Smallest cruiser to safely do two up with...

[4dtvman]

I have an Suzuki LC1500 (Before C90) and we just did 1300 trip in 6 days 4 days of 300 miles rides and of course 150 worth of cloths that she brought with her. And after 8 hours of riding I was beat. With all that extra weight I'm not sure a 800 would work good since some of the riding was white Moutains of NH and Mohawk trail in Mass.

[davetnn]

Shush..... I have worked very hard to convince my wife the only bike that can do two up safely are the large HD's... or goldwings .. I love my C50 and enjoy just tooling around by my lonesome ...so far she has bought the idea

[dcstrng]

Even after almost five decades of riding I’m still not sure what a cruiser is other than the fascination of some ad-exec…

If yer talking about a road machine that must carry some serious weight, then low RPM torque is the name of the game, not insurance – try 1200ccs and up for regular lugging of 400-500#s… If you don’t mind rowing the gearbox regularly then, yer talking horsepower and there are tolerable bikes from about 500cc on up that will get the job done for awhile…

But -- bikes and riders that are mismatched for each other, and the job they’re expected to do, eventually avoid one another… an insured bike sitting in the garage is about the same as no bike at all…

[4dtvman]

Originally Posted by dcstrng

Even after almost five decades of riding I’m still not sure what a cruiser is other than the fascination of some ad-exec…

If yer talking about a road machine that must carry some serious weight, then low RPM torque is the name of the game, not insurance – try 1200ccs and up for regular lugging of 400-500#s… If you don’t mind rowing the gearbox regularly then, yer talking horsepower and there are tolerable bikes from about 500cc on up that will get the job done for awhile…

But -- bikes and riders that are mismatched for each other, and the job they’re expected to do, eventually avoid one another… an insured bike sitting in the garage is about the same as no bike at all…

Very well said, about the best advice i've heard on this subject.

Sir I salute you.

[MoonRunner]

You mention 450 lbs. You need to look at the GVWR rating of any bike you are considering. Sure some of the GVWR rating is lawyer talk covering the manufacturers butt, but some of that rating is design data, such as frame strength, tire load ratings, braking capability and horsepower to weight ratios for the motor. Even the mighty Gold Wing is only designed to carry a few over 400 lb loads, but it is made to do it on a regular interval and long distances. The Yamaha V-star 650 GVWR claims it can handle 382 lbs but will it sustain that load at 70 MPH freeway speeds and stop it all in a safe distance or accelerate onto a busy on ramp safely? Or tolerate a 40 mph crosswind at speed? I wouldn't test the limit on a regular basis. Not with a 450 lb load and any one who thinks different is an accident waiting to happen. There are 500cc and 650cc bikes that put out more horsepower and have stronger braking but not these little V-Twins. They are better suited for solo and limited two up riding. They are not two-up touring bikes. I realize many may take exception to my thoughts on this but the man did mention 450 lb loads so let's be realistic here. My opinions are based on around 1/2 million miles of cruising on various bikes and 9 years as a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Instructor/Rider Coach. But they are just that:my opinions.
If you are only going two-up very occasionally, not too far, and are avoiding busy high speed traffic areas when two-up, then perhaps a 650 is for you. If you alone weigh over 250 lbs I think you would be safer and enjoy 800cc bikes more. If riding any significant mileage then be aware that normally the bigger the motor the less rpm is required to maintain highway speeds. Less rpm normally means less buzzing/vibration transmitted through the bars and pegs equating to a less tiring ride. Your average heavy touring cruiser is only churning about 2850 rpm at 70 mph. Some even less. The Yamaha 650 is spinning about 4250 rpm at 60 mph. The 70 mph buzz would be very tiring.

[wildwolf]

The summer before my senior year, I rode a Honda 250 a lot with a girl on the back to the lake for some sun & fun. It was about an 80 mile round trip with some nice twisties.

[dcstrng]

The summer before my senior year, I rode a Honda 250 a lot with a girl on the back to the lake for some sun & fun. It was about an 80 mile round trip with some nice twisties.


AND...?

[wildwolf]

Oh, no...you want some of those stories outta me, you gotta buy me some beer first.

[jfrd65]

I have a kawasaki 900 custom that does great 2up with about 400 lbs on it. the only thing is the seat is too small for the mrs....so i am having a friend redo the original seat to make it longer and a little wider. but if you are looking at a 900 classic or classic lt then you shouldn't have any problems....the 900 rides like a 1300 or 1100, it has pretty good power. all my friends that own a honda 1300 have ridden my 900 and thought it was every bit as torquey(sp) as their 1300's.

[jkersh]

We had about 400lbs on my rebel going 2up. I wouldn't recommends it but it was doable. Topped out at around 60 and was real bouncy. If riding 2up be sure to adjust your preload to accommodate.

[baltimorebayside]

I have a 1992 Honda 750 Nighthawk......for me it has plenty of power for what I use it for....I weigh 215lbs, don't know what my wife weighs?? She won't tell me....

My bike has a payload capacity of 365lbs...minus my weight, leaves 150lbs for an additional passenger......wet weight of the bike itself is 500lbs.

It's Old-School, so you don't sit like a cruiser, but I only take shorts rides on it...I am planning a 70 mile ride soon (that's long for me).

If I had my way $$$$$ I'd sell the 750 and buy a Suzuki C50T fully dressed.

But with myself and wife on I had plenty of power in 5th gear....no problem.

good_Shot pictures from motorcycles photos on webshots

Here's a nice shot of it...WebShots is screwed up again, so you have to scroll down.

dan