Touring with passener

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:47 pm

I'm between the 06 FZ1 (major changes) and an 04 RR. I want something that I can strap/bolt on luggage and a backrest so me and my ol'lady can tour around with. AND a bike that can be thrown around on some mountain roads. I'm very confident that the FZ1 will perform the task as I know an owner. However I need to know if the RR has enough power to tour wih me and my lady. She's small around 110 pounds. Anyone do touring with an extra 100 pounds in the rear?

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:12 am

The difference in those two bikes is like chalk and cheese...the RR wins hands down...IMHO

I've done a fair bit of two up on my RR...very comfee...the bike has great torque...you should test ride both bikes...I'm sure you will agree.

Get your self some BMW system cases...you can order a back rest if that's your cup-a-tea..(not mine)

Good luck...let us know what you decide on.

DJ

BobFV1 · Post by **BobFV1** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:25 am

I think it depends - I don't think the chassis set up and ergonomics on the R1150R are good for two up touring at all. Maybe if you are a lithe little fella, like DJ

but sold my RR because my wife just never felt like she had a solid platform under her on the passenger seat of that bike. It's a great bike, but for 2up on mountain roads I would go for the superior power of the FZ!, and seriously consider the FJR for even greater comfort and functionality.

Post by **new2BMW** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:41 am

I suppose it all depends on what you are looking for when you say power.

Here are the dyno results from both bikes. Having owned the R1150R and spent some time on an FZ1, I personally think that DJ is right. The torque is the usable part of the powerband when touring and the BMW has more usable toque. The Yamaha will run like a strped a$$ ape if you are willing to rev it up some. Your passenger might not be as comfy with the rev count in the 7 or 8k range.

The BMW offers more in the luggage department as well.

Both are excellent motorcycles.

FZ!

R1150R

darthrider · Post by **darthrider** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:54 am

My wife & I have done a lot of day trips on my 50R but no long distance rides.
The stock passenger seat is more like a sport bike, shaped & sized for the pretty little hinies of nubile 18 year olds. I got her a Comfort Seat which not only has more padding but more importantly, has more of a flat shape and doesn't force the passenger forward.
She is not only more comfortable but more stable and relaxed on this seat.
The 50R is not a touring or even sport touring bike but can be pressed into service for both duties, as I have mine. Expect compromises.
Add a little pre-load in the rear shock and you're down the road.
You'll feel the 100 lbs. in the rear for sure. Whenever you do, just smile and be grateful it's not 200 lbs. you're feeling!

FGanger · Post by **FGanger** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:27 am

Guest,

What is posted above is correct, and it comes from experienced people whom I have respect for. For myself, I'm just short of 50 years riding. I've averaged almost exactly 20,000 miles a year on bikes for those years. Much of my riding is on trips, so . . .

I think what the "guys above" said in reference to size hold merit. I'm 5'6", 200 lbs. My passengers on my R1150R have been, for the most part, the weight of your wife, about 100 lbs. However, they were all about 5' tall. As Darth mentioned about "nubile 18 year olds," my passengers were all under 15 years old. All went well. My wife weighs, opps . . . let me just say about 50% more

and is about 5'1". For me it was comfortable, for her - no. My wife does say that with Pirate's back rest it is better.

On one trip of 11,000+ miles, my daughter rode pillion, from Illinois to Alaska and back. She never complained (that nubile stuff again), I also used the backrest with her.

Just my 2 cents worth,
Frank

tor1150r · Post by **tor1150r** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:44 am

I have done many weekend trips with my wife as passenger. These trips ranged from 500-1000 kms. She is a little thing ~ 105 lbs. The bike handles very well with passenger, system cases and a tail bag. I also get great milage if I keep the speedo around 100-110 kms. Good roll on for passing when needed too.

She is quite comfortable with the stock seats though we stop every 1.5 hours or so for a stretch. Some of our travels have taken us on gravel roads but no deep rocky stuff. We have also had a few 10-12 hour days.

No problem in recommending the RR for 2-up, 2-wheel travel

jonothan · Post by **jonothan** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 9:22 am

Most of my recent riding on my R850R - a less powerful machine - has been done with my 15 year old daughter on the back. I'm 85kg, she's 65kg. BMW System Panniers and the soft case on the luggage bridge.

Ridden for two hour stretches and it's been supremely comfortable for us both.

I'm not familiar with the FZ1 but can say that I reckon the R is up to the task.

Frank, it's great that you ride with your kids. I have found that more pleasurable than riding solo with a group of friends. My daughter's a brilliant pillion. I hardly know she's there. Her love of riding with me has cost me another set of leathers, mind. But who cares?

Jonothan

FGanger · Post by **FGanger** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 11:54 am

Jonothan,

This is a picture of us when we got back home after 11,000 miles (17,702 kms) in 21 days.

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/gallery/360900/4/17656743

The 850 is a fine machine, I think of all the miles I did on 26 and 30 horse power /2 machines. From what I've seen, the 850 will run along at just under a 100 mph all day long. Not bad, not bad at all.

Frank

darthrider · Post by **darthrider** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:04 pm

Frank -
That picture reminds me of one very similar under the tree in our front yard.
My (then) 11 year old son and I had just returned from a two week camping/touring trip in Arkansas.
We were a little cramped on my new '81 Kawasaki 550 GPz but we had a wonderful time and now have the wonderful memories.
Riders who don't do this with their kids are missing something very special!

enemyRR · Post by **enemyRR** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:15 pm

Everyone thanks for the great info (I made the original post). BTW my name is Oliver, I've gone by Enemy on the boards and online for years. I think I'm going to go with the 1150R purchase after all of your comments and from lurking on the board for a few days. I'm buying a used 04 w/ABS this weekend and I'll report back my thoughts once I make the ride home

My last bike was a sportbike so I'm really looking forward to a comfortable ride.

darthrider · Post by **darthrider** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:41 pm

Congrats Enemy...you're going to love it!
Welcome aboard.

jonothan · Post by **jonothan** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 3:43 pm

darthrider wrote:Riders who don't do this with their kids are missing something very special!

Couldn't agree more Dave, and Frank, that's a lovely picture of you both.

Jonothan

FGanger · Post by **FGanger** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 6:58 pm

Jonothan,

Cecilia is adopted, she is Yup'ik Eskimo. So if you have never seen a real live Eskimo before . . .

On her Honda: http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/377320/1/15035374

My wife and Cecilia: http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/377320/1/15035379

Ready for a dance: http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/377320/1/15035387

Perhaps it's just that I'm her father, but I'd say Eskimos are a handsome people.

Some people ask me what I brought back from 30 years living in Alaska - Cecilia.

Frank

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:06 pm

Hey Frank...you've got a beautiful wife and loverly daughter...you a very lucky man...and they like bikes...even luckyer..great pics...

DJ

Post by **boxermania** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:16 pm

Guest......New2BMW has the engineering facts, the other issues have to do with the ergonomics and I have been on both bikes with passengers. I can assure you that the FZ1 pillon is not suited for two up riding even if the better half is 100 pounds.

On the R you can also get the sport seat that has more padding than the standard. I rode just under 300 miles with my sister in law as a passenger and she had no major complaints. She lasted about 75 miles on the FZ1, too cramped.......

Good luck on your selection........

Post by **new2BMW** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:28 pm

Frank, what a great family you've got there! You are one cool dude.

FGanger · Post by **FGanger** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:06 pm

DJ,
Yes, they like bikes and both have bikes as well. My wife has a 650GS, she did the 11,000 miles along with me.

Jeff,
Thank you for the compliment. Now about you having all too much fun on your new bike . . .

Oliver,
Welcome aboard sir, I think you will have a fine time here.

Dave,
I agree, I've taken many trips with both my girls via bikes. And an excellent time was had by all.

Frank

jonothan · Post by **jonothan** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 5:16 am

Frank, those are lovely pictures - a fine family. I will post a picture of my daughter and I riding when my wife downloads them from her camera.

Jonothan

FGanger · Post by **FGanger** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:56 am

Jonothan,

As "our" Patrick always says, "Pictures, we need pictures."

Frank

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