Motorcycle riders will naturally take measures to ensure their needs are catered for when hitting the road and that should apply to their pillions as well.

From comfort and safety to enjoyment and extra storage space, there are a number of products that can be added to your motorbike to gain favour with your passenger.

So, on that note, here are the best motorcycle accessories when riding with a pillion on board:

SHAD Backrest:

When riding a motorcycle with a pillion on board, it is important that they feel as comfortable and safe as the rider themselves, allowing them to have the best possible experience throughout the journey. The addition of a backrest is particularly effective in achieving this, offering a comfortable contact area, lumbar support and providing peace of mind with a sense of stability.

Like most things in life, there is a choice when it comes to motorcycle backrests with two main forms on show, the first of which is the sissybar backrest. The sissybar takes the shape of a rear pillion cushion that provides a secure platform for the passenger to lean on and has the added benefit of being able to mount a motorbike top box using a sissybar top box adaptor kit.

The second option is the top box backrest which has been designed to provide passenger comfort and stability when a top box is already mounted on the rear of the motorcycle. This particular backrest can be effortlessly attached to the back of the rear luggage case and would be highly recommended if you ride with both a top box and a companion.

Whichever option you choose, sissybar or top box backrest, your pillion will love you.

Large SHAD Top Box:

SHAD SH58x: Motorcycle storage at its maximum.

When travelling solo on your motorcycle, making a choice on which top box to go for is rather straightforward and simply comes down to personal preference or how much gear you want to carry. However, when accompanied by a pillion, it is key to find a top box that can support the storage of two full-face helmets.

As SHAD top boxes are both waterproof and lockable, they allow you to store your helmet(s) and go about your day without having to worry about the risk of theft. So, if you and your passenger decide to store helmets rather than cart them around, it is important to note which top boxes possess this capability. SHAD’s motorcycle top boxes come in a range of sizes, the smallest that can hold two helmets is the SH44 while the largest is the SH58/59.

While the top box’s storing capacity may be capable of holding two full-face helmets, that will soon change when the case begins to fill up with the other gear you require and before you know it, there will be no room for the helmets. Luckily, SHAD do have the perfect solution for this. The addition of an inner bag will allow your belongings to be stored in one place and removed together before being taken on the go with their comfortable carry handles, freeing up space for the two helmets.

Puig Footpegs:

Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle footpegs are not just for the rider, they are in fact available for pillions too. With that in mind, footpegs are another way in which passenger comfort can be enhanced.

Puig footpegs can be rotated for a greater lean angle and to help find the best possible positioning, ensuring the pillion is as comfortable as possible. Moreover, these footpegs feature an increased contact area while some also use rubber pads to help achieve maximum grip, allowing passengers to feel safe and stable on the back of the motorbike.