I am seeking new ideas for a motorcycle for my next extended trip and this time I want to setup the bike specifically with passengers in mind.

Background:

Beginning in 2011, I traveled 3 years on a KLR650, riding solo Alaska to Argentina and across Europe. I am from the USA but now I have made world travel a permanent lifestyle (yes, 8 years and counting) but have been with a backpack for a long time. I feel it will soon be time to ride again. I love the KLR as a travel bike but recognize it also has limitations and at the end of the day travel is what I love and the bike is my means to that end.

Purchase Location: Europe
Possible Travel Destinations: Africa and/or Russia/Mongolia/etc.

I will initially store the bike somewhere in East Europe to use locally before I head out on one of the above bigger trips. Once I set out on a longer trip, it would not surprise me if I am on the bike for 3+ years exploring the world.


My style of riding:

• This bike will be deliberately setup to be able to take along a passenger. Maybe for the entire duration (a year or more), maybe only a month or two, maybe people I meet along the way. Depends on who I meet.
• I avoid highways.
• I love dirt roads.
• I have no problem with technical dirt riding though I don't seek it out when traveling. That said, I took my fully loaded KLR to some remarkable places I should probably not have gone alone with a fully loaded bike.
• With a passenger, I stay with more comfortable civilized roads but still enjoy seeking out dirt.
• Luggage: Probably MotoBags semi-rigid panniers. Maybe a hard case top-box.
• Speed is fun but mostly I ride slowly and stop frequently.
• I prefer doing my own maintenance and enjoy making modifications to my bike. No problem with extensive modifications.
• I don't need to look pretty.
• I prefer an inexpensive bike but will consider one of the expensive ones with a compelling reason.
• A smaller bike would be nice, but passenger comfort is an important consideration this time.
• I will probably not carry camping gear.

A few notes:

One option which stands out is the Honda CB500X with a Rally Raid kit, but I am concerned it may feel too small and under-powered to be comfortable with a passenger (especially as I am tall, 186cm / 6'1") and luggage.

Years ago I had considered a KTM as they are reportedly comfortable 2-UP yet remarkably capable on dirt compared to the size. Except I don't like the difficult maintenance and the high price leads me to suspect I can find a better value.

An Africa Twin 750 was another option I looked at previously, if I can find one still in good condition with low mileage.

I have considered going more towards a street focus (rather than dirt) because I want this to be a passenger comfortable bike. But ... I do love those dirt roads!

I am really trying to approach this with no preconceptions. Suggest anything which you think might suit my described riding style.

Any ideas? What might I look at that I have not considered?

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Traveling The World Since: 2011
Blog: The Seductive Life (General Travel)