The Best Motorcycles That Are Great For Two-Up Riding
Updated April 26, 2023 by Simon Bertram
Things Are Much More Fun When Shared!
Article Quick Nav
These are the best used bikes for novice riders:
Motorcycling, for the most part, is a solo hobby. You might have friends or family who ride, or be part of a riding group—but most of the time you actually spend on a bike will be by yourself. Still, sometimes you’ll want (or need) to carry a passenger—and when that time comes, you’ll want a bike that’s designed to seat one.
Since riding two-up isn’t really for beginners, be advised that some of the bikes below aren’t for beginners either. They’ll suit you just fine if you’re relatively new to carrying a passenger—but if you are, we’re assuming you’ve already had plenty of time in the saddle by yourself. Many of these bikes aren’t great picks for someone who’s still learning to ride comfortably by themselves. Where appropriate, we have made a note of what skill level we recommend before riding any of the bikes outside of beginner-friendly models.
Even so, the bikes we’ve chosen for this list make absolutely bulletproof choices for riders who are ready to start carrying a passenger. If that’s you, read on—and get ready to saddle up with your partner, partner.
A Note About Riding Two-Up
But before you get into the list below, I’m going to offer a few words of caution. First off, riding with a passenger is not recommended for beginner motorcyclists. When someone gets on the back of your bike, they’re putting their life in your hands. Please avoid carrying passengers until you’ve got at least one (1) full riding season under your belt, unless it’s an emergency situation.
Putting an extra person on your bike changes everything. It adds more weight and spreads it out differently across the machine, changing your riding style and requiring you to adjust your lean angles. Your passenger will also have to learn how to lean with you and avoid squirming or fidgeting so the two of you can ride safely. And of course, they’ll need full protective gear. ATGATT!
About Our Selections
These selections considered ease of use, rideability, price, and how effective each motorcycle was in helping the beginner or newer rider learn the intricacies of riding. We are confident that any of these bikes will be superb second bikes for most riders.
We will reinforce that some of these bikes are not pure beginner bikes, and that you will need to instruct your passenger on the correct way to move, lean with you, hold on, and the like. That is why we don't recommend carrying passengers until you have at least one or more full riding seasons of experience.
Honda Gold Wing
A legendary tourer for those that are expecting to go long distances with a passenger
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Advanced
The Honda Gold Wing was always intended to be a long-distance touring machine, even as far back as its very first iteration in the 1970s. Older models might look like simple, no-frills baggers—but they’re still comfortable, low-maintenance machines with smooth, quiet engines that offer plenty of torque.
Then you’ve got the 2023 Gold Wing, which offers all the same benefits in a lighter, more performance-oriented package. It comes with either a six- or seven-speed transmission, refined bodywork for weather protection, and a bunch of touring amenities—including Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ integration. Out of all the new Honda bikes for 2023, this one’s almost certainly the most comfortable for long trips when you’ve got someone riding pillion behind you.
Top-of-the-line Tour models of the Gold Wing give you even more: fog lights, ample room for luggage, heated seats and grips, GPS, ABS, electronic cruise control, and a comfy passenger backrest. What more could you and your passenger ask for?
Specifications:
Price: $25,600
Engine: 1,833cc flat-six
Power: 125 HP
Torque: 125.4 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual or 7-speed DCT
Curb Weight: 804 lbs
Ideal For:
Riders looking to cross multiple states or even continents with a passenger on one of the world's best distance tourers
Highlights:
Torque and power everywhere in the rev range, for everything from going up a steep incline to cruising at freeway speeds
Legendary comfort with both the driver's saddle and the pillion seat
Every rider aid offered by Honda is included. Other standard features are TPMS sensors, hill start assist, four ride modes, keyless start, and integrated speakers for driver and passenger
Learn More:
BMW R1250 RT
One of the smoothest engines on the planet in a bike whose initials stand for "Reise-Tourer" (Travel Tourer)
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
If your interests fall on the sportier side of touring, the BMW R1250 RT has you covered. While many luxury touring bikes focus on quiet torque, the R1250 RT has a 1254cc boxer twin that BMW has refined over decades to deliver smooth, linear power throughout its RPM range.
The rear suspension on the R1250 RT is also adjustable on the fly, allowing your passenger to ride in comfort and avoid getting shaken to bits whenever you hit bumps in the road. Their seat is also extra plush, providing plenty of comfort while the rider’s seat sits lower and closer to the tank for enhanced control.
This is simply one of the best sport touring bikes on the market today. You and your partner will probably have more fun on the road to your weekend getaway than you will when you get there.
Specifications:
Price: $19,695
Engine: 1,254cc flat-twin
Power: 136 HP
Torque: 105 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 615 lbs
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a travel touring bike that has a reputation as a continent crusher with a smooth-as-silk engine
Highlights:
BMW has been making a version of this bike for almost four decades, evolving and refining it as the years have passed by
One of the most comfortable long distance bikes, seen as the closest competition to a Honda Gold Wing for luxurious motorcycle travel
Electronic cruise control, BMW ABS Pro, dynamic traction control, hill start control, 3 ride modes, full LED lighting, and a 10.25 inch TFT dash with integrated nav are all standard
Learn More:
2023 BMW R1250 RT specs, features, & pics
BMW F750 GS
An adventure tourer for those that want to keep it on the pavement and make the miles disappear
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Multi-season (2+) beginner
If the Gold Wing is too plush for you and the R1250 RT is too intimidating, never fear—BMW has another offering that might suit you and your passenger. Enter the F750 GS, which fits perfectly in the gap between the luxury- and sport-touring markets (or see the other new BMW bikes for 2022 here).
The 2023 F750 GS has a standard seating position with a slightly sporty vibe, along with a soft, comfortable tail rest. Your passenger gets plenty of classic BMW comfort too—with a nice cushion, easy-access foot pegs, and easy-to-find grip handles if they want to sit back a bit and stretch out during long rides.
As a BMW, this bike is also packed with electronic riding aids and passenger comfort items. Dynamic stability control across all weather conditions (apart from snow), LED running lights, and options like a windscreen and luggage are just some of the things you can look forward to on this mile-muncher.
Specifications:
Price: $9,995
Engine: 853cc parallel twin
Power: 77 HP
Torque: 61 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 493 lbs
Ideal For:
Newer riders looking for a capable, pavement-oriented adventure tourer
Highlights:
Standard seating position with a decently padded passenger seat
Can mount pannier lockers or saddlebags without interfering with passenger comfort
Stability control, traction control, selectable ride modes, LED lights all around, and BMW ABS Pro are all standard
Learn More:
Yamaha MT-07
A junior streetfighter "hyper naked" that is actually quite capable of two-up riding
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Multi-season beginner to intermediate
Not every passenger-friendly motorcycle is a multi-day touring bike. Yamaha offers at least one definite winner with their MT-07, a great intermediate naked that has enough power and torque to get two people moving without much effort.
The pillion cushion may not look all that comfortable, but it’s twice as thick as the ones on many sport bikes. Then again, many sport bike passenger seats are barely thicker than a few sheets of cardboard—so while this one might be comfortable for an hour or two, long-distance trips would require frequent stretch breaks.
Specifications:
Price: $8,199
Engine: 689cc parallel twin
Power: 73 HP
Torque: 47.4 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 406 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders looking for a naked sport bike that can both be a comfortable day-tripper and a corner-carving scalpel
Highlights:
A bike of two personalities merged into one: comfortable for long duration trips, up on its toes and ready to attack when shown a tight corner
Despite the "hyper naked" aesthetic, is actually relatively comfortable for a sport bike
ABS and all-around LED lighting is standard. Comes pre-wired for optional Yamaha QuickShift feature
Learn More:
Honda CBR650R
A sport bike with the soul of supersport but the comfort of a sport tourer
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Beginner
If you’re really committed to riding two-up on a sport bike (whatever; I’m not judging), then you’re gonna want to consider this offering from Honda. While any sport or supersport bike is going to have a fairly stiff seat, the CBR650R is designed with a little more comfort and relaxation in mind.
You get a (relatively) padded pillion seat here, which will probably keep your partner’s ass from aching for at least a few hours of riding. The passenger pegs are also exceptionally well-placed, keeping your passengers knees out far enough from the bike to prevent them from getting in your way while you operate the controls.
We don’t recommend the CBR300R however, as the engine on that bike just isn’t powerful enough to really handle two-up riding. If you want to enjoy freeway cruising or twisting through mountain roads with a passenger, you’ll want the engine in the 650. See more of Honda’s 2023 motorcycles here.
Specifications:
Price: $9,899
Engine: 649cc inline four
Power: 95 HP
Torque: 46.4 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 445 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders that are looking for a sport bike that has an inline four engine that is not a hardcore supersport bike
Highlights:
Despite having an inline four, the power is delivered in a very linear, predictable manner. Basically, you don't have to rev the nuts off of it to get some grunt
Sport standard style position, with a decently padded pillion seat if the trip is going to be 2 or less hours
Selectable torque control, high end Showa suspension, LED lighting all around, and an assist and slipper clutch are all standard equipment
Learn More:
Ural Gear-Up
A Soviet-era-style sidecar bike that can go all day, can be fixed with a hammer, and is surprisingly comfortable
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Beginner (with half a season to get used to the sidecar)
As a proud Eastern European with a penchant for weird bikes, I can’t help but get excited about Ural motorcycles. This Russian brand began in 1940, using BMW’s designs and production techniques as the jumping-off points for what would soon become the world’s premier brand of heavy sidecar motorcycles.
Which brings us to the Ural Gear-Up. This is not a bike for traditional two-up riding—it comes with a sidecar as a standard feature, and you would be foolish to put your passenger anywhere else. Like most technology with Soviet roots, this thing looks janky-as-hell—but like most technology with Soviet roots, it is also way tougher and more reliable than you’d expect. Never underestimate my people.
While it will easily cruise around on the road, the purpose of the Ural is to be a nigh-unkillable workhorse on rougher terrain or short-distance off-road blitzes. With a maximum weight allowance of over 1,300 lbs, it can also haul pretty much any size and shape of person (or animal) in the sidecar. And yes, that’s been done.
Want to learn more about this glorious oddball? Check out Jim’s review of the Ural.
Specifications:
Price: $21,999
Engine: 749cc flat-twin
Power: 41 HP
Torque: 42 lbs-ft
Transmission: 4 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 730 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders wanting a bike with a sidecar that can survive pretty much everything, and needs a hammer and a couple of mumbled curse words to fix
Highlights:
You know a bike is designed for the rough and tumble when the second thing on its standard features list is that the spare wheel is good for all three positions!
The sidecar, despite the look, is actually quite comfortable and even comfortable
On demand 2WD means that if you really need the extra grip, the sidecar wheel can be powered
Learn More:
Suzuki Burgman 400 ABS
A maxi-scooter in a motorcycle list? When it's as good as the Burgman is, you bet!
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Beginner
Since we’re wandering off the beaten track a little, why not step into scooter territory? The Suzuki Burgman 400 ABS is one of the last decade’s most successful maxi-scooters, with ample power, loads of storage under the seat, and a sporty (albeit restrained) handling profile.
Suzuki has plenty of new bikes for 2023, but if you want a scooter designed for two-up riding, this is the one. The Burgman has a stepped seat that offers tons of comfort for your passenger, while staying stiff but forgiving for you. The pegs are also placed such that your pillion can be up tight against you or use the grab handles to sit back a bit and keep your helmets from banging together.
Specifications:
Price: $8,599
Engine: 400cc four-stroke single
Power: 31 HP
Torque: 26.5 lbs-ft
Transmission: CVT Automatic
Curb Weight: 481 lbs
Ideal For:
New riders that are not necessarily looking for a motorcycle, but pursued their license to be able to ride maxi-scooters for commuting or in-city use
Highlights:
In Suzuki's own words, the "elegant athlete of the scooter world" as it both looks good and has some serious power (for a scooter)
Both driver and pillion seats are very plush and shaped to not put any pressure on the coccyx or perineal areas of the pelvis
ABS, selectable ride modes, dynamic traction control, and LED lighting all around are all standard
Learn More:
Suzuki V-Strom 650
An ADV bike that is more of a pure tourer, but can still go off-road without issue
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Beginner (on road), 1+ seasons (off-road/trail riding)
Okay, now we’re completely abandoning the beaten path—any path, actually. The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is the Swiss army knife of bikes; it can do anything and everything. Road riding? Yep. Dirt paths? You bet. Bombing across trails washed out by streams? See for yourself.
This is the bike you’d want to use if you and your passenger wanted to find a campsite far from civilization and enjoy a night under the clear sky. Despite being a workhorse, the V-Strom 650 isn’t the ultimate off-roader—but it gets the job done in more comfort than most, since its seat is made to soak up bumps and shocks for both the rider and the passenger.
Specifications:
Price: $9,104
Engine: 645cc V-twin
Power: 70 HP
Torque: 46 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 470 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders looking for an adventure tourer that is more of a pure touring bike that can still go off-road without issue
Highlights:
Uses the same 645cc V-twin from the SV650, meaning it is a bulletproof, proven-reliable engine
Standard seating position and mid-mount pegs makes it comfortable for literally any size and shape of rider, with a nicely padded pillion seat for all-day passenger comfort
Traction control, stability control, and dual zone ABS are all standard.
Learn More:
Triumph Bonneville T120
A superb adventure tourer for the beginner that will be staying mostly on pavement
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Multi-season (2+) beginner to intermediate
Let’s get back to the road for a while. The Triumph Bonneville T120 offers a retro look with modern conveniences. Its 1200cc parallel-twin produces more than enough power and torque for two-up riding, while also providing plenty of comfort, thanks to the highly-tuned suspension.
On top of all that, the T120’s stitched leather and plush padding practically begs you to ride with a passenger so they can enjoy it. And for the café racer enthusiasts here, the fully-retro, behind-the-back grab bar is the cherry on top for styling.
Specifications:
Price: $12,695
Engine: 1,200cc parallel twin
Power: 79 HP
Torque: 77.4 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 520 lbs
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a classic British motorway cruiser that offers retro looks with modern amenities
Highlights:
Lightweight for the size and power of the engine, as it is designed to lazily sit at 70 MPH all day on the UK's motorway system
Traditional bench-style seat, with excellent padding and comfort for both you and your passenger
Dual zone ABS, torque-assist clutch, selectable riding modes, cruise control, LED lighting all around, and dynamic ride-by-wire all standard
Learn More:
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 specs, features, & pics
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
A classic "American" cruiser that is great for a newer rider with a few seasons under their belt
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Multi-season beginner to intermediate
Yeah, I’m writing about my bike again. Get used to it. Not only is the Vulcan 900 Classic one of the best bikes new riders can buy to get used to bigger and heavier machines, but the LT (Light Touring) version also comes with features that make it ideal for two-up riding.
The retro-style cruiser made a real comeback in the past decade or two, and Kawasaki jumped feet-first into the deep end with the Vulcan 900 Classic. A low, thick seat for the rider and cruiser-style forward controls leave ample room over the rear tail for a thick pillion seat. The LT version goes a step further, adding a backrest to give your passenger even more comfort (and a windscreen).
Much like the classic cruisers it’s modelled after, this bike requires you and your passenger to get pretty cozy. They’ll be right up against your back with their arms around your torso—but that’s more of an argument for being picky about who you ride with than anything else
Specifications:
Price: $8,999
Engine: 903cc V-twin
Power: 50 HP
Torque: 58.2 lbs-ft
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 620 lbs
Ideal For:
Newer riders looking for a road tourer that is in the perfect zone of having enough power to get the job done without needing to be scared of the throttle
Highlights:
Designed to obliterate highway and interstate miles, riding two up, in massive comfort
Three models to choose from, Classic, Custom, and LT, with the Classic and LT having the best passenger cushions
Belt final drive for those new riders wanting a bit more of a "proper classic" road tourer. No ABS or traction control aids, hence why we recommend a few seasons under your belt before getting one
Learn More:
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic specs, features, & pics
Harley-Davidson Sport Glide
The only pre-owned cruiser bike on this list that we recommend, mostly because of it's do-it-all nature
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Intermediate with a cruiser background, otherwise Advanced
Ask a group of Harley fans what their favorite bike is, and you’re likely to kick off a fairly lively discussion. After all, the bar-and-shield isn’t just a brand; it’s a lifestyle—and as such, it inspires some pretty strong opinions amongst its adherents.
But there’s one bike Harley-Davidson fans can almost universally agree rules, and it’s the Harley-Davidson Sport Glide. There hasn't been a new model since 2021, however that doesn't mean it's any less of a recommendation, as you'll likely be able to find one in the pre-owned section of your local Harley dealer. Using a thundering 1753cc V-twin engine with enough torque to spin the world backwards on its axis, the Sport Glide combines the best parts of a sports cruiser, a bagger, and a long-distance tourer to bring forth a beast that’s at home anywhere from Route 66 to City Hall.
You also get Harley’s incredibly-comfortable seats, which will keep you and your passenger comfortable on even the longest journeys. Then there’s the fact that this bike was aggressively priced when new to compete with the Japanese motorcycles that have been threatening to take over the cruiser market in recent years (looking at you, Vulcan).
Specifications (2019+):
Price: $18,599 (2021 MSRP)
Engine: 1,753cc four-stroke single
Power: 93 HP
Torque: 110 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 699 lbs
Ideal For:
Riders wanting a do-it-all American cruiser. It has bags like a bagger, power like a sports model, and the comfort and endurance of a long-distance cruiser
Highlights:
Torque for days from the Milwaukee 107 V-twin, smoothly delivered and available from idle to near the redline
While the passenger cushion looks small, is actually quite plush and comfortable for multiple hours at a time. We do recommend stretching breaks once every 3 to 4 hours though
Keyless ignition, LED lighting all around, even a USB charge port as standard. The options list was also about as tall as the average American, so make sure to check the options added on any pre-owned model
Learn More:
Honda Rebel 500
Not only one of the best beginner bikes of a generation, also a great way to learn two-up riding
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Beginner
Of course, you’re going to want to spend some serious saddle time on smaller, more forgiving cruisers before you hop on a Sport Glide (or a Vulcan, for that matter). And if there’s ever been a sport cruiser designed from the outset to help beginner riders learn comfortably, it’s the Honda Rebel 500. You’ll have to shell out an extra $140 USD to get the passenger seat added to the subframe—but if you do, this is simply the most affordable, reliable, and lenient sport cruiser out there.
While the passenger seat isn’t the thickest (or, frankly, the most comfortable), it does a great job of keeping your passenger close to you. That’s not just a nice feature for riders who like being the little spoon, though—it also makes it easier to manage your passenger’s extra weight and keeps you both more stable on the road. It also makes it easier to talk to your pillion, in case you need them to change the way they’re leaning or holding onto you. You’ll both appreciate the intimacy (as long as everyone showered that morning).
Specifications:
Price: $6,449 to $6,949 (2023 MSRP)
Engine: 471cc parallel twin
Power: 47 HP
Torque: 32 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 408 to 416 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders that are looking to get into cruisers without needing to think of a big American chunk of iron, that is also easily capable of carrying a passenger
Highlights:
A very simple, pure motorcycle that doesn't distract you with settings and features, but lets you just ride
Designed from the outset to be extremely beginner friendly. After you get used to the way the bike handles and rides, adding a passenger doesn't change it all that much as they are very close to you
Dual zone ABS is an option for $6,749 on the ABS and $6,949 on the ABS SE variants. The only other real rider aid is a standard assist and slipper clutch.
Learn More:
Kawasaki Ninja 650
A comfortable sport tourer that has a surprisingly plush pillion seat and more than enough power to ride two-up
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Beginner
Unlike the more sport-focused Honda CBR650R listed earlier, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is more of a sport-touring bike. While it can still haul you around a track in fine style, the raised clip-ons, less-aggressive seating position, and slightly taller tail (which raises the pillion’s head higher for better visibility) show that this motorcycle is a street bike first and foremost.
Somehow, Kawasaki seats are fairly comfortable no matter what bike of theirs you sit on, and the Ninja 650 is no different. In fact, it’s so plush for both the rider and pillion that you could probably take a two-person day trip on this thing and only need to stop and stretch a few times.
Want to learn more about this bike? Read owner reviews of the Ninja 650 here and here.
Specifications:
Price: $7,999
Engine: 649cc parallel twin
Power: 67 HP
Torque: 48.5 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 419 lbs
Ideal For:
New riders looking for a sport touring starter bike that is very forgiving and also has a decently comfortable pillion seat
Highlights:
Sport standard seating, with slightly rearward pegs, for comfortable all day riding. The pillion seat is also quite plush for a sport bike, great for in-city or short-range highway runs
A good "keeper" bike for the long term. Enough power and forgiveness to learn with, but when experienced, becomes a great canyon carving machine
Full suite of Kawasaki's excellent rider aids, including dual zone ABS, wheelie control, cornering stability control, and traction control
Learn More:
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 specs, features, & pics
Yamaha XSR700
Classic British style meets Japanese tech in a neo-retro that is perfect for two-up riding
Why We Picked It:
Recommended skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
The Yamaha XSR700 is a superb two-up bike. Like many retro-themed motorcycles, it has a long, wide, and comfortable bench-style seat, with a dedicated pillion “hump” between rider and passenger. It also has a low-slung exhaust, which is preferable to the high-placed exhausts on many adventure-style bikes (since these can get uncomfortably hot under a passenger’s leg).
The XSR700 also has a strong enough motor to reach highway speeds with two people on board, which is important to consider if you plan on long-distance or inter-city travel. Finally, Yamaha has worked a mini-miracle with the rear suspension by mounting it at a near-horizontal angle, directly at the bike’s centre of gravity. This means your passenger’s weight actually helps keep the bike planted on the road, instead of moving its centre of gravity towards the rear. Just one more example of Japanese engineering at its best.
Specifications:
Price: $8,899
Engine: 689cc parallel twin
Power: 74 HP
Torque: 50 lbs-ft
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 410 lbs
Ideal For:
Beginner riders that want a neo-retro style bike that has all of the tech and power of a modern sport naked
Highlights:
Quite lightweight and agile when riding solo, but has enough power and poise to be equally so when two-up
With a classic bench-style seat, your passenger can be close up behind you or a bit further back, and be comfortable in either position
Dual zone ABS and LED lighting all around are standard