Touring 2 Up on an '02 1200S

[FairWeather]

Just bought my first Bandit and love it. Its the most enjoyable bike I've ridden in years. Now I want my wife and son to like it as much. We're OK on short trips, but 1/2 day trips are windier than they'd like and they'd both prefer something to rest their back on (and my neck and shoulders would probably like that too). Wondering what recommendations anyone who's spent time 2 up touring time on the Bandit would have re: windshields, backrests, and any other passenger friendly items. FWIW, I'm currently leaning toward a givi trunk w/ backrest for the backrest, but I have not ruled anything out. Thanks in advance.  

[Desolation Angel]

Just bought my first Bandit and love it. Its the most enjoyable bike I've ridden in years. Now I want my wife and son to like it as much. We're OK on short trips, but 1/2 day trips are windier than they'd like and they'd both prefer something to rest their back on (and my neck and shoulders would probably like that too). Wondering what recommendations anyone who's spent time 2 up touring time on the Bandit would have re: windshields, backrests, and any other passenger friendly items. FWIW, I'm currently leaning toward a givi trunk w/ backrest for the backrest, but I have not ruled anything out. Thanks in advance.  

I have the Givi topcase with pad and my passengers like the way it feels and the security it offers.  I've seen other backrest/luggage rack combos and separates, but they only address the lower back with support.

Plus, you can carry a Coleman 6 drink cooler and a picnic lunch in the topcase.  Very handy.  Oh, and it's removeable with the push of a button if you don't want it on all the time.  I just leave mine on because I never know when I may need to store something in it.

[Dragbike]

I have not tried the Givi, only the Holeshot.



The next one is how my bikes looks now

The Pictures DO NOT do this rack justice. When I first looked at the pic I thought well  too much money for what you get....till it came to my door....Very nice setup and in 3 minutes it is back to stock (4 bolts )
Just depends what and how much you want to carry with you.
I love this one, Very well made!
http://www.holeshot.com/bandit/bndt_sportrack.shtml
Brent

[PaulVS]

I guess I'm living in the past too much... but $300 for a very basic luggage rack & backrest makes me kinda loopy.  

[Dragbike]

I know i'm 50 now and and thought about this rack for a long time
guess I make too much money..............
Just goes to show you,, you can't give Okie's or rednecks money!!  
Brent

[Red01]

I think the Holeshot rack looks nice, but also looks like it wouldn't carry much. I opted for a bigger rack (Ventura), which also mounts in more than the grab rail location. Racks that mount only to the grab rail location are known to break subframe structure if the Suzuki recommended maximum load is violated very often (I forget if it's 10 or 15 lbs.). Since I have a Corbin seat, I use their backrest for passenger security. It doesn't interfere with the Ventura Pack Rack either... but might not work with something like a Givi trunk.
FWIW - the Ventura racks come off in ~30 seconds if you leave the mount brackets on (loosen two thumbscrews and lift it off), and the same 3 minutes to remove as the Holeshot if you want everything off since it also has just four mounting points (where the four bungee spools are).

[FairWeather]

Thanks for your feedback. I notice several of you have also had discussions about the taller shields (Suzuki, ZG, Givi). Do your passengers find those as valuable as you do?

[Red01]

My wife has never complained about the wind from the ZG DB, so I guess it's OK. She never rode on the bike while it had the ZG ST or stock screens though, so she really has nothing to compare it to.

[Desolation Angel]

My head is wide enough to provide all the protection my passengers need.

[BanditYeti]

I have the ZG Touring wind screen and Givi top case (52Liters) and the 2 side cases (40Liters ea.). The top case has the rubber backrest on it and my wife and I have gone from Italy up into Austria and all over on day rides with no complaints. Like Desolation Angel said, it's really handy and functional to have a topcase. Most sport-touring bikers in Italy have them.
Good luck and best wishes in finding your solution.

Ciao,

-Dale

[FairWeather]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm going to start with these 3 items and see what else I need from there.  Perry

[Old_n_Slow]

Corbin Gunfighter and Lady with the back rest. It's expensive but my other half says she won't ride with me without it. We do club rides together once or twice a month, the average ride is 300 to 400 miles. We do get a little winced but a 5 minute stop every 50-75 miles cures that. We also use Cortech sport bags to carry our stuff. You'll enjoy soloing more with the Corbin, too, IF you make the Corbin fit your size. It really beats the snot out of the stock seat.