Do you ride 2 up with your GS?

[strsout]

I'm wondering how many riders here are riding 2 up on the GS.
I'm thinking about this as a next bike, but since the S.O. rides 99% with me, that would be a big factor on the decision.
Comments will be very appreciate.

[dshealey]

I'm wondering how many riders here are riding 2 up on the GS.
I'm thinking about this as a next bike, but since the S.O. rides 99% with me, that would be a big factor on the decision.
Comments will be very appreciate.

Elton,

Contact Tom and Rosie Sperry. (tomandrosie) They probably have ridden two up more than anyone I know of. They did a lot of Iron Butt rides 2-up on the LT, but bought a GS for the Iron Butt Rally, and FINISHED on it!

I think they can tell you more about the differences between the LT and the GS for 2-up than just about anyone else.

[tomandrosie]

Elton,

Contact Tom and Rosie Sperry. (tomandrosie) They probably have ridden two up more than anyone I know of. They did a lot of Iron Butt rides 2-up on the LT, but bought a GS for the Iron Butt Rally, and FINISHED on it!

I think they can tell you more about the differences between the LT and the GS for 2-up than just about anyone else.

Elton,

As David points out, we have a little experience with these 2 bikes. The one thing that these bikes have in common is that they are both motorcycles, otherwise, it's like comparing a Ferrari with a Toyota Tundra (a very fast, agile Tundra). Our GS is an 1150, and it's equipped with the Adventure tank (8 gal), Ohlins, Happy Trails panniers and Bill Mayer (Rocky) saddles, 35-liter BMW top box, with backrest, to mention a few of the mods, as they apply to 2-up riding.

The cons:
The GS obviously has less wind protection, and is very aerodynamic.....not!
With Ohlins and heavy springs, it's considerably taller.
The pillion is smaller.
The riders position is less relaxed.
The oilhead engine is more prone to heating in stop-and-go traffic.
Slightly poorer fuel economy.
Taller first gear....a bit harder to get going when heavily laden.
No trip/fuel computer. (1150GS)
The pros:
Handles better off pavement (the LT is OK solo, but on gravel, it's a handful 2-up.)
It has a greater load-carrying capacity, volumetrically-speaking.
Is easier to maintain and repair.
I suffer less guilt when it's filthy.

Which do we prefer? Depends on the mood and the ride. They both get the job done. Rosie likes the additional acreage of the LT's pillion, but she would rather pick up a dropped GS than the LT. When we got the GS (used with about 35K), we had also looked at the 1200GS. The new Adventure wasn't available at the time.....had it been, we may have opted for it instead, but it would have been a much bigger hit to the bank account. The LT is a refined LD tool......the GS is a hammer. Ridden solo, I prefer the GS. YMMV

[strsout]

Thank you for the report Tom.
It's an start on our plans to maybe one day try the GS.
We just start thinking about it now, when we decided that we want to go back to Alaska in 2008, and I tought a GS would be a better bike. But also I don't want a bike just for one ride, so I'm collecting opinions on it before we settle.

[ATLDB]

The bike was an 05 1200GS Blue with the BMW Vario Bags, it also had a backest installed on the trunk.

It was a bike picked up in another dealer for a customer, he came in to get it and saw the GSA and ended up buying that. So they were willing to deal pretty good on it.

We took it for a test drive wife and I, we use to have a Silver 02 LTC with 12K miles when I sold it. Don't ask why!!! I regret it every day since its departure. Anyway here are some dimensions.

I am 6.1, 32 or 33 inch inseam so taller bikes are fine with me. 245 lbs, wide in the hips. SO is 5.8 short inseam, 165 lbs.

When we came back and got off of it I asked her for her true opinion, mainly NO SUGAR COATING, because I wanted to buy it. So here is what she said:

1- It Soaks up bumps BETTER than the LT.

2- She liked to be seated as high as she was, very commanding view.

3- She liked the fact that the seat was a little thinner, giving her more leg room to move around, on the LT she had a hard time because the pegs were a reach for her, "remember short inseam".

4- She actually appreciated the wind she was getting on her legs and lower torso, but it is summer in the winter I am sure she will NOT like it so much.

5- She said that the position of the back rest on the trunk actually was a little better on her back then on the LT.

So with all that said it looked like she was in for the GS, until it comes out.....: "But its the uglier bike I have ever seen" man its BUTTT UGGLY.

So now I am still thinking about a GS, but I am not there yet. Have a test ride arranged this coming weekend with, don't shoot me please.......... an 06 Goldwing. We will see how that goes.

[jdhargrave]

My wife has ridden thousands of miles on HD touring bikes including the 05 Ultra I traded on the LT. She is 5'4" 125lbs, the back rest (if you can really call it that) hits her in a very uncomfortable position and was the eventual reason for trading the Harley for the Lt which she is very comfy on. She will ride on the back of the GS for a short time but don't ask about tripping. If you are going to try to trip on the GS you're going to have to find a better backrest for your passenger. I'm hanging an airhawk pillion cushion from the topcase for her when I can coax her onto the GS.

[strsout]

Thank you all for the posts so far.
It has been very useful to clarify some points.
My wife is on the tall side (5.8) and looks like it maybe will be a problem. Her knees will be bend most of the time and she will not like it.

Are any one aware of a place who rents GS 1200 ?
I would like to try one.