Comfotable bike for a passenger that's not a full touring bike...

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Im likin the Sprint Gt...

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I had a Ninja 1000 for a few years and it was a great 2up bike. My girlfriend felt it was okay, but not so good for the longer distance stuff, because she would get uncomfortable leaned over for that long. I also had a VFR and she felt the same way about that bike. They were fine for shorter 2up rides, but nothing like what we wanted to do (minimum 500km days).

Now, I do ride a V-Strom 650 and I've done 800km days with my girlfriend on the back of my bike and it was all good. She's about 5'7" and together we weigh about 380lbs. I do about 95% solo riding and 5% 2up stuff. I find it does a respectable job of keeping up with the faster bikes in the curves when riding solo. If more power was needed, then I would also suggest the DL1000 in addition to the other litre bikes already mentioned. I like that the DL's are not highly sought after bikes on the stolen market. I used to have a VFR and a Ninja 1000, and I would be more worried about those getting stolen.

I specifically bought my bike for ease of maintenance, overall reliability, aftermarket support and ability to perform well on paved and gravel/dirt roads. I had a KLR, but it was gutless on the highway doing 2up. If I was not doing the gravel or dirt roads I would probably have bought a Bandit or another VFR. However, the DL650 is like a cross between all my previous bikes, but just most comfortable for my better half.
 
Cranky Pete said:
"Look into an old air cooled Yamaha FJ1100/1200 and you can afford to keep your existing bike too for when you don't want the size. Hauls a second person like they are not even on board, 50 mpg solo, long wheelbase, one piece seat, approx. 530 lb. Think pre-cursor to the Bandit 1200's. Problem is getting racks for bags or hard cases."


Those are great bikes. Are they hard to find? People I know that have had FJs seem to keep them forever. Like ST1100 owners.
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I do miss my triple XS for the unique sound at any rpm. FJ weighs the same with twice the HP. So much more bike but I deserve it :). It's got a deceptively relaxed power delivery all the time. There are a good number of them on Kijiji. Good ones for no more than $3,000. Not so picky you are down to $1500 and should offer less. It's one of those bikes that makes the list of "what did you own and regret selling?"

For a Triumph Sprint ST (not GT) - Quebec seller had one for $3,000 with cases this past May. Beautiful condition. If I had the coin for the bike, picking it up, insurance, etc. - done deal.
 
Hey I own a Ninja 1000 and did a test ride on a FZ1 and CBF1000. Bought the ninja because i liked the styling and got a great deal on a 2012 ABS that only had 300km on it. All the bikes are good for two up but like Shanekingsley said for really long rides your passenger will likely start getting uncomfortable after an hour or so but for short rides my friends found my Ninja 1000 much more comfortable then my Ninja 650 or other sport bikes they had been on. If you do plan on doing some longer distance touring i do suggest you replace the stock seat on any of those bikes your looking at either pick up a sargent, corbin etc... or get a custom seat made for you and your passenger. Never tried a Sprint ST or GT but i'd bet for longer touring they would be much better for 2up.
 
Daylong if you can afford it BUT before investing in any expensive seat try a BeadRider. Damn thing even improved my Daylong.

Backrest is to die for on the Burgman - 1000 km days even for these old bones.

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THAT

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is comfort :D
 
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Phelan said:
Not looking for a Goldwing or even a Concourse/ST/FJR etc. Those bikes are just too heavy/big for me at this point in life. I think eventually I'll get there lol but not yet haha.

Looking more at bikes like the FZ1, Ninja 1000, CBF1000, Bandit 1250, Versys 1000 etc. Stuff that is still chain haha.

Wondering if anyone here has passenger experience or rides with a passenger what their thoughts are on the above bikes. As I still ride a lot solo, but there are days I like to take my g/f on the back and do a day ride (~500kms) and want her to to comfortable. If you could post the passengers height that'd be great as well. Thanks.
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I have the perfect bike for you.
My bandit 1250 is for sale, it's in the for sale section :).
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