[Ducati] Two up riding (was holiday cheer)

[Steve Abramson]

My comment on my probably NOT getting a 1098 (at least not right away...  ) kindled some responses about what some of you use for two-up duty. I think this is a perfect opportunity to use the 'consumer reports' feature of the list to ask for the opinions of the who ride with their SO. (On the same bike). For comparison, I am 5'10" 170 lbs and my wife is 5'10" 150 lbs. (I don't know if I'm authorized to post info on her weight for public display, but hey, she doesn't see this list. ;>)  I think I can coin a new term for the type of riding I would likely do with my wife- Short Touring. Sounds like sport, but implies relatively limited distance riding, maybe 300 mi. days-we will likely not be going for any iron butt stuff. So my ideal kama sutra ride will not be a Gold Wind, or the like. I would however, (thanks, Andy) entertain feedback on a big Harley. It is a V twin, after all, and the Road King really was a pleasure to cruise on. I called it a Cop Bike-all black, hard bags, big clear windscreen. We borrowed my buddies set of open face helmets (that was weird........), and at 70 mph on the highway, we could carry on a conversation at pretty much normal speaking levels. the bike was very neutral steering, and as long as you remembered that there is a bunch of weight under you when braking, stopping was no trouble at all. And the bike transformed my mind as far as how I viewed a maybe slower pace created by traffic at any given moment. There was very little of the sense of urgency that prevails sometimes when on a sportbike and you feel the need to lick up the pace of the ride. On the Road King, whatever speed you were going was just right at that moment in time. And like the Duc, torque is always at the ready, whatever the gear. You got good looks from people on the road (just like the Duc), you got good looks from the cops(not like the Duc). Personally, I would prefer something a little more sporty. I have always thought that a beemer boxer would be very cool, although I have never ridden one. Or a VFR750, an ST (thanks, Steve). Maybe something I haven't considered yet. Although it was refreshing in a different way, I don't know if I really want to have half helmets slung over our heads. I would prefer to be in my cheek muncher, and maybe get some non-obtrusive intercoms. (Feedback on intercoms also?......) So let's hear from y'all. Even those of you who don't usually post. Here's an easy way to get your feet wet. Come on in, the water's fine!


Steve