Best Motorcycles for Long-Distance Two-Up Riding 2022
Two-up rides are a whole different kind of motorcycle adventure, especially if you plan to log a respectable amount of miles. Without the right bike, long touring rides with a passenger are taxing, frustrating, uncomfortable, and a quick way to ensure your passenger never hops on for another ride again. With the right cruiser though, they can be an incredible way to share the magic of the road together. So if a long-distance, two-up tour is on your to-do list this year, be sure to set out on one of the 10 streetbikes below.
Honda Gold Wing Tour
The Honda Gold Wing Tour is a no-brainer if you are looking for a phenomenal blend of comfort, convenience, and capability. Its smooth-as-butter 1,833cc six-cylinder mill, sophisticated chassis, capable braking package, and generous carrying capacity are just the tip of the iceberg. The Gold Wing Tour packs a treasure trove of electronic amenities aimed at improving safety and performance and an impressive trim selection that allows riders to select an automatic dual-clutch transmission version, automatic DCT with airbag protection, or standard six-speed manual transmission.
Yamaha Star Venture
Yamaha’s answer to the Gold Wing is the air-cooled 1,845cc V-twin-powered Star Venture. While it may be mechanically simpler in a number of ways compared to the Honda, you can still expect an impressive selection of creature comforts aimed to make long hauls in the saddle a joy for you and your passenger. Touches like heated seats, heated grips, dual-zone audio control for the multifeatured infotainment system, electronic luggage locks, an alarmed security system, and more make the Star Venture a luxurious ride, no matter the destination.
Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
The Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS has power, has handling, and has the track record of being a beloved long-range touring bike. In standard trim, the 1,352cc inline-four-powered motorcycle doesn’t immediately scream “two-up” like other bikes on this list, but add the Kawasaki top case and passenger backrest and suddenly you have a machine that’s very accommodating for two riders. It won’t come with all the creature comforts as some of the other machines we’ve listed, but it has one of the most approachable price tags of the bunch and opens the door to more sporting solo rides when two-up isn’t on the menu.
