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Cheap, comfy, practical two-up bike? Cheap, comfy, practical two-up bike?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  • 1 Post By mollydog

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  #1  
Old 24 Aug 2014
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@mollydog Two-up is the only way to go for the immediate future anyway. Like you say two bikes is twice the expense. Down the line definitely though. And whatever about kids, there'll be no SUV, it'll be a 4WD camper at that stage!

Quote:
Originally Posted by robson View Post
Have you consider honda crosstourer or maybe new transalp as it shows up?
Hadn't heard anything stand-outish about the Crosstourer, there's also not many of them around or at an affordable price. The Transalp could definitely be an option though, what particular year/version were you thinking about? How would it compare to the V-Strom?
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  #2  
Old 24 Aug 2014
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Originally Posted by preachan View Post
The Transalp could definitely be an option though, what particular year/version were you thinking about? How would it compare to the V-Strom?
the year they stopped transalp was I guess 2012 so you could buy used one although I heard not so many for sale, got to be a good bike.

v-storm as I said is top heavy making slow speed maneuvers tricky. That feature alone disqualifies bike for me. Besides I like spokes on transalp.
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  #3  
Old 27 Oct 2014
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!
if you think a V-Strom is boring, you're not riding it right!.

imagine you just robbed a bank and the cops are chasing you, then you will see how capable and fun it can be


V-Strom, embaressing sport bikes for 10 years
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  #4  
Old 27 Oct 2014
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I don know about the prices in Oz but here in the Netherlands, you can get a very good BMW K100 or K75 for a bargain. Very good reliable bikes and very well suited for two-up riding.
If you don't care for lots of chrome or fancy "adventure" style, it is a very good choice.

Another option is a older GoldWing. I bought my very well maintained GL1200 with less then 60000 miles for about € 2000 and this is the kind of bike your girlfriend will sit very comfortable and you will have plenty of luggage room.

If you want to ride a lot on dirt roads, the BMW may be a better choice but for tarmac, I love riding my GoldWIng.
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Old 28 Oct 2014
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Unless you plan a lot of riding on dirt consider a Yamaha TDM. Dead reliable ,cheap 2nd hand and your pillion will thank you.
On dirt I'd go with the vstrom. How you ride it is what makes them exciting.
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Old 28 Oct 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by island Doug View Post
Unless you plan a lot of riding on dirt consider a Yamaha TDM. Dead reliable ,cheap 2nd hand and your pillion will thank you. On dirt I'd go with the vstrom. How you ride it is what makes them exciting.
I traded in my TDM when I got my Vstrom. I put about 30K miles on my TDM, all year riding on California roads. No comparison really.

First off ... the TDM is a torture rack two up compared to the Vstrom. Vstrom has better seat, has more room for two, handles better, is faster and stops better. Also fantastic when loaded with luggage. Very easy to load up.

The NEW DL1000 is especially good ... but many many well set up used Vstroms around too for cheap. I recommend the 1000 over the 650 for two up. Ridden BOTH bikes a lot, owned two DL1000's.

My TDM was reliable but really a poor handling bike. Not easy to work on. Also, the 17" X 17" Tires means no Off Road. Scary off road (I did it on mine). The Stroms all have 19" front wheels so TKC80 knobbies can be fit ... They transform the Vstrom ... it's actually pretty good on dirt roads, and a great LD touring bike.
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Old 28 Oct 2014
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Hi,
I think the V Strom will be good. Strong, good seats and easy to handle.

Djin
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Old 28 Oct 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VicMitch View Post
if you think a V-Strom is boring, you're not riding it right!.
imagine you just robbed a bank and the cops are chasing you, then you will see how capable and fun it can be

V-Strom, embaressing sport bikes for 10 years
Don't be too hard on the guy Vic, it's obvious he's never ridden a Strom. I owned two of them, put 90K on one. Many severe trips to Baja, Copper Canyon and beyond. Lots more off road than recommended. My DL1000 never missed a beat and DID embarrass a lot of sport bikes ... and positively ATE big GS's for lunch. Many many 10 hour, 400 mile days, over and over and over. Boring?
To the Brits and the inexperienced, maybe. But as you know, in the USA it's one of THE most popular ADV bikes on the road in the last 10 years. (DL1000 and DL650)

I bought a Tiger 1050 just to break the monotony of owning a bike that never had a problem and rarely needed service.
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