8 Best Motorcycles for Two-Up Riding That Do Everything Well

I’ve been carrying a passenger on my bikes for well over a decade, and I’ve learned that “two-up friendly” means very different things on different machines. Some bikes technically have a passenger seat but punish the person sitting on it. Others make the pillion feel like first class.

What I want in a do-it-all two-up bike is simple. It should be comfortable around town, relaxed on the highway, and capable when the road turns twisty or the pavement ends. It should also be easy to live with day to day.

Here are the eight bikes I’d confidently recommend, based on my own saddle time, plenty of passenger feedback (my partner is a tough critic), and a lot of time spent comparing specs.

How I Chose These Two-Up Bikes

I didn’t just pick the biggest or most expensive machines. I judged each bike on a handful of criteria that matter when you share the seat.

My Selection Criteria

• Passenger comfort: seat size, peg position, grab handles, and backrest options.
• Power delivery: usable torque with two people and luggage on board.
• Versatility: how well it handles commutes, canyon roads, highways, and the odd gravel road.
• Practicality: luggage capacity, fuel range, and running costs.

One thing I’ll say upfront: smaller bikes can carry two, but they rarely do it gracefully. If you’re curious about the lighter end of the spectrum, I’ve covered the best 300cc motorcycle for 2 up riding separately. For this list, I’m sticking with bikes that don’t feel strained when loaded.

1. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ — Best Overall All-Rounder

If you made me pick one bike for a couple who wants to do everything, it would be the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. I keep coming back to it because it blends sporty fun with real-world comfort better than almost anything else.

Why I Love It

The 890cc CP3 triple makes around 119 hp and has a wonderfully flexible midrange. With a passenger and bags, it still pulls cleanly out of corners without needing a downshift.

The GT+ adds semi-active KYB suspension that adjusts automatically for load. It also has radar-based adaptive cruise control, which is a game changer on long highway days. Hard-bag mounting and a roomy, flat passenger seat round out the package.

Things to Consider

It’s pricey, roughly $17,000 to $18,000, and the seat height is around 32 inches, which suits most riders. The price is the main drawback, but for the tech and versatility I think it’s justified.

2. Honda NC750X DCT — Best Value and Practicality

The Honda NC750X isn’t flashy, and I’m okay with that. It’s one of the most sensible two-up motorcycles on the market, and I’ve never met an owner who regretted buying one.

What Stands Out

The 745cc parallel twin makes about 55 hp, but it’s tuned for torque rather than top-end rush. Fuel economy often lands in the 60s mpg, which is superb for a bike that carries two.

The front trunk where a fuel tank would normally sit holds a full-face helmet, and the optional dual-clutch transmission makes city riding effortless. The price, typically around $9,000 to $10,000 with DCT, is hard to argue with.

A Great Fit for Shorter Riders

With a seat height of roughly 32.7 inches and a slim midsection, it’s very approachable. If that matters to you, my guide to the best all around motorcycle for short people goes into more detail on low-seat options.

3. Honda Gold Wing Tour — Best for Maximum Passenger Comfort

I’ll be honest: the Honda Gold Wing Tour is more of a long-haul specialist than a true all-rounder. But it deserves a spot because no bike treats a passenger better.

The Luxury Factor

The 1,833cc flat-six makes about 125 hp and is smooth enough to feel almost electric. The passenger gets a plush seat, a proper backrest, heated seating, and a trunk that holds a surprising amount of gear.

The Tour trim includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an optional DCT. The bike feels light at walking speed for something that weighs over 800 lb.

The Trade-Offs

It costs close to $29,000 or more, and it’s a big machine for tight parking lots. If you do mostly long trips and want your passenger to arrive happy, though, it’s superb.

4. Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro — Best Sport-Touring Adventure Blend

The Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro is the bike I recommend when someone wants adventure-bike posture with road-focused handling. It feels premium without being intimidating.

My Experience

The 888cc triple has a lovely growl and strong low-end grunt. It also has a quickshifter, cornering ABS, and a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity. The GT’s 19-inch front wheel gives it sharper road manners than many taller rivals.

Passenger accommodation is good, with a supportive pillion seat and sturdy grab rails. Expect to pay around $15,000 to $16,000. If you want more off-road ability, the Rally Pro version is the one to look at.

5. Suzuki V-Strom 1050 — Best Dependable Workhorse

The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 has a reputation for being tough, comfortable, and honest. It’s not the most high-tech bike on this list, but it does the job without drama.

Why It Works for Two

The 1,037cc V-twin makes roughly 106 hp, with a big, easy-going torque curve that doesn’t mind a loaded rear end. The upright seating, tall windscreen, and wide, flat pillion seat make long days easy on both riders.

It also comes with ride modes, traction control, and a slick cruise-control system. Pricing typically falls between $13,000 and $15,000, which makes it a bit more affordable than its European rivals. The tall seat can be an issue for shorter riders.

6. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ — Best Sport-Touring Comfort

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ is another bike that doesn’t get enough attention. It’s basically a comfortable sport-tourer wearing adventure-bike clothing.

Standout Features

The 1,043cc inline-four produces about 120 hp and is silky smooth. The SE trim has Showa Skyhook semi-active suspension, and the LT+ package adds hard saddlebags, a centerstand, and heated grips. Everything you need for a trip comes in the box.

My passenger loves the roomy seat and the stable, planted feeling at highway speeds. At about $19,000 to $20,000, it’s a strong value given how much gear is included.

7. Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES — Best Adventure Bike for Two

The Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES is the one I’d choose if my two-up trips included gravel roads and remote routes. It’s built for long distances and rough surfaces.

Why It Earns a Spot

The 1,084cc parallel twin delivers about 100 hp with plenty of low-end torque. The 6.5-gallon tank gives huge range. The ES model includes electronically controlled suspension, and the available DCT works well on trails and in traffic.

The passenger seat is generous and the rear rack is useful. It’s tall, with a seat height over 34 inches, so be prepared for that. If adventure riding is your priority, take a look at my full guide to the best adventure motorcycle for 2up riding.

8. BMW R 1300 GS — Best Premium Do-Everything Machine

The BMW R 1300 GS is the benchmark, and for good reason. It’s the bike I’d buy if budget weren’t a concern and I wanted one machine that could handle everything.

Performance and Comfort

The new 1,300cc boxer twin makes around 145 hp, and the chassis is lighter and more agile than the outgoing model. Optional electronic suspension adjusts for a passenger automatically, and the ride is plush yet controlled.

The passenger accommodations are excellent, with a roomy seat, good grab handles, and optional luggage systems. A well-equipped one easily exceeds $22,000, and the seat is tall. But the breadth of capability is unmatched.

Quick Comparison: Which Bike Fits Your Riding Style?

My Matchmaking Guide

• Best value: Honda NC750X
• Best all-rounder: Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+
• Best luxury comfort: Honda Gold Wing Tour
• Best for gravel and remote trips: Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
• Best no-compromise premium: BMW R 1300 GS

Think honestly about how you ride. If 90% of your miles are on pavement, you don’t need a tall adventure bike. If you’re planning a lot of loaded gravel travel, a sport-tourer will leave you wanting more.

Setting Up Your Bike for Two-Up Riding

Even the best two-up bike will feel off if it isn’t set up correctly. These adjustments take only a few minutes, and I do them every time I load up.

Suspension and Tires

Increase rear preload to the loaded setting in your manual. Raise tire pressures to the recommended two-up figures. Check your headlight aim, because a heavier rear end can tilt the beam upward.

Maintenance Matters More With Extra Weight

Carrying a passenger puts more stress on the engine, brakes, and drivetrain. I change oil a bit more often, and I pick quality lubricant. If you need help choosing, I wrote about the best motor oil for 4 stroke motorcycle engines.

I also inspect cables and controls regularly. If you ever need to replace one, it’s worth knowing are all motorcycle throttle cables the same, because they definitely aren’t.

Communicate With Your Passenger

I always brief my passenger before a ride. We agree on signals, mounting and dismounting rules, and when to lean. A relaxed, informed passenger makes you a safer rider.

Good gear matters too. A proper helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots should be non-negotiable for both of you.

Final Thoughts: My Pick for Most Couples

If I had to choose one bike for the typical couple who wants to do a bit of everything, I’d go with the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. It’s fast, comfortable, and technologically impressive without being overwhelming.

If budget is a bigger concern, the Honda NC750X is a fantastic, low-stress option. And if your trips lean toward the wild side, the Africa Twin or R 1300 GS will take you almost anywhere.

Whichever you choose, I recommend a long test ride with your passenger on board. Their comfort is half the equation, and you’ll know within a few miles whether it’s the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions