7 Best Touring Motorcycles for Two-Up Riding: My Passenger-Approved Picks

I’ve been riding two-up for well over a decade, and I can tell you the bike matters just as much to the person on the back as it does to the rider up front. A passenger who’s cramped, buffeted, or bouncing over every expansion joint will tell you about it. Usually at the next gas stop, and not gently.

So when I’m judging a touring bike, I always ask one question: would my partner happily spend eight hours on this? Below are the seven machines I’d actually recommend for a rider-plus-passenger setup. I’ve ranked them by real-world comfort, capability, and value, not just spec-sheet bragging rights.

1. Honda Gold Wing Tour: Best Overall for Passenger Comfort

If you ask me for the benchmark, I point straight at the Honda Gold Wing Tour. I’ve done multi-day trips on one with a passenger, and the person behind me never once asked to stop early. That says a lot.

Why my passenger loves it

The Gold Wing’s pillion perch is like a small armchair. It has a deep, wide seat, a proper backrest built into the trunk, and armrests so your passenger isn’t clinging to your waist. Heated seating is standard, which I appreciate on cold mountain mornings.

The 1,833cc flat-six is silky and torquey, so two people plus luggage barely register. The 61-liter trunk swallows a surprising amount of gear. The optional seven-speed DCT makes stop-and-go riding smooth, so there’s no clunky head-nodding from the back seat.

What to consider

It’s heavy, at roughly 800 to 850 pounds depending on trim. Parking-lot maneuvers take care, though the electric reverse helps. Prices typically run from about $25,000 to $31,000, so it’s an investment. For me, it’s worth every penny if you ride two-up a lot.

2. BMW R 1300 RT: Best Sport-Touring Option for Two

The BMW R 1300 RT is what I reach for when the road gets twisty but I still want a passenger-friendly cockpit. It’s refined, fast, and surprisingly agile for a full-fairing tourer. It’s also a brilliant machine if you’re plotting the best motorcycle for european touring with a partner on the back.

Standout features

The 1,300cc boxer twin makes around 145 horsepower and about 110 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty for passing on an alpine pass fully loaded. An electrically adjustable windscreen and big fairing keep wind noise low for both of you.

The pillion seat is flat and supportive, with solid grab handles and integrated panniers. Optional Dynamic ESA suspension adapts to the load, which is a real boon with two people aboard. Pricing usually starts in the low-to-mid $20,000s, and options climb quickly.

Things to know

The passenger backrest is less lounge-like than the Gold Wing’s. Some pillions find the seat a touch firm on very long days. Still, I think it’s the best choice for couples who like to ride briskly.

3. Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited: Best Cruiser-Style Tourer for Two

The Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited is an American touring classic, and passengers tend to love it for good reason. It has a big Tour-Pak trunk with a plush backrest, wide floorboards, and a roomy pillion seat. My partner calls it the “couch on wheels.”

Why it works for two

The Milwaukee-Eight V-twin (114 or 117 cubic inches, depending on model year) delivers huge low-end torque. You can short-shift and cruise at low revs while two people relax. The Boom! Box GTS infotainment system also pumps good sound to the rider, and with the right setup, the passenger too.

The batwing fairing and lowers keep wind and weather off you both. Expect to pay roughly $28,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on paint and year.

The trade-offs

At around 900 pounds, it’s a big girl at low speeds. Cornering clearance is also limited compared to the BMW. But if your idea of a perfect day is long, straight highway miles with a great sound system, this is a delight.

4. Indian Roadmaster: Best Premium Alternative to the Big Harley

I’ve spent plenty of time on the Indian Roadmaster, and it’s one of the most underrated two-up bikes out there. It pairs a 116-cubic-inch Thunderstroke V-twin with an enormous, luxurious trunk and passenger setup.

Passenger perks

The Roadmaster offers a well-padded pillion seat with a tall backrest, big floorboards, and the option of heated seating. A power-adjustable windscreen and lower fairing give excellent protection. The Ride Command touchscreen is easy to use even with gloves on.

I also love how the keyless ignition and powered trunk latch take the fuss out of loading gear. Prices generally begin around $30,000, with higher trims climbing from there.

My honest caveat

It’s a heavy motorcycle with a long wheelbase, so tight U-turns can be nerve-wracking if you aren’t confident. Still, for sheer long-haul comfort, it’s neck-and-neck with the Harley. I’d test-ride both before deciding.

5. Honda NT1100: Best Value for Two-Up Touring

Not everyone wants, or can afford, a $30,000 land yacht. The Honda NT1100 is the bike I recommend most often to friends who want a sensible, comfortable tourer. It also deserves a spot on any shortlist for the best cheap motorcycle for touring.

What you get for the money

The NT1100 uses the 1,084cc parallel-twin from the Africa Twin, making around 100 horsepower. Standard equipment includes hard panniers, cruise control, heated grips, a 5-inch TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The optional DCT is a gem for two-up riding because shifts are seamless.

Pricing typically lands around $12,000 to $14,000, which is remarkable value for the kit. The seat height is a manageable 32 inches or so, and the bike weighs about 540 to 550 pounds ready to ride.

Where it falls short

The pillion seat is comfortable but not as lavish as a Gold Wing’s. The panniers are also not cavernous, so I’d add a top case with a backrest for my passenger. With that one upgrade, it becomes a superb two-up tourer.

6. Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+: Best Tech-Loaded Mid-Size Tourer

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is the bike I’d pick if I wanted a fun, lively sport-tourer with grown-up technology. It’s lighter and more nimble than the big flagships, yet it still handles a passenger well.

Why it earns a spot

The 890cc CP3 triple makes about 117 horsepower with a gloriously flexible midrange. The GT+ adds radar-based adaptive cruise control, semi-active KYB suspension, and a cornering-aware ABS and traction control package. That adaptive suspension adjusts for two-up loads quickly, which I find genuinely useful.

Hard panniers come standard, and the seat is wide enough for a sensible passenger perch. Expect pricing around $17,500 to $18,500. Hand-adjustable preload is easy to set when your passenger climbs aboard.

Limitations

The pillion seat is a little more sport-oriented than the Honda’s, and the passenger’s pegs are higher. On very long days, some pillions might want a bit more legroom. For two-person weekend getaways, though, I think it’s tremendous fun.

7. BMW R 1300 GS Adventure: Best for Adventurous Two-Up Travel

Sometimes the road ends, and you still want to keep going with your partner. The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is my go-to for that. It’s a strong contender for the best motorcycle for adventure touring, and it’s brilliant for far-flung trips like the best motorcycle for touring alaska with a passenger.

Why it works two-up

The 1,300cc boxer delivers about 145 horsepower, and the 30-liter fuel tank gives massive range. The pillion seat is high but generous, with sturdy grab rails and a luggage rack that’s easy to adapt. Electronic suspension adjustments and a tall windscreen help keep both riders comfortable.

Pricing generally starts in the mid-$20,000s and can run well beyond that with packages. At around 600 pounds fueled, it’s weighty, but BMW’s handling magic hides it well once you’re moving.

My warning

The tall seat height can intimidate shorter riders and passengers. Boarding takes a bit of choreography, so practice it before a big trip. If you’re mostly doing smooth pavement, one of the bikes above might suit you better.

What I Look for in a Two-Up Touring Bike

After many miles with a passenger, I’ve developed a short checklist. It applies whether you’re shopping the Gold Wing or the NT1100. And remember, if you also ride alone often, check out my thoughts on the best motorcycle for solo touring too.

Passenger seat and backrest

A wide, well-shaped seat is non-negotiable. A backrest is the single best upgrade for pillion happiness. Without one, your passenger spends hours bracing against every brake and throttle input.

Suspension and load capacity

Always check the bike’s payload. Two adults plus luggage can easily top 450 pounds. I look for a rear shock with easy preload adjustment, or better, electronic adjustment that does it for you.

Don’t forget the little things

Footpeg height, grab handle placement, and heated seats matter more than you’d expect. A Bluetooth intercom lets you chat without shouting. I’ve seen a $150 intercom save more arguments than any suspension upgrade.

Power and wind protection

You don’t need massive horsepower, but torque at low revs keeps the ride smooth. Good wind management reduces fatigue for both of you. Take a test ride with your partner on the back if you possibly can.

Final Thoughts: Which One Would I Pick?

If money were no object and pillion comfort were everything, I’d park a Honda Gold Wing Tour in my garage. For couples who love corners, the BMW R 1300 RT is my pick. And for sensible budgets, the Honda NT1100 wins my heart.

Whichever you choose, involve your passenger in the decision. Let them sit on each bike, check the seat, and tell you honestly how it feels. Happy passenger, happy ride, and many more miles together.

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