About

I can’t begin to tell you the number of times people have expressed surprise that I – a female – am riding my own bike. When people see me and the SO out together, they assume we’re riding two-up.

Well, I ain’t no pillion, baby – and it’s long past time for people to see that a woman can ride her own bike, be her own mechanic, be interested in modding her ride, and be an adventure motorcycle traveler.

Ain’t No Pillion is a collection of motorcycle riding gear reviews, motorcycle modification articles and reviews, camping gear and reviews – basically, if I use it during motorcycle travel, I’ll talk about it here. Also, musings on riding a motorcycle, adventure travel, some of my favorite companies to work with – think of it as a compendium of all things motorcycle.

Written by a woman.

Me and the SO, on our modded bikes, after riding to the bottom of South America from Boston - Ushuaia HO!

My Ride

My current ride is a 2007 BMW F650GS. In black. I bought it shiny, sparkly and practically showroom new in summer 2010, with less than 2,800 miles. She’s now got over 25,000 miles, and I’m going to ride her until one of us can’t go anymore.

She came stock with heated grips and ABS. My mods currently include:

• ZTechnik V-Stream medium touring screen;
• Wunderlich Wind Deflector;
• BeadRider beaded motorcycle seat;
• Touratech fairing guards;
• Touratech engine guards;
• SW-Motech Evo Quick-Lock Side Carrier;
• TraX 37-Liter ALU-BOX Cases;
• SW-Motech Alu-Rack Toprack;
• BarkBusters hand guards;
• Touratech large sidestand foot; (replaced in Ecuador with a welded piece of metal at a workshop by the side of the road);
• Fastway F3 Footpegs;
• Loobman chain oiler; (Couldn’t handle the rigors of DS overland travel, so back to manual chain lubing);
• Touratech chain guard;
• Touratech fork guards;
• 5-Function Digital Meter; (Piece of Crap! I’ve ripped it off and hope to never see one again);
• Odyssey PC310 Drycell Battery;
• K&N Air Filter;
• Scotts Performance Oil Filter;
• Ohlins Rear Shock.

My Riding Gear

I’m an ATGATT girl – All the Gear, All the Time. I’ve upgraded my gear as I’ve ridden and gotten a better idea of my requirements and features I value, so here’s the gear I’m currently riding in:

• Arai XD3 Helmet
• Rev’It! Sand Jacket
• Rev’It! Sand Pants
• Rev’It! Monster Gloves
• Rev’It! Zenith H20 Gloves
• Held Warm N Dry Gloves
• Gerbings Heated Jacket Liner
• Dainese Visoke D-WP Boots

Professional Stuff

By day, I’m a writer. I expect the professional stuff is pretty boring to motorcycle enthusiasts, but if you’re curious (or in need of a writer) you can check out my professional website here.