In search of pillion perfection? I reckon these used bikes have everything you need for two to tango

If you are looking at a spot of two-up touring, the comfort of the pillion should be your number one priority. Why? There is nothing worse than a grumpy pillion and if you arrive at your destination and the passenger feels like they’ve been put through the wringer, you are in for a miserable holiday.

Related: How to ride with a pillion | Riding tips from MCN

And one that a pillion is highly unlikely to ever want to repeat! Get it right, ensure the pillion has as stress-free and as comfortable journey as possible, and you’ll have an enthusiastic companion to share adventures.

Read on for our expert guide to used bikes for pillion perfection!

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MCN Recommended: 2011-2017 BMW K1600GTL – £5000-£12,000

Revel in the silky-smooth joy of six cylinders

Spec:

• Power 160.5bhp
• Engine capacity 1649cc
• Seat height 750mm
• Kerb weight 348kg (kerb)

BMW’s monster K1600 inline six is an outstanding machine for covering miles and pillions adore the GTL version, which is even more luxurious and has a topbox to lean up against. The silky smooth engine has mountains of torque and the GTL’s fairing is simply enormous. Add to this the plushness of ESA II suspension (if fitted) and loads of electronic creature comforts and there is little to fault. It’s a little cumbersome at low speed but once on the go it handles well.

BMW K1600GTL used buying advice

• Ensure the electronic screen glides up and down smoothly and check the switchgear all works correctly; it is known to pack up.
• Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge and coolant level as if it runs low the K1600 has a habit of overheating.
• Wheel bearings tend to wear out quickly, so check for any signs of play. Also check the Duolever front end for play in its system.
• The valve-clearance check is at 18,000 miles and costs nearly £1000, so bear this figure in mind when buying a bike approaching a multiple of 18,000 miles.

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2001-2017 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing – £5000-£15,000

Legendary cruise ship of tarmac has luxury at its heart

Spec:

• Power 118bhp
• Engine capacity 1832cc
• Seat height 740mm
• Kerb weight 406kg (kerb)

The Honda GL1800 Gold Wing replaced the GL1500 in 2001 and elevated this fabulous tourer to a new level. Powered by an effortlessly smooth flat six (with oddly only five gears), it’s a massive bike but its sheer size ensures armchair comfort. A machine with huge street presence, once you get over the initial low speed concerns (its low seat height helps counteract its bulk) it rolls through bends well.

Honda GL1800 Gold Wing used buying advice

• The Wing can be a bit of a pain to service as while the flat six makes the valve-clearances easy to check (every 32,000 miles), swapping the air filter requires the removal of the central console.
• Inspect the braking system. The covers over the front discs and the exhaust/panniers hiding the rear mean that pads are often run low.
• The alternator isn’t the strongest unit on the Wing and a new one is £700 from Honda. Check the bike is charging properly.

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2014-2016 H-D Electra Glide Ultra LTD – £10,000-£17,000

The ultimate luxury two-up tourer in full-on Milwaukee style

Spec:

• Power 80bhp
• Engine capacity 1690cc
• Seat height 740mm
• Kerb weight 414kg (kerb)

Pick the 2014-2016 Electra Glide over older ones as it was part of the ‘Project Rushmore’ upgrade that saw it gain the high-output Twin Cam 103 motor with its six-speed transmission as well as an upgraded chassis and electronics. Extremely comfortable for a pillion, it devours miles and is a costly purchase but Harleys hold their value extremely well, making it a sound long-term investment.

H-D Electra Glide Ultra LTD used buying advice

• The Ultra features combined brakes with ABS, so check the wear on both front and rear disc as replacing the discs is costly.
• The Ultra is a great-looking bike but owners report that you do need to keep an eye on the chrome and clean it well. Check in hard to get at areas where water can collect.
• It is best to buy a Harley from an authorised H-D dealership as they can offer an extended warranty on used bikes, this is reassuring as they can be costly to fix.

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2006-2013 BMW R1200RT – £2500-£6000

Boxer-powered mile-muncher can do sporty too

Spec:

• Power 110bhp
• Engine capacity 1170cc
• Seat height 820mm
• Kerb weight 259kg (kerb)

BMW’s most successful tourer, the R1200RT is sportier and smaller than the firm’s full-dress models but it achieves this without compromising on pillion comfort. With a wide and beautifully padded seat as well as huge grab rails and low pegs, the RT gives the pillion lots of confidence and the boxer engine is smooth enough ridden at pace to ensure that there are no intrusive vibrations.

BMW R1200RT used buying advice

• Check the shaft drive. The seals on both the hub and where the shaft exits from the gearbox are known to leak oil. Also, listen out for any grumbles that hint at the hub requiring a rebuild.
• ESA was an extra on the RT. If it is fitted, ensure the shocks have retained their damping and check it switches modes on a test ride.
• Cruise control, heated grips, heated seats and a radio were all optional extras. Always check the spec of the bike you are buying.

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2010-2017 Honda VFR1200F DCT – £3500-£8000

Honda’s surprisingly sporty-yet-smooth sports tourer

Spec:

• Power 170bhp
• Engine capacity 1237cc
• Seat height 815mm
• Kerb weight 267kg (kerb)

Honda’s dual clutch transmission (which was debuted on the VFR1200) smooths the gearchanges and helps avoid the rider and pillion bashing heads. Ideally, get a bike with a topbox and although not as luxurious as a full-dress tourer, the VFR is sportier and faster while remaining impressively practical. Limited tank range means pillions get regular breaks to stretch their legs!

Honda VFR1200F DCT used buying advice

• The VFR was updated in 2012 with the DCT’s ECU upgraded, traction control added and the tank increased in volume.
• Listen for any grumbles and look for oil leaks from the rear hub. The oil filler cap doubles up as a level gauge. Check what the oil looks like, and change it every 8000 miles.
• The six-piston brake calipers have a reputation for seizing their pistons. Get the bike up on its centrestand and check both ends. Feel for pulsing from the lever on a test ride.