hesmysnowman
Complete Newb
Reged: 03/28/10
Posts: 13
Loc: Allen TX
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Frustrated with the displacement wars. I'm don't understand why when I was a kid, 1000CCs was a huge bike and now it is an entry level machine. I toured the US on a Kawasaki KLR 650 this year and it had plenty of power for me and roughly 50 lbs of gear (300lbs total).
I am looking at going to a street bike that I can tour 2 up on without goint to 1600CCs. I like the Thunderbird, but just don't see why it is needed. I have been facinated with the America and see lots of people that have bags and screens on them.
My question being, is there enough power for 2 up touring? Keep in mind, I dont want to do 100 MPH through twisties, but 80 MPH to keep up on a super slab every now and then would be needed. Do I really need to go to the big displacement for comfort?
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The_Dog33
Fe Butt
Reged: 02/01/07
Posts: 17007
Loc: NE PA USA
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Some say no but I say yes they work quite well. I have done 2 up touring and later camping trips where we had 2 bikes but all our camping gear including 5 room tent ,air mattress, clothes for 2 weeks, etc...These were trips from north east Pa to Conn., NH, Fl, Central PA, south Pa,up state NY, etc.. I was comfortable and wasn't lacking for power. My advice is try one and see what you think. Take a demo and leave your other 1/2 where you can pick her up then ride it on highway and back roads to get an idea. I ride a carbed 790 so not sure what the 865 would be like.
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I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
some shots of our bikes
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hesmysnowman
Complete Newb
Reged: 03/28/10
Posts: 13
Loc: Allen TX
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Thanks Dog. Looks like you have some loaded up Triumphs on the camping trip! I managed to put a lot of stuff on a 33 gallon lockable container (Actionpacker) on the back rack of my bike.
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The_Dog33
Fe Butt
Reged: 02/01/07
Posts: 17007
Loc: NE PA USA
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I find soft tube shaped bags work best to hold the most together with saddle bags.    
This was on our trip to Conn.
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I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
some shots of our bikes
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Keith
Stickman Yogi
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 11616
Loc: BC, Canada
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I hear ya, Byron. Heck... I remember when a 650 was a 'big' bike. Our 790s and 865s are great for getting the job done. Keeping 'er 'small' adds to the adventure of it all. Depicted below is my bike fully loaded and although it ain't 2 up, it IS fully loaded for touring, camping, cooking and nipping at the end of the day. Who needs a Wing when you can 'skip a light fandango' on a lean, mean Trumpet.
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Live to love, love to live.
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FriarJohn
"Lighten up, Francis."
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 18825
Loc: East Helena, Montana
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The bike carries a fair amount...
  
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BA.com Caretaker | Friarsride | jb.com
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biker
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 1733
Loc: finger lakes NY
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Quote:
Frustrated with the displacement wars. I'm don't understand why when I was a kid, 1000CCs was a huge bike and now it is an entry level machine. I toured the US on a Kawasaki KLR 650 this year and it had plenty of power for me and roughly 50 lbs of gear (300lbs total).
I am looking at going to a street bike that I can tour 2 up on without goint to 1600CCs. I like the Thunderbird, but just don't see why it is needed. I have been facinated with the America and see lots of people that have bags and screens on them.
My question being, is there enough power for 2 up touring? Keep in mind, I dont want to do 100 MPH through twisties, but 80 MPH to keep up on a super slab every now and then would be needed. Do I really need to go to the big displacement for comfort?
can the the America or the speedy be a 2 up touring bike ??
yes it can ..it can even pull a trailer ..I have done it many times ..and many fun fill times with my wife on this bike ......
and my oldest son and his wife rode this same bike for 2 years and have many fun fill times with his wife on that same bike ..
and this summer my youngest will be riding it ..
I have moved on to the bigger displacement bikes first was Tiger 1050 great biker for 2up touring ..and many fun filled miles on that bike ..also pulled a trailer with that one..
now my oldest son and his wife ride that one..
and I ride a Triumph RocketIII Tour 2300 talk about displacement wars ...but I will be honest this bike is the most comfortable of all 3 ..talk about a all day ride
good luck ..and remember you can't go wrong with a America or a speedy both great bikes
Ed 
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2012 NOREAST RALLY INFO>http://noreast.webs.com/
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hesmysnowman
Complete Newb
Reged: 03/28/10
Posts: 13
Loc: Allen TX
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Keith, John, Ed and Dog -
Thanks for the input. I love seeing those bikes loaded up. I guess that inspires confidence. If I could ever figure out how to post photos on here, I would show you my touring setup.
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erle
Loquacious
Reged: 04/05/08
Posts: 3202
Loc: 25-22-28-0***-****0
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Properly equipped, of course.
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And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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hesmysnowman
Complete Newb
Reged: 03/28/10
Posts: 13
Loc: Allen TX
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Here is my KLR loaded up last year. 
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