Smallest bike for 2-up Sport Touring?

[cbsnbiker]

Or my '74 R90/6? It is a proto-sport-tourer!

[SV Sid]

I may have to disagree with that. I've only been on the back of the SV a few times since I prefer to ride mine instead of  being a passenger. I can honestly say I could not imagine touring on it. The 30 minute ride felt like torture for me.
[/quote





Well I haven't been on the back of the SV myself, having to rely on the opinion of my "professional passenger".  Mind you she was happy enough on the back of the Royal Enfield 500 (27 bhp) we tested a month ago.  This was quite brisk on real roads but not suitable for the freeway if you insist on using them though 85 mpg Imperial = 73 mpg US has its attractions, particularly with petrol at the equivalent of 7 dollars 84 cents per US gallon.  3 dollars a gallon?  Yes please.

[Sameraz]

I think it depends totally on the people...moreso than the bike.

http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic.php?p=617967#617967

I followed Eric and Erin down 101 from where we all ended up camping at Patrick's Point down to Arcata to visit Fred.  They were cruising down the road at speeds nicely above 70 (indicated).  I was pretty amazed how they had the bike packed and had themselves set up.  My wife didn't like riding pillion on my 250 for more than 30 minutes at a time.

[chiltech500]

rebel 250

my wife's is for sale!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bug R]

( re. Russel seat ) I can absorb a LOT of pain before doing THAT to any bike. What was that guy thinking!?! Certainly my own opinion.

After 9,000miles in ten days you might change you mind, Fuction over of form any day.

Chris

[ctfz1]

Nighthawk 750 or Pacific Coast 800 or  Suzuki VX800. old enough to need only liability insurance, yet quite capable. Suspension and sadde upgrades as needed.
Concours can be had from $3000 or so.
Late 90s Valkyrie or V4 Yamaha.

[Outrace]

I think the decision is more a matter of your expectations than any particular bike model.  You have a 125 now, so shifting and mild power are your current environment.  A midsized standard will feel like a tank - heavy and massively powerful in comparison to the 125.  Even the 500 Ninja will be a monster.

So, since you're quite familiar with stirring the gearbox and spinning the motor, I'd suggest you:

1) Determine your budget
2) Find a bike that allows her to sit comfortably.
3) Buy it, whatever it is.

[Mastros2]

Ever think of a maxi-scooter?  Maybe a 650/400 Burgman or a silverwing?  Also, Piaggio parent company has a few 500 models to choose from.

[Allan]

I have owned both the FZ6 and the DL650 and both are adequate for two up. The DL650 more so than the FZ6 because of its larger seat, more upright riding position and the face that the twin puts down way more torque you don’t have to keep the revs up high all the time. Plus with the luggage rack on the back of the DL650 there are allot of cheap options for a top case.

P.S. Unless it different in Canada the DL650 is a FI bike.

[Fourstring]

Ever think of a maxi-scooter?  Maybe a 650/400 Burgman or a silverwing?  Also, Piaggio parent company has a few 500 models to choose from.

Oh, yeah, especially if you're worried about seat height.

If you're not worried about top end, the Burgman 400 has one of the most comfortable stock seats for a passenger on two wheels.  My wife hates the Concours, but she could sit on back of the Burgman all day.  Yes, it will do 80 mph two-up.

Hey, mine's for sale!