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1 Jun 2015
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XT600E 2 up
I am looking at planning a 90 day trip with my girlfriend in Europe next year on my XT600E. Do you think it will cope with 2 up and luggage? Clothes, tent, sleeping bags etc. Has anyone used one 2 up on trip?
Wayne
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1 Jun 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonerider
I am looking at planning a 90 day trip with my girlfriend in Europe next year on my XT600E. Do you think it will cope with 2 up and luggage? Clothes, tent, sleeping bags etc. Has anyone used one 2 up on trip?
Wayne
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I did a 1000km round trip around Argentina with a 6ft American guy on the back of mine while his bike was being fixed so we could get to a party.
It was cramped and not very comfortable.
If you pack VERY light, you will do it... But you will need to really wind up your rear spring tight on the pre-load of even get a stiffer spring otherwise your arse will be dragging..
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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1 Jun 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
I did a 1000km round trip around Argentina with a 6ft American guy on the back of mine while his bike was being fixed so we could get to a party.
It was cramped and not very comfortable.
If you pack VERY light, you will do it... But you will need to really wind up your rear spring tight on the pre-load of even get a stiffer spring otherwise your arse will be dragging..
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Cheers Ted
Would you recommend the spring even though she is 4 ft and a tab end and about 9 stone wet through lol
Wayne
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1 Jun 2015
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Girlfriend abuse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonerider
Cheers Ted
Would you recommend the spring even though she is 4 ft and a tab end and about 9 stone wet through lol
Wayne
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Will she still be your GF after 3 months on the back of a thumper?
And does it matter if she isn't?
Those are the key questions IMO.
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Dave
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1 Jun 2015
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The bike wont be the limitations on that trip, your gf will...... ;-)
Joke aside - as TouringTed said a decent rear spring is neccesary and then the bike should be ok. The seat comfort can be an issue too. That said - there are other bikes that would be more comfortable for such a trip...
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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
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1 Jun 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
Will she still be your GF after 3 months on the back of a thumper?
And does it matter if she isn't?
Those are the key questions IMO.
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and your point??
Wayne
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1 Jun 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy
The bike wont be the limitations on that trip, your gf will...... ;-)
Joke aside - as TouringTed said a decent rear spring is neccesary and then the bike should be ok. The seat comfort can be an issue too. That said - there are other bikes that would be more comfortable for such a trip...
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Cheers Kurt
Don't really want to buying another bike though, getting a better seat would be cheaper, also won't be doing loads of miles in a day, want it to be chilled
Wayne
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1 Jun 2015
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It's good luck your GF is petite & light weight! 
But even so, if you're bike has stock suspension, I'd up grade as much as you can afford. With luggage and a passenger (even a light one) the bike will ride MUCH better with stiffer springs and better rebound damping (bump damping) in the shock. It will also turn better as the rear won't be over sagging from the load. It's ALL GOOD! Do it!
But as mentioned, the SEAT will be the key thing. Hire a PRO seat craftsperson to extend the stock seat, making it not only WIDER but as LONG as is practical. Even an inch or two makes a BIG difference. Using multi layer, high quality foam is very important for riding multi long days.
If seat is done correctly and your luggage isn't too overwhelming, I think you will be OK. It won't be a BMW R/T, but doable. Probably good for at least a 6 hour riding day without ruining your relationship!
Having a smooth and fresh driveline on a big thumper is also important for comfort. A new-ish chain, new sprockets, fresh cush hubb rubber dampers ALL help the engine feel smoother through the bars, pegs and seat. Vibrations cause fatigue over time.
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22 Jun 2015
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hello,
Can you post here some examples of the parts that you would buy for a ride with a GF on this ?
I'm also very interest 
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23 Jun 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ciber
hello,
Can you post here some examples of the parts that you would buy for a ride with a GF on this ?
I'm also very interest |
Ciber
I take by parts you mean for the bike?
I got the bike from this site and it was pretty much good to go. All I have done to the bike to get it better to go is replace the rear spring (which is been done as I write this as a mate of mine back in the UK is doing it for me), I am also having braided hoses and thicker oil in the forks but this is personal preference. The only thing I am going to do at some point is replace the seat to make it more comfy
There are quite a lot of photos of the bike both on this thread and on my Hamburg thread (link in my signature block), which was my first ride out on the bike.
Other mods include, bash plate, heated grips, all the rear end has been strengthened, uprated head light, hidden immobiliser, 12v socket, 23ltr Acerbis fuel tank, which gives me about 300 miles on the motorway at 60/65 mph, pannier frames and Zega panniers.
Enjoy choosing you bike
Wayne
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8 Jul 2015
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New Parts
Back in the UK again just in time to get Arrunya from a mate who has been doing some work on her and he kindly took it for an MOT for me. So she is now good to go
Had some new parts put on...
 Untitled by SW Capell, on Flickr
 by SW Capell, on Flickr
New Hyperpro Progressive rear spring
 by SW Capell, on Flickr
 by SW Capell, on Flickr
Braided brake hoses (which have improved the braking)
Cush drive rubbers replaced
lower chain guide
and a big once over, valve clearances, bearings greased, all oil, lubes and filters changed
Went out for an hour on her yesterday, running great. 
What more of an excuse do i need to get out riding!
Wayne
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8 Jul 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonerider
and your point??
Wayne
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See post number 35.
To spell it out, GFs don't always appreciate the backend of bikes.
There again, there area more GFs available in the world than there are motorcycles.
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Dave
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8 Jul 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
See post number 35.
To spell it out, GFs don't always appreciate the backend of bikes.
There again, there area more GFs available in the world than there are motorcycles.
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That depends vastly on your GF, whether she is the type that gets on with it OR one that likes whinging a lot. Anyway getting off Topic its an XT600E thread not one on GF's
Wayne
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8 Jul 2015
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Fair enough.
Only you know your particular GF; as one or two others mentioned, it is a very important factor which you raised in your OP - so it's not a long way off topic. ;-)
Quote:
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Has anyone used one 2 up on trip?
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No, but I have tried it on a F650GS, quite a few years ago (and that was with a wife on the back who is nothing like as easy to ditch!) - it didn't work out because:-
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
It was cramped and not very comfortable.
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It will be interesting to hear how you (both) get on with your travels.
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8 Jul 2015
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All of my recent bikes,since the 21 century have required seat reupholstery.
we get,the new (?) technology but they should have kept the seat designers rather than replacing them with stylists. look at some of the major custom seat makers n copy the one you like ,keeping the seat level with a slight upturn in the back for the Lady( keeps her in position during sudden braking,may want to take some pads to experiment with the density that you are comfortable with then have that put on just before it is covered,make it is wide as possible,add a thin foam over the whole thing to cover the glued seams,get a cover that is not slippery something like a leather in appearence.
if you dont get i right the first time( maybe the upholsters first also) then do ot again,not too expensive or if you have time send it to some well known seat maker but you then must have time AND money. I have not tried an airhawk yet. My next bike will be a XT 600 also with some changes.
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