Ideas on bikes please.

**varminter** · 4th October 2009, 18:30

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

, but I would value your ideas please gentlemen and ladies.

**AllanB** · 4th October 2009, 19:09

Originally Posted by varminter

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

Only a slight rise in the rear seat.

**Edbear** · 4th October 2009, 19:15

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?

**Indiana_Jones** · 4th October 2009, 19:17

Originally Posted by 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?

Yea, Bonnie with a nice screen on it

-Indy

**Edbear** · 4th October 2009, 19:24

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

**AllanB** · 4th October 2009, 19:34

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** · 4th October 2009, 19:42

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** · 4th October 2009, 20:04

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** · 4th October 2009, 20:12

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** · 4th October 2009, 20:15

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

**Indiana_Jones** · 4th October 2009, 20:16

Originally Posted by coffeejunkie

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

.......Scrambler?

-Indy

**Tink** · 4th October 2009, 20:22

Originally Posted by 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

, 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** · 4th October 2009, 20:28

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** · 4th October 2009, 20:37

Originally Posted by 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.

Typical you live and breath duc's