Bike for longer pillion rides, but still exciting ?

[Hungrymc]

Hi all, I’m starting to look for a bike to use for some longer days out with a pillion. I’d like something that’s fun to throw around while also being reasonably comfortable for the passenger.

I’m sure that the larger adventure bikes are the ‘right’ type of bike for this use but I can’t quite get my head around such tall, big bikes. I’m looking at sporty tourers as well but there isn’t half as much choice compared to the adventure bikes.

Anyone got experience of both types ? Things like VFR1200 and S1000XR ? I’m wondering if some of these road focused adventure bikes are actually better fun than the older sports tourers as they’re much more developed ?

[MrGman]

I’ve not ridden one but surely you can’t rule out the superduke gt?

[KTMsm]

Depends what you call exciting really but you could do worse than:

Ducati Multistrada 1200
BMW S1000XR Sport
KTM 1190 Adventure

[Hungrymc]

They all seem like good calls.

I’m just struggling with the idea of such upright bikes for riding quicker. I know they’re very capable, but I’m used to feeling a bit more over the front wheel.

I guess the answer is to try and get some time on them to see if I get on with them (when things are a bit more normal)I just suspect I’ll feel more at home on VFR / ZZR type bike.

[KTMsm]

Hungrymc said:

I’m just struggling with the idea of such upright bikes for riding quicker. I know they’re very capable, but I’m used to feeling a bit more over the front wheel.

I'm coming from the other direction, I have a KTM 950SM and recently bought a CBR600 - in my first ride I thought what's the benefit of being uncomfortable and with a worse view of the road ?

I'm hoping it makes sense on track (which was why I bought it)

[FezSpider]

Hungrymc said:

I guess the answer is to try and get some time on them to see if I get on with them (when things are a bit more normal)I just suspect I’ll feel more at home on VFR / ZZR type bike.

The best bike that I owned for taking a pillion was a ZZR 1100. Never had a more comfortable bike for a passenger.
Not had any experience with the ZZR 12/14 but I reckon they might be a similar experience.

[nordboy]

The VFR 1200 is undoubtedly one of the worst motorcycles I have ever ridden! I can honestly say there is nothing I could say I like about it.
And for longer trips, you need to ride one for a while, after half an hour I’m in serious pain.

S1000xr is good, if you haven’t got short legs, they’re quite tall. Yamaha Tracer 900 is nice to ride, and surprisingly swift when required.

Not sure about a pillion, but the BMW 1250 rs is probably the bike I’d spend my own money on now. Great all rounder, all day comfy and, i’m not a bmw boxer engine fan, but the 1250 boxer is lovely.

[croyde]

KTMsm said:

I'm coming from the other direction, I have a KTM 950SM and recently bought a CBR600 - in my first ride I thought what's the benefit of being uncomfortable and with a worse view of the road ?

I'm hoping it makes sense on track (which was why I bought it)

I was always thinking that on my road bicycles so I got rid and bought a Brompton as I liked the upright position, good for in traffic.

Why oh why after testing a standard Brompton did I spec one with the low flat bars.

I'm a dick.

[Max5476]

The Kawasaki ZZR1400 has a good pillion accommodation, without losing the more sporty riding position you are used to.

[Se7enheaven]

Had a 1200 Multistrada and now have a S1000XR 2016 MY. Wife prefers being pillion on the XR. It’s a fantastic bike IMO. Goes like stink , tips into corners beautifully. No low down fuelling issues.

[black-k1]

My suggestions would be.

VFR1200
Blackbird
VFR800
ZZR1400
H2 SX SE
K1300S

Budget will play a big part but my money would go on a K1300S or a ZZR1400

[crusty]

ZZR1400 are so so cheap right now, I sold mine fairly recently and know there is not much appetite for them on the used market.

I saw a 2012 one go for just over £4k on ebay recently

[anonymous-user]

Max5476 said:

The Kawasaki ZZR1400 has a good pillion accommodation, without losing the more sporty riding position you are used to.

They are good, heavy beasts though. I’m thinking of trading mine in for a Multistrada.

[Iminquarantine]

Yamaha FJR. Big passenger seat. Lots of grunt.

Just make sure you have your rear suspension greased so it doesn’t collapse....

[Rushjob]

wormus said:

They are good, heavy beasts though. I’m thinking of trading mine in for a Multistrada.

The Multi is a very capable long distance tourer, definitely not lacking in performance and according to Mrs RJ ( the bike had the comfort seat fitted ) it was the most comfortable pillion seat she'd ever been on and that was after a 1700 mile Euro trip.

[HairyMaclary]

Z1000sx

Fjr1300.

Africa twin.

[2wheelsjimmy]

Used to do long hauls with my wife on ktm 990 smt, we had a big givi trekker topbox which she could lean against and doze off.
Fit a topbox would be my advice.

[Sidecar Man]

Zzr 1400 Awesome Bike Quick and handles fairly well. Good enough for a Thursday night thrash
But Luggaged up Panniers Top box ,Tank bag. 650 miles in a day Two up to the Milau Bridge. Wife said she was fine.

[sociopath]

Loved my fjr1300, and could make serious progress, but my bmw adventure was imbo a better bike for me.better wt dealing with crap surfaces, more suspension travel, more luggage and pillion space, and still went like stink.

The low cog made manoeuvring easy too.

But both bikes managed east london to lands end non-stop (except for a fuel stop) and in neither case did we get off and think never again.

[spareparts]

Nothing better for fun 2-up riding than the 1250GS. Physical comfort for the passenger is ace. Self-levelling suspension adapts and keeps handling ideal for the rider. Wide bars helps keep handling steady 2-up. Short gearing and 1250 tree-stump-pulling torque keeps things fun.