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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  
Old 25 Jan 2010
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two-up travel
It has got to be two-up but what is the smallest bike that will get there with the pillion still talking to me? The R series BMW seem too heavy. Would the F800 GS from BMW do a 20,000 mile trip two-up?
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Old 4 Feb 2010
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I did 3000 miles on my Yamaha FZ6 Fazer 2up last summer. Its a fairly small bike, probably a little smaller than the 800GS, but the bike handled it no problem.

The girlfriend didnt like the standard seat, and complained of having a sore arse alot, but we got a blow up pillow and she was fine.

No back pain, leg pain etc to mention really.

So, as long as the seatpad is comfortable and there is enough leg room, an 800GS would be fine im sure. When we go away again, ill be shelling out for a good quality seat or airhawk etc
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Old 4 Feb 2010
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To add: She was actually comfortable enough to read a book some of the way on the French Autoroute lol.
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Old 5 Feb 2010
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To where are you going ???
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Old 5 Feb 2010
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2 ups
I hv done 20.000 miles soo far on Africa twin 750 ,1998 , start with 20.000 miles now is 40.000 on clock with just 1 fuel pump failure at 33.000 miles and Im planing to do more 20.000 all aroud central and south ameirca.
Big Foot on 2 wheels
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Old 5 Feb 2010
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Rode two up on an RD350 ( a very small and cramped bike) from Oz to UK in 1977. Biggest problem was the pillion consistently falling asleep on the back of the bike, even in the Himalayas.

An F800 would be pure luxury by comparison, and others have done similar distances two up on Honda stepthroughs.
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Old 5 Feb 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nigel_tailyour View Post
It has got to be two-up but what is the smallest bike that will get there with the pillion still talking to me? The R series BMW seem too heavy. Would the F800 GS from BMW do a 20,000 mile trip two-up?

Where are you going?

The knee jerk reflexfor most including me is to look at dual sport options.

However, if you are sticking to tarmac routes you can choose pretty much anything, so a 600 faired road bike or tourer would be ideal. Fazers, hornets, F800ST, Bandit, etc. Enough oomph for two up, but still with ddecent economy an so on.

That said, I have bought aTransalp 600 and I think it would be great two-up also, even if high speed cruising or fast overtaking was compromised... Similarly, the DL650 or Versys if you like the Dual sport style. I would not go for a single. capable bikes, but two-up I think they are harder work...

If you are heading for dirt, then let us know what kind...
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