Best two up bike

[rocket ron]

A friend of mine asked me to ask this forum what is the the best 2 up bke for rtw or any other type of touring?

[John Ferris]

I would say a mid size bike. At least 50HP
Any major brand but the model should have been out for several years and have been sold worldwide. You want parts to be available any where you go. Sometimes new models are only sold in one area and parts distribution may be slow.
Check on the specifications to see the load limits, gross weight versus unladen weight (with full tank).
Fuel range - tank size, MPG.
Also you would like a lot of Afermarket parts available. Bigger tanks, saddle bags, tank bags, aftermarket seats.
Search on the internet for forums about adventure riding, touring, RTW.
I would not get a big bike - Goldwing, BMW LT, etc. You want to be able to push and pull the bike if need be.
I am an old guy and I like old style bikes like the BMW R100GS, R100R. But they have been out of production for several years.
John

[rocket ron]

Thank you, for the advice! It is good advice. Does anybody else have any more advice or a favorite 2 up bike and why?

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Rocket

[Simon Kennedy]

The answer is simple: the smallest bike you can be comfortable on.

[mcdarbyfeast]

I agree with all the above comments.

I would add that it's important to get something that you actually like. I rode an R100GS on our trip this year. I didn't particularly like the bike, but thought it was the best bike for the trip we were intending to do. There was nothing wrong with the machine, I just never felt at home on it.

When we set of again I will use my favourite bike, an Africa Twin. I feel comfortable on this model and confident that it has the performance, fuel economy, load carrying ability (two up with luggage)and reliability to cope with any trip we are likely to undertake. I'm also confident that I can handle it in any situation that I'm likely to find myself in.

This purely my personal view and there are as many arguments for taking or not taking any particular model you may consider.

[iswoolley]

Get one with two seats.

[ekaphoto]

The best bike is the one you have My understanding is that in most third world countries the roads are less than wonderful, so you are usually travelling at a low speed. Looking at that you wouldnt need a powerful bike. In fact the extra weight that comes with the power would be a hinderance in that case. This is only a guess from what I read on this site and other blogs. I would be intrested to hear what people that have been there and done that have to say.

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John