The Best Motorcycle for Two-Up Touring: A Guide to Criteria, Models, and Tips

If the question is: "What bike should I buy for traveling with my partner?" the first thing you should do is forget about everything that matters to you as a solo rider. Horsepower, the exhaust note, how it leans into corners... all of that takes a backseat. The question you need to ask yourself now is: is the person behind me actually going to enjoy the ride?

Because the pillion seat is a world of its own. With no handlebars to hold onto, no control over braking or acceleration, full exposure to the wind, and a leg position dictated entirely by the bike's design—what feels like 300 miles of pure joy to you can be an experience your partner never wants to repeat.

The "Must-Haves"

Before we talk about models, there are a few non-negotiables if you plan on touring together regularly.

• The Pillion Seat: It must be wide, well-padded, and ideally equipped with a backrest. A well-positioned top box can serve as a backrest and completely changes the passenger's experience.
• Proper Peg Placement: On sportier bikes, footpegs are often high and rear-set, forcing the passenger into a cramped position that becomes unbearable after the first hour.
• Wind Protection: Wind is exhausting, and it’s twice as tiring for the passenger. While the rider’s body deflects the main blast, it often creates buffeting and turbulence behind them that can be very unpleasant at highway speeds. A good adjustable windscreen or wide fairing significantly reduces this effect.
• Enough Power and Torque for Two: With two people and luggage, the total weight can easily reach 800 lbs (350–380 kg). Beyond peak horsepower, you want torque. This allows the bike to accelerate smoothly without constantly having to dance through the gears. A low-torque bike feels sluggish during uphill overtakes or on the highway when fully loaded.
• Adjustable Suspension: Many bikes allow you to adjust the rear preload to account for extra weight. It’s a five-minute adjustment that dramatically improves how a loaded bike handles, yet most people skip it simply because they don’t know it exists.

Which Type of Bike Suits You Best?

There are basically four categories that work well for couples. Your choice depends on what you’re looking for.

• Touring: If you want maximum comfort with zero compromises, this is the answer. Total protection, massive seats with backrests, huge luggage capacity, and advanced electronics. They are large and heavy, but on the open road, they are unmatched. The Honda Gold Wing is the gold standard, though it’s a significant investment. The BMW R 1300 RT is a high-level alternative for those seeking something slightly more manageable.
• Adventure (ADV) or Trail: There’s a reason these are top sellers. An upright, comfortable position for both, great suspension, plenty of torque, and the ability to explore backroads. They don’t offer the plushness of a touring bike, but they make up for it with versatility. The BMW R 1300 GS is the current segment leader. If you’re on a budget, the Honda NC750X is a very solid choice: reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy to ride. Just keep in mind that with two people and luggage, it might feel a bit strained at high highway speeds, and the stock seat has its limits on long hauls.
• Sport-Touring: The middle ground. Great road manners without sacrificing comfort. The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT is a fantastic all-rounder: good electronics, decent protection, and a comfortable pillion seat at a more reasonable price than a GS. The Kawasaki Versys 1100 also performs very well in this category.
• Maxiscooter: Many people dismiss these, which is a mistake. Automatic transmission, a relaxed position for both, great wind protection, and often massive built-in storage. For weekend getaways or shorter trips, they are incredibly practical. For long-distance, high-speed touring, a Trail or Touring bike is still better, but for everything else, they perform better than you’d expect.

Little Things That Change the Trip

The bike is just the first step. Small details can have a huge impact on your day.

• Get Intercoms: Riding without being able to talk to your partner is frustrating. Being able to warn them of a sudden stop, agree on breaks, or chat about the scenery makes the trip much more enjoyable and safer.
• Stop More Often Than You Would Alone: Every 100 to 125 miles, pull over to stretch. The passenger accumulates tension in their back because they can’t move around as much as the rider. Without breaks, a "pleasure trip" becomes an endurance test.
• Adjust Your Suspension: If your bike allows it, crank up the rear preload before you head out. The extra weight changes the bike’s geometry; this adjustment restores stability and comfort for both of you.
• Balance Your Load: Keep weight even between the side panniers and avoid packing heavy items too high. An unbalanced load affects cornering and tires out the rider.
• Have "The Talk" Before You Leave: Your passenger needs to know the basics: no sudden movements in corners, keep feet on the pegs even when stopped, and wait for the rider’s signal before mounting or dismounting.

And If You Prefer Arriving Refreshed...

Sometimes the plan isn't to spend all day on the highway, but to have the bike waiting for you to enjoy the local roads at your destination. This makes a lot of sense when the destination is far away, involves hours of boring motorway, or if you simply want to arrive fresh and ready to ride.

That’s where the LittleWay Team trailer comes in. It hitches to your car, carries the bike securely, and you simply unload it once you arrive. When not in use, it folds up to occupy minimal space. If you want to see how it works or check out the available models, visit our website.