If you could pick...

[DaddyDukes]

A bike for two-up travel that would be comfortable for 300-500 mile days, what would you pick? Somthing other than the K1200, which we all know is the best, or the GW.

Is there a brand and make out there that you strongly considered before picking at K1200LT?

Thanks,
Keith

[BennyBob]

Been riding a 1986 Kawi Connie for 10+ years, but long 2 up days just wore us both out. 1 up 500 mile days leave me with buzz hands (you know how they feel after pushing the lawnmower for an hour or so?). I seriously considered the GW, but it just didn't quite do it for me; the R1150/1200 RT was top contender, the Honda ST was too cramped for my 36 inch inseam. Never seriously considered the HD although I sat on the Road King and Ultra. Then one fateful day at Lonestar BMW (picking up Spiegler brake lines for the Connie and drooling over the RT) my SO sat in the passenger seat of the LT. She looked at me and said "Ooooh, this is nice!" The decision was made. Then last June, 3 members of this forum hog tied me and a 4th sold me his 2001. First day in the saddle was 601 miles and the sweetest ride I have ever had on a bike. In April we took a 400+ mile Hill Country tour for our Anniversary (plug for "Ride Texas" book) and enjoyed the heck out of our 2 day adventure.

I'm hooked!

[Steve_R]

Then last June, 3 members of this forum hog tied me and a 4th sold me his 2001. Don't make billyd, jackd and I come down there. :D

[tobiwan]

Don't do an awful lot of two-up riding yet. Still working and all, however when we have done two-up it has been for some long days. There have been several 700 mi days and two 900+ mile days. No complaints about comfort and the next day she was up and ready to set out again. Will a GW do that? Maybe. Sat in a friends 1800 and it just did not ring my bells like the LT. As for the HD. My brother-in-law has a roadking and I am not about to emulate anything he does.

[Shriker]

For two up riding my guess would be :

Wing, LT (these two very close)

HD Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Star/Yamaha Royal Star Venture(these two are also very close)

[LAF]

A Harley Road Glide FLTRI.

If they ever do that frame with the Revolution motor from the V-Rod, my LT is toast.

[OU812]

A few years ago I did a motorcycle research seminar. They had a Vrod with the Roadglide setup. I told them if they ever build it that I would buy one. Not yet........ :(

[EastTexasRider]

I still own my 2006 Kawasaki 1600 Nomad and if I didn't have the LT, I would be happy going on a long distance ride on the Nomad. The LT is just so much better.

[c00k1e]

I love Hondas, but I WOULD NEVER HAVE A goldwong
I have an ST1100 that is pretty good at 2 up. Tent and all. (ST1300 is NOT similar in any way)

[TouringProf]

A Harley Road Glide FLTRI.

If they ever do that frame with the Revolution motor from the V-Rod, my LT is toast.

Stopped by my old HD dealership today. Word is a full dresser (e.g. Ultra) with the VRod engine will appwear in July or August. Seriously.

[OU812]

Stopped by my old HD dealership today. Word is a full dresser (e.g. Ultra) with the VRod engine will appwear in July or August. Seriously.
Thanks. Now I need one. :rolleyes: :D

[Mike_H]

My first choice would be an R1200RT. Second choice would be a Victory Vision. Third choice would be a Mazda Miata convertible or maybe a Yamaha Royal Venture.

I admire the styling and finish of HDs and could ride an Ultra for two-up touring, but only if it had a liquid cooled engine and a non-rubber mounted swingarm.

[dukey33]

We'd looked at a Yamaha RSV and even demo'd one at the IMS. It had real potential to be our touring bike. If it hadn't been for the deal we found on this LT, a RSV might've been it. The other bike that always makes me look is the Valkyrie Interstate. :abduct:

[GolfGuy]

I'd get a RT! No doubt about it! Wouldn't have a Honda...already had a Harley Ultra...tried several other brands...nothing compares to the fun of a BMW! :dance: :dance:

[zippy_gg]

I would have to go with the GT if for some reason I were to quit riding the LT.
I would need to add the large trunk and lower the pegs for Kathy in the back.
Maybe someday I will come with the excuse that the LT is too heavy and I do a lot of city driving...:rolleyes:

[ArthurKnowles]

I already have my second choice, a '96 RT. A newer model would be better, but the old one works well for in-city use and most one-up riding. I don't care much for the GW. Never have. Never will. So, for two-up long distance its the LT or nothing.

Any long distance one-up just means I'd fly. I don't ride long distance by myself just for the "fun" of it. Don't know if I ever will. Don't get me wrong, I like to ride, but long distance rides are so much more work than fun that there has to be a serious reason to make it worth my while to do so. Like spending quality time witht he SO for example.

[Frenchy]

What you need is a GS... ;)

I really want to try the FRJ1300 and the ST1300. These are just incredible bikes. So much lighter than ours.

In some recent magazine the ST1300 finished first (don't remember the zine). Even the authors seemed surprised but hey... Many people pretend it's a GREAT bike.

[BecketMa]

I set out to buy a new HD in 2000.
The local dealership convinced me, after riding HDs for years, never to buy another HD.

I kept my cash deposit in my pocket, told them I'd be back when there was a foot of snow on the ground in July, walked out of the dealership, got on my HD, rode home and told my wife it was time to look at anything other than a new HD.

We went to look at Yamahas; after a while, I found a "salesman" who called me "Dude!".

2 local Honda dealers wanted me to settle on a buy it today price before a GW test ride. One dealer had a used one we test rode. Nice comfortable ride for both of us, but it roasted my left foot.

Ride before you buy.

Bob

[DavidTaylor]

The HD Ultra Classic Electra Glide would be high on the list, as would the R1200RT. Possibly the ST1300.

[the1mavin]

A bike for two-up travel that would be comfortable for 300-500 mile days, what would you pick? Somthing other than the K1200, which we all know is the best, or the GW.

Is there a brand and make out there that you strongly considered before picking at K1200LT?

Thanks,
Keith

One I didn't see mentioned was the new Victory. I don't like the looks too much, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

I talked to a guy riding one down in in Arizona and he was running 500+ mile days.

http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/Victory/2008Navigation/Vision/VisionStreetPremium/Pages/Overview.aspx

[desertlizard]

I am assuming HD of Tucson is responsible for a few BMW sales. I never considered another brand after 15 years of HD ownership, always used bikes. In 2003 I wanted and was finally able to afford a new one if it was anywhere near MSRP. Not even close, along with a Harley Davidson Ford F150 full of attitude. I started looking at other options and am glad I did.

Dale White

[rferna12]

A bike for two-up travel that would be comfortable for 300-500 mile days, what would you pick? Somthing other than the K1200, which we all know is the best, or the GW.

Is there a brand and make out there that you strongly considered before picking at K1200LT?

Thanks,
Keith
Hello Keith,had an ST1300 for three years put 6200 miles on it,4500 on two long trips two up,was alright,traded it for an LT,7200 miles,three long trips two up,excellent,I really do not think there is anything better for long trips two up,my two riding compadres are a Goldwing and a Roadking,no comparison,after a 350 to 400 mile day they were done looking for a motel to crash,me and my wife easily could have kept on going,I traded the LT for an RT three weeks ago because I don`t have another extra long trip planned for the next two years,shorter jaunts and everyday cruising I think the RT is the one,Rolando :dance:

[Big_E]

For comfort, Yamaha Venture!!

[cccpastorjack]

an '07 BMW K1200GT! Seriously, it's not as good two-up as the LT, but dang good. Of course, it would have to be BLUE (see avatar) :D