GS650 twin, 2 up in Europe?? Or an alternative bike ... (for those with little legs?)

[keithquad]

Hi
Several questions in one:-

How practical is it to do 2 up on a GS 650 twin in Europe?
I suggest I need to be travelling at similar speeds to the rest of the traffic so 130kmh plus?

Alternative bike would be what?
I have enjoyed the BM however being vertically challenged the larger GS’s are just so big, & whilst the newer 1200 do come factory lowered the’re outside of my price bracket….so I’ve been looking at the Suzuki v strom DL1000!!
Many people suggesting that whilst they are not as a adept off road as the GS they are a ‘worthy contender’ in many ways.

The Honda Varadero is a good deal heaver than the v strom – so what would you suggest – I know that the question is being asked on a GS site so the responses most likely will be GS biased however plse provide your opinion.

Key factors for an alternative bike: 2 up capability, very minor offroad (gravel tracks), lowering capability as only 5 foot 2. Reasonable fuel ecomomy as the wife would take the GS650 twin (which seems to sip petrol, selling her single GS 650 & another bike to afford the ‘bigger bike’).

However, not forgetting the original question, do I need to change the bike at all?
Thoughts…..
(Thank you in advance)

 

[CuzGS]

Hi
Several questions in one:-

How practical is it to do 2 up on a GS 650 twin in Europe?
I suggest I need to be travelling at similar speeds to the rest of the traffic so 130kmh plus?

Alternative bike would be what?
I have enjoyed the BM however being vertically challenged the larger GS’s are just so big, & whilst the newer 1200 do come factory lowered the’re outside of my price bracket….so I’ve been looking at the Suzuki v strom DL1000!!
Many people suggesting that whilst they are not as a adept off road as the GS they are a ‘worthy contender’ in many ways.

The Honda Varadero is a good deal heaver than the v strom – so what would you suggest – I know that the question is being asked on a GS site so the responses most likely will be GS biased however plse provide your opinion.

Key factors for an alternative bike: 2 up capability, very minor offroad (gravel tracks), lowering capability as only 5 foot 2. Reasonable fuel ecomomy as the wife would take the GS650 twin (which seems to sip petrol, selling her single GS 650 & another bike to afford the ‘bigger bike’).

However, not forgetting the original question, do I need to change the bike at all?
Thoughts…..
(Thank you in advance)

My only thought mate is why go everywhere at 80mph ??

I tour extensively and never go on motorways, rarely on DCs. Stick to N roads, D roads or the equiv and enjoy the views and roads.

In that case if we assume that about 60 to 70 mph is achievable, Id stick with what you have and like

Either way, enjoy the trips

 

[keithquad]

Touring speed..

Thank's for the thought.
I wouldnt disagree with a desire to stay at a lower speed, however we will have to go on the Motorway (some of the time) & in addition the bike would be on occasion used to 'thrash up & down the motorways' in the UK (going to business meetings - so once again for 'needs must', a degree of speed will be required.)
Good challenge though...

 

[John Armstrong]

The newer F700 has twin discs, which would be helpful for two up touring. I've one of the new Suzuki wee stroms and been down to Croatia and back last summer two up. No problems and cruised easily at a GPS 75mph and gave about 60 mpg I had one of the F650 twins and don't think the seat is as friendly for 5 hours on the bike.

Outside of German autobahns, then cruising at 75mph didn't cause many issues as you're faster than the lorries / towing vehicles and many cars. Unless you were on a Hayabusa etc then in Germany you won't be in the outside lane for very long.

 

[Tim Cullis]

Nothing wrong with the power of the bike, it's only slightly less than the superbike of my early dreams, the Honds CB750. I travelled from central Poland back to the UK in under 24 hours (960 miles) at speeds of occasionally up to 95mph so it *can* do it.

The main problem is seat comfort, and the pillion is just as uncomfortable, so twin AirHawks or a custom seat are needed.

 

[walrus]

3 x 1200's and one 650 two up last autumn. He kept up and often led with no problem on motorways over passes and along trails. It just wasn't an issue.

 

[red1]

Not had V-strom but been all over Europe on a Varadero. They are a very comfy 2up tourer if a little on the heavy side. Stick to 80 and you should get around 220 miles to the tank. I've had 2 and was considering flogging the 1150GSA for another one.
It's a Honda so very reliable.

 

[Bem]

Bearing in mind o/p height of 5.2 then I think the Varedaro may be stretching it a bit.
My 650 was surpisingly nippy in UK and Ireland (surprisingly to my son on his Fazer thou) and I think stands up well as others have indicated against both 1150 and 12.
Still not quite as fast as my Blade, but.....

 

[Ash]

i would happily tour 2 up on my 650 twin, although i have Ohlins ready to go on
but obviously a larger bike would manage it easier, but at 5 ft 2 a larger bike could end up a nightmare unless you had lowered it and not forgetting the fuel economy of the 650 against anything larger.

 

[Roy Barnes]

Hi
Several questions in one:-

How practical is it to do 2 up on a GS 650 twin in Europe?
I suggest I need to be travelling at similar speeds to the rest of the traffic so 130kmh plus?

Alternative bike would be what?
I have enjoyed the BM however being vertically challenged the larger GS’s are just so big, & whilst the newer 1200 do come factory lowered the’re outside of my price bracket….so I’ve been looking at the Suzuki v strom DL1000!!
Many people suggesting that whilst they are not as a adept off road as the GS they are a ‘worthy contender’ in many ways.

The Honda Varadero is a good deal heaver than the v strom – so what would you suggest – I know that the question is being asked on a GS site so the responses most likely will be GS biased however plse provide your opinion.

Key factors for an alternative bike: 2 up capability, very minor offroad (gravel tracks), lowering capability as only 5 foot 2. Reasonable fuel ecomomy as the wife would take the GS650 twin (which seems to sip petrol, selling her single GS 650 & another bike to afford the ‘bigger bike’).

However, not forgetting the original question, do I need to change the bike at all?
Thoughts…..
(Thank you in advance)

The F650gs will do just fine. It will run 90mph with no problem.
Fuel will go away pretty fast.

 

[gjclark38]

f650 no prob across europe 2 up did wirral to gib then over to faro last summner no problems 2.5K miles bike just eats up the miles

 

[keithquad]

Thank you ....

Much appreciate - you have provided sufficient 'evidence' that I should be contented with my GS650 twin vs yearn after a bigger bike - after all size isn't everything, well that's what I say (you have to when only 5'2").

I'll go ahead & sort out lights & other bits now she is a keeper.
Thanks again all who have contributed.

 

[Bendy toy]

I know someone who toured extensively in Europe even as far as Moscow on an MZ 250. He was one up but had probay1/3 of the power. Another friend regularly went from UK to Italy on an even older MZ.

It's great to have a big bike but we don't NEED to have one.