Two Up Riding

[twinrat]

Any one here do regular 100 mile to 200 mile two up rides and a little luggage.My concern is that the bike may not be  stable cornering two up and if it has sufficent power climbing hills.

[Craftylilalien]

Its not super regular, but once or twice a fortnight I take my housemate as a pillion and we go to the beach/ around the countryside. Bike has plenty of power for hills (I don't take luggage), is still fun in the corners. My housemate and I are both  ~80kg, and the rides go between 100 and 250km return. When riding with him though, I always adjust the tyre pressure and chain tension, and ensure that the oil level is good. I have the rear suspension set on 5 (it was on 4 when I bought it) which seems fine for me by myself and with a pillion, but I still have the washy stock suspension. This is the only area I find the GS lets me down with a pillion; the front dives even more so with the weight of a second person, and cornering ability is SLIGHTLY reduced by the extra bounce on the front.

Hope this helps.

^^I'm not an expert, and have only been riding ~8months so don't take anything I say as gospel.

[burning1]

Bits of advise:

1. Upgrading your suspension is completely worth it for solo-riding, and even more important when riding 2-up.
2. Make sure your brakes are well maintained. The extra weight means extra demands.
3. Inspect your rear brake. A passenger means using the rear more than you normally would.

The GS engine and frame are fine for 2-up.

[twinrat]

Finally taken the gs500 out for a two up ride. went from sea level upto 980 feet through winding roads and straights.Found i need to harden up rear suspension as the side stand hit a bump while doing some well leant over cornering also need to use heavyer oil in front forks as a bit soft under braking. The overall performance of the engine was still good enough to pass cars in the 70mph range. the total weight of rider and passanger was 25 stone and standard gearing was used . carbs were rejeted.Would happily take longer trips 2 up now.

[gsJack]

25st = 350lb

[burning1]

Springs are as important as oil for managing brake dive. It's $100 bucks vs. your life. Not a hard call IMO.