Two-Seater Bikes To Avoid And Trust
A two-seater motorcycle should feel balanced, responsive, and roomy enough for two. That’s the dream. But some bikes miss those marks and turn fun outings into awkward experiences. On the flip side, a few have perfected the formula and become favorites. Before you make a choice that sticks, it’s smart to see the full picture. First, let’s begin with the models that disappoint.
1. 1991 Harley‑Davidson Sportster 883
This one may have looked cool, but two-up riders didn't enjoy the journey. The rear seat felt cramped, and the pillion suspension barely softened the bumps. Drum brakes on the back wheel didn't help with confidence, either. Still, it held its place as one of the most affordable Harleys ever built.
1991 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 by Mid-Life Crisis Harley
2. 1997 Bimota V‑Due
What sounded like a futuristic dream quickly turned into a technical nightmare. Even without a passenger, the fuel injection caused regular stalling. Add in harsh suspension, and riding two-up started to feel like a mechanical rodeo.
MikeSchinkel on Flickr.com, MikeSchinkel.com on Wikimedia
3. 2014 Honda CTX1300
Plenty of power came from its V4 engine, but comfort fell short. The rear seat sat too close to the saddlebags, squeezing passenger legroom. Adding extra weight increased the handlebar wobble, too. Despite the flaws, it did offer modern touches like self-canceling turn signals.
2014 Honda CTX1300 by Motorcyclist Magazine
4. 2005 Hyosung GT650R
At first glance, it gave off sportbike vibes. Once you sat on it, especially as a passenger, the truth came out. The foam was unforgiving, the rear shock wasn't adjustable, and long rides left people sore. Still, it found a niche in budget racing circles and got mistaken for a Suzuki often.
5. Piatti Scooter
This quirky little machine struggled to move even one person efficiently. Add a second rider, and its underpowered 125cc engine barely made the effort. Many riders still remember it as it was once dubbed the worst scooter ever made and faded fast after just two years.
PIATTI SCOOTER IN 2009 by ADMIRALSCORNER
6. 2017 Harley‑Davidson Street Rod
Raised shocks and aggressive geometry left pillion riders uneasy and cramped. Its athletic setup gave it a sharp look, but passengers felt every bit of that stiffness. Though designed for urban sport riding, it left little room for relaxed company on the back seat.
7. Suzuki RE5 (1974–1976)
This rotary-powered ride brought a lot of ambition but not enough balance. It was expensive to run and lacked the power to justify its bulk, especially with a second rider. Frequent maintenance made it more of a garage project than a dependable partner.
8. BMW K1 (1988–1993)
On paper, it looked like a bold leap into the future. In reality, heat trapped under the fairing scorched rear-seat riders, and its 234 kg weight didn't make two-up handling any easier. Add a 22 ft turning radius, and tight spots turned into workouts.
9. Honda Big Ruckus/PS250 (2004–2007)
With minimal suspension travel and brakes that struggled to inspire confidence, the second seat felt more like an afterthought. The styling may have stood out—its quirky scooter design turned heads—but the ride experience didn't match the fun look.
10. Royal Enfield Himalayan (2016– )
Promoted as a go-anywhere machine, the early Himalayan models didn't quite hold up on two-person tours. Low power and mixed part quality left many pillion riders sore and unimpressed. Even fans admit its charm came with compromises when shared.
We've shaken off the seat cramps and suspension woes. Now, let's celebrate the rides that actually make room for two.
1. Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
This cruiser turns long-distance rides into a luxury retreat. The pillion seat comes with a built-in backrest, and cruise control and linked brakes make riding smooth. It's a favorite in rally circles, where comfort and control matter most for both riders.
2017 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS by Premier Motorsports
2. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+
"Versys" stands for Versatile System, and it lives up to the name. Its semi-active suspension reads road conditions and adjusts automatically, even with extra weight. Add cornering lights and smartphone features, and you have a tech-savvy adventure bike with real two-up touring potential.
ONE YEAR REVIEW | 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ | Sport Touring by Ghostontwowheels
3. Honda Gold Wing Tour
A rear seat that reclines, complete with armrests and built-in speakers — this is touring at its finest. Even rough roads feel tame, thanks to the double-wishbone front suspension. It also includes Apple CarPlay and reverse gear, making every ride effortless.
2025 Honda Gold Wing Tour 50th Anniversary Review | Daily Rider by RevZilla
4. Honda Gold Wing (Base Model)
Though it lacks some bells and whistles from the Tour version, it still delivers buttery-smooth performance with its flat-six engine. Dual heated seats make cold rides cozy, and the larger trunk introduced in 2021 helps carry extra gear without crowding your pillion's space.
New 2021 Honda Gold Wing (Base) - Detailed Look by CARS&NEWS
5. Kawasaki Concours 14
Its ZX‑14-inspired engine gives it a thrilling edge, while the shaft drive and adjustable suspension offer easy maintenance and comfort. The passenger gets a roomy perch, especially when you add an optional top case with a backrest.
6. Suzuki V‑Strom 650
Balanced and approachable, this bike works just as well on solo rides as it does with a partner. The upright seating and low weight help maintain control, while the rear grab rails and rack make pillion riders feel secure. It's a dependable favorite for adventure couples.
Alex McClung from Orlando, FL, USA on Wikimedia
7. Kawasaki Versys 650 LT ABS
Comfort is baked into every inch of this mid-weight machine. An adjustable windscreen and touring-friendly ergonomics create a breezy ride for two. Side cases come standard, so there's always room for a weekend's worth of snacks.
8. BMW R1250 RT
This one makes you feel like you're floating. Its ShiftCam engine delivers torque on demand, even with a passenger onboard. The pillion seat is height-adjustable and thoughtfully designed with back support that actually makes a difference on long rides.
9. BMW F750 GS
Adventure-ready without towering over its riders, the F750 GS offers an easier mount for passengers and includes rear suspension adjustability with the comfort package. Built with thoughtful features like self-canceling signals, it's the kind of ride that builds pillion confidence instantly.
10. Honda CBR650R
It may wear sporty styling, but its comfort leans more toward grand touring. The pillion seat is wider than most supersports, and the smooth inline-four engine keeps the ride civilized for both. Full LED lighting and ABS complete the package with a modern touch.
