Why I will NEVER be a Passenger Ever Again

[@katharris3807]

I started as a "backpack". I was dating a guy whose only means of transportation was a bike but not a passenger worthy model (Triumph Street Triple) so we rented a cruiser for a weekend. Nearly 500 miles in a day and I was hooked. He was a very proficient rider, but after bonking helmets, not being able to see in front of me, and feeling a bit anxious about the lack of control I had of my destiny or destination, I was already pondering - I can do this. We turned in the rental and when I was asked - how did it go...I told both the person at the rental site and "the guy"...that was the most fun I've had in ages, but next time...I'll be riding solo. I went home started my research - licensing, safety courses, best bikes - got a helmet, boots and that's that - 3 bikes and counting. I will backpack for short rides, but nothing major. Its just not as much fun. Thanks for sharing this story Amanda!

[@gdroege44]

What a great story about grandpa freezing you on your first trip as a pillion. I understand and agree 100%!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alanmartin6708]

@@AstheMagpieFlies What are you drinking?

[@Angel-Adramelech]

@@alanmartin6708 My guess is wine😇

[@alanmartin6708]

@@Angel-Adramelech It could be Apple Juice. 😹

[@mjcusmthw]

I've not been a passenger on a motorcycle since I was a youngster and I have no desire to sit behind anyone. I'd much rather be in control. Great story!

[@Deavo56]

Thanks for sharing your adventure-my first ride on a motorcycle was with my Dad, who gave me a ride on my brother's Harley-Davidson Sprint,probably in 1967.Never ridden on the back with anyone else, and never will. Been riding since 1972,when I crashed a friend dirt bike. Just turned 67, have around 200,000 miles, and now that I'm retired, hope to make a half million or so. Your posts are fun, keep them coming, and Next time you come to Virginia, look me up!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

My gosh, what a story about your grandpa. The upswing is his riding made an impact on you that changed your life forever. :)

[@thebigempty_5792]

Awesome story! I recently bought a 1980 Suzuki GS850G - spend the last few months doing a restore and bringing it back to life - great bikes!!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

That is awesome!

[@christopherbiomass7155]

Excellent story time. My first time on the back of a bike was when I was about 6, when my dad borrowed his friend's bike (probably a Honda) while we were camping. He gave me a ride around the camp ground. I was in shorts and flip flops, and was terrified I'd burn my leg of the exhaust, or get my foot caught in the rear wheel (either the thing didn't have passenger pegs, or my legs didn't reach them). I wanted nothing to do with motorcycles after that. Fast forward 14 years, and my next experience with motorcycles was me buying my own one. Only once since then have I been a passenger. I hated not being in control. I give massive props to all of the people I've had on the back, and the amount of trust they place in me.

[@michaelskinner896]

Great story Amanda! I feel the same about having your own transportation - something about feeling trapped and depending on someone else I guess. But I would definitely like to hear about your bike, how it got put back together, and why it took longer than you expected.

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you I joined you with a really nice bourbon. I had a 1981 suzuki 650G Great bike then up to 1979 XS1100 special. Thanks for the story cheers to ya.

[@lindaswett1278]

Hi! Such a sweet story about your trip with your grandpa! Been watching your videos and enjoying them! Thank you for sharing! I totally get your feelings about needing to ride your own bike! I’m the same way. Just can’t be a passenger either! Keep sharing!

[@azriphale]

I understand this so well. I never had a bike dropped on me, but being a passenger on my dad's bike for just 10 minutes (to go pick up my bike from a tyre change) taught me two things: 1. I never want to ride pillion, and 2. to empathise with my future passengers and how I can ride for their comfort.

[@nancysmith1873]

I loved the story about you and your grandpa. These stories will be some of your greatest memories in the future.

[@neilmackinnon3371]

In the summer of 1976 my Triumph T100 vibrated an oil pipe to destruction. I borrowed a friends Honda to ride to Bristol (UK) but due to holidays it turned out I couldn't get a replacement pipe for a couple of weeks. That evening I took the bike back to my friends house, suitably cleaned and with the tank full to the brim. My buddy suggested we go for a ride, so I hopped on the back and off we went. Five minutes later I was in the road with a broken femur and a damaged knee and I still have the pin in my leg and the scars to prove it. I don't ride as a pillion and I never take pillion passengers.

[@jessicaontwowheels]

Wonderful story! I’ve never been a passenger and definitely agree with having the freedom to get up and go. I am curious to hear the rest of this story, like why Lazarus was still in pieces on pick up day.

[@martinlegrice1414]

What an awesome experience! Thanks for sharing. Loved the format.

[@ChaserTiponi]

That's a GR8 story! I have those early memories as well but can't possibly type it all out! Riding is considered a Brotherhood but there is fer sure a sisterhood and a brother helping a sister or sister helping a brother! We who Ride are in this together! Loves!

[@Matt8643]

What a great story!! Love this!

[@thepeakybiker]

nice time listening to your stories thanks for sharing bab

[@BaxterTheBiker]

Great story! I agree about feeling the need for your own vehicle. To go a bit further, back in the days before 24/7 gas stations I would keep my vehicles above half full just in case anything arose where I'd need to get somewhere far in a hurry.

[@seaninness334]

It's story time (heavy pour-LOL!)... Wow. Trial by... well NOT fire. You were freezing. I might have ridden as a passenger for about 5 minutes at my first introduction. Thankfully my Utah cousins also had a 50cc Honda which I had fun on that first day but immediately wanted to try riding the bigger (75cc?, 90cc?) my older brother and cousin were riding. I'm pleased that the experience not only didn't put you off motorcycles entirely, but that you got DEEP into it on your own. Good stuff Amanda. Great "origin story".

[@stuartmoles843]

New to the channel, great story and your lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world. My grandfather also got me into bikes, he also got me into bikes and owned an Ariel square four with a sidecar which me and my little brother loved travelling in much to my mums horror

[@Crittermoto]

Great story about Grandpa. I’ve ridden pillion once! I’m like you, I gotta be in control.

[@hughmac7423]

I'm 60, been riding since I was 10. It has been 35 years since I was a passenger, it was with a friend that I knew well as it was okay. I've had lots of passengers since then, never dropped a bike on one. Only 1 of my 4 daughters rides, and she only started in January 2022 and is 35, she rides quite well, doesn't do anything silly, takes her time when she needs too.

[@troubledtraveler9684]

You need to talk your entire family to go on a road trip together on bikes. Be safe and have fun. Thank you for the video.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Great idea

[@perhennung]

lovely story, lovely grandpa

[@Blk_Raven]

Having your own vehicle is totally relatable. Freezing on the bike is also relatable. I'm still very new at this and haven't even come close to perfecting my layers. I'm cold at 60° in Texas. 29°? Uh, no thank you. You are a brave soul.

[@leonborgomainerio5429]

at :55 Suzuki cavalcade you don't see those much. My father has one he bought new in 86 and my brother and I have cavalcades as well. land yacht motorcycles of the 80's

[@flyingunicycle]

Haven’t been through lookout on a bike yet but the other times I’ve been through there it was really cold. Great story Amanda

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JCrozier1]

Excellent story time with Amanda. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TechnMoto]

Great story with many memorable moments. God bless grandpa.

[@danadiggins793]

My wife and I rode cross country two up last year. Did 10,000 miles. Loved it and we are doing it again this June. 😎👍

[@troypatterson5862]

Wonderful story and memory. Crazy cold memory that brings smiles now. I don't blame you for wanting to be in control. Safe travels.

[@Boadhion2wheels]

I’m with you. I like being in control. I don’t even like riding in a car as a passenger.

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

What a wonderful story! thank you for sharing this!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PlainsRyker]

I rode pillion once and it scared me half to death. I'm with you, I like to be in control!

[@stevemehew2888]

Lovely story, it's really nice to listen to somebody telling stories sometimes.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Why is it that people forget to press the cancel button on turn signals but don't often forget to use a kickstand before walking away from the bike?

[@JeffWeaver-ms4xu]

great story love your rides

[@saffronskies333]

I am exactly like you- no matter where I go, I have my own transportation- especially a party or event so that I can leave when I want to ...and I like to be the driver in control, but, I'm certain that is because of a car accident I was involved in at the age of 11. ...and because I like to turn on roads just to see where they lead me...

[@goldilocks913]

Wonderful story! Love that you are riding a bike that is so special to you and it’s not that it’s the same as everyone else’s . Love those Suzuki fours. All the best from the 🇬🇧

[@davebrake]

one of the best motorcycle stories ever!

[@KaiCrafted]

As a small child my first riding experience was on a group ride with my grandfather, I was 5-6 years, and even though I loved the experience it was kind of a long ride and I fell asleep on the back and started falling off (I have no memory of this, being asleep as I was) so he had to hold me behind his back until I woke up.

[@AnomadAlaska]

My woman is much smaller than me and loves being a stoker in the pedal bike or as a pillion on a motorcycle. She is very well equipped to ride either by herself.

[@Placesworthliving]

I rode in between my parents on a Gold Wing in the mid 70s. I was probably around 3-4. By the time I was 5 I had my own side car. So many memories. Thanks for sharing yours. It made me remember so many more of mine that I had forgotten. 😊

[@ywr969]

major props to your grandpa for enabling your motorcycle addiction. i've ridden motorcycles since i was 10, so i'm only a passenger if my bike breaks down & i have to catch a ride on the back of a friend's bike, & since i own reliable motorcycles... yeah, that generally doesn't happen. 👍

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

Fun to hear this story, really enjoyed it! It had everything in it to make the trip great. Cold, pain, laughs,smiles and so on. Never rode passenger on a motorcycle, seems so weird to me lol!

[@jimweagant8920]

Interesting story thanks for sharing

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks for listening

[@born2bwildne744]

Great story, great memories and great lessons learned!

[@yaitsred]

Great story! On a side note, I owned a 1985 Suzuki Madura 1200 which was the “Cruiser “ version of the Calvacade . It would pass anything but a gas station. ;).

[@EricHeinrich]

I totally get what you said. I too need to have my own ride,. I too have anxiety and being in control and able to go where I want when Iwant is something I need.

[@BlackThor15]

A great story by an amazing story teller. Thank you Amanda! 👍👍

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@emilyk-m9z]

I love this story. How lucky you have such a cool grandpa!! I ride my own bike and prefer it that way.

[@TheBlueDogMan]

A nice story and like you, I want to do my own riding on my bike.

[@motomike71]

From the driver's perspective, I've had three passengers on the back of a motorcycle and I have concluded I don't like it. I don't like the extra weight that they put on the bike which makes me have to calculate greater stopping distances, and I don't like the anxiety I have when putting my foot down whether or not I'm going to be able to hold up the weight of the bike, myself, and the passenger. I also don't like the feeling of anxiety I get when I encounter risky situations and all I think about is the responsibility I have for my rider's safety. If I'm riding with company I'd much rather they have their own ride. That way we're having a similar experience and I can relax and enjoy the ride. Later we can both talk about the things we saw along the way.

[@seantfullerton]

But the epic story with your grandpa!!! I would give anything to ride with my grandfather!! Love this video

[@meganmacdonald8863]

I grew up on the back of my dad's motorbikes; cruisers to sport. Once I got my license in my late teens early twenties I never wanted to be a passenger again. There's nothing like being in control of your own bike.. also, my first bike (still in the garage too) was a 1980 Honda CX500 Deluxe and on a trip around town my speedo stopped working haha. Same issue, cable came loose... and I rode home before fixing it too lol!

[@paulburgess3088]

This one made me search the cobwebs of my memory for the times I was a pillion. In 49 years and around half a million kilometers of motorcycling, I have been a pillion maybe 3 or 4 times and never for longer than an hour at a time. I just can't do it. I get where you are coming from Amanda, no control.

[@larrypeplinski593]

Wonderful story Amanda. And other than the hair style, it looks like you haven’t aged a bit! But I know the feeling. My Harley developed a problem that I could fix, if I had the parts. Well, dad carried me on the back of his ‘84 Goldwing and because we had to hurry before the shop closed, he was dive bombing those Colorado mountain curves and was scaring me to death. But it showed my how skilled a rider he was. At 86, he still rides a Can-Am Snyder trike, just not for long distances like we used to. Love ya, Larry in Fort Worth.

[@eddcurry1245]

And now you have memories.

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

What a story, you are energy 👍👍

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

😊 thank you

[@markchristianson8178]

That is a trip to cherish forever !!

[@okiemoto6114]

Loved this story

[@cathyn1033]

I started out as pillion on my husbands’s R1150R. I was not comfortable, I wanted off within the hour. We rented a 2009 Gold Wing Tour in the Ozark’s. What a difference. 😊. Enjoyed that trip very much. Following summer I took an MSF course. Didn’t like shifting and the clutch. I however saw a a large 650 scooter on the street. Looked into those, got a 2009 Silverwing put 80K and 41 states later. Upgraded to 2018 Gold Wing tour DCT, 20K and 1 more state added. Love riding my own bike. BTW loved your story Amanda.😊

[@Yamaha666]

I was a bit like you when I first started learning to ride winter clothing was not on my list lol , I did own a GS550L 1982 for a short while great bikes.

[@abehatt7887]

Good to see you.

[@clifffawcett]

My first and only ride on the back of a motorcycle was when I was 14. No helmet was available. The guy said I had to wear at protection so someone loaned me their prescription sunglasses. It was about a 5 minute ride but it was terrifying because the guy was “showing off” and on top of that I couldn’t see a thing and I was nauseous from wearing someone else’s prescription sunglasses. Wasn’t a fan and haven’t ridden on the back since!

[@Lee-70ish]

Been riding since 1969. Never have taken pillion and only been one once on a full race fairing cb750 with solo saddle and no foot rests. That got a tad hairy as I kept sliding off the butt hump onto the rear mudguard every time my brother cranked the throttle open and only had my heels on the swing arm. I was a twit in the 70s. I'm not and was not willing to take responsibility for a passenger on what is known to be way more dangerous than a car. Although I did on my old Matchless chair outfit.

[@feanythmayosh5525]

Love these kind of stories. They are precious. As for me. I do prefer riding myself, but don't mind being a pillion if I really have to. I grew up on the back of the bikes of my parents. They where both bikers, so by the age of 4 I received my first helmet and sat on the back. When touring I would join my father. He had a very comfortable Honda PC800. If I wanted to go fast, I would join my mother and scream "Faster mom!". She loved racers and in those years the roads where a lot quieter then they are now here in The Netherlands. So she would push the bikes to there speed limits when I wanted to and then we had to wait for my father to arrive. Sadly I never got to tour together with my parents when I got my licence back in 2008. It simply didn't came to it. Due to circumstances. By the time they had more time they had stopped riding due to health and weren't able anymore. They did love the fact I'm fanatic rider and loved receiving photos of my trips. Now they are kind of riding with me again. I've got a little bit of ashes of both of them in a pendant (Zeeuwse Knoop) on a necklace that I always wear. Enjoy it while you can and safe travels!

[@MightyMouzMoto]

I feel like you've just prevented many future riders from ever riding pillion, and that's awesome! Very cool story 👍🏽 Thx for sharing. Also, I totally agree about always wanting to be able to go where and when I want if I go anywhere. It's the biggest reason I've never gone on a cruise. I need the option to leave if I want.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dmedina6835]

I love ur stories ! Stay epic

[@joebiker5992]

Great story! I feel exactly the way you do when it comes to riding. For me, it's being a passenger in/on anything. I'd rather be the one operating the machinery

[@stephenpiasecki7984]

my grand daughter has her bike when we ride she says i go to slow oh its funny i have a c90 but i have cavacade trunk and sadale bags on it

[@junulock]

Never been a passenger and don’t want to be for the same reason as you. Started out on a 71 Honda 350 scrambler and worked up from there to the 04 Honda Shadow 1100 I have now. I’ve given a few people a short ride but being 2 up you really do need a big bike to be comfortable and not feel either cramped or under powered. I also don’t like the feel of the handling 2 up.

[@ridetofood]

Haha I love story time with Amanda. 🥂

[@BIKE_BEERS_AND_DEATH_METAL]

Awesome story🍻🤘😬🤘🍻

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you 😁

[@CraigSmith568]

I started out on a Honda 50 when I was 10. My first street legal bike was a 74 Suzuki GT185. My first real motorcycle was an 81 Suzuki GS750L. I loved that bike. I wish I'd kept it. I still remember racing a guy on a GS850L and he couldn't figure out how I beat him with a smaller bike. Really brings back some great memories seeing that GS750L. As a kid I rode on the back of my dad's Honda Goldwing. He started out on a Moto Guzzi 850. I've been riding for so long now I don't think I could ever ride on the back with someone else again.

[@Squatch_Rider66]

Great origins story. Your grandpa sounds like shadetree surgeon 1.0.

[@MrJimbok1]

I have ridden motorcycle as a passenger 3-4 times with no problems. Both the owners were college students. I believe in new experiences in being aware of what is going on around you. I like your relationship with your grandfather.

[@mikethomsen5096]

I was going to send ya a pic of my traveling setup how do I do that

[@gliderx64]

but you jumped on the back of my bike at overland last year for the slow race... I fee l guilty for asking you now, but you were the closest person (besides my wife) to ask :P

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

🤣 sitting on the back for all of about 10 min in a closed course hardly counts as being a passenger in my book but also you didn't drop it on me so you get points

[@gliderx64]

@@AstheMagpieFlies I'll take any points I can get 😆

[@roywalls5595]

Thank you for sharing amazing stories with your grandfather rides and for your video! Amanda Zito 🌹 🌹

[@MotoByChance]

There are few people I will ride 2 up with. I prefer to have the handlebars. Thus, why Aly usually takes the sissy bar off his bike, because he knows I will have my own bike when the option is mine. BUT ridding with family... Love that.

[@brantgareau2635]

your family is bless by him

[@rufcut2273]

I grew up on back of Dad's bikes; Honda 305, '54 HD, 74 Moto Guzzi. we never fell over but did have a few adventures. Fast forward 35 years and I put Dad behind me on my "new to me" road king. Just about scared me to death on every curve because he would lean opposite to me which would stand the bike up. Needless to say, it was a short ride and never again.

[@roywalls5595]

I use to go riding with my uncle he had side cart motorcycle and he makes me feel sick going around corner real fast! Amanda Zito 🌹

[@ejakeway]

Love the story.

[@MadelinnRose]

What a lovely story time chat episode. Felt like I was sitting in an elegant study with a cozy fireplace, rich mahogany bookcase filled with antiquities etc . I’ve ridden as a passenger just a handful of times. Thankfully never dropped so no negative passenger association. But I’d definitely rather be the driver, more better. Also congrats on becoming an #exped Ambassador !!! Hey hey hey killing it! TGIF

[@OldGuyonaBike]

After a long riding day, on an old BMW R75/5 loaded with camping gear and my first wife... I forgot to put out the side stand upon arriving at a campsite. I stepped away and the bike with wife fell over. Maybe a contributing factor to her being the first? No one in my family rode. My teacher/drama club supervisor took me on a half hour ride on his Honda CB450. This was 1972. I think that was my only pillion moment. A month later, now away at college I bought a Honda 50cc Cub Scooter...got my endorsement and haven't looked back in 50 years.

[@mikebodine4164]

What an experience that you won’t soon forget with your Grandfather.😳😵‍💫🙏🏻🇺🇸👍🏼💯

[@johnthomas2485]

Only rode pillion a couple times. Much prefer being the pilot. Missed some videos because of the wonderful KZbin algorithm. Did you sell your CBX500?

[@SilverPonyProductions]

I ride my own now but trust my boyfriend’s driving completely. (More so than my own because he has ridden 2-wheels since he was 5 and he is a very technical and careful rider). I don’t mind riding pillion if I’m not feeling 100% or just feeling lazy but still want wind therapy. Long distance though, I want to be riding my own.

[@krazy4baja]

Yup, I have rider as a passenger on a bike. Luckily it was with experienced riders who knew how to ride with a passenger on the back and were mostly giving me info on what to do with the rider driving the bike. How ever some of the riders were to fast for my liking and I would feel unsafe. As a motorcycle rider myself I would never be a passenger again as I never felt in control of the situation while being a passenger

[@jodyrogers7443]

Love this story

[@jundxplorer]

awesome ride...🤩🤩🤩

[@peterwilisch1329]

Totally Identify with this.

[@robertt65250]

just found your channel.and i must say its great. jumped around an watched different videos. yes i hit the subscribed button.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks and welcome

[@davidgoodman3399]

Got to ride on the back my my son-n-laws HD Breakout for about 30 minutes. Not because I like being a passenger but because I had just dumped my VROD on a patch of gravel and broke my wrist and fractured my ankle. (they live out in the country) I enjoyed getting to the hospital but still prefer to be the driver. My wife and I travel on a HD TriGlide and I always drive even though she has her trike license. She enjoys riding and I enjoy driving so it works out pretty well. Great story time about traveling with your Grand Father as I just became a grand father myself and can't wait to take my grand daughter on the trike.

[@liriana3529]

i from Brazil . Ceará ! I love you

[@dukie1616]

No! Categorically never will I ever be a pillion again, and that’s all I’m going to say about that. Seriously I hate it, lol. Loved your story, and can definitely relate. Thank you

[@marcrobyn4844]

Quick question, what video editing software to you use? Thanks, really like your content.