry too much about tyre pressure (have done a 200 mile return trip at about 80mph + a 120mph spurt with no issues on metzeler sportec m3's). The one thing I would say is hand holds; unless they have arms like an ape, the stock hand holds will be out of reach (under the rear pannels!), so get either a renntec sports rack or grab rail. Both are on offer if you're quick. The grab rail's really cheap, and takes two mins to fit (remove pillion seat, unbolt the seat lock, place rack on the bar, put the lock back on top, bolt it down, replace seat, add pillion, enjoy!)

http://www.renntec.co.uk/kawasaki_zxr40 ... ories.html

they're about 65% off rrp! Compare to the price of similar aged bike...

http://www.renntec.co.uk/kawasaki_zx7r_accessories.html

the bars will make life alot more pleasant, without them your pillion will spend 50% of their time headbutting your back, and the other 50% trying not to fall off the back!

oh, and if anyone has any advice about tyre pressures fire away, since my advice is only based on a tiny 8st wench, not a 16st rugby player.

[CaNsA]

The grab rail's really cheap
http://www.renntec.co.uk/kawasaki_zxr40 ... ories.html

Was £52.50 Now £17.65

I bought a rail and a sports rack last week.

Piece of piss to fit.

[Jamz]

Nothing!

Depending on what pressure you're running already, of course?

The universal standard of 36 front, 42 rear are pillion-ready estimates. If you're running very low rear pressures, then for one you've probably listened to 'the bloke down the pub' rather than the experts, and secondly you may need to raise them a bit, which is a pisser if you're lazy like me.

[tchallenger]

cheers guys all the advice here is great , will try and get hold of a grab rail should help out a ton ! , im only about 11 stone, and my other half is maybe 10 or so (i dont ask!) , so will just check pressures then get on with it

[Neosophist]

I usually run 33f / 36r.. only with a heavy pillion / luggage do i crack the rear upto 40.. the zxr as been said is already stiff as a board.

Unless your carrying an experience pillion who can hold on with just the little strap across the rear seat (the L seat is a lot more generous than the H seat!) then i'd invest in a grabrail, there are a few options available.

Those who have super long arms may be able to reach the luggage strap holders underneath the rear pannels but there not really for holding onto...

http://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/prod ... grips/1527

These pillion 'love handles' are quite jazzy too if you don't want to fit a metal bar to the bike and you have a pillion who isn't comfortable with the standard setup.

Have you carried pillions before?

Just incase if not a few tips i've always found helpful

1. agree a system with the pillion before you get on the bike.. i.e. tap left shoulder if they want to stop / get off and tap right shoulder for anythign else.

2. remember to allow for longer braking zones.. simple things like leaving a bigger gap to car infront help no end as you can slow down more gradually which will make the pillions job of staying put easier (make sure they know how to brace themselves incase you do have to stop sharply though)

3. good clutchless upshifting can be done almost seemleslly which really helps too.

hth!