Riding two up

[boyfrom64]

I am looking at returning to motorcycling after a break of about 3 years and the bike I am considering is an F650GS (800cc model).

In the main, I will ride the bike solo however, there will be times when my wife will come out riding pillion. So my question is quite simply, from the experience of others who own this bike, what is it like to ride two up?

 

[STUBBS]

depends on the the size of you and your misses

 

[steve hughes]

I regularly ride with my missus. Im 80kgs she is appx 55 (i guess)
The f650 at medium to high speeds feels the same as one up. The torque realy comes into play . Im no high speed rider so cant comment on full on high speed , but motorway cruising is fine, as is overtaking.

The wind resistance is noticable in side winds , slow speed handling just the same as one up

I increased the pre load slightly as the bike sitslower which suits me as im a short a.....

 

[Malcolm Leick]

Just done a tour of Ireland, two up, with about 30 kilos of camping equipment. The bike was fine, and because we were doing steady speeds i was getting 78 mpg which really surprised me.

I invested in an Airhawk to make the back seat more comfortable for my girlfriend. It was her first ever m/c tour and she is now looking forward to more.

 

[ILMV]

I've just got back from a trip to Belgium and France, two up, panniers (Trax) and massive Givi topbox packed full of crap, F800GS has no dramas.

Side winds was a problem, but rare does it get very bad.

I was also surprised about my fuel economy, as I said two up with loads of luggage and got 210mpg, much more than I usually get.

 

[Bury_Dave]

I was also surprised about my fuel economy, as I said two up with loads of luggage and got 210mpg, much more than I usually get.

My bold. Now THAT is impressive !

 

[boyfrom64]

Well it sounds like the bike will cope no problem Myself I am about 73 kilo's and my wife about 58 kilo's and as we will only be using it for short rides (2 - 3 hours) I do not see any problem.

Had better get myself down to the dealers to take a closer look

 

[Steve H]

My son regularly rides pillion with me, the bike copes very well and neither of us a are lightweights - it was something that concerned me when I changed from the 1200 but there is no issue other than maybe comfort for the pillion on long trips.

Steve

 

[Bury_Dave]

My son regularly rides pillion with me, the bike copes very well and neither of us a are lightweights - it was something that concerned me when I changed from the 1200 but there is no issue other than maybe comfort for the pillion on long trips.

Steve

Same here. However I struggle to get 60-65 mpg rather than ILMV's 210mpg. I can get 210 miles per TANK mind if not too lairy with the right hand.

Stability 2-up is fine with Tourances or Batwings but my current TKC's aren't so great cornering two-up or over 80mph on bends solo and can give a right wobble when you put the power down a bit !

 

[HTB1]

My wife rides pillion - no complaints from her or difficulty for me.