Two up touring bike preferred.

[arveno]

I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .

 


Cheers and happy new year!!
Marco

[Gliderjohn]

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.

[Dilliw]

I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .

 


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.

[Lannis]

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

[Perazzimx14]

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.

[flower_king001]

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.

[JohninVT]

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.

[rocker59]

I wanted to ask what in your opinion is the “best” two up touring/All around motorcycle? ( and why ? )
Any brand , any year .

 


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... 

[rocker59]

IMHO, Guzzi has never made a comfortable 2 up bike.

For you...

[Lannis]

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

[rocker59]

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.   

[Sheepdog]

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

[rocker59]

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.

 

 

[yogidozer]

Best to hear from passengers. If your passenger's not happy, you won't be....fo long. 

[Shorty]

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.  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

[Perazzimx14]

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.


 

[Aaron D.]

The best one is a second bike.

[s1120]

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..

[Andy1]

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

[Ncdan]

HD Electra glide.... comfort, reliability, storage, and support system nationwide.
Been there done that.

[Tusayan]

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.

[Lannis]

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

[spmoto]

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.

[rocker59]

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. 




That's why I got the fridge trailer!

[Texas Turnip]

.  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#!

[nick949]

But not for the testicularly challenged 

Nick

PS Happy New Year Guzziphiles

[flower_king001]

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

[LowRyter]

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.

[twowings]

kballowe and Zoom Zoom have Guzzis that sure look damned comfortable to me...

[JJ]

Here are my choices - - and I have owned / ridden them all...and they all work just fine (IMHO)

* 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)