sv touring two up?

Me the Mrs want to go to Inverness from London. Its a long treck and i just wondered if those more experienced in the touring dept could offer some advice or suggestions. Ive got a set of oxford sport panniers but nothing else. i think ill need to carry a tent, 2 sleeping bags and clothes for two!

Get a rack or top box cos you'll struggle to fit all that on there in just throw over panniers.

do you get raqcks for the front? Ive seen them on GS's. I wonder how the rear shoch would cope two up plus load?

No worse, just turn preload up a lot and don't expect too much from it especially if you and your aren't light.
Haven't seen a front rack but you get a large tank bag to fit on the tank.

nice one - cheers

some q's then answers will come later

how long you going for
does the mrs normally take the kitchen sink when going away
what size tent
bouncing bomb sleeping bags or compression sack small ones
single ride or stopping off a night on route
taking everything or buying when arrive (toiletries etc)
size of panniers (ltr space)

[mattSV]

I did a four day tour of Cornwall on my SV100 a few years ago with soft panniers. We were doing B&B so no tent, sleeping bags etc.

I think without a rack you will really struggle for space. Also, the panniers need to be positioned right towards the rear of the seat to give the pillion any chance of being able to use the footpegs!

In my opinion, Inverness to London on a SV650 two up with camping gear is going to be hard work.

You can buy cheap clothes from Primark or big tescos on the way. It you want to, just post any dirty stuff back. This saves carrying it. Look for youth hostels as an option for somewhere to stay, you need a YHA card but can be any age (I think) and can use it for an option when abroad (Don't go to St Die in France BTW). Get a rack. Use it for carrying and as a back rest for the pillion. Nothing worse than the unexpected wheelie 2 up fully laden.

I quite liked Inverness when I went there last year.

[yorkie_chris]

It's doable but you'll be knackered when you get there, as you're not used to it.

We do a few days for glencoe ride every year and first day of 250-350 miles (depending how far out of our way we go) is pretty hard going, rideout of 200 or so is easy, days after that doing anywhere up to 400 are ok, 450 miles back home from the isle of skye at one hit was dead easy.

Long distance on motorway takes it out of you so stop when you get to twisties and have a breather and start over as you'll still be half asleep otherwise

cheers gents
we are going for about 7 days but that includes two days up and proberly the same back!
im going to do some research into the hostels ect and see how we go from there. this would be an adventure of note!!!