Getting more interested in 2-up riding

[ddaniels]

With my wife on the back of the FZ1, it gets somewhat crowded so I'm starting to think about finding something with a bit more room. I came across a 2000 BMW K1200LT for sale and looks pretty comfy, although very big and heavy. Anyone have any insight on these sport tourers almost the size of a gold wing? Thanks.

 

[rphillips]

Nope, never ridden but 1 Beemer... But just a point. I bought my GSX1100G specifically for hauling the wife, thinking it should be designed more for handling extra wgt. On my other bikes I hardly know she's back there, but on the GSX1100G I really feel the extra wgt., but can't figure why. No doubt she's not scrooched up against me as much on the GSX1100G, but feeling the extra wgt. is sure annoying.

 

[Redman]

Are fast for how big they are. Had one of them catchup to me on highway, ran next to me for a while, then with nearly no sound I was watching it disappear ahead of me.

maybe visit local (??) dealership and see what you think. Ask for estimate for 6k miles service and 12k.

>>later note
oh wait, maybe that was a 1600 that left me behind seemily effortlessly.

 

[Rob S.]

(BMW) 1600 that left me behind seemily effortlessly.

Same thing happened to me. We rode together at 110 mph for a while, but my courage dissipates at 115, and he was gone.

 

[ddaniels]

Are fast for how big they are. Had one of them catchup to me on highway, ran next to me for a while, then with nearly no sound I was watching it disappear ahead of me.

maybe visit local (??) dealership and see what you think. Ask for estimate for 6k miles service and 12k.

>>later note
oh wait, maybe that was a 1600 that left me behind seemily effortlessly.

Probably 1600. While the 1200 seems quick enough, I don't think it's known for being THAT quick. I believe they come in around 98 crank HP.

 

[salty_monk]

Nardy might be the man to talk to.... I think he liked all his "2-up" bikes. Personally I'd probably pick the Tenere out of the ones he had. My friend likes his Triumph 1200 with the 17" wheels with his Mrs on the back...

 

[Redman]

Hum..... I wonder if that FinalDrive is the same on these 4cylider engine bikes is the same as on the 2002 RT (2cylinder boxer) I had......

Other note: Check out the seat height specification.



.

 

[ddaniels]

After watching a bunch of youtube videos of this bike, I'm going to look elsewhere. Too many problems and it's a pita to work on. You have to remove too much plastic to get to anything. Have to remove the gas tank just to access the radiator fill tube. And the final drive is know to fail. This thing weighs in over 900 pounds. I'll pass.

 

[wyly]

You may want check out the valve/shim setup of the 1200, is it the same as the 1600 system?

I was looking at a 1600 at a bike show and a BMW tech who I'm acquainted with warned me to stay away as it has very expensive upkeep, he said the valve buckets/shims are about $40-50 each when it comes time to replace them.

 

[alke46]

Yeah, that's what BMW stands for. Bring More Wallet. They are extremely proud of their parts and don't even get me started on the helpful guys of the BMW forum. Not going to say which forum as there are many. Maybe even some of them are like real humans.

Good choice Dave and way to do your homework before plunking down any $$$$$$$$.

 

[nvr2old]

An early 80's Honda Goldwing Interstate is a really nice older touring bike. Plenty of room for two, plus bags and small trunk. Seat height is comfortable and they're really affordable, easy maintenance, smooth, quiet, and plenty of power for two-up.

 

[alke46]

This Larry agrees with ^^^^that Larry. The older Goldwings come up for sale quite often and are very affordable. I only owned 1 honda in my life and I had a real love/hate relationship with it. I loved the fact it never needed anything more than routine oil and filter changes. But, the hate side of it was all the time it took to remove the tupperware to work on that v-4 engine.
I'd rather stick a fork in my eye than have to work on that engine.

Having said all of that, I sold it with 144,000 miles on it and it was still running like a new one.

 

[ddaniels]

Same thing with the K1200LT. Can't even flush out and replace the coolant without removing a ton a plastic AND the gas tank, which is an odd shaped thing underneath all that plastic. I rode the FZ1 today over lunch for the first time in a couple weeks. I just love that bike. Maybe I can just have the seat redone by Russell Daylong to include making the rear seat area like the front.

 

[wyly]

Goldwing seems an easy choice, lots of used ones about and at reasonable prices.

If sports touring is a consideration Honda Blackbird, very quick. People I know who have owned them loved them but I have no practical experience of my own, maybe not as versatile two up as a goldwing. Checking the market I found a half dozen for sale $2,700-5,000, (canadian prices). I might check that out for myself next spring.

 

[ddaniels]

I never thought of the Blackbird as a sports tourer. It's more along the lines of a 95/96 Kawasaki GPZ1100. I owned a '95 GPZ and was a great bike, but not really a 2-up situation.

 

[Baatfam]

Wife and I have been riding 2up since our first date, near 35 years ago. Started on a Sporster, moved to an old Electra Glide (very comfy, not sporty). After that the GS1100E served well for many years. Right now we have a '99 Triumph Trophy, which works very well for two. Sadly, the wife quite riding about 6 years ago.

But our absolute favorite sporty, 2up, long distance bike, was our BMW K1100RS. We had both a '94, and a '95.
A very basic ABS system, but it works. Outstanding at covering highway miles, and a darn nice bike when the road gets twisty.

Unlike the later models, you can work on it. With the sideways four cylinder, the valves are a snap to check, and not bad to adjust.
Overall, I never needed a dealer for anything except a few parts.



I'd have another in a heartbeat, if I had the space. (Also, my wife would not be happy, as she already thinks four is too many)

 

[GS1150Pilot]

What about an early model Valkyrie?

 

[nvr2old]

This Larry agrees with ^^^^that Larry. The older Goldwings come up for sale quite often and are very affordable. I only owned 1 honda in my life and I had a real love/hate relationship with it. I loved the fact it never needed anything more than routine oil and filter changes. But, the hate side of it was all the time it took to remove the tupperware to work on that v-4 engine.
I'd rather stick a fork in my eye than have to work on that engine.

Having said all of that, I sold it with 144,000 miles on it and it was still running like a new one.

I wonder if by chance you might be referring to a Honda ST. They're dripping with plastic and are V4 engines. An early-mid 80's Goldwing Interstate's flat 4 engine is totally accessible. Maybe a couple of fairing lowers to remove for some models, but just a couple of screws hold those on. 100,000+ miles for a well-taken care of 'wing is common.

 

[salty_monk]

What about an early model Valkyrie?

Isn't that a Japanese Bagger wannabe?

 

[alke46]

I wonder if by chance you might be referring to a Honda ST. They're dripping with plastic and are V4 engines. An early-mid 80's Goldwing Interstate's flat 4 engine is totally accessible. Maybe a couple of fairing lowers to remove for some models, but just a couple of screws hold those on. 100,000+ miles for a well-taken care of 'wing is common.

Yes, that was the ST1100, the 2nd one listed in my signature.