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Pillion Passenger?

11913 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  Andersonphoto1!
Hi All,

I am getting a Z650 early July after my test

One thing I cannot find any reviews on is the bike with a pillion is it comfy, enjoyable and enough power? It will mainly be short commutes every day to take the missus to work and back. Then the weekend longer journeys round the twisty and once/twice a year long journey to somewhere on the coast :)

Any help will be much appreciated:smile2:!

Thanks All!
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Personally, I think all of the new sport bikes are not suited for a passenger unless their butt is about 8" x 8" in size, and their legs are 2 feet long. The pegs are too high and the seat is too small. Only a contortionist would want to be in that position for any length of time, especially on the rear of a motorcycle that accelerates and vibrates like the Z. Try it, go to the dealer and sit back there, just a few minutes will tell you, now imagine it while moving down the road and trying to hang on.
My wife rode with me quite a bit last weekend and said she was very comfortable. She's 5'6" and 120lbs...She's pretty experienced riding shotgun, so she knows how to lean with me, etc. It was comfortable for me as well. The bike handled great and having her on the back was barely noticeable.
Hi All,

I am getting a Z650 early July after my test

One thing I cannot find any reviews on is the bike with a pillion is it comfy, enjoyable and enough power? It will mainly be short commutes every day to take the missus to work and back. Then the weekend longer journeys round the twisty and once/twice a year long journey to somewhere on the coast :)

Any help will be much appreciated:smile2:!

Thanks All!
i would guess maximum 1 hour trip with pillion.
More than that i think street bike is not comfortable.
Personally, I think all of the new sport bikes are not suited for a passenger unless their butt is about 8" x 8" in size, and their legs are 2 feet long. The pegs are too high and the seat is too small. Only a contortionist would want to be in that position for any length of time, especially on the rear of a motorcycle that accelerates and vibrates like the Z. Try it, go to the dealer and sit back there, just a few minutes will tell you, now imagine it while moving down the road and trying to hang on.
Thanks will have to give it a go!:smile2:
My wife rode with me quite a bit last weekend and said she was very comfortable. She's 5'6" and 120lbs...She's pretty experienced riding shotgun, so she knows how to lean with me, etc. It was comfortable for me as well. The bike handled great and having her on the back was barely noticeable.
Great News! About the same size as my missus maybe a bit shorter :smile2: How long was your riding for if you don't mind as mid next year looking to do a good 6 hour trip up north! How was breaking? Also how was the seat was it quite slippery or does it grip well?

Thank you again!
Great News! About the same size as my missus maybe a bit shorter :smile2: How long was your riding for if you don't mind as mid next year looking to do a good 6 hour trip up north! How was breaking? Also how was the seat was it quite slippery or does it grip well?

Thank you again!
We only road for about an hour, but I intentionally varied the "terrain" (hills, corners, etc.) just to see how it handled 2up. Braking was great, she said she wasn't sliding around (and I didn't feel her sliding around), so I think its safe to say the seat isn't slick. I'll ask her tonight how she would feel about a long road trip and see what her response is :)
Just wondering if you felt a difference in the suspension?
Just wondering if you felt a difference in the suspension?
Not anything unexpected. Of course with the extra weight there is a difference, but the bike still felt "zippy" and sharp. The ONLY thing I don't like about this bike is the engine braking! it is way to heavy in my opinion.
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