Ideas on bikes please.

[varminter]

Thought I'd put this one here, although I've been riding for eighteen months I hardly consider myself experienced.

Read no further if you bore easily. Having got my full license I’m looking for a bigger bike, this problem is compounded by the wife, she wants to ride pillion (in fact, that’s the only way I’ll get another bike). I like the style of the bike I’ve got, although the rear sets give my hips a bit of a seeing too after an hour or so. I like a bit of faring, keeps the wind off these old bones, and I’m thinking of an SV650. The wife, however, don’t like bikes with a raised pillion seat, it looks like I need at least two new bikes only trouble is I’m not sure I can afford even one. I’ve even thought (Oh horror) of a cruiser, but riding an upright style bike (the GN250) gave me severe back ache and caused my but to go numb. Problem compounded by the fact that the preset 250 is the larges bike I’ve ridden and never had a pillion before. I know I’m going to have to go and try a lot of bikes, how sad:innocent:, but I would value your ideas please gentlemen and ladies.

[AllanB]

The wife, however, don’t like bikes with a raised pillion seat.

Man that narrows it down !!!!!! Just about every bike has a rise in the rear.

Try a Hornet 900 :woohoo: Only a slight rise in the rear seat.

[Edbear]

The Hornet's a good bike, but maybe you're better to try a Bonneville and a W650 as good standards with level seats as well before you make your mmind up?

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Edbearnz/Bonneville_T100_200p.jpg
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Edbearnz/kawasaki_w650.jpg

[Indiana_Jones]

The Hornet's a good bike, but maybe you're better to try a Bonneville and a W650 as good standards with level seats as well before you make your mmind up?

Yea, Bonnie with a nice screen on it :niceone:


<img src="http://www.clearviewshields.com/shop/prodthumbs/motorcycle_windshields_5602e.jpg">

-Indy

[Edbear]

Yep! I agree! Or even a dual-purpose bike like the DL650/1000. The Honda Deauville... Lots of options.

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Edbearnz/HondaDeauville.gif

[AllanB]

The Bonnie is a good idea if they float your boat and your Mrs will like it. Save some coin for some mufflers that actually let a noise out too!
Pop a screen on and some saddlebags and you're off touring.

Cruisers usually have the rear seat raised quite a bit as by nature they have a very low rider seat. Plus some have minimal rear suspension so despite a nice seat the ride is harsh.

[CookMySock]

Don't worry too much about what she likes and doesn't like. I dont mean to be insensitive, rather I mean that she will adapt very quickly to whatever you choose, so as long as it's in the ballpark she will enjoy herself plenty on it.

Steve

[paddy]

I wonder if there is a "perception issue" from your wife as well. I'm thinking that maybe "raised pillion seat" to her translates into clinging onto a bar, below and behind her, while sitting on a hard 6" by 6" square of foam with you a leaned down well away from her. I see girls doing that on the back of sports bikes and it really doesn't look fun (it doesn't look like it would feel safe either).

I make the above observation because even the Honda Deauville picture posted above has a raised pillion seat - but it looks like it would be comfortable (both psychologically and physically) to pillion on.

Hope that made sense.

[firefighter]

My mrs was pertrified of the thought of the pillion seat, however she loves it on the back of the Hornet, (er, riding pillion lol)

I also bought some love handles, they really made her feel more comfortable, because as long as I stay on so does she! (plus she actually likes it when I accelerate quickly!)

[coffeejunkie]

Bonnie or a thruxton........TL maybe?

[Indiana_Jones]

Bonnie or a thruxton........TL maybe?

.......Scrambler?

-Indy

[Tink]

Thought I'd put this one here, although I've been riding for eighteen months I hardly consider myself experienced.

Read no further if you bore easily. Having got my full license I’m looking for a bigger bike, this problem is compounded by the wife, she wants to ride pillion (in fact, that’s the only way I’ll get another bike). I like the style of the bike I’ve got, although the rear sets give my hips a bit of a seeing too after an hour or so. I like a bit of faring, keeps the wind off these old bones, and I’m thinking of an SV650. The wife, however, don’t like bikes with a raised pillion seat, it looks like I need at least two new bikes only trouble is I’m not sure I can afford even one. I’ve even thought (Oh horror) of a cruiser, but riding an upright style bike (the GN250) gave me severe back ache and caused my but to go numb. Problem compounded by the fact that the preset 250 is the larges bike I’ve ridden and never had a pillion before. I know I’m going to have to go and try a lot of bikes, how sad:innocent:, but I would value your ideas please gentlemen and ladies.

Experienced pillion...and now rider... I can only say... I hate riding high.. like cuddling in feeling the corners the same... but would she consider getting a bike... and learning herself... if not take a bike that has a sissy bar... if you don't like cruisers... (they bore me as a pillion)... I am not experienced with what bikes have what.. maybe do what a friend did with me... take some bikes out for a test ride, with her on the back... :) good luck

[Insanity_rules]

Ducati Monster, good cross between a sports bike and something to pillion with. Go sit on one, you'll see what I mean. If the other half needs the feeling of something behind her to make her feel safe then do what I did and get a pack rack. Not to hold on to but so she feels like she wont fall off the back.

[Tink]

Ducati Monster, good cross between a sports bike and something to pillion with. Go sit on one, you'll see what I mean. If the other half needs the feeling of something behind her to make her feel safe then do what I did and get a pack rack. Not to hold on to but so she feels like she wont fall off the back.

Typical you live and breath duc's :first:

[Insanity_rules]

Typical you live and breath duc's :first:

Is there any other kind of bike?

[Tink]

Is there any other kind of bike?

THERE YA GO!!!Prove my point.. duc monster for me... :D

[varminter]

Well, thank you all for that, it's given me something to think about. Regarding the high pillion seats, I think she's talking about some of the bikes where the pillion looks heaps higher than the rider. She's been on the back of bikes before, old boyfriends, (in both senses) and professes to like it, won't want one of her own so can't go down that track. Thanks again and if it ever stops raining the bike testing will start.

Yes, I do ride in the rain, I ride every day, but 'er indoors is somewhat fussy.

[gatch]

Get what ever you like the best, then weld on some bosses for a side chair..

[varminter]

Ah yes, just see her sitting there, peering over the top of her handbag. Are you trying to get me killed.

[hospitalfood]

although I've been riding for eighteen months I hardly consider myself experienced.

I’m looking for a bigger bike, this problem is compounded by the wife, she wants to ride pillion

do you consider yourself experienced enough to take your wife's life in your hands friend ?

if you do some of the older universal jap motorcycles have almost flat seats and a forward lean for the rider.

[hospitalfood]

Is there any other kind of bike?

there is, but they are reliable and have long maintenance intervals.

[varminter]

You make a good point and the answer is I don't know...but she's pushing (me, not the bike) As I say, I ride every day regardless of the weather, plus a trip out at weekends if it's not pissing down. I have also been driving for more than 40 years so I usually know what the numpties are going to do before they do it, I'm also a careful driver/rider, cautious is what the bloke said when he took me for my class 2 last year. That said, life's a risky business.

[jafar]

As your going from a 250 & have limited experience you might be better off looking at a mid sized cruiser & getting one with a sissy bar & decent seats. The Star 650 or Honda vt 750 perhaps? There are several bikes in the mid size that will suit your needs.

[backinthesaddle]

You make a good point and the answer is I don't know...but she's pushing (me, not the bike) As I say, I ride every day regardless of the weather, plus a trip out at weekends if it's not pissing down. I have also been driving for more than 40 years so I usually know what the numpties are going to do before they do it, I'm also a careful driver/rider, cautious is what the bloke said when he took me for my class 2 last year. That said, life's a risky business.
What sort of Price Tag are you looking for? The Suzuki GSF650F are good value for money and a logicle step up if thats your style.

[varminter]

Price range to be decided by 'her who must be obeyed' gotta convince her the 250 ain't up to it first.

[AllanB]

Regarding test rides - got on your own first. Find something you like then try her on the back second/third time out. Remember take it easy with her on the back as the bike will be set up for a rider only unless the shop is nice enough to tighten up the suspension for the passenger.

[Insanity_rules]

there is, but they are reliable and have long maintenance intervals.

Yeah but riding a BMW is like screwing an ugly chick. Technically its the same activity as screwing a super model but its so much better with the super model.

[Milts]

Thought of something along the lines of a ZZR600?

[varminter]

Yes I have indeed, looks rather nice to me.