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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: arveno on December 31, 2018, 09:35:01 AM
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I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .
:popcorn:
Cheers and happy new year!!
Marco
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As much as it pains me to say it, a H-D produced in the last six or so years. The tour versions are well equipped, smooth, more than enough power, plenty of storage space and a dealer around every corner. Only drawback would be price (some good used deals out there however) or if you plan to do a lot of mountain riding.
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I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .
:popcorn:
Cheers and happy new year!!
Marco
The new Wing in blue. Yes you have to pack lighter than the '17 but at least in the showroom it's less of a small car now.
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Such a personal thing that is, the choosing of a two-up touring bike. Not only must you suit YOURSELF, you must also suit the pillion, and you will always be approaching the maximum weight limit for the bike, so you have to make sure that tires, seats, suspension, and engine power are sufficient for your style of riding.
Fay and I have tried many over the years, including HD, Honda, Yamaha, all the big tourers. Generally, one of the following interfered:
1) A "footboard" seating position, knees high, feet somewhat forward, weight on the spine. Not for me.
2) A marginal Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Surprisingly, some of the biggest bikes have payload capacities just over 400 pounds, and when we are geared up and loaded for a trip, we're in the 475 pound range.
3) Room enough on the back. Fay has a 34" inseam, so there needs to be room back there, and a goodly distance between the seat and footpegs.
FOR US, after 46 years of riding together, and several transcontinental journeys, we find that we are well suited by both the Guzzi Stelvio and the Triumph Trophy SE 1215 triple. They tick all the boxes for us.
The new (2018) Gold Wing is starting to look better; a custom seat MIGHT do it for us. But we've got a lot of miles to put on the ones we have yet!
Lannis
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Adventure bikes. Comfortable, powerful, plenty of luggage capacity, long travel suspension, large fuel cells, handle well, high output electrical systems, pleasurable ergos and on and on.
Which brand or model is a personal choice.
Look over on ADV Rider there is a good selection of bikes folks are selling.
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Goldwing
Room, comfort all every amenity you can dream of. Turned 56 this part year and have rode nothing but vintage BMW's and Guzzi's. I have been seriously looking at purchasing a Goldwing or a nice used St1300. Also there is a dealer-base just about anywhere. Sad to say but Guzzi dealers are coming less and less. I live in a small southern town and the nearest Guzzi dealer is about 100 miles from here and I would not really call it a Guzzi dealer. They sell just about anything with rubber wheels on it!
IMHO, Guzzi has never made a comfortable 2 up bike.
Other folks opinions/miles may vary.
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What kind of Touring? What kind of roads? What kind of mileage per day? How many stops? How big are you and your significant other? What kind of average speeds?
Touring means different things to different people.
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I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .
:popcorn:
Cheers and happy new year!!
Marco
Since "touring" is something one does rather than what one rides, and there are an infinite number of variables from person to person to person on where, how, and who-with, this question is generally unanserable.
If your touring motorcycle also has to be an "all-around" motorcycle, then the behemoth E-glides and Chieftans are too big and unweildy.
If you need to tour with two large adults and all their gear on highways, plus maybe a trailer, then anything less than a Goldwing, Electra Glide, or Chieftan will not be enough.
If you plan on touring on the rough and unpaved, then the behemoths are too much. Something with some ground clearance and extra suspension travel will be needed.
If you mainly ride around town, or commute, and touring for you is occasionally getting away for a 100-200 mile overnighter, then anything more than a naked/retro standard is too much.
If touring is something you do with a credit card a tank bag, and not much more. And if you enjoy carving the canyons on the way to the motel or BnB in that trendy tourist destination, then anything other than a sporty or sport-touring bike would be too much, or not enough...
Geez... I could go on and on. This is why so many motorcycle enthusiasts have two, three, or four motorcycles in their stable. Horses for Courses, you know...
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IMHO, Guzzi has never made a comfortable 2 up bike.
For you...
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Since "touring" is something one does rather than what one rides, and there are an infinite number of variables from person to person to person on where, how, and who-with, this question is generally unanswerable.
However ... The only way you can really answer it, and really help out the OP, is by telling them what YOU'VE done and what personal needs and characteristics led you to that conclusion, along with your experiences since. The OP can pick one comment from here and another from there, and have a little more information than he had before ...
Other than that, it is, as you say, an unsolvable problem of X variables ....
Lannis
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I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .
Marco
Adventure bikes. Comfortable, powerful, plenty of luggage capacity, long travel suspension, large fuel cells, handle well, high output electrical systems, pleasurable ergos and on and on.
In the original post he noted "all around". In the broadest terms, that means ADVbike.
Guzzi Stelvio or V85TT
BMW R12GS
Triumph Tiger
Super Tenere'
etc...
2-up capability.
Generous luggage capability.
Plenty of power.
Extra suspension travel for rough and unpaved roads.
Large fuel tanks with good touring range.
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My wife and I use my Vintage around town, but it doesn't have enough room or amenities for her for an extended ride. I would look for something with lots of fore and aft saddle space for your passenger, a dished saddle shape, a comfortable backrest, pegs/boards in the right place, and maybe even armrests. There's not much to do back there, so it needs to be comfortable and secure-feeling. If high dollar bikes (HD FLs, Gold Wings, K1600GTL) are out of your range, have a look at the Kawasaki 1700 Vulcan ABS. It has most of the good stuff, but will save you a bunch of money.
https://www.kawasaki.com/motorcycle/vulcan/touring-cruiser/vulcan-1700-voyager-abs?cm_re=GLOBALNAV-_-PRODUCTGROUPLIST-_-MPP
(https://i.ibb.co/X49jQwK/IMG-0415.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wLTBkvP)
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However ... The only way you can really answer it, and really help out the OP, is by telling them what YOU'VE done and what personal needs and characteristics led you to that conclusion, along with your experiences since. The OP can pick one comment from here and another from there, and have a little more information than he had before ...
Other than that, it is, as you say, an unsolvable problem of X variables ....
Lannis
I've toured tens of thousands of miles on a carbureted Sport 1100 and a V11 LeMans. Many of those miles 2-up.
So, what I have done is well out on the fringes of what is usually done. The carb-Sport is not a good all-arounder. Tall gearing and heavy clutch make it a miserable commuter. The V11 LeMans is a great all-arounder, with its 6-speed transmission, hydraulic clutch, and more relaxed seating. But, a lot of people would argue with me on that.
The V7 series proved too small for my needs. Diminutive size and primitive suspension made it less than enjoyable in 2-up and touring modes. But, to counter my experience, there are people on this board who tour all over the country, enjoying them as "touring bikes".
The fact that he included "all around" in his original post leads me to believe he needs a versatile motorcycle for daily use that he will do "some" touring on. That leaves a very wide middle ground of motorcycle models. He'll just have to weight his needs and score each bike's features to come up with his answer, based on the compromises he's willing to make.
:thumb:
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Best to hear from passengers. If your passenger's not happy, you won't be....fo long. :rolleyes:
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We had a comedy radio show in Tulsa in the AM. "Roy D. Mercer" His tag line was "How big a boy are ya?" I suppose that is the question, as well as your passenger. If you are on the small side, a European "standard" liter bike with windshield and bags and a few comfort mods will do ya, and you still get good corner carving. They were designed to ply autobahn or mountain passes... a 3/4 size tourer.
If you guys are large, then you need a bigger sled just for legroom. How tall and how heavy? Again, ergos. When the wife and I used to ride cross country, we did it on a BMW R90/6, a Convert, or Loop frame bike. Hell, we used to fit on a Yamaha Radian. :laugh: These days we are bigger, and would need a Hog, Wing, or similiar. I'm liking the Yamaha: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/transcontinental-touring/models/star-venture
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In the original post he noted "all around". In the broadest terms, that means ADVbike.
Yes, yes it does. The bikes you posted are more than capable as are offerings from KTM, Ducati and Suzuki DL1000 and/or Versys 1000 are both the a lot of bike for the money.
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The best one is a second bike.
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You know... just a all arpound great touring bike... of any era... its really hard to falt the GL1500... handles pretty good, runs forever... not to high teck.... but not old school.. really some may do other things better, but as a all around, do it all?.. They were a darn solid bike..
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Probably did most touring miles on my Yamaha SR500...UK to Yugoslavia, Morocco and Italy in different years. Mostly two up with camping gear. It had the advantages of being lightweight and gave good mileage.
Any bike from a Honda step-through onwards will tour. iIt just depends your style.
Leathers and credit card - any sports bike........
Tent and camping stove.......Stelvio or similar....if tall enough
Just ride a bike you are happy on and keep it lighweight
Andyb
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HD Electra glide.... comfort, reliability, storage, and support system nationwide.
Been there done that.
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Just ride a bike you are happy on and keep it lighweight
That is really the best plan from my POV, unless you’re riding mainly on motorways. My two up touring bikes are an ST Ducati and an R100GS, both the lightest bikes with lockable hard bags that will do the job. My wife and I are about 275 lbs or 125 Kg combined with she doing more than her fair share of staying under the weight budget... and this helps. However regardless of load, the lightest bike that will do the job is likely to be the most fun when the road is entertaining. On tight Alpine roads the old R100GS continues to outperform the elephantine late model versions, and the ST Ducati is still an excellent sport bike two up with loaded bags.
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Some of it, too, depends on whether you're camping or motelling.
It's been a long time since I've seen folks that could successfully pack one bike for a long touring camping trip two-up.
A Dutch fellow named Franz and his daughter Sophie have twice crossed the USA camping together, once on a BSA M20 15 HP flathead single with a pillion pad on the rear fender, and once on a plunger BSA A10 650 twin with a pillion pad, and front and rear panniers. But that's more of an adventure, like free-climbing El Capitan or swimming the Delaware in January than it is a practical touring proposition.
Fay and I did our last two-up three week camping trip in 2008 (on a BSA 650), and I ended up putting two sets of wheel bearings and finally a whole new rear end on the bike as a result.
Since then, to maintain a modicum of comfort, we fill up a big touring bike from top to bottom with our gear, and that's just staying in motels. One 30L bag for me, one for her, and the top box and tankbag for riding gear and tools. We could no way pile tent, bedrolls, cooking gear, etc on top of that.
Everyone I see doing that lately is pulling a trailer behind the bike .... It's a way to go, but not for us.
Lannis
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All around two-up touring?....Mazda Miata. Then get the bike that really trips your trigger. Ride the bike when conditions are right and it will never disappoint. Other times, take the Miata, lots of fun rain or shine, hot or cold.
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Some of it, too, depends on whether you're camping or motelling.
It's been a long time since I've seen folks that could successfully pack one bike for a long touring camping trip two-up.
A Dutch fellow named Franz and his daughter Sophie have twice crossed the USA camping together, once on a BSA M20 15 HP flathead single with a pillion pad on the rear fender, and once on a plunger BSA A10 650 twin with a pillion pad, and front and rear panniers. But that's more of an adventure, like free-climbing El Capitan or swimming the Delaware in January than it is a practical touring proposition.
Fay and I did our last two-up three week camping trip in 2008 (on a BSA 650), and I ended up putting two sets of wheel bearings and finally a whole new rear end on the bike as a result.
Since then, to maintain a modicum of comfort, we fill up a big touring bike from top to bottom with our gear, and that's just staying in motels. One 30L bag for me, one for her, and the top box and tankbag for riding gear and tools. We could no way pile tent, bedrolls, cooking gear, etc on top of that.
Everyone I see doing that lately is pulling a trailer behind the bike .... It's a way to go, but not for us.
Lannis
I "can" do it. Did a 2-up camping weekend on the V11 LeMans one time. The bike was overloaded and handled like shite. And, honestly, I like taking stuff.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2010-March-12-Fools-on-a-Hill/i-p6ddmRB/0/915e8ca5/M/DSCN5372-M.jpg)
That's why I got the fridge trailer!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/2010-June-5-Kansas-Campout/i-CSCtXfc/0/50b26ba2/M/100_1513-M.jpg)
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. My wife and I are about 275 lbs
[/quot
You got to be kidding me..275 for both of you! Can I send you some money so you can get a chicken fried steak with sawmill gravy?
Tex Had to be a typo...275#!
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But not for the testicularly challenged :evil:
Nick
PS Happy New Year Guzziphiles
(https://i.ibb.co/fMpz83F/DSCN3975.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fMpz83F)
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Quote from: flower_king001 on Today at 10:32:00 AM
IMHO, Guzzi has never made a comfortable 2 up bike.
For you...
No...for her
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I've been looking at a few myself. The best I've ridden is the Beemer 1200RT. But I wouldn't buy a Beemer due to maintenance cost fears. I am not fond of the Goldwing due to small saddle bags and high cost and I haven't ridden one.
I am with Lannis thinking the Triumph Trophy triple would be the best but I haven't ridden one either. They've been out of production for a year or two and several used bargains out there. I'm told it rides even sportier than the Beemer. Sounds like a good one to me.
If I was looking for a cruiser touring bike, I'd go with the Cal 1400 Touring first, or next, maybe a Harley Glide or Road King (I've ridden the Guzzi and the Harleys). I am not fond of the feet first riding position on the cruisers but both Guzzi and Harley are balanced machines. The Guzzi is sportier and has more engine and handling making it the best IMO. Not fond of the heavy Indians and Japanese Harley clones that I have ridden.
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(https://i.ibb.co/wcVbDrG/california-eldorado-rosso.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wcVbDrG)
kballowe and Zoom Zoom have Guzzis that sure look damned comfortable to me...
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Here are my choices - - and I have owned / ridden them all...and they all work just fine (IMHO) :cool:
* Honda Goldwing
* BMW R1200RT
* Big Twin Harley's (Road King / Road Glide / Street Glide / Electra Glide
...and my personal favorite, *** the Victory Vision! *** (aka, Moby Dick - The Great White Whale) :laugh: :grin: :wink:
(https://i.ibb.co/MSBpLzB/IMG-0239.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MSBpLzB)
(https://i.ibb.co/vh1WbJg/IMG-0102.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vh1WbJg)
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How about a Ducati Multistrada? Not too heavy, comfortable seat, 40+mpg, good windscreen, plenty of power, excellent brakes and handling, plenty of storage, heated grips, and even qty two standard accessory connections for heated gear.
New ones are expensive. But there are plenty of used 2010-2014 1200 models below $10K-$11K. Top box will fit helmets and gear. Side panniers are good size. There is even a larger capacity pannier option. The regular sized left pannier will hold a full size helmet. The panniers appear larger than some of the Harley's. I have rented several Harley's when traveling, and the panniers are skinny and won't hold a full-size helmet. Later Multistrada models also have longer 15,000 mi valve service intervals.
I really enjoy my 2014 Multistrada. That is why you need more than one motorcycle!
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Hard to believe that on a Guzzi forum nobody mentioned the Norge. I have put 30+ thousand 2-up miles on 2V Norges. Plenty comfortable for us and lots of gear; we are not large folks; might be a bit cramped for larger people.
Jon
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Hard to believe that on a Guzzi forum nobody mentioned the Norge. I have put 30+ thousand 2-up miles on 2V Norges. Plenty comfortable for us and lots of gear; we are not large folks; might be a bit cramped for larger people.
Jon
For me, I was only mentioning the ones that I know work for me ... We rode ALL of them. I really wanted a Norge to work for us, but it didn't .....
Although if two of us weighed 275 pounds, together ... our options would probably be much wider open. How do you even DO that ... ?
Lannis
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From SSRealty:
I have rented several Harley's when traveling, and the panniers are skinny and won't hold a full-size helmet.
I would venture to guess that H-D wasn't to concerned about making panniers wide enough to hold helmets.
Will also say as a Norge owner it would be a pretty good two up bike if both are not too big and in fairly good shape. With side cases and a top case it takes a pretty good leg left for the passenger to get a leg up and over. Also passenger weather protection is not all that great.
GliderJohn
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Regarding the Norge as a good 2-up bike: together my wife and I weigh about 275 lbs. It is difficult for her to mount the bike: she must climb aboard before I do. However, she has never complained about lack of protection, even though we have ridden through some tough weather. The bikes are not deer-proof; lost the first one that way; now on the 2nd.
Jon
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I think nick's maxi scooter looks good for comfortable 2 up touring... the gts Vespa isn't bad either. The bigger scooters have good storage and go fast enough for touring... but fast is a relative term. Horses for courses.
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Quote from: flower_king001 on Today at 10:32:00 AM
IMHO, Guzzi has never made a comfortable 2 up bike.
No...for her
Tim and Merriam have been all over the country on my 100,000mile G5. 2 up camping, too.
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Since my wife hates being on the back (she wants to ride her own bike), we have only taken a few trips two up. Stelvio and R1200GS were about equal. Getting on and off the taller ADV bikes and then riding so high in the saddle were an issue for her. My lower to the ground (with a stock suspension) FJR was her least objectional. Plenty of luggage space with the large side cases and a big top box. Air Hawks on all the seats were no problem. Also she would reach around me and adjust the power windshield for her comfort, which was also best for me too, wink-wink.
The FJR flicked back and forth better in the twisties than the taller bikes, with a passenger. And it's straight fast road manners were "forget anyone was back there" capable. It must be said that neither of us like cruiser ergo bikes. I'm 175 lbs with 33" inseam and she is 125 lbs with 32". together we will carry about 70 lbs of gear.
We just don't do it because she gets bored back there and I'm too scared to ride behind someone. :embarrassed:
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I faced the same question a little over a year ago when I decided to sell my 2004 BMW R1150RT. When I decided to let the beemer go my wife asked what she would ride on if I sold the Rt? So we went to the local dealerships and she compared what the passenger seat was like on a lot of bikes; GL 1800, HD Ultra Classic, FJ, Concours 1400, Triumph Trophy and then the BMW K1600 GTL. She liked the seat and passenger comfort of the BMW the best and we had rented one in Scotland for ten days a couple years back and she was comfortable and I liked the bike. I am 5' - 9" and I can get both feet flat on the ground with the low seat position. Maximum range driving sensibly is about 450 Km, ring its neck and that will fall to just over 300 km. One downside is it wears out back tires around 10K. Its very quiet driven normally but it will howl like a Ferrari when pushed (Harley rider's description of the exhaust note). I am not a cruiser gut short of riding my 1972 Eldorado and I was glad my wide nixed all the metric cruisers and the HD / Indian lines, fine bikes in their own right but I want the sporting ride of the BMW / FJ etc. I rode it across the high desert from Bakersfield to Mojave last winter and on a deserted stretch of straight road at 225 km/hr it's dead smooth, don't need to do that too often, I think it's limited at 250 km/hr. At a steady 140 ~ 160 km/hr it is running around 4200 rpm and is very quiet and smooth and still gets decent mileage/
The BMW has the others beat in power and gadgets though the new Wing is close. The BMW weighs in under 800 lbs but it feels 100 pounds lighter than my old RT. I like the luggage system, great clearance, you can really lay it over and the power is fantastic with 160 hp. The dynamic suspension is nice and the left hand control for all electronics is simple to use. We are flying the K1600 GTL to Europe this summer for a long tour of the eastern European countries that we behind the iron curtain when we took two months off over 30 years ago to wander, hopefully a few runs on the Autobahn will let the BMW run unimpeded without fear of loosing my licence :evil:
If you lean more to sport riding and still want to keep your passenger comfortable for 8 hour days, day after day the GTL is pretty hard to beat. If you are not going to have a passenger on it I would go for something lighter like the FJ.
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My wife and I use my Vintage around town, but it doesn't have enough room or amenities for her for an extended ride. I would look for something with lots of fore and aft saddle space for your passenger, a dished saddle shape, a comfortable backrest, pegs/boards in the right place, and maybe even armrests. There's not much to do back there, so it needs to be comfortable and secure-feeling. If high dollar bikes (HD FLs, Gold Wings, K1600GTL) are out of your range, have a look at the Kawasaki 1700 Vulcan ABS. It has most of the good stuff, but will save you a bunch of money.
https://www.kawasaki.com/motorcycle/vulcan/touring-cruiser/vulcan-1700-voyager-abs?cm_re=GLOBALNAV-_-PRODUCTGROUPLIST-_-MPP
(https://i.ibb.co/X49jQwK/IMG-0415.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wLTBkvP)
I owned a 2010 for 60,000 miles. Definitely a reliable 'bang for your buck' motorcycle, but pales in comparison to the new Harley offerings.
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I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .
:popcorn:
Cheers and happy new year!!
Marco
It really depends on the size of the rider and passenger.
It really depends on the type of roads you are planning on riding.
It really depends on your budget
It really depends on what creature comforts you desire.
It really depends on your willingness to do roadside maintenance.
Etc.
Maybe share your wants and needs and based on the above and you will get a better answer.
I hated the riding position of the 1800 Goldwing. The new one feels better to me. More of a balance between touring and sport touring.
I love the riding position of the Road Glide, but I won't take it on many roads that don't have full lines painted on them.
The sport touring bikes were a blast, but not all passengers will agree. I preferred the Trophy SE over the Concours 1400 for the twisty road capability.
The Versys 1000 LT makes a good 2 up touring bike
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Although if two of us weighed 275 pounds, together ... our options would probably be much wider open. How do you even DO that ... ?
160 + 115 lbs is not a terribly unusual combination or an unhealthy one. In my case, the light of my life is petite so I have the luxury of adding a few extra pounds during the holidays and still staying within the weight budget. Let's hope I lose them by May, that will be my objective as it was last year!
Carrying camping gear plus passenger adds a new dimension to the requirements on a bike but my wife hates to camp and I'm not a huge fan either, so we don't have that particular issue. I did have a different issue once upon a time - one of my criteria when marrying was that me plus wife plus bags plus full fuel had to remain under gross for a small two seat aircraft...(only kidding, I think :wink:)
Most of the monster motorcycles being mentioned in this thread are less than fun for me on the roads I love most, as good as they may be on the interstate. There is nothing like flying past a line of R12GS clones on a tight twisty Alpine road, with less than half the power and a lot less weight. When the passes get tight that is exactly what can happen, as much as people riding those roads in 2019 seem to deny it in their quest to have an ever bigger and more fashionable ride.
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When we did it we put our combined 450# on an 02 Cali and pulled a trailer with it. Wasn't as comfortable as a bigger bike would have been but it was doable. It's been a great bike, but a used Valkyrie Tourer would have been more spacious.
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160 + 115 lbs is not a terribly unusual combination or an unhealthy one....
I suppose that's true in the big wide world. I've been in the Guzzi world too long, I guess, where that IS terribly unusual :wink: !
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160 + 115 lbs is not a terribly unusual combination or an unhealthy one. In my case, the light of my life is petite so I have the luxury of adding a few extra pounds during the holidays and still staying within the weight budget. Let's hope I lose them by May, that will be my objective as it was last year!
Carrying camping gear plus passenger adds a new dimension to the requirements on a bike but my wife hates to camp and I'm not a huge fan either, so we don't have that particular issue. I did have a different issue once upon a time - one of my criteria when marrying was that me plus wife plus bags plus full fuel had to remain under gross for a small two seat aircraft...(only kidding, I think :wink:)
Most of the monster motorcycles being mentioned in this thread are less than fun for me on the roads I love most, as good as they may be on the interstate. There is nothing like flying past a line of R12GS clones on a tight twisty Alpine road, with less than half the power and a lot less weight. When the passes get tight that is exactly what can happen, as much as people riding those roads in 2019 seem to deny it in their quest to have an ever bigger and more fashionable ride.
Fly past this "MONSTER" Goldwing, in the Twisties and give him a good spanking:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo
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i looked up the kawi voyager. man, you can get low mileage examples for $8,000. a real bargain for that kind of bike, but then i looked at the weight: 903 lbs. that if almost 5 times my weight. my cali 1400 weighs 700 lbs and that is enough to be planted on the road and still hustle in the curves (within its limits). i am pretty sure that my next bike will be lighter now that i have passed the big 60. my wife does not tour with me, but the few times a year she rides with me, she finds the bike very comfortable. I could add a large tail trunk and side cases for touring if needed, it would up the weight about 50 lbs, but still relatively light as these types of bikes go.
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We are a combined 260lbs and the Norge works fine for us. With hard bags, the 1000S was fine too, but the SPIII was a problem for my wife as she was always sliding into me on braking so we were constantly bumping helmets in city riding.
If I was constantly riding freeways, I guess a Goldwing would be OK though I stand by my Miati comments of past. I'd rather be in a Miata than any year GW.
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So, the bikes I've enjoyed solo should be great for a lot of you couples!!! :shocked:
Makes me think I need to lay off the cookies and pie !!! :whip2:
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Lots of personal tastes here, it happens with individuals. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Sue Ellen and I have toured extensively on EVs and five years ago we went with an HD for some added comfort. I like it a great deal.
One of the EVs...
(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/9057/KiUBF1.jpg)
HD Electra Glide...
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/9430/KWJWhv.jpg)
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Tim and Merriam have been all over the country on my 100,000mile G5. 2 up camping, too.
Well everyones 'mileage' will vary.What one calls comfortable is not for another.
Personally I have toured extensive on my '86 Lemans but two up it's cramped. I have also tried to do the same on my EV with a Corbin but my wife is not fond of it.
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Fly past this "MONSTER" Goldwing, in the Twisties and give him a good spanking:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo
I'd keep up but there would be no point for me in passing - his pace is good on a moderately twisty road. If the road got really twisty, as in many passes in the Alps, his bike would not go as well as something smaller :wink:
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Well everyones 'mileage' will vary.What one calls comfortable is not for another.
Personally I have toured extensive on my '86 Lemans but two up it's cramped.
Oddly enough (it certainly confounded me) one of my wife's favorite bikes to ride two-up is my Daytona RS. It's not really made for the job and doesn't steer well with the extra weight but apparently with the wide flat passenger seat and her shirt legs, she finds it comfortable. So what you say is true - it's all about fitting the bike to the riders (and in my opinion not going too big).
On my R100GS I can only just feel her on the back, mostly that's under hard braking given the upgraded but still weakish front brake on that bike. On tight roads the old GS is amazing for us, comfortable, much more fun than newer BMWs for us and quicker through the really tight stuff.
The ST Ducati comes into its own for us on slightly more open roads, and making time to get home when the fun is mostly over.
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I was asking this same question about 8 1/2 years ago. I sat on (and tried out) many different touring bikes. For me when riding 2 up being able to put both feet down was a must. Many of the offerings were just too tall. I am not about to come to a stop and not be able to keep the bike upright.
I really liked the Norge and that is what I bought. My wife and I have been on many 2 up adventures with it........
Now I do not think she will ride on the back of the Noge for a moto trip again.
2 years ago I bought an old Ural with sidecar. I have since upgraded to a newer one. She likes to ride in the sidecar. It is much slower than the Norge and I think she likes that too. No chance of the bike falling over at a stop. Huge trunk. Good wind protection. Lots of fun. This is my 2 up preferred transportation.
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I was asking this same question about 8 1/2 years ago. I sat on (and tried out) many different touring bikes. For me when riding 2 up being able to put both feet down was a must. Many of the offerings were just too tall. I am not about to come to a stop and not be able to keep the bike upright.
I really liked the Norge and that is what I bought. My wife and I have been on many 2 up adventures with it........
Now I do not think she will ride on the back of the Noge for a moto trip again.
2 years ago I bought an old Ural with sidecar. I have since upgraded to a newer one. She likes to ride in the sidecar. It is much slower than the Norge and I think she likes that too. No chance of the bike falling over at a stop. Huge trunk. Good wind protection. Lots of fun. This is my 2 up preferred transportation.
I would like to see some pictures of the Ural
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I'd keep up but there would be no point for me in passing - his pace is good on a moderately twisty road. If the road got really twisty, as in many passes in the Alps, his bike would not go as well as something smaller :wink:
It's always so hard for me to tell how fast someone is going, and whether I'd be able to keep up, from watching an on-bike video. I don't go around any blind turns anywhere when I know I couldn't stop if something was in the road, but on turns where you can see, I consider that I do pretty good.
But I have no idea whether I'd be able to keep up with these guys on one of my bikes that I have experience riding ....
So often, it's only on the track when you can compare yourself to others and know that it's skill level that's the differentiator; on the road, it's often just less of a death wish that has someone running faster or slower. (I leave out the bike as a factor, because it's almost never the bike.)
Lannis
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If that's the video/rider I'm thinking of that is a pace a lot of dedicated sportbike guys can't keep up on that road and one that I'd never even consider trying.
Bottom line is I've found I can pretty much ride whatever I want because it's highly unlikely I'll find the cornering limits in the vast majority of my riding.
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That video is on the DRAGONS TAIL. it's been out for a couple years now. You can pay this guy a small fee and he will follow you on his sport bike and video you. The sound you here is that Goldwing scraping the pavement on most of the turns. Before that I saw that video i woukd hive never believed one of those cows could give a croch rocket a fit on that type of ridding environment.
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Why limit the search to juts a two up capable bike?
(https://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/CRASH/scooter_zpscowjsrjw.jpg) (https://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/CRASH/scooter_zpscowjsrjw.jpg.html)
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KTM superduke GT big fuel tank panniers if you want them good headlights cruiser control (that an be set on any speed up to about 120mph, The bike itself is around 200kgs without the stupid seat hieght of an adventure bike, and sensible size tyres you can get any pretty much any compund you may desire.
IMO by the time you get to things like the BMW1600LT (Light Truck) or a Goldwing you don't really want a motorcycle anymore go get yourself a Mazda MX5 (Miata) it will be cheaper and what you actually wanted.
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Good day to all and happy new year!!
Thank you so much for the feedbacks.
Right now my two up touring bike is a R100GS
I think I will stick with it for awhile....I have never ridden the Stelvio which I will consider.
The new GS are gone way to far with electronics etc and they don’t really appeal me much .
The Milwaukee couch is nice but not ready to get one yet.
Thank you
Marco
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This question's been around a long, long time.
(https://i.ibb.co/BNH0L0J/aa-lewisandclark-shoshone-1-e.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BNH0L0J)
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I have owned two that my wife could ride and one she couldn't. BMW R100RT with EZ Berg seat and back rest took her over 200k miles plus another 25K for me alone. Replaced with a 2004 Goldwing. Tried a 1998 EV but the hard seat and harsh suspension didn't work. Big plus for the BMW is I felt fairly comfortable on about any type of road including gravel. With the Goldwing its pavement only. Level gravel is doable but hills and curves are always a challange. A modern BMW RT might be a better compromise but I also don't need the complexity plus we no longer have any dealers close. She is short so the Harleys and Indians don't work for her as the saddlebags hit her legs and the Indian seat does not compare with the Wing, not to mention the Indian is almost as heavy as the Wing.
Pete
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I have owned two that my wife could ride and one she couldn't. BMW R100RT with EZ Berg seat and back rest took her over 200k miles plus another 25K for me alone. Replaced with a 2004 Goldwing. Tried a 1998 EV but the hard seat and harsh suspension didn't work.
Pete
I've never left the stock seat and suspension on any touring bike I've owned; it's not possible for any combination of Italian or Japanese test-riders to match our ergonomics.
I'm assuming that there was something about the EV that made you decide not to put an upgrade seat on it like you did the Beemer, and shocks more suited to you? It's pretty easy to do ....
Lannis
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IMO by the time you get to things like the BMW1600LT (Light Truck) or a Goldwing you don't really want a motorcycle anymore go get yourself a Mazda MX5 (Miata) it will be cheaper and what you actually wanted.
But, there is something about wearing a helmet that makes one feel less exposed than felt while driving a miata with the top down.
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I've never left the stock seat and suspension on any touring bike I've owned; it's not possible for any combination of Italian or Japanese test-riders to match our ergonomics.
I'm assuming that there was something about the EV that made you decide not to put an upgrade seat on it like you did the Beemer, and shocks more suited to you? It's pretty easy to do ....
Lannis
I had my 98 EV seat redone. But unless you use the smaller computer from newer models, as well as the rider's seat pan, the comfort will never be great. The early seat pans had a bump in the pan to clear the computer.
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From SSRealty:
I would venture to guess that H-D wasn't to concerned about making panniers wide enough to hold helmets.
Will also say as a Norge owner it would be a pretty good two up bike if both are not too big and in fairly good shape. With side cases and a top case it takes a pretty good leg left for the passenger to get a leg up and over. Also passenger weather protection is not all that great.
GliderJohn
They do hold half helmets. The king tour pack holds full face helmets.
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Good day to all and happy new year!!
Thank you so much for the feedbacks.
Right now my two up touring bike is a R100GS
I think I will stick with it for awhile....I have never ridden the Stelvio which I will consider.
The new GS are gone way to far with electronics etc and they don’t really appeal me much .
The Milwaukee couch is nice but not ready to get one yet.
Thank you
Marco
Here's a vote for the Stelvio! I will never own a Milwaukee Road Couch because to me, 900+ pounds is a car. I bought my Stelvio when my wife asked me to buy something she could ride on the back of. After several day-long rides, she decided she didn't like the way I ride so now all my riding is solo but when she was riding with me, she was comfortable. We are a combined 320 pounds and she had plenty of room. She even fell asleep one day - I felt her jerk awake and decided it was time she had a coffee.
I rode a Norge once and really liked the bike but found it too cramped for my 6'3" frame. Plenty of torque, just a little small for me.
Halfway thru a 900 mile day, the sight of those Guzzi cylinders providing forward motivation is quite a comfort. I've bonded quite strongly with this Stelvio at 32k miles and can't imagine a better, more comfortable bike for me and for any 115 lb passenger.
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I had my 98 EV seat redone. But unless you use the smaller computer from newer models, as well as the rider's seat pan, the comfort will never be great. The early seat pans had a bump in the pan to clear the computer.
That computer bump IS a bit of a hassle for a seatmaker, and I have never had a seat made for a EV ... but based on my experience with other bikes, I'll wager the price of a seat that Rich Maund (back when he was doing them) or Russell Day-Long (who does them today) could build a true all-day-long seat where you would never notice ...
Lannis
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That computer bump IS a bit of a hassle for a seatmaker, and I have never had a seat made for a EV ... but based on my experience with other bikes, I'll wager the price of a seat that Rich Maund (back when he was doing them) or Russell Day-Long (who does them today) could build a true all-day-long seat where you would never notice ...
Lannis
Rich Maund did my seat. Much, much better than stock, but at days end, you felt it.
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My wife and I don't do baggers...we migrated from an FJR to KTM 990adv to Stelvio. I prefer the Motus for touring, but she is more of a fan of the Stelvio.
The FJR was a good touring rig, but the seat/peg relationship was not working for me.
The KTM was GREAT touring rig despite the lack of wind protection. The wife didn't like lack of seat room after I put a flat aftermarket seat on it (I would keep moving back). I might go back to a KTM 1090 someday.
The Stelvio has everything we need- lots of storage, comfy seats, good wind protection, etc.
The Motus has everything we like, but the storage is slightly less and the turbulence for her is a bit more.
Other friends who tour do it on a Multistrada, BMW GT1600, Honda FB6, Triumph Tiger, or just about anything.
Best is what YOU like.
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My wife and I don't do baggers...we migrated from an FJR to KTM 990adv to Stelvio. I prefer the Motus for touring, but she is more of a fan of the Stelvio.
The FJR was a good touring rig, but the seat/peg relationship was not working for me.
The KTM was GREAT touring rig despite the lack of wind protection. The wife didn't like lack of seat room after I put a flat aftermarket seat on it (I would keep moving back). I might go back to a KTM 1090 someday.
The Stelvio has everything we need- lots of storage, comfy seats, good wind protection, etc.
The Motus has everything we like, but the storage is slightly less and the turbulence for her is a bit more.
Other friends who tour do it on a Multistrada, BMW GT1600, Honda FB6, Triumph Tiger, or just about anything.
Best is what YOU like.
You got her on the Motus? Good job! My wife won't even consider it.
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You got her on the Motus? Good job! My wife won't even consider it.
My wife is a trooper. She will ride just about anything. The only bike she wasn't a fan of was the Buell 1125cr ("I don't think my knee should be touching the pavement"), or the Griso due to the seating position (felt like she was going to fall off all the time).
The Motus is easy- comfort, heated seat, not sitting up too high. I do have to keep the highway roll-ons to a minimum with her. Anyone who has ridden a Motus knows what those are like. She prefers the Motus for around-town runs to dinner or the like.
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I've never left the stock seat and suspension on any touring bike I've owned; it's not possible for any combination of Italian or Japanese test-riders to match our ergonomics.
I'm assuming that there was something about the EV that made you decide not to put an upgrade seat on it like you did the Beemer, and shocks more suited to you? It's pretty easy to do ....
Lannis
I still had the BMW and kept it for 5 more years. There wasn't much motivation to make the changes. I eventually got a Ned's seat for it but after I got the Goldwing. Otherwise the EV was fine for a me as a one up touring bike.
Pete
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BMW R100RT with EZ Berg seat and back rest took her over 200k miles plus another 25K for me alone.
Ez was a neat old guy who knew his craft :thumb: He used to tour around the western US before sleeping bags were invented, before paved roads, so he had a while to come up with a seat that worked. I knew him as a kid, after he'd sold the business but would still do the occasional job in his garage.
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Quote from: Lannis on Today at 06:42:02 AM
I've never left the stock seat and suspension on any touring bike I've owned; it's not possible for any combination of Italian or Japanese test-riders to match our ergonomics.
I'm assuming that there was something about the EV that made you decide not to put an upgrade seat on it like you did the Beemer, and shocks more suited to you? It's pretty easy to do ....
Lannis
I had my 98 EV seat redone. But unless you use the smaller computer from newer models, as well as the rider's seat pan, the comfort will never be great. The early seat pans had a bump in the pan to clear the computer.
I purchased a Corbin seat fro my 98 EV and never looked back. Stock I would ride about 50 miles top and with the Corbin unlimted.
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We had a comedy radio show in Tulsa in the AM. "Roy D. Mercer" His tag line was "How big a boy are ya?" I suppose that is the question, as well as your passenger. If you are on the small side, a European "standard" liter bike with windshield and bags and a few comfort mods will do ya, and you still get good corner carving. They were designed to ply autobahn or mountain passes... a 3/4 size tourer.
If you guys are large, then you need a bigger sled just for legroom. How tall and how heavy? Again, ergos. When the wife and I used to ride cross country, we did it on a BMW R90/6, a Convert, or Loop frame bike. Hell, we used to fit on a Yamaha Radian. :laugh: These days we are bigger, and would need a Hog, Wing, or similiar. I'm liking the Yamaha: https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/transcontinental-touring/models/star-venture
:thumb: ding ding ding...we have a winner! When I was a svelte Army Captain back in the 90's SWMBO & I did Switzerland very comfortably on a bone stock '72 850GT. These days a Kawasaki Concours (C-10) is our 2 up sled.
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Quote from: Lannis on Today at 06:42:02 AM
I've never left the stock seat and suspension on any touring bike I've owned; it's not possible for any combination of Italian or Japanese test-riders to match our ergonomics.
I'm assuming that there was something about the EV that made you decide not to put an upgrade seat on it like you did the Beemer, and shocks more suited to you? It's pretty easy to do ....
Lannis
I had my 98 EV seat redone. But unless you use the smaller computer from newer models, as well as the rider's seat pan, the comfort will never be great. The early seat pans had a bump in the pan to clear the computer.
I purchased a Corbin seat fro my 98 EV and never looked back. Stock I would ride about 50 miles top and with the Corbin unlimted.
Hey, that's what I said :laugh:
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Ez was a neat old guy who knew his craft :thumb: He used to tour around the western US before sleeping bags were invented, before paved roads, so he had a while to come up with a seat that worked. I knew him as a kid, after he'd sold the business but would still do the occasional job in his garage.
Thats cool. He made a fine product. Both of us could string a week of 5-600 miles days and never got really sore.
Pete
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Why limit the search to juts a two up capable bike?
(https://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg217/canuck750/CRASH/scooter_zpscowjsrjw.jpg) (https://s249.photobucket.com/user/canuck750/media/CRASH/scooter_zpscowjsrjw.jpg.html)
No fair. All four of them probably don't total 190 pounds together .... !!
Lannis
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Have we reached a conclusion Yogi..?
I hope not, or I might have to concede that I have the "second best" touring bike around.
(Unless the answer they come up with, is a pre 2012 Norge..)
Jeez, what a let down that'd be..
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My wife prefers the Gold Wing for US roads, we both prefer our Stelvio for rides south of our borders. My wife actually compared the ride quality of the Stelvio to our Wing. I'm happy, she's happy.
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2 years ago I bought an old Ural with sidecar. I have since upgraded to a newer one. She likes to ride in the sidecar. It is much slower than the Norge and I think she likes that too. No chance of the bike falling over at a stop. Huge trunk. Good wind protection. Lots of fun. This is my 2 up preferred transportation.
Three years ago, my wife rode in a sidecar for awhile on a weekend group ride, to get a break from the hard seat on the bike I was riding. She didn't like it much - maybe it was because of the dust of horse droppings on the road she had to deal with (1. we were in PA Amish country, and 2. when she rides behind me I get to deal with most of the dust & debris). Up to that point, I'd thought a sidecar rig was eventually in our future as we got older. Now, we occasionally look at trikes...
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Here is my wife posing with the Norge on the first trip in 2010. Glacier Montana
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1946/43551704010_eea251747a_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29mvShs)DSCN4835 (https://flic.kr/p/29mvShs) by atlasheating (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30762420@N08/), on Flickr
Someone asked to see the Ural....
This was our 2018 Christmas card. (note the dog does not ride in the sidecar)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4809/45283721845_58c92f0c48_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2bZyUQV)DSC03891 (https://flic.kr/p/2bZyUQV) by atlasheating (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30762420@N08/), on Flickr
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(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/913/28453290567_f5aba3e94a_b.jpg)
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(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/913/28453290567_f5aba3e94a_b.jpg)
My wife did not like our extended test ride on an 1800 wing. Said it felt like she was straddling a draft horse on that bike.
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Honda ST1300. Dead smooth, carries a ton with a tail case, all day comfort, almost 8 gallon tank.
Universal parts and service availability.
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My wife did not like our extended test ride on an 1800 wing. Said it felt like she was straddling a draft horse on that bike.
Mine said the same. She's all for the Stelvio, the Triumph, the Multistrada ... but she said before she'd enjoy a Gold Wing, we might as well be honest about it and get a Miata ... !
Lannis
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In addition to four motorcycles on which we can enjoy riding double, including the R100GS and Ducati ST for touring, my wife and I did get a Miata... They are very good value used, $9K with 20K miles in our case, and if it looks like the weather may be a factor we sometimes choose it for a trip at the last minute. Also good for local use, visiting friends etc.
For us, the only advantage of something like a Gold Wing over the Miata would be fuel mileage, our Miata isn’t the most efficient ride and gets maybe 30 mpg. However I think I enjoy driving it more than I would a huge touring bike.
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In addition to four motorcycles on which we can enjoy riding double, including the R100GS and Ducati ST for touring, my wife and I did get a Miata... They are very good value used, $9K with 20K miles in our case, and if it looks like the weather may be a factor we sometimes choose it for a trip at the last minute. Also good for local use, visiting friends etc.
For us, the only advantage of something like a Gold Wing over the Miata would be fuel mileage, our Miata isn’t the most efficient ride and gets maybe 30 mpg. However I think I enjoy driving it more than I would a huge touring bike.
I want the new Miata RF with Recaro seats. I'm saving for it and hopefully there will be one available when I have enough saved. The ND is rated to 36 mpg which is in Goldwing territory.
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Mine said the same. She's all for the Stelvio, the Triumph, the Multistrada ... but she said before she'd enjoy a Gold Wing, we might as well be honest about it and get a Miata ... !
Lannis
This really sums it up. for two up let your S.O. decide whats best for them, not you. If my wife didn't want to travel on two wheels the Wing would be long gone. 500-550 lbs is as big as i want to go, preferably lighter.
FWIW my 2004 Goldwing gets between 44-46 MPG any day of the week and 20% better at altitude.
Pete
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500-550 lb bike for two up? Heck that eliminates my '98 EV.
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500-550 lb bike for two up? Heck that eliminates my '98 EV.
How is that? They are listed at the top of that range, 553 lbs. Close enough for government work...
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Don't know what "best" means to you but the Honda Goldwing is almost always rated and reviewed as being the most comfy two up tourer.
I consider my BMW GSA to be the best all arounder for two up touring. It's comfortable enough, is reliable, eats miles, adjustable suspension to accomodate different loads & road conditions, ride mode(very handy when it starts to rain or snow), has an almost 400 mile fuel range, weather protection is suprisinly good, and when the pavement runs out you can continue on over the gravel roads in comfort with no worry.
Just my $.02 based on 55+years of riding and doing 20-15K miles a year since retiring 15 years ago.
Paul
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How is that? They are listed at the top of that range, 553 lbs. Close enough for government work...
The EV is 600lb with bags and rack. And it's hardly a two up tourer in my case. Great to buzz around two-up for a couple hundred miles. Not so much for real travel. And I don't think sport tourers are the ticket either, they are one-up.
Hey I am not talking about anyone else but myself and what suits me. I don't care if you wanna ride to Gnome two-up on a Honda Cub. But I am thinking touring bike for two-up distance travel. The RT is great, I think the Trophy might be better. I don't want a cruiser, sport tourer or adventure bike.
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What I was trying to say if my wife didn't ride I would not own a bike, for myself, heavier than 550lbs. The bike that leaves my garage most often is my KLR. Never cared for big machines, 2 or 4 wheeled.
Pete
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This really sums it up. for two up let your S.O. decide whats best for them, not you. If my wife didn't want to travel on two wheels the Wing would be long gone. 500-550 lbs is as big as i want to go, preferably lighter.
FWIW my 2004 Goldwing gets between 44-46 MPG any day of the week and 20% better at altitude.
Pete
Your on the high end of the bell curve according to fuelly.
(https://i.ibb.co/xCDqVRb/Goldwing-Fuelly.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xCDqVRb)
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Your on the high end of the bell curve according to fuelly.
(https://i.ibb.co/xCDqVRb/Goldwing-Fuelly.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xCDqVRb)
Seriously? A sample of 6 is statistically significant? Gotta love the internet.
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I have ridden several of the purpose built two up touring bikes and my Wife has owned a Miata and then a Z4 for over decade, comparing the ride experience of a touring bike to a small rag top is apples to pineapples. I can't understand how anyone can think riding two up on a bike or two side by side in a car is remotely similar. As to describing touring bikes as trucks or lead sleds, please try a modern one out.
If ones goal is to provide the passenger with the most comfortable mount possible and be able to share the open road for days and weeks on end then a big touring rig is the ticket.
HD is the most popular bike on the road anywhere in the USA and Canada, a 2018 HD Ultra Classic weighs in at 904 lbs wet. 2019 Goldwing weighs 787 lbs and the BMW K1600GTL weighs 772 lbs wet, by comparison a 2018 Eldorado is relatively light at 692 lbs. I would encourage anyone to try the new Goldwing or K1600 and press it to ones comfort zone, the capability of these bikes is so far beyond 95% of most riders skill set (mine included) that I am sure the most die hard sport rider would be impressed.
Most any bike can carry two persons, the point is what bike is comfortable for the passenger, carries hard luggage, has good range etc... If I wanted a bike that 'could' take a passenger for the odd one or two day ride the options are endless but that is not 'touring' in my opinion.
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Seriously? A sample of 6 is statistically significant? Gotta love the internet.
6 is just the center column. That is 6 bikes that got 39 mpg.
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I have ridden several of the purpose built two up touring bikes and my Wife has owned a Miata and then a Z4 for over decade, comparing the ride experience of a touring bike to a small rag top is apples to pineapples. I can't understand how anyone can think riding two up on a bike or two side by side in a car is remotely similar.
Fay and I have owned 33 bikes, an MGA, a Honda S600, an MGB, and a Morgan. We think there ARE a lot of similarities between riding in a small, primitive open roadster with side-screens and a string you pull to open the door, and a big 800-pound touring bike with 60 plus electrical switches and controls on it. And we've decided that if we have to go to a big huge bike, bigger and heavier than anything we own, to get the feeling we want on the road, we'll get a little open roadster and enjoy it instead.
Since our opinion about the pleasures of road touring is based on experience and personal preferences, and wasn't derived from debate, the opinions are thus not susceptible to change by debate, so all we can do is say what it is we like .... :thumb:
Lannis
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Fay and I have owned 33 bikes, an MGA, a Honda S600, an MGB, and a Morgan. We think there ARE a lot of similarities between riding in a small, primitive open roadster with side-screens and a string you pull to open the door, and a big 800-pound touring bike with 60 plus electrical switches and controls on it.
Lannis
I agree with you on that description of a roadster and likeness to motorcycling :thumb: (which is nothing like a Miata, Z4 or any other current crop of nice two seaters, other than 4 wheels and a rag top).
When the day comes that two wheels are not an option a real nice MGA rag top would sure be a nice alternative.
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About 3 years ago Wife and I decided we had put enough miles on bikes touring the eastern part of the country with no mishaps. In the spring of 2015 bikers were killed every weekend for a month straight in our area, I decided to sale the ole 03 Electra glide that had clocked 55k. We decided to buy a new Jeep and if wanted wind in our hair we would take the top off and rock and roll. Mistake mistake mistake, the wind woukd beat you to death!!! Especially with the doors off. I kept the Jeep and bought my second guzzi, the 07 vintage. As far as the touring bike discussion, I woukd give the Harley Electra glide and the Goldwing we had equal marks for everything a touring bike needs. Just my take on the matter.
There are some great opinions here and the versatility and different strokes are interesting to say the least. It's been a great thread.
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I never perceived the problem to be so difficult to solve..
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I never perceived the problem to be so difficult to solve..
As several have mentioned, you can tour on ANYTHING if you've got your mind right.
And TWO people can tour on anything if BOTH of them have their minds right.
The issue being dealt with here is how do you get that last 10% of ideal comfort on a really long ride based on the bike you've chosen, and TWO people do it in parallel .... ONE person is easy; just grab something and go ....
Lannis
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Way too much attention being spent on the tool when it's actually the task that counts most. Do it, just do it.
Paul
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Way too much attention being spent on the tool when it's actually the task that counts most. Do it, just do it.
Paul
We ARE doing it! This is just daffing about online on a rainy day .....
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LOL! Arveno dropped this bomb and hasn't been back to the thead...
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When the day comes that two wheels are not an option a real nice MGA rag top would sure be a nice alternative.
The sad part is that once two wheels are not an alternative, getting into and extracting oneself out of an MG may not be possible either ... !!
Lannis
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LOL! Arveno dropped this bomb and hasn't been back to the thead...
Actually he did, checked himself out of the thread with a "Thank you for the info"! about halfway down page 2 ....
Lannis
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Good day to all and happy new year!!
Thank you so much for the feedbacks.
Right now my two up touring bike is a R100GS
I think I will stick with it for awhile....I have never ridden the Stelvio which I will consider.
The new GS are gone way to far with electronics etc and they don’t really appeal me much .
The Milwaukee couch is nice but not ready to get one yet.
Thank you
Marco
I missed this earlier. I'm guessing some others did, too.
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The sad part is that once two wheels are not an alternative, getting into and extracting oneself out of an MG may not be possible either ... !!
Lannis
Lol lannis, just get a Jeep, you'll love the wind:)👍👍👍
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Lol lannis, just get a Jeep, you'll love the wind:)👍👍👍
So is overtaking a Jeep the same as "passing wind" ?
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When the day comes that two wheels are not an option a real nice MGA rag top would sure be a nice alternative.
Be sure to get one with front disc brakes (1961 (?) or later)...
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I would encourage anyone to try the new Goldwing or K1600 and press it to ones comfort zone, the capability of these bikes is so far beyond 95% of most riders skill set (mine included) that I am sure the most die hard sport rider would be impressed.
Wieght an mainly wheelbase wieght chews into braking and grip but wheelbase is a killer, sure you can have hard bits touching down with your knee on the ground but with a long wheel base you simply will not achive the turn rate of a shorter wheel base with the same or less lean. The smaller ligher bike will do it easier and its typically not obvious untill you ride them side by side.
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LOL! Arveno dropped this bomb and hasn't been back to the thead...
:popcorn:
I had too much fun reading ...
jokes aside lots of good feedbacks from different kind of riders.
Thank you !!
:popcorn:
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So is overtaking a Jeep the same as "passing wind" ?
Lol, you boys down under crack me up, good one Huzo😂😂😂😂
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Lol, you boys down under crack me up, good one Huzo😂😂😂😂
Thanks you're a great audience, I'll be here all week...
And this can be a tough room.
Also.
I would have preferred the title be..
"Preferred two up touring bike" rather than "Two up touring bike preferred"
I guess a lot of guys noticed that, but I'm the only one childish enough to mention it..!
Maybe I have C.O.D.
I used to call it O.C.D. But I didn't like the way the letters were..!
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Is it still called Two Up touring even when riding Down under? :)
COD. - is that Cash on Demand??
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Is it still called Two Up touring even when riding Down under? :)
COD. - is that Cash on Demand??
Touche'