Getting more interested in 2-up riding

[ddaniels]

I test rode an ST1100 a few weeks ago and was not really impressed much.

 

[ddaniels]

What about an early model Valkyrie?

I spend a whole day on one out in Phoenix a few years ago. It's an ok bike but I really wouldn't buy one. And the back seat is nothing compared to the lazy boy on the back of a Goldwing.

 

[Cipher]

Funny a fellow down the road a ways had a 20xx BMW and an 81-83? gold wing for sale this summer
Wing is long gone BMW still for sale.
Nice thing about the old Wing is if it broke down yah could roll it in a ditch
the BMW seems to invite the desperate fallacy of in for a penny in for a pound.

Most BMW guys Ive met are too rich to have a brain. A few though buy up sweet rides when the TCO finally hits the original purchaser. If you can turn a wrench at all and actually do the often simple maintenance they last and run well.

Mind you I rode with a motley crew a while back and one guy had a sweet k1600 and it was majestic when it left my k1300 behind.
Like that quote about how the Battlestar Galactica looked when it abandoned the colonial viper pilots to their fate.

I've no idea why the german arrogance related to engineering does not translate to fact. Tell me of a Japanese bike that regularly eats it final drives and shafts and I will buy you a hamburger at Wendy's

for myself I am glad thet my kbike's PO bought the insanely expensive cosmetic CF rear seat cover. Now no one can ask for a ride!!!! I despise a passenger. They are dangerous and as trainable as a Zebra. They are a constant shifting load. The only one that never caused me pain was a long time biker.

 

[wyly]

Just wanting to pile on BMW owners with too much cash I joined a group ride pre-covid and there were an assortment of rides and one brand new fancy ass BMW.

The owner was quite proud of himself and enjoying the attention his ride got it was good looking bike. Genuinely not knowing much about the latest BMW tech and as the bike was enclosed in plastic I asked what kind of engine his bike had. "What" he answered, I asked again "Is it a flat twin, transverse four, six, twin what's under all the plastic?" "Ahhhh I don't know" was the answer.

The guy clearly had too much cash as he could afford to buy a high end bike and never intended to do his own maintenance.

 

[ddaniels]

Isn't that a Japanese Bagger wannabe?

You mean like the Honda Shadow, the Kawasaki Vulcan, etc. etc.

 

[niclpnut]

I’ve got a 2016 triumph trophy se with all the creature comforts and farkles you could want. Was purchased for my wife and I to ride to Motogp a a couple years back but COVID came along and the race was canceled, we had a baby, and she doesn’t ride with me anymore. Needless to say it’s got sub 10k miles with all maintenance up to date.

I test drove several sport tourers (bmw, kaw, yam etc…)and settled on the trophy. Great bike that has everything one could want and out performs others in the category

want more details? Let me know.

 

[salty_monk]

You mean like the Honda Shadow, the Kawasaki Vulcan, etc. etc.

Well kind of except it has the short screen and bags like a bagger too

 

[Guest]

Maybe I can just have the seat redone by Russell Daylong to include making the rear seat area like the front.

I have had a Russell seat, as well as one from their predecessor, Mayer (Mayer retired, sold the business to Russell). Wonderful creations. If you already have the front done, it won't cost much to do the rear to match. Do you have a trunk mounted? Or at least some sort of "anti slide-back" protection for her?

 

[dpep]

I have in the past done many a fun mile two up on my 850s. I always had a box with a backrest on the back. Any of the G models provide a good passenger perch with a broad, flat seat. I had a BMW RT for a while and found I preferred the G model Suzukis on just about every measure except looks. The Beemer was a beautiful bike but there was no question which I would choose for a cross country ride--Suzuki hands down.

 

[ddaniels]

I have had a Russell seat, as well as one from their predecessor, Mayer (Mayer retired, sold the business to Russell). Wonderful creations. If you already have the front done, it won't cost much to do the rear to match. Do you have a trunk mounted? Or at least some sort of "anti slide-back" protection for her?

I called Russell Daylong and it will cost me almost as much as the seat originally cost me several years ago just to have the rear redone and the whole thing recovered. They've gone up considrably.

 

[ddaniels]

I have in the past done many a fun mile two up on my 850s. I always had a box with a backrest on the back. Any of the G models provide a good passenger perch with a broad, flat seat. I had a BMW RT for a while and found I preferred the G model Suzukis on just about every measure except looks. The Beemer was a beautiful bike but there was no question which I would choose for a cross country ride--Suzuki hands down.

You know, I hadn't even thought about an old G model bike for two-up riding. Good thought. They are getting a bit harder to find these days though.

 

[wyly]

As the driver we have our favourite comfy rides but does anyone bother to take the intended passenger for a test ride to get their opinion for two up travel? My Gs1150efe is super comfy for me I can spend all day in the saddle but I never carry a passenger. A friend had the same GS1150efe his wife refused to ride pillion she said the beating she got from the turbulence in back was unbearable, the bike was sold to a new owner.

 

[rphillips]

Can be very different opinions from rider to passenger. My wife's favorite for her , of our bikes, is the GSX1100G... But my least favorite.

 

[Maddevill]

If you want something sportier than a Goldwing, consider this. Our two up bike is a 2006 ZX14 with 1 inch bar risers and the seat off the Concourse1400. Really comfortable, handles very well and still goes like stink. We've taken several multiple day trips on it. My only problem is, my wife likes to go fast...REALLY fast. Guess who gets the tickets ???
Mad

 

[ddaniels]

If you want something sportier than a Goldwing, consider this. Our two up bike is a 2006 ZX14 with 1 inch bar risers and the seat off the Concourse1400. Really comfortable, handles very well and still goes like stink. We've taken several multiple day trips on it. My only problem is, my wife likes to go fast...REALLY fast. Guess who gets the tickets ???
Mad

Nope, I don't think so, but thanks.

 

[Redman]

You know, I hadn't even thought about an old G model bike for two-up riding. Good thought. They are getting a bit harder to find these days though.

Maybe, such as GK . . . . .

 

[Jedz123]

I received a free Honda GL1500/6 1988 that was sitting for the better part of 15 years. Just did the routine maintenance on it; fluids, filters, plugs, belts, water pump, tires and battery. Did replace the brake and cutch lines and both front and clutch hydraulic masters. I did tear it apart to de-mouse nest it and fix the chewed up wires and vacuum lines. Cruise control came back and the bike is a peach. Ran a bottle of seafoam through it and the carbs came back We affectionately call it the dirty bird as it like to puff a cloud of black smoke on startup and it gets a little smokey after hard riding. The 6 cylinder engine is incredibly smooth and for it's size and vintage it handles very well. I have seen a few 1500's pop up south of $2K. I'm going to say I prefer it over the GL1800's. It feels very much like a vintage Japanese bike should. All day comfort and 2-up you have room and storage for days. I use it almost everyday at this point for commuting and if I need to run errands without my little one. The Cruise control is an awesome feature to have and the stereo works perfectly fine. I hold allot of value to it as it was given to me as a gift. I also just love riding it.

However the most miles I have put up 2 up is on my Concours 14. That thing is going to deliver FZ1 type performance, feel and ride but offer allot more comfort for touring and riding 2 up. My Wife and I rode that bike ALLOT. The only down size is tech is limited and cruise control is not offered. At this point in the game, if it doesn't have cruise I'm not going to tour with it.

If local blasting is all you want to do, you can't beat the T120. It's a fantastic engine, smooth and powerful (once tuned). Reminds me very much of the Suzuki GS line. My wife loves riding it. Cruise and heated grips standard for mine the bike will also run heated gear no issue. Light bike for a liter as mine is south of the 450lbs mark. The engine caries it's weight low. Power delivery is on par of a GS1000 but more usable down low torque. It can go fast enough for vermont roads but I have several +1000 mile days logged on it, made a great sport tourer. My wife and I can handle about 200 miles on the T120 than we are looking to call it a day. We haven't toured with it but have been on some long day trips with it. It's her absolute favorite to look at.

Cheers!

Oh I do have my GS1000G which I have yet to ride 2 up but the thing is by far the most comfortable GS I've ever owned. Went through it and am happy with how it's running and riding now. As like many of my bikes, it's always open for sale or trade.... If the offer is sweet enough. The bike is cream puff and also a lunatic. They nailed it with these 1000G's

Best,
-Jedz

 

[ddaniels]

I received a free Honda GL1500/6 1988 that was sitting for the better part of 15 years. Just did the routine maintenance on it; fluids, filters, plugs, belts, water pump, tires and battery. Did replace the brake and cutch lines and both front and clutch hydraulic masters. I did tear it apart to de-mouse nest it and fix the chewed up wires and vacuum lines. Cruise control came back and the bike is a peach. Ran a bottle of seafoam through it and the carbs came back We affectionately call it the dirty bird as it like to puff a cloud of black smoke on startup and it gets a little smokey after hard riding. The 6 cylinder engine is incredibly smooth and for it's size and vintage it handles very well. I have seen a few 1500's pop up south of $2K. I'm going to say I prefer it over the GL1800's. It feels very much like a vintage Japanese bike should. All day comfort and 2-up you have room and storage for days. I use it almost everyday at this point for commuting and if I need to run errands without my little one. The Cruise control is an awesome feature to have and the stereo works perfectly fine. I hold allot of value to it as it was given to me as a gift. I also just love riding it.

However the most miles I have put up 2 up is on my Concours 14. That thing is going to deliver FZ1 type performance, feel and ride but offer allot more comfort for touring and riding 2 up. My Wife and I rode that bike ALLOT. The only down size is tech is limited and cruise control is not offered. At this point in the game, if it doesn't have cruise I'm not going to tour with it.

If local blasting is all you want to do, you can't beat the T120. It's a fantastic engine, smooth and powerful (once tuned). Reminds me very much of the Suzuki GS line. My wife loves riding it. Cruise and heated grips standard for mine the bike will also run heated gear no issue. Light bike for a liter as mine is south of the 450lbs mark. The engine caries it's weight low. Power delivery is on par of a GS1000 but more usable down low torque. It can go fast enough for vermont roads but I have several +1000 mile days logged on it, made a great sport tourer. My wife and I can handle about 200 miles on the T120 than we are looking to call it a day. We haven't toured with it but have been on some long day trips with it. It's her absolute favorite to look at.

Cheers!

Oh I do have my GS1000G which I have yet to ride 2 up but the thing is by far the most comfortable GS I've ever owned. Went through it and am happy with how it's running and riding now. As like many of my bikes, it's always open for sale or trade.... If the offer is sweet enough. The bike is cream puff and also a lunatic. They nailed it with these 1000G's

Best,
-Jedz

Thanks Jedz. I happened to catch your youtube video of the GL1500. AND...I am buying a 1999 GL1500 this Saturday. The bike is like new and has around 40K miles. Everything works and has been meticulously cared for. Looking forward to some nice rides with my wife.

 

[bwringer]

I have in the past done many a fun mile two up on my 850s. I always had a box with a backrest on the back. Any of the G models provide a good passenger perch with a broad, flat seat. I had a BMW RT for a while and found I preferred the G model Suzukis on just about every measure except looks. The Beemer was a beautiful bike but there was no question which I would choose for a cross country ride--Suzuki hands down.

Thank you for saying what needed to be said, Don. I mean, we're on the GS site...

 

[ddaniels]

Yes but this IS the general motorcycle discussion section no? ;-)