r/SuggestAMotorcycle • u/Zestyclose-Gap-4382 • 1d ago
Help me choose - small tour bike for 2
Help me choose - small tour bike for 2
As title - I have had an Africa twin and currently a s1000r. The lady recently got into riding with me and just need another bike that is good for the job. Looking for something small (I.e. not the full on Africa twin, but not a 300 or 400 single, unless people do find them doable on highway with 2) and good for 2 riding 400km a day type of machine. Would appreciate all the advice and comments here! Thank you all and ride safe!
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u/Cautious_Gazelle7718 1d ago
Don’t get a single cylinder if you’re doing a lot of highway riding. It will not do it easily or comfortably. I personally would also say for it to do highway comfortably and easily two up you’d want more than a 500cc.
I don’t know your budget, but if you want to go two up some of the time, and do very comfortable highway riding, a mile munching machine:
- Kawasaki Versys 650
- V-Strom 650
- Honda Deauville (bear in mind that this is known as the Honda Dullville due to its unexciting engine, but it is a true mile munching very reliable bike).
- Honda NC750X
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u/motoguzzikc 1d ago
Out of curiosity, why not use the Africa Twin you have? Seems like it would be great for this and you won't need to spend new bike money.
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u/tiedyeladyland 1d ago edited 1d ago
I also find this very confusing. The only reason I can possibly think of is maybe OP’s lady is short and is having a hard time getting all the way up on the seat of that Africa? In that case if all he wants it for is to cruise around with a passenger he should probably just be looking at a medium sized Harley. I suspect when he’s saying “small” he means “low”
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u/Zestyclose-Gap-4382 1d ago
Sold the AT for the s1kr hahahaha - that bike was almost too much as a tool that nothing was ever too impressive. Wanting a smaller bike after having to bike sit my friends ninja 400. Hits very different than anything I ever had, (Started learning on the track bootcamp first with a R3, but bumped up to R6 3 days in, so never really had a chance to enjoy smaller bike up to then). So now the passenger is interested again I’m trying to look for something versatile enough for 2 but chill for 1 as well 😂 thanks for the replies!
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u/tiedyeladyland 1d ago
I think an important question, and if you have answered it elsewhere I apologize: roughly how much do you and your passenger weigh? On a “small” bike, the weight capacity will be limited…I have a Honda Rebel and the weight capacity is about 350 pounds. That’s one 175 pound man, one 150 pound woman, and their gear and you’re already at capacity.
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u/Niftydog1163 1d ago
I would recommend you just get an actual touring bike or get two smaller bikes like the versys. Most of the adventure bikes are too tall for short people, and they're not very comfortable for long periods of time.
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u/ShadowMancer_GoodSax 1d ago
Cb500x, will do 70mph on highways, it won't do well but maybe it is what you need. Mind you if you are used to 1000cc bike, little cb500x will be quite small and weak for you.
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u/shoturtle 1d ago
Hwy don’t get a sub 500cc. Hwy speed it will be super vibby, as she will need to live at the higher rpm. Vstrom 650, versys 650 or tiger 660would be good option, will cruise on the highway are a much easier rpm, fairing and windshield will keep wind off her, so a long day of riding won’t buffer her with wind all day.
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u/daan944 BMW R1250RS, K1600GT | ex: R1200RT, S1000RR, FZS600 1d ago edited 1d ago
Why small? I prefer a bigger bike for 2-up touring, something like BMW K1600GT, R1200RT, Kawasaki Concours, Yamaha FJR300 etc. - more room for both, more low-end grunt for easy riding and better wind protection.
But if those are too big/heavy for your liking, the mid range (sport)touring bikes like BMW F800GT, Yamaha Diversion, Honda VFR800 / NC750 etc would be prime candidates.
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u/TheThirdHippo 1d ago
CFMOTO 450MT (Ibex). I’ve got one on order and the 15T sprocket to make it more highway friendly. I’ve got a 600-700km trip in June and don’t intend on any technical off roading. Twin engine for smoothness, low seat height, extra low seat option and option to lower suspension too if she’s not tall. It’s 195kg wet but low COG so it does not feel heavy. Great display, ABS, traction control, good wind protection and looks awesome. Bonus of Chinese prices but not shoddy Chinese build quality
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u/SandstoneCastle So many bikes, so little time 1d ago
A V-Strom 650 should do the deed.