2 bikers on the same F650 for a travel ?

**Renaud** · #1 26 Oct 2004

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.

**mcdarbyfeast** · #2 27 Oct 2004

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.

**davidmc** · #3 27 Oct 2004

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

**Grant Johnson** · #4 27 Oct 2004

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.

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Grant Johnson

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

**greenfarmernick** · #5 9 Nov 2004

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.

**Smellybiker** · #6 10 Nov 2004

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,

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Last seen in S.America, missing presumed fed.
http://worldtour.overpro.co.uk
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