 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Hi Folks. I couldn't dig anything out of the search engine on this topic, so hopefully this post is appropriate.
I am thinking of getting rid of my V-Star 950 for another Speedmaster to use for light touring. The 950 is a great touring bike, but it can't lean over much, so it's not very much fun to ride for me. It's also nearly 700 lbs.
My wife and I will do two or three weekend trips in a year, otherwise she rides her own machine. So, we have the 950 for basically those two or three long trips, but I have to use it most of the year solo.
So, we're thinking of getting another Speedmaster, change the seat, add a backrest/luggage rack, windshield, and get some Rivco passenger floorboards with extensions. I can share my saddle bags between the bikes as they are on Easy Brackets.
I'd like to hear from those of you that ride 2 UP, and any negative or positive comments would be appreciated.
We know the Speedmaster is shorter than the 950, but with the floorboard extensions, that looks like it would be OK. Either a Corbin or America seat setup would be in the cards. There doesn't seem to be a lot of people that ride 2 UP with these bikes.
How would the power be with 2 UP on hilly highways? The 950 just thinks 8% hills are flat with both of us on board.
Thanks,
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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 Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
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I don't know if this'll help, but I'm often two up with my daughter and there is no real difference, my America still loves the twisties and powering up hills, but then my daughter is still growing and at the moment only weighs about 7 stone (roughly 98 lbs) Personly, I think the America/Speedmasters make ideal light tourers  We will be going to Dent in July which will mean carrying a tent and stuff for a weekend, so I will have a better idea then, but I think you want an answer before then 
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
The answer largely depends on the total weight. If you exceed the recommended weight chances are the bike won't run too quickly. As few of us, (no names) come close to that all by ourselves.  On the other hand, two relatively light people can run at or above the speed limit all day with no problems.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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there is a number of us that ride 2 up on a reg. basis and i dont know about the rest of them but i dont have a problem at all. of course like it has been stated...depends how total weight but even that is (from what i see) rated a little under for what the bike is really capable of.  ...question, why get a speedmaster and not an america being that most of the changes you describe wanting lean in the America direction?? 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Apr 2007
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My wife and I have ridden 2 up on my america a few times with no issues other than getting an upholstery shop to modify the passenger cushion. And we are both sporting a few extra pounds...just don't tell her I told you that 
1982 Pontiac Trans Am...K.I.T.T. in progress.
"It looks like Darth Vaders bathroom in here..."
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
Quote:
Hi Folks. I couldn't dig anything out of the search engine on this topic, so hopefully this post is appropriate.
I am thinking of getting rid of my V-Star 950 for another Speedmaster to use for light touring. The 950 is a great touring bike, but it can't lean over much, so it's not very much fun to ride for me. It's also nearly 700 lbs.
My wife and I will do two or three weekend trips in a year, otherwise she rides her own machine. So, we have the 950 for basically those two or three long trips, but I have to use it most of the year solo.
So, we're thinking of getting another Speedmaster, change the seat, add a backrest/luggage rack, windshield, and get some Rivco passenger floorboards with extensions. I can share my saddle bags between the bikes as they are on Easy Brackets.
I'd like to hear from those of you that ride 2 UP, and any negative or positive comments would be appreciated.
We know the Speedmaster is shorter than the 950, but with the floorboard extensions, that looks like it would be OK. Either a Corbin or America seat setup would be in the cards. There doesn't seem to be a lot of people that ride 2 UP with these bikes.
How would the power be with 2 UP on hilly highways? The 950 just thinks 8% hills are flat with both of us on board.
Thanks,
H.
well the speedy will do the job...
but if really want a more sporty 2 up triumph for a great touring bike...
Tiger 1050 all the way...in fact a few member of this very site.. have a TBA/speedy and a Tiger 1050 in the stable..for just want your talking about and I am one..
Ed 
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I'd like to hear from those of you that ride 2 UP, and any negative or positive comments would be appreciated.
Never had a problem.
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Other than the stock seat, you will have no problems. The mrs. had a Vstar for a short time and hated it because it handled like a '50 Buick and was underpowered. It was traded off on an America and it isn't missed a bit.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Aug 2007
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My wife would ride on my America for 100's of miles. When I sold it and got a Rocket, she would not around the block on it. Said the America was the best ever for a pillion. So she got a Bonnie and that was that!
Last edited by KingOfFleece; 03/21/2010 8:47 PM.
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Nov 2009
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OP
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Thanks for all the great replies.
Weight. No problem here. Looking at 300 lbs for my wife and I. Add maybe another 40 lbs of stuff (saddle bags, stuff, and luggage rack T-Bag). So, let's say 350 lbs max. From what everyone has said, that should be no problem.
Speedy vs. America. Personal choice. I like the Speedy black-out look, the twin front brakes, and the handlebars. So, it'll be easier just to change the seat on the Speedmaster.
Sport Tourer (Tiger 1050). I don't need a bike that powerful or fast. Besides, I'd never be able to flatfoot it with my stumpy 27" inseam.
Passenger floorboards and extensions. Will do that. My wife has had knee surgery, so she likes to keep her knee at LESS than 90*. That's why we got the 950 in the first place, as her knee angle is about 85* with floorboards.
Seats. I'll leave that up to my wife. Her butt is the one that has to fit the pillion, and her 'sit bones' are further apart than 'normal' for some reason. So, whatever makes her comfortable.
Suspension. Yeah, other than adjusting the preload on the rear shocks, a shock upgrade could be in the future if it doesn't work out. That would be a future thing anyway. The 950 really shines here with progressive springs, and link rear suspension.
Thanks again for your feedback.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,647
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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You'll have no problem, as long as you're changing the seat. The wife may like one of these. http://www.buttybuddy.com/
06 America 904
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
shock upgrade? Well I'll give you a hint. Comfortable for two up and it will be too stiff for solo riding. Comfortable for solo and you'll wear em out too fast if you ride a lot two up. Being as how you intend to ride two up seldom, then get the normal springs.
Yes, these motosickles handle two up riding well. The biggest nays go to lack of farkle power and lack of storage space for two up riding.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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I ride 90% of the time 2 up, standard rear shocks set down 2 notch`s.
I had the Triumph touring seat with the phat passenger part, nice for her but spoils the look of the bike when I do ride solo.
To that end, I put the standard seat back on, wife didnt even notice, we done a 190 mile trip the other day and not a word from her...
Like you say, handling is great on these, love it.. dont think you`ll look back if you do buy one..
TrOjAn
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
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While I think the Tiger is a great bike and would love to own one, the rear accomodations don't look too promising. Does anyone here have one that rides two up for any distance?
Al
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2009
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Yes. We ride 2-up most of the time too. I have no choice!
Used to own a Ninja 650R, and I would mostly ride solo. She hated the sitting position, and it was really uncomfortable to have her on my back for extended rides. So she would always let me go alone.
Changed to the America, and now, every time I want to go for a ride, she says: "wait for me" and hops on the back seat! She loves it.
The biggest improvement so far was adding a backrest/rack combo. She feels even more comfortable and secure with it.
Enjoy the rides together!
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Excellent reports, everyone. Now, we'll just have to see if the $$$ difference is worth it on my trade.
H.
2010 Speedmaster Black/New England White
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
While I think the Tiger is a great bike and would love to own one, the rear accomodations don't look too promising. Does anyone here have one that rides two up for any distance?
yes we have done a few 700+ miles days and a few 800+ miles days on the Tiger this is the most comfortable bike me and my wife have ever rode ..
Ed
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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Member
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Member
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I've not gone long distance on my speedy yet. Changed to America seat and rocket 3 bars and am very comfortable as is the wife. Went up the hill to Virginia City, Nevada from Reno riding 2up. More than enough power and comfort. Still have all the black and have the comfort of the America.
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Soren's bike has no problem with both of us...the only thing is, the seat is not as soft as most passengers may like. Add a pad or something and it's great. I tried the butty buddy, but was not happy with it. That's just me though. I'd prefer a gel pad right on the seat, or getting the seat redone. Better yet, I prefer riding my own America
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Re: 2 Up Riding on a Speedmaster.. yes/no?
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I prefer riding my own America
....is the best suggestion!
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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