Fancying a bench seat bike for pillion

[RichTT]

So the missus is a short arse at less than 5 ft tall and doesn't like the height of the pillion seat of my Versys. So I'm thinking to get a cheap(ish) second bike with a low height and bench seat for her.

Obv. Triumph Bonneville is a good shout but a bit pricey. Don't fancy a Harley/Indian or the like. Anyone running a V7 Moto Guzzi? It seems a bit low on power but the looks are good. First version didn't get the most glowing reviews but you can get the 2015 bike for just over 5k which is about budget.

Wouldn't be touring or extended trips. More cruise on a sunny day to go get some chips kinda bike.

[klootzak]

I spent a great deal of time trying to love the V7 before getting my Ducati, and while it wasn't for me I suspect it would be great for what you describe.

Although 50(ish) bhp doesn't sound much, the torque is pretty solid and it's more than happy two-up. It sounds and feels great doing it too. Just enough vibration to make it feel like a proper bike, but not harsh or buzzy at all. The torque reaction when blipping the throttle is a fave for passengers

Comfort is good, though the seat is a bit squishy so if you or your wife are heavy or particularly bony-arsed you may disagree. Oh and it's genuinely tiny, so if either of you are tall it may not be too comfy.

For me it was only the authentically retro riding experience that put me off. I wanted something just a bit more modern in feel. That said, I still wonder ...

k

[Jazoli]

I'd tell her to get used to the Versys, they are comfy bikes for the pillion passenger, my 6ft wife had no complaints.

[RichTT]

Jazoli said:

I'd tell her to get used to the Versys, they are comfy bikes for the pillion passenger, my 6ft wife had no complaints.

It's not the comfort, she's less than 5ft tall and feels like she's perched too high up.

[RichTT]

klootzak said:

I spent a great deal of time trying to love the V7 before getting my Ducati, and while it wasn't for me I suspect it would be great for what you describe.

Although 50(ish) bhp doesn't sound much, the torque is pretty solid and it's more than happy two-up. It sounds and feels great doing it too. Just enough vibration to make it feel like a proper bike, but not harsh or buzzy at all. The torque reaction when blipping the throttle is a fave for passengers

Comfort is good, though the seat is a bit squishy so if you or your wife are heavy or particularly bony-arsed you may disagree. Oh and it's genuinely tiny, so if either of you are tall it may not be too comfy.

For me it was only the authentically retro riding experience that put me off. I wanted something just a bit more modern in feel. That said, I still wonder ...

k

Good feedback, thanks. It's a bit of a trail to go round trip to find one to test ride.

I'm only 5'10 she's under 5 ft so size shouldn't be an issue and I'll be able to flat foot it which will be nice for a change.

Which V7 did you get?

[klootzak]

RichTT said:

Good feedback, thanks. It's a bit of a trail to go round trip to find one to test ride.

I'm only 5'10 she's under 5 ft so size shouldn't be an issue and I'll be able to flat foot it which will be nice for a change.

Which V7 did you get?

Series 1, in white (so the best looking, even now).

I'm 5'8" my wife is 5'4", you should have no problems space-wise. At my height, the riding position was a bit short and upright. Lower bars would help.

k

[RichTT]

klootzak said:

Series 1, in white (so the best looking, even now).

I'm 5'8" my wife is 5'4", you should have no problems space-wise. At my height, the riding position was a bit short and upright. Lower bars would help.

k

Last summer I bought a pearlescent white CBR650F on a bit of a whim. Cost me 2k to run through the summer and sold it in the December. Wasn't a smart purchase but I had a lot of fun on it. This has caught my eye though. And could just see me accidentally buying it whilst away offshore and having it delivered once I got home.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Bikesalot]

I'm confused.

Are you

1. Using the misses as an excuse to get yourself another bike?
2. Getting a second bike to stop her moaning?

If number 2, just leave her at home.

[RichTT]

No she's not moaning. She just wont get on.

Also 1.