Best for TWO-UP

[dadsafrantic]

what kind of 2 up?

Hey i am looking to get my first bike for two-up. just got married and takeing my wife for a ride. i am more of a long distance rider. i have freeway expreance and thats what i prefer to continue . whats best for two-up.

Any links for two-up riding would be helpfull...

Thanks.

my wife and i take an aprilia caponord

 

[ST Guy]

Is the ST1100 a practical bike for a solo rider?

Hell yes! Yes, it's a big bike. But, with the right mods (I've got Lindemann modded forks and a custom Works Performance Pro Racer rear shock and spring), it can feel like a much smaller bike. (I'm 6'1" and 265+.) I lane split on mine all the time. It's actually very easy as the widest part of the bike is the front mirrors. If they clear, everything else does. I've also got the benefit of hard bags which is great when shopping, etc. It's got good wind protection as well.

Whatever you get, seriously consider getting ABS with it.

 

[ob1ventura]

FJR FTW!
My wife/sister

thought that was illegal

 

[ob1ventura]

Honda Blackbird

That was Reg Pridmore's choice

 

[Oh My Sack!]

thought that was illegal

It's OK, he plays the banjo.

 

[MCSFTGUY]

I hate to be the one to throw the kicker in there, but I have to... that kicker is weight, weight, weight and weight.

Whatever you get make sure that it has a weight rating high enough for you, your wife and anything you are going to pack.

With me being the size of a middle linebacker I can't just put myself and my average sized wife on any bike. That is why she has her own......

I would also suggest that you go out into a parking lot somewhere and practice some braking with your wife on the back. Start slow and work your way up.... if you have to go into an emergency braking situation and you have never experienced a passenger slamming into you and trying to hold on chances are you are going to meet the asphalt. Doesn't have to be much, just enough so that both you and your wife will know what is going to happen..... no surprise.

 

[PrplHaz4]

I just recently bought a BMW R1200R to solve this exact problem. It has ABS, locking/removable hard bags, heated grips and comfy seating for two. It doesn't have a full fairing, excess weight, typical touring bike size or anemic handling.

 

[rogerc]

Really have to give a vote for the FJR, really, really smooth, powerful with great throttle response, and very good in the twisties.
Wife rides with me every great every once in awhile and is not comfortable on motorcycles and she really likes the FJR. I know she wiould really like the Givi storage and backrest (should get it for her for Christmas )

Mine has 30000 miles and has been flawless.
RC

 

[Leanit]

I got an FJR for two-up riding, but my wife is pretty tall, and the FJR has fairly high passenger footpegs (they sit above the mufflers), so it killed her knees. Sold it for an Aprilia Caponord, which is perfect ... and a lot more fun to ride solo too.

Seats can be changed, but footpeg geometry is an issue. Consider the leg length of your passenger when making the choice. Of bikes, I mean.

 

[Aluisious]

That R1200R is fun for sure. Shaft drive is a nice bonus. If I was really going to do a lot of long distance riding two up, I'd take a hard look at the Concours 14.

 

[PrplHaz4]

That R1200R is fun for sure. Shaft drive is a nice bonus. If I was really going to do a lot of long distance riding two up, I'd take a hard look at the Concours 14.

Both of us have more fun riding now...no need for a chiropractor after riding it back from LA either...the boxer twin isn't all that exciting, but so far it has been a worthwhile trade-off.

 

[moto-rama]

Hey i am looking to get my first bike for two-up. just got married and takeing my wife for a ride. i am more of a long distance rider. i have freeway expreance and thats what i prefer to continue . whats best for two-up.

Any links for two-up riding would be helpfull...

Thanks.

Some Beemer ought to work.
My R100RS has been a pillion standard around my place since 2003 and it does everything you'd need it to.
We've been to Canada and back twice, and once to Colorado, plenty of 500-800 mile days.
You might want to look at something newer like the R1150 series or R1200 series bike though.
Most all BMW products are easy for DIY service, have great luggage options and nice things like heated grips, power outlets etc.

 

[Ogg]

Do NOT use a dirtbike or similar dual-sport. Dirt-bikes and such are already very back-heavy by motorcycle standards.

Pfft. You're doing it wrong. I've done many MANY twisty miles two-up on the DRZ and it's still a blast. Wouldn't wanna slab it though, but that's because it's a small bore thumper, not because of the weight distribution. I also know a few folks who've thrown down impressive two-up miles on KLR650 and similar, including slab.

 

[R3DS!X]

Monster~

no :|

i would swing for a beemer.

the harley cruisers and the like are nice for the passenger since they are easy to mount but i would make her suffer a bit so i could get something that will stop and turn.

 

[Motech]

I'm sure there have been a lot of replies extolling BMW virtues, so let me just add mine.

I searched for the perfect two-up bike for months for me and my SO. She has MS and absolutely needs a backrest, a low-ish pillion so she's not hung way up in the breeze, good wind protection, and for me to be upright in front of her as opposed to leaned forward. Me? I required a modicum of agility and put a 600 lb weight restriction on our choices to eliminate Harleys and Hondas. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that eliminates just about every touring and sport touring bike on the market.

We found the perfect compromise with R1200RT with the large accessory topcase. Her comfort is sublime, and I am very pleasantly surprised at the agility of this large, yet light touring machine. (532 lbs soaking wet with luggage)

We love it.

Good luck in your own search. Don't forget though, this is about her. Let her ride pillion on everything you can throw a leg over, and let her make the final choice. You will learn to adapt to whatever that choice may be.