MZ Skorpion
 

If you can find one with not to much mileage then you have found a great two up tourer.
While it is an MZ the engine is the Yamaha 660 - tough as they come, and most of the cycle parts are Ducati based, and of decent quality.
Tooks ours to Spain two up camping and no problems. Carried all the kit, 60 mpg.
It has been the to Ireland and the length and breadth of the UK. A comfy bike, especially if you are short in the leg.
Bit long in the tooth for big time touring these days, but still have the bike and still go out two up.
Just fit the 43 tooth sprocket rather than the default 39 tooth. What you loose in fast cruising you gain in all round tractability.
And the handling - well frame was designed by Ticraft in the UK, well that is the bike, designed in Britain, built in Germany, Japanese motor, Italian and Japanese bits.

The DL650 is a great bike, and good 2 up, I rode across Nevada and Utah on my DL1000 with a couple 2 up on a DL650, they stayed right with me even though I was riding at 80-85 mph all day.

Dying to know the answer to this question
 

Hi all,

Right before I saw this threat, I posted a similar post looking for suggestions for the best 2-up bike that wont break the bank like the GS 1200 does. After reading this threat, I still havent found any answers. I am considering buying a KLR 650 and making a go with that as a 2-upper (my wife will be joining me for parts of my 6 mo US to South America journey) but am concerned that it wont be sufficiently powerful or comfortable. I dont care that much about speed but I would like the ability to accelerate in a pinch if I need to.

All suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

IMO the KLR 650 will be fine for two up touring.

If,
You're not a Big Couple

You don't travel fast

You want to tour instead of putting a lot of miles per day on.

My Wife and I ride my KLR 2up quite often. We normally just run 30-40 back road miles around our house.

Put a 14 tooth sprocket on the front and a heavy rear spring on the rear and you will have a cheap,dependable ride. IMO :thumbup1: