Airhead for two up touring?

[MattW]

I'm on the lookout for my first GS.
Trouble is I've developed an infatuation with airheads (well to be honest I've had an infatuation with airhead GS's since my next door's son made me jealous with them when I was a kid - you out there Phil Halstead?)

I've bothered a couple of people on here via private message concerning a certain 100GS - many thanks for the advice chaps, but I'm blowing hot and cold over it because whatever I get must be capable of two up touring around the UK and Europe (my missus has decided that she fancies some touring, which has opened the door for a GS with 'better half approval' - an opportunity not to be missed!).

Now I know that many people have made epic trips on airheads but in this day and age, would something like a 100GS be a viable option for two up touring?

Any advice or inspiration gratefully received!

cheers
M

 

[gee-yes]

This is partly why I have just bought an R100 GS - as I want to tour with my wife. There's plenty of torque (1000ccs are ideal) plenty of space and comfort, excellent reliability, easy to maintain / fix in Europe, has the best touring components available of any manufacturer (bespoke) and good fuel economy.
Just go for it and buy one.

 

[Kenny]

I agree, loads of room on a R100GS or a R80GS...little less on a R80g/s though

 

[thornley]

More than capable. I've toured all over Europe on my various R100GS's. On French autoroutes they can sometimes lack the top end (speed limit 80mph which means most traffic sits at 85/90). Few big un faired tralies are comfortable at high sustained speeds.

Route nationals, A road touring in the U.K they are still surprisingly capable. Torque is superb and will happily carry good loads, easy to fix if needs must. They should be treated well they are at least 10 years old and potentially 21 years old this year (80g/s older still). Look for a bike with up rated brakes and suspension, well looked after electrics and service history. Common faults have been listed on here many times, surprisingly few. If you like them go for it. Depreciation is now non existant, prices have nudged up almost year on year, spares easier to source than some 'new' models by other manufacturers.

 

[Garry H]

I have got a airhead and a oilhead

If i am going touring one up i use this one

If it's 2 up i use this

I use the airhead 2 up in the uk without luggage a lot
But i think the 1100 is much better 2 up with luggage

 

[MattW]

Thanks for the replies guys - good food for thought

cheers
Matt

 

[Jon P]

The airheads having a lower pay load when compared with oilheads.....just a thought?

 

[Hubs]

Did a long weekend to Venice a few years ago on an airhead 100GS, 2 up - fantastic trip and dragged a mountain of luggage over the Alps. Total luggage weight was 85kg, somewhat over the limits, but bike was fine!

 

[fritz]

Completely hopeless for two-up touring

Just back from 3 weeks to the Ukraine and Romania

 

[Ogmios]

agree with all said so far.

only issue for me is luggage capacity.
if i can figure a good way of fitting my Givi panniers to my R100gs - i'd be happy to tour 2 up ANYwhere.

the much admired "classic" panniers are o.k for a weekend / crap for a 2 week tour.

but i am spolit - after my Guzzi (Cali3) nothing, not one Bike i can think of carries as much without complaint or the handling getting woeful.

oh - i have an R100r rear shock on mine. maybe it helps

anyhow,
proof if needed is that after buying mine in Frankfurt, we rode it home (Dublin). took a week .
by the time we got to Wales, we were so well in tune with the Bike - the twisties were Really Good fun. i was cracking up laughing and grinning like a loon exiting the bends. Mrs Og had an ear to ear grin.
it never felt unstable, was comfy (apart from numbbum - thats probably my boney arse) and just kept adding to the confidence level as time wore on.

still the best Bike for me for Irish roads.

HTH.
~~
Og

 

[ChasF]

This is 'Flossie'. She managed to take us 2 up from Devon to Cape Town (30,000 miles the way we went) with 90Kg of luggage. No problems and she still do it again today....if only we had the time etc. etc.

 

[MattW]

I don't know - just when I'd got myself almost convinced that my first GS should really be an oilhead, you lot have got me thinking again

cheers
Matt