There are many motorcycles available in India these days, but you might not know which motorcycle is best for passenger riding. Whether it’s a short trip in the city or a long-distance trip, choosing the best motorcycle for carrying a passenger involves balancing several factors. You would want to look for a bike that is designed with a supportive and large pillion seat, a bike that has features optimized for twin riding, such as heated seats, cruise control, and large luggage space.
When looking for a motorcycle that offers convenience and comfort for a passenger, it’s essential to consider not just power and performance but also elements like a comfortable seat, the best suspension quality, and overall stability. After all, having a passenger means a lot to handle—extra weight, different maneuverability, and the need for accessible controls like passenger footrests and secure backrests.
In comparison to the four-wheeled vehicles they share the road with, motorbikes offer a variety of unique advantages, from excellent performance to an unmatched, entirely unhindered perspective of the road and its surroundings. However, motorbikes often need more vehicles when it comes to passenger space and comfort. This is understandable, given that most of today’s production motorcycles are designed primarily for single-rider use.
The best motorcycles for two-up riding are BMW K 1600, Honda Gold Wing Tour, Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, BMW R 1250 RT, Triumph Tiger 900 GT, and Ducati Multistrada V4. These passenger motorcycles offer a combination of comfort, safety, and rider engagement. They also have various features that make them an excellent option for couples, such as plenty of storage, spacious seats, and audio systems.
Best Motorcycles For Two-Up Riding
1. Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Originally a Swedish company, Husqvarna Bikes is currently owned by KTM. Concerning appearance, feature sets, and pricing, its products will be superior to those of the Austrian manufacturer. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is anticipated to go on sale in India in February 2024 for between $2,70,000 and $2,80,000.
The Svartpilen 401 will be one of the first road-ready Huskies of the next generation. The name, which translates to “Black Arrow,” is scrambler in style. Therefore, the Husqvarna added upright seating, spoked rims, and multipurpose tyres. Expect the exact razor-sharp handling and the same 43bhp/37Nm 373cc single-cylinder engine because it will be a 390 Duke under the skin. WP will supply the suspension, and ByBre will fit the brakes.
| DISPLACEMENT | 399 cc |
| MAX POWER | 42.9 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 39 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 160 Kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 13.5L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 2,92,000/- |
2. Triumph Bonneville T120
According to an announcement from Triumph Motorcycles India, the 2023 Bonneville T120 will go on sale in our market. The Indian market offers a single variation and four hues of the retro-style motorcycle’s 2023 generation.
The newly introduced Aegean Blue with Fusion White paint theme has been added to the upgraded color palette, joining Jet Black, Cordovan Red with Silver Ice, and Cobalt Blue with Silver Ice. The most economical paint theme on the list is Jet Black, which has a single-tone finish. The other paint selections are more expensive than the Jet Black shade and have a dual-tone finish.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1200 cc |
| MAX POWER | 78.9 bhp @6550 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 105 Nm @3500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 190 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 14.5L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 11,89,000- |
3. BMW K1600
The top touring bike for BMW has undergone tremendous improvements and modifications to maintain its fantastic atmosphere. A 1649cc six-cylinder engine with 175 lb of torque at 5200 rpm is available in the K 1600 GTL.
Better steering and braking on the role are made possible by installing the Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment system and ABS. The BMW K 1600 may be a delightful touring bike for two if you add the tremendous audio systems and cozy cushioning.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1649 cc |
| MAX POWER | 158 bhp @6750 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 180 Nm @5250 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 200 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 26.5L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 29,90,000/- |
4. Honda Goldwing Tour
The Honda Goldwing Tour is Honda’s flagship motorcycle, offering ultimate performance and luxury in the city or on the open road. Taking the incredible Gold Wing as a base, it features greater carrying capacity and a more comfortable and relaxed ride for pillion riders. The Honda Goldwing Tour is a superbike. It has an 1833cc engine with a maximum power of 124.7 bhp and a torque of 170 Nm. It comes with an anti-locking braking system. The kerb weight of the bike is 390 kg and its fuel tank capacity is 21.1 liters.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1,833 cc |
| MAX POWER | 124.7 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 170 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 7 Speed Automatic |
| TOP SPEED | 230 Kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 21.1L |
| PRICE (Ex-showroom) | 39,20,000/- |
5. Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX
Touring is great, but a pair occasionally wants to travel fast. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX is among the few that best provides speed for two. This little one can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds, with a top speed approaching 200 mph, thanks to its 998cc four-cylinder supercharged engine.
The storage space is impressive, yet it’s still comfy enough for passengers to cling on without being thrown off. Any pair of speed enthusiasts should have this monster machine.
| DISPLACEMENT | 998 cc |
| MAX POWER | 197.2 bhp @11000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 137.3 Nm @8500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 330 Kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 19L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 31,95,000/- |
6. Triumph Tiger 1200
Triumph’s flagship adventure motorcycle Tiger 1200 has been extensively upgraded – mechanically and aesthetically. The Triumph Tiger 1200 also gets a passenger seat. The Triumph Tiger 1200 is an adventure bike powered by an 1160cc BS6 engine that generates a maximum power of 148 bhp and a peak torque of 130 Nm. The Tiger 1200 bike weighs 245 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The Triumph Tiger 1200 gets a new TFT display with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. A lot of riding-related information is given on the screen and the display theme can also be customized. It gets Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 320mm discs at the front.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1160 cc |
| MAX POWER | 148 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 130 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 220 Kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 20L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 19,39,000/- |
7. Triumph Tiger 900 GT
There may not be a better alternative than the Triumph Tiger 900 GT if you and your travel companion plan to go the distance, using highways and dirt roads from one country to another. The Tiger provides a very comfy seat for your passenger for an adventure bike. Thanks to the roomy seat and strategically positioned foot pegs, the passenger has good ergonomics.
| DISPLACEMENT | 888 cc |
| MAX POWER | 93.9 bhp @8750 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 87 Nm @7250 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 200 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 20L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 13,95,000/- |
8. BMW R 1250 RT
BMW is one of the most reputable brands for producing motorcycles with the newest technology and luxuries. The BMW R 1250 RT works effectively in various circumstances, as those who have experienced it will attest. It slowly moves along as it rolls. At highway speeds, it performs just as impressively. Since the ride’s smoothness or bumpiness is entirely at your discretion, your guest will appreciate this.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1254 cc |
| MAX POWER | 134.1 bhp @7750 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 143 Nm @6250 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 200 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 25L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 24,95,000/- |
9. Ducati Multistrada V4
Before the Desert X’s off-roading appearance, the Multistrada was Ducati’s default adventure motorcycle. But in reality, it wasn’t. The Multistrada V4 S is explicitly developed for two-up riding and was designed to tackle the road at a high speed while looking stunning.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1158 cc |
| MAX POWER | 167.62 bhp @10500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 125 Nm @8750 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 180 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 22L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 21,48,000/- |
10. BMW F900 XR
Launched in India, the 2022 BMW F 900 XR Pro sports adventure tourer will compete with models like the Triumph Tiger 900 GT and the Ducati Multistrada V2.
The 900 XR is an incredibly flexible motorbike that excels at track days, canyon carving, touring, and commuting. Other notable features of the BMW include:
- A windscreen that can be modified.
- A 6.5″ TFT display.
- A dynamic, active suspension that is suitable for two people.
- Adaptive LED cornering headlamps.
- A pilot’s seat that can be adjusted from 30.5″ to 34.2″.
| DISPLACEMENT | 895 cc |
| MAX POWER | 103.25 bhp @8500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 92 Nm @6500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 200 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 15.5L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 12,55,000/- |
11. Suzuki V-Strom 650 (Discontinued)
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 may be available as an “adventure bike,” but it also offers some enjoyable comfort for a passenger. A passenger seat that puts them slightly higher than the driver while concentrating on comfort can be added to a normal V-Strom.
The fact that this motorcycle has a 645cc, 90-degree V-twin engine that can go 125 mph helps. This bike is suitable for a couple who likes off-roading and can manage muddy terrain and open highways.
| DISPLACEMENT | 645 cc |
| MAX POWER | 69.7 bhp @8800 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 62 Nm @6300 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 6 Speed Manual |
| TOP SPEED | 190 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 20L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 8,92,902/- |
12. Honda Gold Wing (Discontinued)
The Honda Gold Wing has been a fantastic touring motorcycle since 1975, and each new model makes it better. The 1833cc six-cylinder engine has a top speed of approximately 140 mph and can produce nearly 80 horsepower. The wide seat is ideal for adding a second passenger, and the handling is superb.
The most recent models include fog lights to help with longer nighttime rides and some user-friendly technology so that someone can listen to music while driving. Without a sidecar, it’s still the most cosy a second rider can be.
| DISPLACEMENT | 1833 cc |
| MAX POWER | 124.7 bhp @5500 rpm |
| MAX TORQUE | 170 Nm @4500 rpm |
| TRANSMISSION | 7 Speed Automatic |
| TOP SPEED | 230 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 21.1L |
| PRICE EX-SHOWROOM | 39,88,995/- |
