It's been sometime since l took my pillion seat off and wondered if the communication 'tapping' code between you and your pillion has changed? Tap on the helmet (trying to keep this clean) meant slow down and frantic taps meant; "No, really slow down!" Or words to that effect😅
I hate to say it but for me that wouldn't work. It was the pillion who came on at their own risk. The rider had full control of the whole situation and the passenger just had to go with it and trust the rider.
Okay the passenger would have some input by leaning forward with warnings and disagreements. If they had their doubts they could always refuse to get on at all. Or inform the rider prior to go steady.
But tapping on a helmet, even though it may be an old technique(I never heard of this myself) would personally have well annoyed me and if someone was doing that to me. It would feel like I was been controlled from behind and that for me would be dangerous and off putting.
The control aspect whilst driving is important to me due to my various driver training with different vehicles. Which includes bikes, car, class 1 h.g.v and bus driving along with all its professional driver training.
It was drilled in to me from day one, that you the driver, are in control and no one else. Makes it safer that way.
I now realise why I bought a motorcycle with a single seat 🤣😂🤭😁
Most riders I've pillioned with didn't have any communication signals. I have 3. Two of them with the left hand, one indicates I need the loo, my fingers crossed as in legs crossed. The other one with flat hand signalling to pull over, when safe to do so, as I need to get off, it's an emergency. The third signal is a gentle tap of the right shoulder, to indicate I'm comfy and it's ok to move off.
I think it's important to have these signals. As Lyn says better discussing signals before setting off.
I don't do helmet tapping or trying to shout to be heard, that is too distracting, and I don't wear an ear piece / intercom cos I don't want a conversation when I'm on a bike. (The only time I don't talk a glass eye to sleep) 🤣
Always found that a pair of ladies' leather clad thighs squeezing me tightly held my attention quite well,whatever message they were intended to convey...a squeeze on the thigh to knee area(on either side) means verbal communication is required....usually....a blow to the back of crash helmet means someone is not concentrating whilst i'm braking...i used to carry a pillion lady whose hands were prone to wander at random,but that had nothing to do with motorcycles.....;)>