Pillion riding, our first adventure!
I may have mentioned that I’m new to motorcycling, my whole desire began in March this year, with a cursory check of Mrs SnGs happiness for me to begin motorcycle.
Her positive response quickly developed, and a mention of touring Europe, with a trip to the Italian lakes discussed.
So I sold my car, did CBT, Theory, bought a 125cc Honda, did 2 lessons, booked Mod 1 &2 for 3 days after my second lesson, passing both first time on August 31st 2022.
9 days later, having had some discussion on this very forum, I traveled to North Devon to pick up an L4 650 from a chap within this parish, who sold a beautiful machine, low miles, well looked after and with a full set of panniers, Sat-nav and a few other things.
A few weeks commuting, and a couple of solo leisure rides settled me nicely on the Strom, and my enjoyment and involvement in life was absolute.
The plan for pillion riding was to do our first adventure this coming week, as we’re both off, but following Mrs SnG yesterday purchasing an armoured jacket, and a Caberg helmet (I happened to get a deal on a Schuberth C3 Pro too!), we decided to take advantage of the decent weather today, and set off on our first ‘together’ ride.
I’ve watched many Utubes, and read much here and had forensically examined my solo riding skills, practicing some elements, principally slow riding, my weakest element at this time.
This morning, I upped the tyre pressures, wound up the preload, dropped the headlight aim, did a short briefing with Mrs SnG, and off we went.
The plan was to do a circuit of the village and into Bognor Regis, and head back, so a short test.
Within 4 minutes we’d safely, comfortably and amazingly managed to get off the gravel drive, negotiate a small roundabout, a stationary right turn, as Mrs SnG was behaving like she’d done it everyday as for the last 20 years.
Her back stayed gently in contact with the top-box, and she turned her head looking where we would be going.
The bike balanced amazingly, so we didn’t go to Bognor, we went to Chichester and rode into one of the tight car park areas for a chat.
After 5 minutes we decided to go to Bosham, but quickly that changed to Hayling Island, a place we’d considered as ride 2 or 3!
We went along the seafront, did a u-turn, and stopped at a cafe.
After a chat and a coffee, we headed back a slight longer way home, and got back without issue 4 hours after we started.
Mrs SnGs feedback was amazing, she was warm, felt safe, comfortable, and totally enjoyed the whole experience!
She said she was happy with my safe riding,and had no fear.
She’s planned a trip for tomorrow, not quite as far a Durdle Door ( that was likely to be ride #6 anyway - still time for that later in the week!) but her helmet, jacket, and other, Non-motorcycle clothing was suitable for her, and comfortable.
Thanks Ray, for the bike, and the gentle advice, and for a motorcycle, my god, you have to love the VStrom don’t you?
The Italian lakes, from that first or second conversation are now a real possibility!
