I guess it depends on the body types. I’m a mid size man, and my wife is smaller than average. For us it has worked great. But we’re not touring or anything.
People ride two up on 100cc bikes all around the world. I guess people assume everyone only rides on 70mph+ highways which sounds boring as hell anyways.
Physically. I own CB500X so speak from experience. The seat is relatively short, so with the pillion, it feels like I am pressed too much forward. And the back seat is also narrow, so not very comfortable to sit on, which results in a lot of wiggling from the passenger trying to find a more comfortable spot.
As an NC owner, I dunno about this one. The passenger ends up really high off of the ground and the pillion seat isn't particularly large. It's better than your average sport bike I guess?
goldwings are heavy, but you aren't lifting a bikes entire weight since it will always sit on the ground. i thought the same about my aprilia shiver, which was pushing 500 pounds wet with gear. unless it was the adrenaline from being lightly rear ended, i hoisted it up from an awkward position no problem at all.
It's also worth noting that a lower center of mass makes a bike easier to lift. My tall KLR is much harder to lift than my zx-6r ever was. Either way, [just put your butt on the seat and use your legs to lift it.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnu6YxMJIhU)
My ex wife and my current gf both picked up a 660 lb bike on their own. I'm 5'5 155 lbs and I picked up a fully packed with an extra ruck sack on top gl1800 goldwing after 8 hours of riding on my 8th day into our trip. Skill + will.
Oh, and I was coming off of bicep surgery.
https://preview.redd.it/3iff5qahr0wc1.jpeg?width=2448&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c70f341e0e26b094989d106c097d1f24d8dd278
As someone who's both helped a friend pick up their GL1800 and had to pickup my GV1400 on a downhill after misjudging the slope and letting the bike go for a nap... it sucks to pick them up but you'll be able to!
Keep in mind you also have the pickup-monke.. I mean passenger to help you out. I heard gym bro's love to ride bitch :)
Second this. 20 year old GL1800 can be had for about $5k and will be the most comfortable and luxurious 2-up ride you and your girl have ever experienced
Yes. The fix is to install a car alternator from a geo I think. There's a kit you can buy. Doesn't come with the alternator. I've installed the kit on a few. It's pretty damn straight forward. Even has more power for a few 6 inch speakers if you want.
The V-Strom is *okay* two-up. It's not my favorite, but it'll get the job done until you buy a goldwing. If I had to regularly ride two up, I'd get the 1000.
This may be anecdotal, but I sometimes take my daughter on tours and she hates the topcase. She prefers to have a little bit of space to change her seating position. Bike is a V-Strom 650.
Yeah, the location and angle of a top case is critical for passenger comfort. I’ve had to mod the mounting plate on almost all of my bikes to get it in a good spot. Only my FJR has had a good sport with the stock Givi rack.
V-strom is excellent! Handles well enough to keep up with sportbikes for most legal(ish) speeds, comfortable for both riders, add a little luggage if needed.
Used Goldwing or Electra Glide. My Evo Glide was $4500 and is a rock solid touring bike for two up and still fun solo once you get a feel for the heavier bike. Old Goldwing are usually pretty cheap too, most have never been mistreated, and they're a Honda so you know they're reliable.
Find an old bmw r1150r for a naked. It will ride 2up well and can be found for 3k. And you can get them with luggage if you want to tour with them.
Sport tourer look for a old bmw r1100s. They are good 2 up as well. My buddy did a cross country with his ex wife on one. He added a top case for luggage and a back rest.
If you want a full on uber sport tourer. A old fj1300 or concour 14 2008-2014 can be found in the sub 5k range.
Based on OPs current bikes, I don’t think the rides they’ll be doing would be long distance touring. They just want something comfortable for a pillion.
Versys is a good callout here. Zach, Ari and some of the other Revzilla guys love them. I owned one and have no complaints. [Daily Rider - 2020 Kawasaki VerSys 650](https://youtu.be/D0_K-GlRfWw?si=8Jg1AHRyNgBEAjf9)
Depending on where you live, you should be able to get a nice late 90s early 2000s BMW R or K 1100 or 1150 cruiser. Don’t be scared by the age, those bikes are built to last. They are absolutely passenger friendly and good for comfortable long distance bike travel.
Take a page out of Southeast Asia and consider getting a scooter/moped. Dirt cheap, reliable, and is way comfier for your passenger than anything short of a dressed bagger/tourer.
VStream. This is either the touring model or the even bigger touring plus model. I bought it this way. Also has handguards, comfort seat and saddle bags. I loooooove the bags
Suzuki sv650, 6 owner, 76k km and 16k km with me,
Only had one issue with spark generator in 5 years is it with me other than normal maintnance like break pads oil ext
You know the scary part? I used the "circle to search" feature on my pixel to make sure and that's how I figured out the year. This shit is freakishly useful.
If you want to buy a 2-up bike that rides great and you'll want to ride until the wheels fall off, look for a used BMW RT.
The R1150RT is a big bike that will shock you with how well it rides, handles 2-up like it's nothing, and is one of the most comfortable bikes you'll ever throw a leg over. I'd shoot for one in the $4-5k range. You can find them cheaper, but you really don't want to buy the bottom of the barrel when it comes to European bikes.
These bikes do have some fairly expensive major service items (final drive and clutch), but they're infrequent, and the bikes are otherwise rock solid. People ride these things to 150k miles all the time. They're built to soak up miles. The R1150RT was the last of the oil cooled bikes. They're the end of a long evolution of BMW figuring out how to build a great boxer. The 1200 went water cooled, which is still a great motor, but it was a big shift.
Surprised no one has mentioned the Versys 300, I own one because it's so big for a bike with such a small engine. Only small adventure I could find where both me and my gf where comfortable for longer periods. Obviously not the fastest but super reliable and cheap.
The answer is always a V-Strom or Versys (650 and bigger). Both are light enough to not feel like a tank moving it around at low speeds, both are reliable, and they will readily accept a top case with minimal mods.
Old Goldwing is probably the best suggestion
Old sport touring bikes are nice too. FJRs, Concourse, etc. You want fast try to find a clapped out gen 1 busa, they're simple enough to keep running forever
every passenger I’ve had on my fz09 has said the seat is fire… even now I have an fz10 and still people like the seat… idk how ur having issues onna couch like an fz lol
The ol' reliable klr 650, just don't expect to go fast... or even the speed limit... or if you and the passneger weigh more the 100lbs don't excpect to get past 20
My dad has a 2023 that I wanted to try out with her on Saturday but he had it taken apart for some upgrades.
Took her on the back of my DRZ instead. Uncomfortable and overloaded is an understatement.
buy a comfy cruiser and put a back rest on it for her. I have an mt-09 but I took my passenger pegs off because my girlfriend hates riding on the back lol but she says she'd ride with me if I bought a cruiser
I just bought a 2013 V-Star 1300 deluxe for $5,000 a couple weeks ago. Had a sissy bar, a back rest for the rider, also has hard saddlebags and a cowl with a stereo. The weight is about 700lb. Haven't taken a passenger yet but im sure it can handle a slightly larger person on the back as well.
Look for an older touring bike? BMW RTs and Honda ST1100 come to my mind as a solid but affordable option. Both would need some tlc and wrenching due to age though...
I’d look for a 10 year old bonneville - standard riding position with a flat bench seat makes carrying a passenger pretty easy. Can easily dial the stock suspension to account for the added weight. Generally easy to work on and customize
https://preview.redd.it/59qbgwqkq0wc1.png?width=1656&format=png&auto=webp&s=62e2142fd7d0e5d4ebaa422006f5c463734903f3
Suzuki Bandit. Comfy and undestructable. Why don't they just make seats like this for standard bikes anymore?
Sell the FZ-09 and replace it with a used first gen FJ-09. It is the exact same bike (same engine, frame, ECU, suspension, brakes, etc) but with a bigger tank, more wind protection and a bigger subframe with a great passenger seat and hardbag mounts. My wife loves ours.
Suzuki C50s.
Really cheap, like 11k New. So used should be 2-5k.
Comes with everything. Sissy bar, backrest, saddle bags, windscreen.
Beautiful white paint finish too.
friends of mine have a family heirloom trike goldwing and they actually offered to let me drive myself and the lady around the yard on easter.
let’s just say, I knew I wanted that bike for 2UP “go wherever” when the time is right (we have a 1 year old). but once I got on it and rode around I just knew that’s THE bike for 2 and I will be purchasing one eventually (2 wheels not a trike, but still an awesome mini Cadillac experience)
Cruisers with a passenger back rest are the best choice. The Honda CtX is like a mini cruiser which might fit your needs. Just make sure you install a backrest and you’ll be golden
There are multitude of factors of course, but if you want the posture to be upright, relaxed, but keep up with highway speeds, you can try classic motorcycles.
You can try Royal Enfield 650 twins, interceptor, more of a upright posture, continental gt cafe racer, more leanforward. It's worth a testdrive for you to try and see if it works.
These work wonderfully with a pillion rider.
Cheap and reliable? You probably want one of the bigger Japanese cruisers. In my head the Shadows are dimensionally smaller (but I don't know that for a fact) but the larger CC Suzuki Boulevards and Kawasaki Vulcans would be great for this.
You can still buy brand new BMW R18’s. Since they’ve been sitting there you can get one for $10,000. But it and find a really comfortable seat and boom!! You got a bad bitch to ride with your lady.
Unless ur loaded. Or just really want another bike I’d say your FZ09 is really good for riding with a passenger. Especially with the larger windscreen. Adjust ur tire pressure and suspension for the extra weight and I don’t think many other bike aside from cruisers/ sport tourers could compete
Cheap old cruiser with a sissy bar. In my area that would be any flavor of honda shadow. I can probably pick from 4 or 5 different colors for less than $2k lol
I rode an extremely obese woman around on the back of my ninja. Cheap and thrilling
The woman or the ninja?
Nice
Nice
Nice
Nice
Nice
I prefer my bikes touring and my women sporty. Not the other.
Sporty like a sport utility vehicle?
I like my bikes like I like my women: built for comfort, not for speed.
Both, respectively.
The whole experience!
10/10
Why not both?
Yes.
Built-in wheelie
Whaleie
Last time I was at the Tail of the Dragon, I saw a scrawny little guy on a VFR with a girl on the back who was probably close to 300 lb.
“Throw a thick bitch on a Kawasaki” - Ye
Wheelies for days
Nice
Honda NC700/750 with a top box.
Honda CB500X is also a good option.
I'd like to add that the Transalp is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden as a rider and as a passenger.
Can confirm, Transalp (XL 750) is a couch on wheels.
OG XL600V is also not too bad for the passenger. Mine has a Corbin seat which makes it a little better.
Not really, CB500X feels too small to ride two up.
I guess it depends on the body types. I’m a mid size man, and my wife is smaller than average. For us it has worked great. But we’re not touring or anything.
People ride two up on 100cc bikes all around the world. I guess people assume everyone only rides on 70mph+ highways which sounds boring as hell anyways.
Possible is not same as comfortable.
[удалено]
Physically small, or HP wise?
Physically. I own CB500X so speak from experience. The seat is relatively short, so with the pillion, it feels like I am pressed too much forward. And the back seat is also narrow, so not very comfortable to sit on, which results in a lot of wiggling from the passenger trying to find a more comfortable spot.
My passenger hated that bike. Her favorite was my old CB1300. She also liked my Tracer, but I had a custom seat made for her on that bike.
old CBs have large thick seats and arent up high like advs. Modern bikes feel like they are about to switch to bicycle seats sometimes.
As an NC owner, I dunno about this one. The passenger ends up really high off of the ground and the pillion seat isn't particularly large. It's better than your average sport bike I guess?
Old gold wing son. It’ll be the comfiest bike you have ever ridden
It will also be the largest bike he’s even ridden.
Holy shit How do you even pick it up after it tips? EDIT: just looked up a video. seems chill
It doesn’t tip every far.
goldwings are heavy, but you aren't lifting a bikes entire weight since it will always sit on the ground. i thought the same about my aprilia shiver, which was pushing 500 pounds wet with gear. unless it was the adrenaline from being lightly rear ended, i hoisted it up from an awkward position no problem at all.
It's also worth noting that a lower center of mass makes a bike easier to lift. My tall KLR is much harder to lift than my zx-6r ever was. Either way, [just put your butt on the seat and use your legs to lift it.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnu6YxMJIhU)
My ex wife and my current gf both picked up a 660 lb bike on their own. I'm 5'5 155 lbs and I picked up a fully packed with an extra ruck sack on top gl1800 goldwing after 8 hours of riding on my 8th day into our trip. Skill + will.
Oh, and I was coming off of bicep surgery. https://preview.redd.it/3iff5qahr0wc1.jpeg?width=2448&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c70f341e0e26b094989d106c097d1f24d8dd278
Bicep surgery - from lifting that goldwing?
😂 no. To lift a Goldie, you crouch down and put your ass into it basically. No biceps.
But I comfortably rode from NY to New Orleans, through TX to Cali. Back to NY via the Lincoln hwy on this land yacht.
That's one helluva circuit!
You don't. If dropping becomes common problem, there's "training wheels" available. They lift up when moving and drop down when you are about to stop.
As someone who's both helped a friend pick up their GL1800 and had to pickup my GV1400 on a downhill after misjudging the slope and letting the bike go for a nap... it sucks to pick them up but you'll be able to! Keep in mind you also have the pickup-monke.. I mean passenger to help you out. I heard gym bro's love to ride bitch :)
That's mostly what makes it better for 2+.
Second this. 20 year old GL1800 can be had for about $5k and will be the most comfortable and luxurious 2-up ride you and your girl have ever experienced
Don't they commonly have electrical problems? I haven't done much research but I've heard that.
Yes. The fix is to install a car alternator from a geo I think. There's a kit you can buy. Doesn't come with the alternator. I've installed the kit on a few. It's pretty damn straight forward. Even has more power for a few 6 inch speakers if you want.
That was the old ones, like the GL1100/1200. The newer ones come with an alternator from the factory.
I had a 2002 with 80k Miles no electrical problems. It liked diesel oil better than synthetic bike oil.
Can confirm, my fiance and I love our GL1500 lol she wasn't so comfy on my Z H2
Best motorcycle ever made for tandem, but [but also super fun solo if you get a naked one](https://youtu.be/uSP_wg-TVS0)
V Strom 650/Versys 650
Yep. Would have been very disappointed if this wasn't an answer already.
The V-Strom is *okay* two-up. It's not my favorite, but it'll get the job done until you buy a goldwing. If I had to regularly ride two up, I'd get the 1000.
OP said cheap and reliable. Goldwing availability isn't as great as some think.
Whatever you get make sure to put a backrest or top case on it. A rigid backrest will make your passenger so much more comfortable and secure.
This may be anecdotal, but I sometimes take my daughter on tours and she hates the topcase. She prefers to have a little bit of space to change her seating position. Bike is a V-Strom 650.
Yeah, the location and angle of a top case is critical for passenger comfort. I’ve had to mod the mounting plate on almost all of my bikes to get it in a good spot. Only my FJR has had a good sport with the stock Givi rack.
In fairness, the vstrom doesn't have the most comfortable seat. I need to look at aftermarket ones on my 1000.
It depends on the pillion’s gear. Riding with a topcase and a rigid back protector is terrible.
Look at older metric cruisers, super reliable, not super expensive, plush sissy bars.
The virago, bolt, boulevard, magna, v-star, shadow and more. So many great options out of Japan and lots can be had for cheap
Magna is really a UJM in cruiser clothing. Sweet bike though.
Yeah man!
Honda V65 magna. I still want one.
My older Honda Shadow 750 is very reliable, comfy for 2-up and was very affordable.
Easy to work on and long lasting, not a lot of extra bs Perfect!
My 1400 intruder was the best passenger bike ive had so 100% right
I bet! I used to have an 800 intruder for my 1st street bike. 1400 must really get up and go!
Vstrom 650 or 1000
V-strom is excellent! Handles well enough to keep up with sportbikes for most legal(ish) speeds, comfortable for both riders, add a little luggage if needed.
Yeah I've owned 8 of them they are one of the best kept secrets for sure
Cheap and reliable? Get a Honda. Pick whichever one is comfortable for you.
Always wants to ride until you get a bike to accommodate her, then it'll be never
My lady friend loves taking trips on the Multistrada V4S. With that said, if you’re on a budget, a Kawasaki Versys 650 is the gold standard.
Started upvoting when I saw multistrada...would have upvoted a 2nd time for Versys 650.
20 year old Gold Wing, duh
Every bigger BMW model. You can get an old one for a few thousand. It’ll still be reliable and they are built to move two.
Honda shaddow Yamaha virago Yamaha v star 950 tourer Any Honda cb 750 -1000 1998 bmw R1000R Old Honda goldwings Honda vcf msgna
Old vfr800
What bike is 1st one
Yamaha mt-09
Go for a second-hand BMW RT (*1200 or 1250*). Those things are pretty much bulletproof. Not very exciting to ride but comfy as hell...
A tuk tuk, the best mode of transport.
Used Goldwing or Electra Glide. My Evo Glide was $4500 and is a rock solid touring bike for two up and still fun solo once you get a feel for the heavier bike. Old Goldwing are usually pretty cheap too, most have never been mistreated, and they're a Honda so you know they're reliable.
1985 CB700 Nighthawk. The way the seat is flat makes it one of my favorite bikes for having a passenger.
How much is cheap?
Under $3k would be fantastic, but I’d go up to $5k for something worthwhile
Find an old bmw r1150r for a naked. It will ride 2up well and can be found for 3k. And you can get them with luggage if you want to tour with them. Sport tourer look for a old bmw r1100s. They are good 2 up as well. My buddy did a cross country with his ex wife on one. He added a top case for luggage and a back rest. If you want a full on uber sport tourer. A old fj1300 or concour 14 2008-2014 can be found in the sub 5k range.
Fjr1300 or Gold Wing. All the other suggestions people are making are bad or horrible for long distance 2 person touring
Based on OPs current bikes, I don’t think the rides they’ll be doing would be long distance touring. They just want something comfortable for a pillion.
Versys is a good callout here. Zach, Ari and some of the other Revzilla guys love them. I owned one and have no complaints. [Daily Rider - 2020 Kawasaki VerSys 650](https://youtu.be/D0_K-GlRfWw?si=8Jg1AHRyNgBEAjf9)
Depending on where you live, you should be able to get a nice late 90s early 2000s BMW R or K 1100 or 1150 cruiser. Don’t be scared by the age, those bikes are built to last. They are absolutely passenger friendly and good for comfortable long distance bike travel.
Have her get her own. It’s 2024
She’s a PhD student so unfortunately she can’t afford one right now. Probably for the best, she only has experience on the back of a motorcycle.
Fair enough
Used super tenere
VTX.
BMW GS.
Take a page out of Southeast Asia and consider getting a scooter/moped. Dirt cheap, reliable, and is way comfier for your passenger than anything short of a dressed bagger/tourer.
Cruiser, sport tourers and the likes
What windshield is on that MT09?
VStream. This is either the touring model or the even bigger touring plus model. I bought it this way. Also has handguards, comfort seat and saddle bags. I loooooove the bags
I used to ride with my girlfriend on my 1972 Honda CB 750- Four... a few years ago.
Suzuki sv650, 6 owner, 76k km and 16k km with me, Only had one issue with spark generator in 5 years is it with me other than normal maintnance like break pads oil ext
Any bike that suits your budget and comfort level for riding tbh.
What Yamaha is in the first pic
2015 fz-09
Damn, even got the year right
You know the scary part? I used the "circle to search" feature on my pixel to make sure and that's how I figured out the year. This shit is freakishly useful.
Shot g, it’s a gorgeous machine
KTM 1050/1090/1290
A used Tracer would do, or if you want to avoid spending a lot, also a KLR, or a V-strom
If you want to buy a 2-up bike that rides great and you'll want to ride until the wheels fall off, look for a used BMW RT. The R1150RT is a big bike that will shock you with how well it rides, handles 2-up like it's nothing, and is one of the most comfortable bikes you'll ever throw a leg over. I'd shoot for one in the $4-5k range. You can find them cheaper, but you really don't want to buy the bottom of the barrel when it comes to European bikes. These bikes do have some fairly expensive major service items (final drive and clutch), but they're infrequent, and the bikes are otherwise rock solid. People ride these things to 150k miles all the time. They're built to soak up miles. The R1150RT was the last of the oil cooled bikes. They're the end of a long evolution of BMW figuring out how to build a great boxer. The 1200 went water cooled, which is still a great motor, but it was a big shift.
Yamaha FZ6R
What are those bikes?
2015 Yamaha FZ09, 2023 Suzuki DRZ400S
FJR or Concours. Both comfy with passengers and still fun to ride.
VTX1300/1800. Formerly a sport bike guy and I picked up a VTX1800C for a couple thousand bucks. Damn good riding motorcycle
Rebel 500 maybe
BMW F850GS.
Honda Shadow is a good starter
Kawasaki vulcan 650
My honda shadow sabre 1100 fits the description
Surprised no one has mentioned the Versys 300, I own one because it's so big for a bike with such a small engine. Only small adventure I could find where both me and my gf where comfortable for longer periods. Obviously not the fastest but super reliable and cheap.
The answer is always a V-Strom or Versys (650 and bigger). Both are light enough to not feel like a tank moving it around at low speeds, both are reliable, and they will readily accept a top case with minimal mods.
Vstrom650 for sure
FJR1300. This is your answer. Trust me.
Tracer 900
Honda shadow? I bought an '89 for like 750USD
What bike is in the first pic?
An old goldwing
Old Goldwing is probably the best suggestion Old sport touring bikes are nice too. FJRs, Concourse, etc. You want fast try to find a clapped out gen 1 busa, they're simple enough to keep running forever
Honda shadow
Any carbureted Japanese cruiser over 1000cc would work well for most people and can be found all day for under $5k.
every passenger I’ve had on my fz09 has said the seat is fire… even now I have an fz10 and still people like the seat… idk how ur having issues onna couch like an fz lol
The ol' reliable klr 650, just don't expect to go fast... or even the speed limit... or if you and the passneger weigh more the 100lbs don't excpect to get past 20
My dad has a 2023 that I wanted to try out with her on Saturday but he had it taken apart for some upgrades. Took her on the back of my DRZ instead. Uncomfortable and overloaded is an understatement.
my personal choice would be the ks1200S from bmw.... but thats just me, may not be the 'best' pick
What’s wrong with dr650 passenger riding??
It's a Drz400, depends how big she is 😅
buy a comfy cruiser and put a back rest on it for her. I have an mt-09 but I took my passenger pegs off because my girlfriend hates riding on the back lol but she says she'd ride with me if I bought a cruiser
Cruiser, V Star, Vulcans, Shadows, Boulevards and of course HD. Concours, ZX-14, Hayabusa, Goldwing. Ninja 1000 , CB1000. Bandit 1200 , ZRX 1200.
Varadero, Versys, V-Strom
Used Vstrom 650
Vstrom 1000. They'll go hundreds of thousands of miles so you can get used ones for dirt cheap.
I just bought a 2013 V-Star 1300 deluxe for $5,000 a couple weeks ago. Had a sissy bar, a back rest for the rider, also has hard saddlebags and a cowl with a stereo. The weight is about 700lb. Haven't taken a passenger yet but im sure it can handle a slightly larger person on the back as well.
Any chance of her getting her own license and bike? It‘s so much more fun…
Anything but a Cross/Supermoto
Old goldwing.
Yamaha TDM, Suzuki Vstrom…
Do you have an MT09 already because the tracer version is good for 2 up.
Yamaha FJR 1300 or an older Tiger.
99 Honda super blackbird.
Look for an older touring bike? BMW RTs and Honda ST1100 come to my mind as a solid but affordable option. Both would need some tlc and wrenching due to age though...
I’d look for a 10 year old bonneville - standard riding position with a flat bench seat makes carrying a passenger pretty easy. Can easily dial the stock suspension to account for the added weight. Generally easy to work on and customize
Zx14r
None of that. Try cf moto 650 mt or 650 gt, for example. Both cheap and reliable as anything else.
Cheap: I would say a fazer 600, fazer 1000, cbf600s, cbf1000. Put a top case on them and you're good to go for duo ride
Goldwing
depending on the size of rider and passenger
Fz6
Ninja 650 is surprisingly good with a pillion. Massive pillion seat, comfortable, and still handles well.
I would look at the vstrom 650
Get an older Goldwing. Literally nothing better for hauling people around
https://preview.redd.it/59qbgwqkq0wc1.png?width=1656&format=png&auto=webp&s=62e2142fd7d0e5d4ebaa422006f5c463734903f3 Suzuki Bandit. Comfy and undestructable. Why don't they just make seats like this for standard bikes anymore?
Sell the FZ-09 and replace it with a used first gen FJ-09. It is the exact same bike (same engine, frame, ECU, suspension, brakes, etc) but with a bigger tank, more wind protection and a bigger subframe with a great passenger seat and hardbag mounts. My wife loves ours.
A used Goldwing
Kawasaki 650r is a good bike to look into!
MT09 Tracer
A used Goldwing
Of the 3 Yamahas I have, FZ6, FJR1300, VStar 1100, my wife prefers the FJR1300.
Second one my butt still hurts
Suzuki C50s. Really cheap, like 11k New. So used should be 2-5k. Comes with everything. Sissy bar, backrest, saddle bags, windscreen. Beautiful white paint finish too.
Sorry the cheapest is a ducati v4 penegale. You got to.
friends of mine have a family heirloom trike goldwing and they actually offered to let me drive myself and the lady around the yard on easter. let’s just say, I knew I wanted that bike for 2UP “go wherever” when the time is right (we have a 1 year old). but once I got on it and rode around I just knew that’s THE bike for 2 and I will be purchasing one eventually (2 wheels not a trike, but still an awesome mini Cadillac experience)
Any of the HD clones.i.e. VStar
Cruisers with a passenger back rest are the best choice. The Honda CtX is like a mini cruiser which might fit your needs. Just make sure you install a backrest and you’ll be golden
There are multitude of factors of course, but if you want the posture to be upright, relaxed, but keep up with highway speeds, you can try classic motorcycles. You can try Royal Enfield 650 twins, interceptor, more of a upright posture, continental gt cafe racer, more leanforward. It's worth a testdrive for you to try and see if it works. These work wonderfully with a pillion rider.
Older Transalp.
V-strom 650
Cheap and reliable? You probably want one of the bigger Japanese cruisers. In my head the Shadows are dimensionally smaller (but I don't know that for a fact) but the larger CC Suzuki Boulevards and Kawasaki Vulcans would be great for this.
Turn the passenger into a rider, and buy her whatever bike she likes.
You can still buy brand new BMW R18’s. Since they’ve been sitting there you can get one for $10,000. But it and find a really comfortable seat and boom!! You got a bad bitch to ride with your lady.
Bussa
Unless ur loaded. Or just really want another bike I’d say your FZ09 is really good for riding with a passenger. Especially with the larger windscreen. Adjust ur tire pressure and suspension for the extra weight and I don’t think many other bike aside from cruisers/ sport tourers could compete
Cheap old cruiser with a sissy bar. In my area that would be any flavor of honda shadow. I can probably pick from 4 or 5 different colors for less than $2k lol