What size of bike for 2 up ?

wantsabike

wantsabike

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
So ever since I got my s40 my gf went for a ride with me on it and now she enjoys the bike so much she always wants to go with me ugh lol

SO since my little s40 struggles with her and I on that bike I figured maybe I should buy a second bike for her and I to ride together and then I can enjoy my s40 myself lol. She’s roughly about the same height as myself which is about 5’8 and our combined weight is about 350-365lbs.

I have been looking at Honda shadows as they’re a nice looking bike, and relatively available and affordable as I don’t wanna spend a lot. But I also do like the Suzuki intruder, now when it comes to size how big of a motor should I look at ? 600, 800 ? Or 1100 intruder maybe ?

We don’t normally do long trips anyway maybe a hour at most before stopping. Whether it be going back home or stopping for drink or food or a rest
 
wantsabike said:
So ever since I got my s40 my gf went for a ride with me on it and now she enjoys the bike so much she always wants to go with me ugh lol

SO since my little s40 struggles with her and I on that bike I figured maybe I should buy a second bike for her and I to ride together and then I can enjoy my s40 myself lol. She’s roughly about the same height as myself which is about 5’8 and our combined weight is about 350-365lbs.

I have been looking at Honda shadows as they’re a nice looking bike, and relatively available and affordable as I don’t wanna spend a lot. But I also do like the Suzuki intruder, now when it comes to size how big of a motor should I look at ? 600, 800 ? Or 1100 intruder maybe ?

We don’t normally do long trips anyway maybe a hour at most before stopping. Whether it be going back home or stopping for drink or food or a rest
Click to expand...
FIL has the 800 Volusia and ridden it many times with the squeeze on country roads and it’s quite enjoyable.

On a 400 series highway, it’s not enjoyable after a little bit.

Before you know it, there will be windshields and back rests and saddlebags etc. 😉
 
Ya that’s a lot more then I’m wanting to spend lol I’m wanting something around the 2000obo even if it is a little project it’s okay as well

But cc wise where should I be looking ? 600 twin ? 800 twin or 750 twin, or 1100 or 1400 lol
 
wantsabike said:
Ya that’s a lot more then I’m wanting to spend lol I’m wanting something around the 2000obo even if it is a little project it’s okay as well

But cc wise where should I be looking ? 600 twin ? 800 twin or 750 twin, or 1100 or 1400 lol
Click to expand...
It’s really the bike as much as the engine size. I don’t think there is anything in the cruiser models at 600 cc. I’m sure someone can post a few to prove me wrong. For the most part, the Viragos and the Volusia with the 1100 engine will be fine.


I made a couple of 1200 Sportsters manage 2up with a decent seat and shock upgrades. My lady is smaller than me and seemed to enjoy it. At least never complained.

Honda has a few 750 out there but, it’s a mixed bag. Some are ok and others not so much.
 
Well I do like the looks of the Honda shadow vlx600 but not sure if they’re enough for her and 🤷‍♂️

I’ve also got a like on a 89 intruder 750 liquid cooled for 600obo, needs battery nothing more.
 
Last edited:
I had an 86 Virago 1100 and that bike was very comfortable for 2up riding on the highway. My brother had a 750 Shadow that was gutless when solo on the highway, never mind 2up.

My suggestion would be to get a litre bike.
 
Since it looks like you are searching in the V-Twin market, for two up I would definitely recommend something in the 1000+ cc range. V Twins are torquey, not HP beasts in most cases, especially most generic metrics, so you have to make sure to be looking at horsepower numbers, not just CC numbers as a V-Twin 1000cc does not in even the remotest possible way equate to a sport bike 1000cc for example. My currrnt bike is a ~1900cc touring bike, but it would get spanked six ways to Sunday by a lot of 600 cc class sport bikes, much less anything in the 1000+ cc superbike segment.

CC’s aren’t universal basically.

For a V Twin cruiser, take a look at something like a VTX1300 - they are pretty plentiful in the used market, often have lots of farkles already strapped to them by previous owners, and they are capable enough for 400 series two-up highway cruising. Or the Vstar 1100, same comments. I’ve had both in the stable over the years, both amazing bikes that run like a Timex and will last forever.

You can buy smaller ones like the V-Star 650 etc etc but you’ll find it way too anemic HP wise for 2 up highway riding, and they’re also physically pretty small bikes as well for 2 people to begin with.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom