Total Motorcycle Community Forums

If you will be riding double, please consider her comfort. On the other hand, if she is interested in riding her own, you'll be able to find some pretty nice his-and-hers bikes and still stay in budget.

Gummi has a nice list going. DH is on a Vulcan 400 now, and a friend of ours had a 1500 (?) Vulcan so I can vouch for them being solid, 2up friendly bikes. The others listed have a good rep as well, I just have no personal experience with them.

Definitly go sit on any bike you're curious about, and have your wife sit on there as we.. Picking out a bike is like picking out shoes, you want the ones that fit

Gummiente wrote:late 90's Yamaha Virago 1100

Well, Gummi's list is pretty good but through personal experience (the last three+ years) this is the only one I would stay away from. Especially if you're a bit taller than I am (5'8"). Don't get me wrong, it's a great reliable bike, still have my '95 down in the garage. It's just a tad short in the wheel base area and as such makes it a bit cramped for any sort of distance riding, even with highway pegs.

You mentioned the VStrom 650. I've always thought this was a cool bike, especially if you plan to put in some miles in a day. The engine is the same as the SV650 so, its got plenty of pep and is reliable as hell....although, you might want to go with the 1000 if you plan on taking a lot of gear with you and a pillon (I think it has a bigger tank too for longer rides). Let us know what you decide, and have fun shopping!

The C50 is my new 2nd bike so I am a little biased here. It's my second, and hopefully last!!

Sevulturus wrote:If you're looking for a bike to take a passenger with on long trips look away from the 599.

same for the Ninja 650R. Unless the rider is smaller, or is very, very good at sitting still and not letting themself slide foward into you and put all their weight on your back.

Geoff650R wrote:

Sevulturus wrote:If you're looking for a bike to take a passenger with on long trips look away from the 599.

same for the Ninja 650R. Unless the rider is smaller, or is very, very good at sitting still and not letting themself slide foward into you and put all their weight on your back.

I was thinking it's more that the seat is rock freaking hard, and the passenger accomodations are even worse!

I dunno but I am gonna eventually get a Ducati Multistrada 1100. To some an ugly bike but its a bike that is comfortable and (from what others say about it) easy to handle. Ducati.ms has a few people that ride and they say its a comfortable long term day rider. It seems someone on here rode one on a long trip like 1100 miles or something and posted about it. Although brand new is out of your price range you may be able to find a used one for about your asking price.

Sevulturus wrote:

Geoff650R wrote:

Sevulturus wrote:If you're looking for a bike to take a passenger with on long trips look away from the 599.

same for the Ninja 650R. Unless the rider is smaller, or is very, very good at sitting still and not letting themself slide foward into you and put all their weight on your back.

I was thinking it's more that the seat is rock freaking hard, and the passenger accomodations are even worse!

Pretty much - it isn't just about the comfort of the driver, but also the passenger. Just because you can put a pillion up there doesn't mean you should

To the OP, make sure you take your wife with you to sit on the bikes as well. I sat on the bikes DH was checking out to be sure "they fit", just like you do for yourself, a solo rider.

V-Stroms, Bandits, newer FZ's, Multistradas, VFR (Interceptors).. etc.

Also, check for used BMW's. They make a good bike that has a lot of function. My friend's dad has an R1150 something that is great for long trips, around town, etc. Very comfortable bike.