Snowdog
New member
It really depends on the riders. I have read posts about couples riding 50cc scooters across the country. One couple did it on a C3 which , if I am not mistaken, doesn't have a back seat, they used a pillow.
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Non BMW scooter related: Motorcyle for 2 up questions here
- Thread starter grey.hound
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- #22
grey.hound
New member
True sh!t. My wife can pack. That's actually my hope for MC travel, less stuff. But, do these touring bikes like an RT or Triumph Trophy really have that much more stuff with the side and top cases? For the GT I'm thinking: underseat about 55liters?, topcase Givi 45 liter and then maybe the tunnel bag 12-15 liters. That's over 110 liters of space and most of it pretty big. How about these touring bikes. I figure 35 liters each case plus a 45 liter top case and it's a wash.
And of course people do things to test limits, like travel on small bikes etc. But I'm looking within the normal scope of MC travel: bigger bike = more comfort and protection on the open road.
SteveADV
Active member
Of course, heavy stuff low and light stuff high. Can't remember who exactly, but there was someone with a good looking pannier set-up. Might have been that guy who's just north of Ipswich 
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Didn't dig through all the pics/threads, but it was there somewhere.
. Didn't dig through all the pics/threads, but it was there somewhere.
Snowdog
New member
Of course, heavy stuff low and light stuff high. Can't remember who exactly, but there was someone with a good looking pannier set-up. Might have been that guy who's just north of Ipswich
Didn't dig through all the pics/threads, but it was there somewhere.
To save you from looking.
Snowdog
New member
A bigger bike isn't necessarily better wind protection (if that's what you meant).There are few bikes available that give the protection of a Notcher.I was out riding today, in 40 F and windy weather and was glad to be on my Sport. For the first time this fall, I saw no Harleys and only two other bikes, both BMW's with upper fairings. I did have all my electric gear on, but without wind protection it would have been a chilly ride. I stopped for a picture so you guys would know what I look like. The location, a little South of Ipswich, Rockport.
exavid
Member
I've done a lot of two up miles on the Goldwing 1100, 1500 and 1800 as well as a BMW K1100LT and find my GT is every bit as capable with solo or two up riders. The loss of performance was a lot less than I expected on the 650 GT when riding two up and full top box and under seat area. One place where it excelled was in towns and parking lots. The GT is a lot easier to handle at low speed in tight quarters than any touring bike I've owned. At freeway speed I really don't notice much change in handling other than a pretty slight loss of acceleration riding with a heavy load. With the ABS brakes a lot of worry about heavy loads is ameliorated because you can apply full pressure to both brakes without worrying about skidding. All in all I think the GT is every bit as good, and somewhat better than a lot of motorcycles in the 1 liter range for touring and long distance riding. Especially when you consider comfort, not many 1 liter or less motorcycles have as good of weather protection, heated seats and grips, electrically controlled windshield, TPM, ABS, luggage capacity. The 650GT is one fine little bike.
Snowdog
New member
In the sixties, I had a HD Hydra Glide, full dress. It had a large windshield , bags, and was 1200cc's. I liked riding it around town , but, it was no fun at all on the highway.
It vibrated like a washing machine on spin cycle, and was way to noisy. My next bike was a Bridgestone 350 with a full Vetter fairing. A little more than 1/4 the size of the Harley, it was a much better more comfortable tourer.
It vibrated like a washing machine on spin cycle, and was way to noisy. My next bike was a Bridgestone 350 with a full Vetter fairing. A little more than 1/4 the size of the Harley, it was a much better more comfortable tourer.
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- Thread starter
- #28
grey.hound
New member
That's all great insight for sure. I love my C600 and it does very well with both of us as far as power goes, and I have yet to fatigue while riding it. I know the GT has a bigger front fairing too. I thought about the in town part. Sure, we could ride a 675lb 1200cc touring bike and it would be great on I-5 from Fresno to Seattle, but once off the freeway i would miss the scooter. Can't have it all right? Maybe the GT is the answer.
I guess my question about the GT was not so much "can it be done?" and "are the BMW scooters any good?" I know the answer to those, it's just I don't have any comparison to touring motorcycles as far as storage and long distance rider and pillion comfort relative to bikes like the RT, ST1300, FJR etc.
So, exavid, thanks.
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SteveADV
Active member
)Snowdog
New member
Rent a Goldwing and give it a try!!
TwoPort
Member
We rented a 1600GTL this summer for a day and couldn't wait to get back on the GT scooter. Neither me or my wife liked the shifting nonsense after experiencing the CVT. And I really missed the handling of the GT having gotten used to it. Compared to the GTL the GT scoot felt as light as a bicycle at slow speeds.
exavid
Member
The BMW GTL and the Honda Goldwing are to my mind the finest highway bikes currently built. Both are comfortable on 1000 mile days and in most weather conditions. I've put a lot of miles on the Honda GL1500 and GL1800 and have a friend who has a GTL who agrees that these are the bikes to have if you're make long road trips. That's what I bought my first Goldwing for. I will admit it takes a lot more care when operating those big heavy bikes in tight quarters and in parking lots. A 900lb. bike with rider and passenger can go over very easily doing tight turns at low speed. Getting them back upright take a bit of technique. Definitely not bikes for new riders. If one doesn't have much experience riding two up a 750-1000cc range would be a good size and power. Unless one or both of those riders are on the large side. A lot of bikes have a useful load of less than 400lbs of people and stuff.