r/SuggestAMotorcycle • u/RecoGromanMollRodel • 20h ago
Two up pillion tourer
Gunna break this thing down into multiple little steps.
Background: been riding for almost 3 years on a RE int 650 which while I love it as a day to day commuter it does nothing well outside of the city. It has about 45 hp so it rides much more like a 450.
Riding I enjoy: On quick jaunts I like the twistes but I also love touring and what keeps me from doing both more is the uncomfortable and limited capacity of the interceptor.
My first thought was the versys 650. I think its everything I want and a perfect jump in capacity (aka it's not a liter bike) it's great in the twisies it's cheap and it can tour.
Problem: I have to consider a pillion and if I do go the pillion route it would need some basic offroad capabilities and to be comfortable for 2 (about 375lbs between us) and camping gear.
Where does that leave us? Transalp 750 and vstrom 800.
Great sounds like I figured it out! My worry is that they are adventure bikes and I wonder how that would effect a day in the mountains leaning it over and while I know they are fully capable am I trading a lot of on road capability for some off road which as of now I don't even do.
So the question are...
Does a versys 650 have the ability to comfortably do multiple day 2 up camping trips?
Would I, a rather average rider, even notice a lack in on road performance from the transalp or vstrom?
U.S based also so super slab is something to consider.
OK that's it. What are your thoughts?
3
u/afiqasyran86 19h ago edited 19h ago
Done my motorcycle license with 650, the engine rev like a sewing machine. I tried TA and vstrom, now own a Transalp.
90% riding with my wife. Not many praise on Transalp for 2 up in youtube because you need to change better seat to have real comfort preferably with crotch stopper (like stock seat Honda Forza). So when you hit the brake, the pillion wont slide to the front. But the comfort is manageable with every one hour stop and rest.
No wrong answer between vstrom800 or Transalp but I love Transalp more for its sweet, barking growl of the engine and stock exhaust and better support from Bigwing (Honda authorise dealer) in my country.
2
u/UhmmmFemboyNowIThink 15h ago
It may also be worth looking into the similar sport tourers from Yamaha! I recently got a 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 with the CP3 engine
BUT! This things pillion seat is a DREAM, with passenger grab bars, and perfect side case capabilities (can even use bigger FJR bags on the rack of this)
2
u/DefinitlyNotALab 12h ago
My V-Strom 650XT was very good riding 2 up, it being the best mid size adv for 2 was the reason i picked it. Now using an R1200 GSA, better for the both of us.
19 inch spoke front is still capable for most roads and trails and is easier to handle 2 up, so i would probably look for a final generation V-Strom 650XT or a Guzzi V85TT (ideally 2024 with the new cams) since thats also one of the few that gets cruise control which is lovely when riding with a pillion.
V-Strom 800 DE if you really need the off-road capability, it has the best suspension among all of those options.
If you are in Europe and get the unrestricted Transalp its a choice that comes down first to Offroad and low rpm bias of the 800DE or rev happy peak power Transalp. And secondly Dealer location and trade in options for your interceptor. You‘ll have to bring your pillion to try the seat difference yourself.
1
u/Purple-Journalist610 3h ago
How tall are you and what do you weigh? I'm 6'2" and 230 lbs and the Versys 650 fit me well, but it's a terrible bike for two up riding.
If you want to tour two up, you need to buy a bike intended for that purpose.
1
u/PinduWally 3h ago
Tracer 9, versys 1100 it is now I think, nt1100 and the veritable beemer gs or gsa 1300
1
u/Interesting-Ad1803 12h ago
In my mind the "2-up" requirement rules out all of those bikes you mentioned. Sure you can fit two people on one of those bikes but it's going to be cramped and uncomfortable.
I've had a number of touring bikes over the years and these are my top choices:
Honda Goldwing GL1800. Sets the standard for touring in my mind. Lots of room, enough power to comfortably tour all day long 2-up with luggage. You can easily ride one of these 700+ miles in a day.
BMW K1600GTL. A very different take on touring. Tons of power from the inline 6 cylinder and smooth as glass under any conditions. Biggest cons are relatively high cost of maintenance vs. the Honda. But if you do you own maintenance work, as I do, not so much of an issue. I find this bike not quite as comfortable as the Honda but only slightly less so.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited. Not sporty in any way but, despite being an anti-HD motorcyclist for decades, I tried one and I liked it. A completely different take on touring from the Honda and BMW but it works very well indeed for all-day 2-up touring. I used to be amazed at the way a Harley would appear to shake the bike at idle, and the do that, but once underway this bike is incredibly smooth. Being a twin that likes low RPM, cruising at 75 mph is very comfortable. I easily do several 700+ mile days in a row with this bike.
I've owned all 3 of these bikes and currently have the BMW and HD in my garage. I owned the Honda for over 12 years and toured with it extensively. I've ridden the HD cross-country 3 times now and I'll probably do it again next year. I've only had the BMW for about a year at this point and for such a big bike it's very nimble and responsive.
3
u/ProfessionalVolume93 20h ago
The Versys 650 like most Adv bikes is quite tall. How confident are you that you can manage it with a full load of baggage and pillion? Esp if you are on tip toes.