• Hi everyone,

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looking for opinions on best two up touring bike

Close on the bucks mate but for a real performer with suspension that is capable of eletronically adjusting for weight and an engine that goes like stink then think Ducati Multistrada 1200. If the budget is tight get a good second hand one. They are top shelf
 
If you've got that much to spend then the world's your oyster!!
Go ride some bikes, BMW seem to be the peoples choice for touring, never ridden one myself but over here in Europe they are very popular. Maybe a bit old for you but the Yamaha TDM900 is an excellent distance bike, comfy two up, economical parallel twin with enough power and super reliable, my pal as over 70k in his without a moments trouble.
Suzuki V-Strom, damn fugly but has the TL1000 V-twin which is a proven motor and the write ups are ok.
Get yourself some magazines and read some tests, narrow it down to a handfull then get a ride on them.
 
It has been a few years since I did much two up touring. But I put about 20,000 miles on riding two up on a couple of different BMW GS models. One was an old air head and the other a 1150. One of the things that always impressed me about the GS was that it handled exactly the same, no matter how much load it had. So it made a great two up bike. Plus the general comfort of the GS and all around utility made it hard to beat. It always got a thumbs up from the passenger for comfort also.
 
My wife and I spend a good deal of time touring in the summer. I believe it varies too much to just name a bike. We primarily camp and are all self contained, we travel mostly in colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona a bike that can handle dirt is very important. When I travel alone I like to romp in the twisty sections so I like a good handling bike with loads of power. Range is an issue in the lost areas of western Utah so a big tank helps. Wind and cold protection is a must. Heated grips are a luxury but I love them. So as you may have guessed it I ride a BMW r 1200 GS adventure and love it, I had an 1150 prior and had great luck with reliability with it as well.
I have used both the 1150 and the 12 as great big dirt bike riding roads may people say "don't take anything bigger than a 650" on and they do great. However I am 6'3" and in good shape so this works to my advantage.
Good luck on the bike please feel free to PM me if needed.
 
Ha. This is a funny question and really sepends on the person! For me a Triumph speed triple. I had a custon luggage rack(with short back rest!) hey the wife must be comfortable! a tank bag, and a stero! Yes amp under seats, speakers mouted to side of radiator and I Pod. Drove to Sturgis and hit 149!! (computer stores top speed!) Wife was not very happy! Hey thing was pretty dam comfortable (had handlebar extensions and longer brake cable. I loved it! Ok how about a Triumph tiger or>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The list goes on! Get out there and drive some stuff. All the companies have something thta may fit your needs. To me, watch the writeups in magizines, I do NOT trust them and have seen in accurate info! Try to drive the stuff yourself and form and opinion! Good luck. Oh yea, yes a picture of your wife could help alot! LOL
 
hammer said:
If you can go to a sport touring bike, this is it.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/home.aspx
Click to expand...

+1 One of the best bikes I've ever owned

IMG_2356e.jpg


IMG_2342e.jpg
 
In the same quandry as the wife is starting to come along and really enjoys it. We are riding a 650 Kawasaki Versys and it's great but a little cramped for two. We are just over 350lbs combinded. ;)

For pure road going there are some really good choices out there. The RT comes up a lot as does the FZR and Tiger 1050. Also the big 'Strom but I already had one of those so not doing it again. Good bike though.

The GS's are a top pick, as are the K-series BMW's. The Concours comes up a lot, and the Goldwing. I want something more adventure type so I've pretty much narrowed down to the new Super Tenere. I would trade in the Versys today if we were in a position to do so.

That Tenere is what's calling my name right now. And the Tiger 800. But the big Yamaha with spoked wheels, shaft drive, huge seat, offroad prowess, and 140HP, is what gets my adrenaline pumping.

super-tenere-black.jpg
 
That FJ1300 would be near the top of my list. Big tank, super comfy, fun, amenities. Had a K100, was boring. Great bike, real comfy... Boring. Lots of choices out there for that $$$

You can borrow my FZ1 for a try but the rear seat would suck i think.

rode this the other day, it was pretty amazing...

IMG0876-XL.jpg
 
I have some great advice. First you have to set the right mood, then...ooops, I thought you were looking to ride the wife. My mistake. Good luck either way.
 
Cowboy, Im about to order a tank from down under, are you going to have the 449 tanks built?
 
not anytime soon unless you wanted something like the one in my avitar,just havent had the time to tinker in the shop
 
Motosportz said:
That FJ1300 would be near the top of my list. Big tank, super comfy, fun, amenities. Had a K100, was boring. Great bike, real comfy... Boring. Lots of choices out there for that $$$

You can borrow my FZ1 for a try but the rear seat would suck i think.

rode this the other day, it was pretty amazing...

IMG0876-XL.jpg
Click to expand...
i likeee but she wants a couch on the back
 
only time i seen one of those bmw's in person was last year in indy when we went to the endurocross race. pretty damn sweet imo
 
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