Author Topic: 2 up touring (Read 8592 times)

alan29 · « **on:** July 20, 2015, 10:31:10 »

I wonder if anyone has done any 2 up touring.
Thinking especially about pillion comfort/space, and luggage.

UK_Vstrom650 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2015, 11:38:06 »

We went to the Annecy in France for a week. Used my Givi Trekker setup (52l topbox with backrest, 46/33L side cases) and tank bag. We even had a tent strapped to the top of the topbox, and some camping seats strapped on the top of the side cases.

Wife has back problems but no issues on the Strom. Just dialled up the rear shock up to max to help with added weight.

Bike performed flawless and would sit at 130kph all day with plenty in reserve if needed.

Oop North John · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2015, 12:37:27 »

We've got Touratech Zega Pro panniers and 48 litre Shad top box. Enough room for us both, and the panniers don't get in the way of the pillions footrests. Only problem is getting the leg over the pizza boxes and seats with some elegance.

kwackboy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:10:11 »

Two up touring with camping gear is the norm for us, that's why we bought a Vee. We went to Italy a couple of years ago and next month we are off to Croatia .. can't wait .. !!

alan29 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:10:54 »

That's the thing. Wife is only 5 foot 2 with little legs. Panniers that are higher than the seat are no help at all. And the sandwich boxes that come with the 1000 .... well, what can I say.
We're off to the Pyrenees in Sept. Tarn last year.

kwackboy · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:20:19 »

The standard Suzuki panniers are easily big enough to get a weeks worth of clothes for the both of us and a spare pair of shoes each . The top box holds all our camping equipment and waterproofs. And you can see from the pix where the rest of our gear goes .. plenty of room . My missus is around 5'2 also , she has no trouble climbing aboard even with full winter gear.

Oop North John · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:32:09 »

Quote from: "kwackboy"

The standard Suzuki panniers are easily big enough to get a weeks worth of clothes for the both of us and a spare pair of shoes each

The 2014+ model panniers hold about 25 and 29 litres, how much does your ones hold?

kwackboy · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2015, 13:45:58 »

To be honest I'm not sure of size ..?. Maybe around 30-32 litres .. ?

All I know is they are big enough for what we need .. I'm pretty lucky that my lady travels light otherwise bigger boxes would be on the cards ..

alan29 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2015, 15:07:56 »

Quote from: "kwackboy"

The standard Suzuki panniers are easily big enough to get a weeks worth of clothes for the both of us and a spare pair of shoes each . The top box holds all our camping equipment and waterproofs. And you can see from the pix where the rest of our gear goes .. plenty of room . My missus is around 5'2 also , she has no trouble climbing aboard even with full winter gear.

Just realised you are talking about pre2014 bike. I am on about the new one. The panniers are 18 and 21 litres on the new one. I've got Givi v35s on my 650. I don't think she could manage on about half that space.

Oop North John · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2015, 15:50:26 »

Quote from: "alan29"

Quote from: "kwackboy"
Just realised you are talking about pre2014 bike. I am on about the new one. The panniers are 18 and 21 litres on the new one.

I was one litre out:

http://shop-motorrad.Suzuki.de/p/seiten ... set?pp=500

would a large top box filled with low weight bulky items compensate for the side cases minimal capacity?

alan29 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2015, 16:00:06 »

Possibly. But huge top boxes can be a problem?

Oop North John · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2015, 17:09:14 »

If filled with too much heavy stuff. If only we could swap the mini pannier lids, for some bigger ones, they would be much more uesable.

porter · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2015, 17:45:09 »

I'm just back yesterday from 9 day 1500 mile tour of the wild Atlantic way. I was two up and only used a top box and a tank bag. Pack light, buy primark socks, underwear and tee's and dispose of them along the way. Use breathable under suits on bike, they dry over night OK. Bike ran OK, chain was a pain with the wet weather and bike was a bit of a pig in the traffic and a handful up the wee mountain roads and passes but no stalls and tip overs this time, just!

Ali p. · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2015, 21:15:45 »

Quote from: "alan29"

Possibly. But huge top boxes can be a problem?

Why are large top boxes a problem. ? I was thinking of fitting a large top box than the standard Suzuki one.

Hondaman · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2015, 21:59:48 »

Quote from: "alan29"

Possibly. But huge top boxes can be a problem?

Are they?
I've done many 10s of thousands of miles with a Givi 52 & now 55ltr. No problem

mr_diver · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2015, 22:54:46 »

2 up touring was enjoyable.

The strom is more than capable, but the budget suspension can be improved with new fork springs (I just chaged the oil) and a new spring on the rear shock.

We toured Scotland 2up with the Suzuki Oem topbox and kappa 44lt panniers, a big tank bag and a roll bag with 2 basic sleeping bags in for when staying in bunk houses. Over 60kg of gear.

The wee handled it fine, still cruising at respectable speeds and still handled in the twisty fun bits with a bit of care do to push.

I'd happily have another and do more 2up touring but I chose to try something a little different, but I still miss the now dead strom. (It had a very hard life and went places a V-strom shold not go)
Very capable all round bikes... there are better long distance touring bikes but not everyone wants a Goldwing.

Laava · « **Reply #16 on:** July 21, 2015, 09:59:05 »

Don't sweat it Alan, do a weekend away and give your wife a bit of time to get the technique for hopping on and off easily with full luggage. My wife is of similar stature and she loves going away on the bike. It is a great bike to tour on, comfy and reliable.

alan29 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2015, 10:01:49 »

Will agree about the DL650. I've got 24000 miles on my "Glee." Excellent bike, but I fancy a change, a bit more power, but the same 2-up comfort and luggage ability. And I fancy a change while dealers are just sniggering at my mileage, before they break out into hysterical laughter.
Its proving to be a tough ask to get a similar, but more powerful bike - hence query about luggage on the "Veek" - the answers haven't filled me with hope.

TarkMalbot · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2015, 17:34:29 »

The wife and I are off for a small tour over to the North East of England in a few weeks. Just 3 days and a couple of hundred miles but looking forward to it especially with the reviews above regarding comfort!

Flanners · « **Reply #19 on:** July 24, 2015, 09:14:24 »

Quote from: "kwackboy"

Two up touring with camping gear is the norm for us, that's why we bought a Vee. We went to Italy a couple of years ago and next month we are off to Croatia .. can't wait .. !!

I have the same panniers and top box, just bought the Strom and plan a maiden trip to northern French coast using the OE luggage.

Looking at the pic have you installed metal D rings on the panniers to allow the strapping of the tent etc?

What is the bike like 2 up with all the kit?