Getting more interested in 2-up riding

[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
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[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
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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.
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[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? ;-)

[ddaniels]

Well my mistake, it's the GS motorcycle discussion section. Whatever.

[bwringer]

LOL, I don't think anyone's interested in gatekeeping, Dave... but yeah, a GK or a G with luggage does make a pretty good passenger platform. Finding one that's already set up (or at least a good basis for bringing up to snuff) and near enough can certainly take some dedication and time.

Yet when they do pop up here, it can take a long time to find the right buyer. The Gold Wing market is a lot larger and more active.

That GL1500 looks like an excellent answer to your question. Super-low mileage, and owners tend to take very good care of them. Let us know how the missus likes it!

[ddaniels]

Oh yeah, I did take the wife out a few times on the '81 1000G I use to have and sold to Robert Barr, who sold to Simon, who dumped it on the way to Brown County, who sold to Jim, who sold to whomever. Ha! That bike got around. It was ok for 2 up but I was looking to maximize her comfort since it's hard enough to get her on to begin with. I'll be picking up the GW Saturday.

[rphillips]

Hey ddanie, didn't you have a GSX1100G in the past? My wife loves ours with that little 10" backrest. Also how would it have compared with the old GS1000G? No doubt, couldn't try to compare either of them to a fully dressed Goldwing... apples to oranges

[ddaniels]

Hey ddanie, didn't you have a GSX1100G in the past? My wife loves ours with that little 10" backrest. Also how would it have compared with the old GS1000G? No doubt, couldn't try to compare either of them to a fully dressed Goldwing... apples to oranges

Yes I did and I sold it when I got the FZ1 repaired and back on the road. Really no comparison between it and the 1000G. The 1000G had a better seat for 1 or 2 riders in my opinion. Hard to beat those big ole' couch slabs. The GSX1100G was much faster than the 1000G. I feel like the 1000G was better at cornering and overall handling.