Ive an XTR and dont normally do any 2 up riding really. Also being 6ft4 i take up alot of the seat.

The XT can cope with 2 up for say a weekend or possibly a week but wouldnt really think constant 2 up riding would be its area. The engine/gear box needs to be worked to keep the revs on the boil if you want to keep a good pace but it can plod along if you want with the torque. The seat for the rider is good but can get sore after 2-3hrs in the saddle or say 150miles. But at that stage your ready for petrol so the wee walk around is welcome. The pillion seat is ok but is no pan european seat.

I would possibly say the R would be better suited to 2 up riding as the bigger wheels keep things more stable, the tyres last a bit longer and the position or more sit up and beg, less pulled over the front.

Get a test ride booked thats really the only way you and your missus is going to know what its like.

As for wheelies, first gear, mid revs, dip the clutch and your away. Hard part is getting from 1 to 2nd. You can get it going in second but you need to slip the clutch a good bit and is best to only try this with air filter mods which give the XT a bit more power.

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Plough on