Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Oct 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Nouméa (New Caledonia)
Posts: 3
2 bikers on the same F650 for a travel ?

I have a F650 GS 2004 and I start to think to a long travel with it. I'm sure this bike is very good to travel alone, but do you think it's seriously possible to make a long travel vith 2 people on ? Someone have an experience of this situation ?

Thank you for your opinion.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Didn't do any two up on my own 650GS but, went away with a mate who was riding one (Dakar) whilst my wife and I were on an Africa Twin. In every respect, other than the seat, the AT was better for two up travel with luggage. The motor on the AT was smoother and had more power which meant a more relaxed ride required less gear changes. Once we'd dumped all the gear, tent, cooking stuff, clothing etc, the difference was alot closer though. I suppose it would depend on how light you travel.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Oct 2004
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
Check out this thread:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000335.html

I seriously considered this bike for two-up travel also, but ended up getting a Transalp. Even though the F650 is a single, it is pretty smooth and the frame of the bike seems solid. I would recommend getting a custom rear shock to handle the additional load, however. But then again, the stock rear shocks on most bikes are garbage anyway.

Had I not found a Transalp, I would have bought the F650 for traveling...they are reliable, fuel efficient and lightweight.

The F650 is a great do it all bike, and since you already own one, I think its a good choice to travel with.

Dave
'89 Transalp
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Oct 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
A lot of it's suitability for two-up travel depends on the size of the two people!

I find a KLR for instance just adequate for me, and can't imagine riding it two-up - but I know a couple who rode one from Florida to Mexico last year, and were quite happy with it.

BUT - I'm over 6 feet tall, and 175 pounds - he was shorter and 140 pounds at most, she was - well - I won't guess, but tiny!

The F650 is much better on the road than the KLR, and might be good for two-up - if your size and loads are low. Only one way to findout - load it up fully, and go for a ride for the weekend.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Nov 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: aberdeenshire,scotland
Posts: 8
I left the UK two-up on a 2004 F650GS in July and have had no problems so far.But the combined weight of us and baggage exceeds the recommended 380kg and you feel it on anything except good tar roads. The bike copes OK but it often feels like it's at it's limit. I had an 8 week stretch while my woman went home and the difference was amazing. One up with luggage is no problem even on the worst roads,including dirt tracks. I'm still on the road but if I was starting out two-up again I'd choose a bigger bike,it's just easier. Whatever, enjoy it. Nick.

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Nov 2004
Smellybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Missing, presumed fed
Posts: 295
I'm travelling with girlie in S.America on an F650GSGD.

Two-up and its a lumbering beast. The rear shock a'int up to it, its underpowered, and no fun at all.

One-up, the F650 is great, even when loaded it handles bad roads well, and thats with a standard shocks etc.

My advice, get an Africa Twin for two-up travel.

Cheers,


------------------
Last seen in S.America, missing presumed fed.
http://worldtour.overpro.co.uk
http://www.motodogging.com
__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:30.