After carting the woman around on a 600RR for a couple poker runs and the such, she's approved the purchase of a more passenger friendly 2nd bike. The RR will become track duty only. I was originally looking at a cruiser, but after a buddy and I hit the back roads last weekend, I just can't imagine giving that up completely. I want a bike that we can ride 2up for a couple hundred miles to visit friends or camp or whatever, but still need to be able to tear up the twisties with friends once I drop her off. Also looking for something that will handle some off-road duty when called upon. First requirement is going to be for her comfort, but I'll probably put more miles on without her on back. I rode a R1150R but was not impressed with the torque, it actually felt like my RR pulled harder. I also looked at the GS, but it has the same engine, so I didn't bother test riding. I'm going to test ride a Tiger and Multistrada tonight. I don't want a "touring" bike. I hopped on an RT but it was just too much like a Goldwing for me and I feel I'm still too young for that, haha. I love the look of the dual purpose and naked bikes (I know they won't protect me from the wind as much, but I don't care) The Vee-strom is just too ugly of a bike. I've spent the last 2 weeks looking at pics of it and I can't get over how ugly it looks. I've seen a lot of people talking about Buells, but I'm not sure about 2up. Anyone have any suggestions or bikes to stay away from???? Pics would be great too. PS I apologize if this is in the wrong place, but I wasn't sure where else to post it.
Do yourself a favor- close your eyes and get on a Strom. That way you won't have to see how ugly it is and you'll be amazed at the ride you get. And the looks kinda grow on ya over time. If you just can't get past the Strom looks maybe a FJR would be more to your liking. Lots of guys around here ride them & they have no trouble keeping up with the sport bikes in any sane scenario. Yeah, I know it's a touring bike, but it's a sport touring bike. Emphasis on sport. A second option might be a Bandit. Purtier than a Strom, less expensive than a FJR. Everybody is trying to talk me into a Bandit to replace my totaled Wee Strom. I dunno, the jury is still out. YMMV
As a passenger, I've been happy on both an F650GS and an R1200GS for multi-day, many mile trips. Having a top case (or some sort of back rest) makes a huge difference in passenger comfort and the feeling of security. The R1200GS is a high perch, though, and might be a challenge for short passengers (when getting on and off the bike).
Tiger 1050 is pretty 2-up friendly, with good legroom for both people, and it's got good power and handling 1-up or 2-up. Really, any of the liter-size beasts - KTM, GS, Tiger, Multistrada, Uly, Vstrom, Capo, etc., will do you and your lady QUITE a bit better than your 600RR. The question is, which one will provide you with the most performance and fun. If you don't like the GS and Vstrom, try the KTM, Tiger, Multi, and Uly. You will find the one you like best. 2-up pic from my Tiger - click for bigger pic
If you want two-up comfort AND excellent handling in the twisties, I don't think you can beat a Uly. According to the mags and seconded by owners, it has the best passenger comfort available short of a Gold Wing. As good as any and better than most in this class for on-pavement handling. For some people this is a love it or hate it engine, but give it a chance (and get used to using torque instead of banging it off the rev limiter) and you'll love it.
If I've learned one thing from reading these threads it's that passengers vary in what's comfy for them as much as riders do. If you're going to be riding 2up most of the time as I do I would highly recommend taking a test ride 2up as well. The GS is my wife's favorite, fortunately it's mine as well... I just got back from having new tires put on our '05 GS, while I was waiting I took a 1050 Tiger for a spin, sweeeeet engine and almost as nice ergo wise as the GS for me. If you're not venturing too far off pavement and can live with chain drive it is a super nice bike.
Problem I'm running into is that the dealership is not insured for 2up riding, so I can't have her on the back except while parked in the lot. So unfortunatly I think I'm gunna have to pick the bike and get her to just sit on the bike for 20min at the dealership.
If they dont follow you on the demo, like the last three I took, just have her drop you off at the deaker then meet you around the corner.
That can be a PITA for sure, no pun intended.... Every bike I look at I get her to sit on the back with me to see how the ergos are for her, sometimes she knows right off and doesn't even want to go on a ride. We did test ride a 950 KTM and she absolutely hated it....she has actually fallen asleep on the back of the GS, if you don't like the GS don't take her for a ride on one! Regardless of what bike you get remember this tip......ALWAYS try to use the side stand when she gets on and off of the bike. When possible I'll even pull up to the curb or parking stop, etc, put the side stand down, let her stand on the curb, etc, and reach back with my left hand behind her leg to give her a slight boost. Good luck....
+1. Good advice. I don't know what size your wife is but mine loves the ergo's on the back of my Vee. The stock seat is terrible so I added a Corbin. At least take one for a ride.
Gotta agree. My wife and I checked out everything from Goldwings to scooters (ok...we skipped the cruisers) but we couldn't find anything that "fits" us as well as the Uly. It's got plenty of leg room, a big comfortable seat, handles like a dream, and has exactly the kind of power that big folkes need for two-up touring. It's not the best choice for sand and mud...but for any kind of road the Uly's hard to beat. Milspec
Being one that has done a bit of 2-up with the wife.....I think I have a right to be heard..... My Honda 1800VTX-S was a bain to the wife. She loved the way it looked but she hated riding on it for more than 50 miles. Way too rough. So, I gravitated to a Strom.....after many a test ride (2-up) on many a bike. The wife's first choice would be a BMW1200LT......Second choice was the Strom..... Being that I love the flexibility of blacktop and dirt......I went with the strom. Matter of fact, I opted for the DL650 and it has performed amazingly.....2-Up. And.....I go 6'4", 250 lbs....and the wife is 5'9", 140 lbs. Our first test was a 3 day, 2 nighter through the Colorado Rockies.......with Full Givi's and fairly heavy gear..... The DL650 was amazing!!!!! At this point, I am planning to keep this bike until I roll over 100k miles, or one of my sons purchases the bike. Check out my ride report...... http://coloradolanes.blogspot.com/2007_09_01_archive.html
The closest dealer to us just happenes to be a Buell / HD. I stopped by last weekend to see if they had a Uly in stock. They don't, and said he hoped they wouldn't as they don't sell well in my area. I'm gonna ride to Ocala this morning as they always seem to have a couple in stock. Besides the Capo the Uly is the only ADV bike I haven't had a chance to ride. The last time I sat on a Uly my wife just started laughing, I didn't bother riding it...
Yes you do...twice in fact... I enjoyed your post(s)...but I think the Wee would be a tad short on power for a fluffy couple like us. Plus we almost bottomed out the suspension on the V-Strom. The sales guy suggesed we try something more our size...like a pair of GoldWings... Milspec
I just gotta ask as I am 6'4" and 320lbs, my wife is.....OUCH...nevermind.. We ride 2up 99% of the time, the wheelbase on the GS is almost 6 inches longer than the Uly and it will wheelie without much effort at all, would I need a wheelie bar with a Uly? :huh
You never even know the Strom is ugly when your are in the cockpit. It does everything amazingly well.