Agree on all points Glen, apart from the fact that capacity and ‘more stuff’ explains the weights of the bikes discussed. There are plenty of big bikes with lots of ‘stuff’ that weigh a lot less. There therefore is no question that it COULD be done.
Of course, weight reduction would take effort, and thus cost. So, of course, it shouldn’t be applied to everything. But it’s certainly technically possible for them to offer a Super Light Triumph twin for example. And I’d be on the list for a Super Light Commando in a flash!
I think it comes down to usage created expectations. I live in town, so have to filter through traffic before I get to the twisty English back lanes. Both make weight felt. Then the simple act of getting my bikes in and out of the shed also makes the weight felt. So it’s true that I am more sensitive to the weight issue than most.
In fact, now I got to thinking about it, a Super Light 961 Commando is a bloody great idea...!
The Speed Twin is a 2 up bike at 1200CCs.
It's fueled up weight should be right around 460 lbs. I have weighed my R and the dry weight listed by Triumph is correct.
Most manufacturers weight ratings are not honest, perhaps these are the lighter big capacity bikes you are seeing
Sport Rider weighs and Dynos every bike they test. No surprise, most of the bikes tested weigh a lot more and make less power than the manufacturer's claims. As Sport Rider explains, knowing that buyers will pay for a small weight number, many manufacturers list dry weights that exclude not just liquids but also consumables- tires, chains, batteries and even brake pads. This is totally misleading but it sells motorcycles. Look at the Norton 961 number of 414. Cycle weighed a fueled up 961 at over 500lbs on a precise scale! I believe it was 515, will have to check. The only way they could get from there to 414 is by excluding tires etc.
I just had a look thru Sport Riders 200 or so bikes from Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda et al and could not find any 1200 suitable for two up riding that weighed less than 460 fueled up. In fact most are over 500, real numbers!
There are some Sport 1000 s that come in around 440-470, but these aren't really suited to two up, and they aren't 1200s!
Some two up Sport tourers fueled up
BMW S1000r 535lb
Aprilia Capanord 1200 590 lb
Ducati Multistrada 1200 548 lb
Ducati Monster 1200 475 lb ( not a great 2 up bike)
and so on.
Glen