Need a light bike in Europe for 2up!
 

Whats the most lightweight *2-up* bike I can buy used in Europe at a good price to haul on the back of my van around the world? If you care for any cliff notes, read on..

I'm in a real pickle
I have an 06 4x4 158" 416CDI T1N Sprinter van that I have been building out as an expedition vehicle for Asia/Pan-Am, the thing is a beast, but this time I'm mounting a moto to the back, whether on a trailer hitch or by custom fabricating a sturdy platform for the bike to sit on. I want to use this bike for day trips, runs into town, places I want to explore that would just be silly to take the van, at most a few days excursion away from the van. The only problem is I don't know which bike!

I still have my 2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R that took me around Africa, I couldn't think of a more comfortable 2-up bike, but it weighs in at 234kg (515lbs) dry. As much as I love that bike, I ultimately know deep down that it's too heavy to mount on the back of that van, especially so far back from the rear axle and the kind of roads I'll be taking.

What bike can I put on the back? I really thought I was onto something when I stumbled across this thread on ADVrider which runs through a bunch of criteria for a lightweight adventure bike. I was almost set on a DR650 only to discover they don't sell them in Europe anymore due to emissions or something, and the ones that I have found (mostly pre 2000) are crazy overpriced. Same goes for the XR650. KTM 690 and Husky 701 are pretty darn overpriced. The KLR650 is starting to get heavier than I'd like and at that weight, I'd probably just go for a BMW F800GS, but that's not all that far off the 1190 really....

The CRF250 is light and pretty cheap in Europe, but it's not designed for a pillion so it's already out of the question..

I'm at a loss. What's out there?

A Versys 300 would be fine. Or something like a 310 gs or cb500x.
I have the versys so I recommend that [emoji41]

Sent from phone.

Thanks for the reply dude, I didn't even know about the 300/310 touring style bikes. That is great to know. I wonder though if they're coming in at 175kg wet, if it'd be worth just going for a BMW f650 gs at 192kg wet.... hmm.

You need to check the "nose weight" your van can carry. This is the rated load of the towbar assembly and its attachment points when towing. Obviously, it also equates to the weight you can safely carry mounted on those same points. In most cases the combiner weight of carrier plus bike means only the lightest machines can be safely carried. If you have enough capacity to take a larger bike, fine, but start by checking that.

If you're only going to use the bike for shopping or a few local outings I'd say the smaller the better, something like a step-thru, or have a browse through eBay for a cheap 125.

The two up requirement is pretty brutal. Will be hard to carry around such a big bike. What about getting two lightweight 125s? Something like the honda trail? Or older versions of that.

Are you also going to be going *significantly* offroad with it?

Because the best answer here is probably "big-wheel 125cc scooter". Light, maneuverable, has secure underseat storage for helmets/shopping, will go down bad roads incredibly well (just slowly).

A Honda SH125i will easily take a rider and pillion, and can be serviced anywhere in the world.

Yep. Time to decide whether you want to take multi-day trips including significant offload and full baggage....or just poke around a bit here and there. A 250-300 will carry you and pillion, but you won't be canyon-carving, camping in luxury, or beating up the singletrack. If that's what you're planning to do, maybe reconsider your choice of ride--a bigger truck, a trailer, whatever.

There's no perfect solution...but as you're surely aware, there's no perfect solution for bike choice alone (your 1190 notwithstanding). Nor is there a perfect choice for a truck or van. Combining the two? Guess what--no perfect choices. Find a workable compromise and don't look back with regrets.

Light weight and two up comfort?

A Classic Vespa Scooter PX200EFL is tough as Nails and comfortable for pillions. Light weight. Parts are cheap (sip scootershop). It is extremely easy to work on. You will need to bring spares (send me a PM if you go down this route.

Any older japanese 250 dual sport with a seat upgrade. The WR250R weighs 134 kg I believe. This would be my prime choice in your situation I think.

The KTM 390 Adventure is inexpensive, light'ish, modern, fun, capable, lots of power, easy to ride. Seat is hard though. Uncomfortable for pillion. You would need to upgrade the seat. It has more legal loading capacity than a BMW GS1250R Adventure! I would change the rear sprocket to 48 teeth. This bike is soon much fun!

Honda CRF 300 Rally should be considered - if you can find one used, or afford a new one

A BMW F650 GS Dakar weighs 185 kg if I remember correctly. It could take the two of you RTW. Very capable bike.

BMW g650x is probably a good option. Only weight 145 kilos.

Get a nice custom seat designed for 2 up

I think: Everything on a plattform at the back of your van ... is to heavy. (nose weight)
Better: Take it inside the van and every evening out and enjoy the smell. :-)


May be here you find some information:


https://forum.buschtaxi.org/kleines-...en-t75673.html


(take a translator of your choice if needed)