The other half suggested getting a motorbike...

[trisers]

...despite the fact that i've already got a fireblade! Well...actually 'cos i HAVE a blade and she moans that she has to hang on for grim death all the time when she's on the back, just no pleasing some people...

Anyway, i thought i'd give it at least a few seconds consideration...but what bike to add to the one-horse stable?

Let's say a budget of 2-3k...including allowing for getting a secondhand bike mechanically reliable

So...what's BCF's suggestions for a more comfy pillion ride?

1. without looking like a hell's angel
2. fast enough to be fun
3. won't so easily deposit a pillion on the tarmac?

[Albigularis]

Triumph Sprint ST 1050 immediately comes to mind.
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Biking history so far-
Aprilia RS125 - Kawasaki ZXR400 - Triumph Street Triple R - Suzuki GSXR1000 L3 - BMW R1200GS - Kawasaki Z1000 - Kawasaki ZX10R C1H - Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring - Suzuki Hayabusa

[CaNsA]

[Beehive Bedlam]

Varadero 1000 I am sure there are many better bikes but not for me.

[Jaco]

VFR800?

[Suntan Sid]

Mrs Suntan hasn't complained about the pillion seat on the FZ1-N, only minor niggle is sliding around on the seat, although that's an easy fix.

IMO, sticking a piece of vinyl on a race hump does not constitute a proper pillion seat. Apart from anything else with that sort of set up, the pillion looks a complete tool peering, over the top of the rider!

When I was looking for litre bikes the 900 Hornet seemed comfy as did Fazers and the other bigger muscle type bikes!
Ducati tourers might be worth a look?
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"Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!"

[G]

Looking at it from the wrong angle, I'd say.
Start with this:
https://blog.williamsmotorcycletraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/voucher-cbt-300x132.jpg

[hellkat]

Tell her to get her own.



(PS : there is no apostrophe in Hells Angels. I'm not saying it's right; I'm not saying it's wrong. But the last time I argued with a Hells Angel ...

... was a very long time ago now )
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[trisers]

G and hellcat...please be sensible

[hellkat]

The CX500, a rather ancient old tank of a bike, has most probably the most comfortable pillion seat IN THE WORLD*. However, in this day and age of lovely light bikes you can throw around at the drop of a hat, both finding a decent working CX500 - and riding it - is probably a lot more of a hassle than sitting pillion on them.


* I state this as fact from probably the largest pillion arse in the world.
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[trisers]

Actually...a VFR does appeal...suppose i could fit a top box, i could have fun trying to dump her on the tarmac rather than fannying around trying to keep her on the back...

[doggone]

When I had a Bandit 1200 by all accounts it was good to be on the back.
Perhaps a bit dated now but still a decent bike.

[trisers]

I should add also that she's a lightweight so a thin bit of vinyl over a racing cowl would be fine by me...i'm sure she would say otherwise of course!

In which case a double seat must be the way to go...

Just a thought...she'll no doubt complain if it looks tatty...and if it's a faired bike it will do for this budget?

So...perhaps naked? I did suggest that to her too but she took it the wrong way

[Commuter_Tim]

[WULFSTAN]

Honda blackbird
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Your backside is better enough for you to run again, if need be – bristle up the courage of the cornered rat, put on a bold front, and to hell with them. Bluff my boy – bluff, shift and lie for the sake of your neck and the honour of Old England

[TallPaul_S]

Aprilia Futura?

https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/moto_gallery/APRILIARST1000Futura-9_8.jpg

Dirt cheap for how much bike you get https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201404183429327
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00 Honda VFR800 | 09 Aprilia Tuono Factory
CBT 06/03/2014 | Mod 1 and Mod 2 passed 15/10/2014

[monkeybiker]

Could you maybe fit a top box with a padded back for her to rest against?

[TallPaul_S]

[kernow24]

Swap her in for a fitter, more perky, less moany model
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[ADSrox0r]

VFR is a good option but also very heavy for a berd

EDIT: Thought you were on about a bike for the berd, derp. Based on that, VFR!
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[Wonko The Sane]

completely different angle could be good, Triumph Trophy ST, Honda Pan Euro, Honda Deauville

Get something more in the touring vein, nice long rides out, B&B, enjoy the scenery, ride home?
____________________
Looking to pass your CBT / Bike tests in Bury Lancashire? try www.focusridertraining.co.uk Would recommend.
They're also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Rider-Training/196832923734251

[KLR600]

Any of the big nakeds/muscle bikes. Kawasaki ZRX1100/1200, Suzuki GSX1400, Bandit 1200/1250, Yamaha XJR1200/1300, Honda CB1300 etc.

Still fast enough to be fun (if you don't mind a bit of hustle in the corners) but comfy for a pillion. You'd definitely get a clean ZRX1200 for £3k at this time of year no problem and I'd imagine you wouldn't have to look too hard for a clean example of any of the other bikes I mentioned within that budget.

If you want to keep the fairings then maybe look for a Yamaha Thunderace? Getting a bit old now but I imagine there are still some tidy ones out there.
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Now: '00 Kawasaki ZRX1100R - Past: '84 Yamaha DT125, '89 Kawasaki KLR600, '97 Yamaha XJ600N
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[XBIKER]

I suppose it depends if you want her out biking with you..........

Late at night many years ago, I picked up my (virgin biker) girlfriend from the local station on my Suzuki GT550 and skidded on a muddy country road spinning 90 degrees. Luckily it stayed upright but when I looked back she was gone, sliding up the gravel road in a skirt

Cost me a new outfit and jacket for her but although she never went on the bike again, she did marry me.

[hilldweller]

Something totally different that she'll love sitting on, V-Strom 650.

It will cruise 2 up at any legal speed limit at 60 mpg, you can ride all day and get off with a big smile on both your faces and want to do it the next day.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]