Looking for bike models for 2-up riding & commuting

[keeena]

I'm looking to get bike suited for 2-up & commute riding (35 mi 1-way, 1/2 highway, 1/2 secondary highways/town roads). I'd like to spend under $3500 (so keep year in mind). Standard/more upright riding position, passenger seat w/ grab bar, optional luggage, etc...

I found a Kawi ZRX1100 today - this is about the closest I've seen that might meet my needs. What other models would be well suited? I'm a little biased against having a completely decked out touring bike, but don't hesitate to recommend. I know opinions vary...I can look up reviews online. I just want to get some models to help start my search.

[bigred875]

in your price range
bandit1200
vfr
concours
st1000
fz1 maybe
zr7s
fj
older bmw
maybe a tl?

i'd jsut keep an any out on craigslist....

[bigred875]

TL 1000 S suzuki
1985 K100RT BMW TOURING BIKE IN GREAT SHAPE!!
kawasaky zx11
96 TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 TOURING FULL FEARING WINDSHIELD!
1991 BMW K100RS
1997 KAWASAKI NINJA ZX11
1993 BMW K1100 LT 4 cyl

[beet]

If I was looking for a bike I would try & find a tiger.

[beet]

TLS sux 2up I bet the tl has stock rear sup.

[keeena]

Thanks BigRed!!! That just the kind of info I'm looking for (e.g. just supply model names...I can look up pics, reviews, ads...)

BMW (all of the samples you indicated) -> not for me. Looks dated. Same w/ the Yamaha FJ.

ZR7S, ZX11, FZ1, Z1000, ZRX1100 -> I'm familiar w/ these...they may be a little more sport oriented than what I want. But they are contenders.

Bandit, Concours, ST1000 -> perfect examples...I don't know anything about those models.

TL? Joking, right? Besides, I already have one.

[RandyO]

V-Strom, you can prolly find an early one in your price range, detuned TL motor, upright ergonomics, grab bar on the back is one of the most functional I've seen, a ton of aftermarket support, luggage, etc.

[TheIglu]

Concours.

[DucDave]

Honda CBR1100xx Blackbird. Throw on a set of Heli Bars and Corbin Seat and Beetle Bags and you have yourself one sweet sport tour...

[mikeb]

Concours.

+1

bullet proof and out of the box it does everything you describe perfectly. older examples in your price range are around.

[Origin]

I have a yzf600r. It seems like it would be something you are looking for. Comfortable seat, good wind protection, a nice long seat for a passenger and it has the handles on the side of the tail, great gas mileage and it has a nice riding position..its pretty upright. The prices of them seem to stay fairly low and they are reliable. They are pretty heavy but have great handling, great brakes and they are still pretty powerful if you ever feel the need to test its performance.

[TheIglu]

Concours is shaft drive. Make sure the bike has oil in the engine and air in the tires and just click the miles away.

[OreoGaborio]

I usually do not pose for this type of thing, but I can probably assist you.

[Kurlon]

An older Ducati ST will give you something that can wick it up on the track or in the twisties, but allow for one or two up week long road trips with luggage when your schedule allows.

Oh, and I'm a bit biased, I do own an ST3. : )

[KillBill]

Comparison Test - 10 Sport-Touring Motorcycles - Popular Mechanics

[Crash Dummy Denno]

I usually do not pose for this type of thing, but I can probably assist you.

I actually thought that too when I read it!

[katana0215]

katana750

[keeena]

I usually do not pose for this type of thing, but I can probably assist you.

Usually keep up with the shenanigans on this site, but this one went over my head. ??

[ChR1s]

99 Kawasaki Concours

[xrocket21]

Im commuting 70 miles a day round trip on my RC51, STOCK SEAT (sooooo hard) but I wouldnt recommed it!

[stoinkythepig]

I have a 21 year old Concours with 103,000 miles that you can take for a spin if you want. It runs like new. They are very reliable, comfortable (two up too), and easy to maintain. I find that it augments a sport bike perfectly. Mine has Race tech cartridge emulators and springs in the forks. The stock forks internals suck and Race Tech really transofrms the handling in bumpy corners. It handles shockingly well for such a big bike.

I have to second Randy on the V-Strom. Those are great bikes. I'd have one if I wished to own another bike right now.

[keeena]

I have to second Randy on the V-Strom. Those are great bikes. I'd have one if I wished to own another bike right now.

Yeah, I had no idea about V-Strom. I like the idea of 2 twins in the garage. Thanks for the offer on the test-ride.

Thanks again guys for all the input...i definitely have a few models that I'm searching for now.

[keeena]

I usually do not pose for this type of thing, but I can probably assist you.

AHHHH, now I get it. I'm a retard. But yes, once I get a sport-tour, you're welcome to ride nut-to-butt...

[mzdagrl]

I second the YZF600. Rob has one of these, and while heavy, they get fantastic gas mileage (I think he gets about 220 miles to a tank), and they are super comfy for both driver and passenger. In the rare event we go 2up, we take the YZF because it is so much better than the SV for it. Plus, it isn't a full-blown sport-tourer and they haven't really changed since 1997, so you can find them for cheap.