How suitable is the R3 for 2 riders?

And FYI, FZ07 isn't too much to handle as a beginner bike. It was my beginner bike, straight from the MSF course to the dealership. I would say the FZ07 is the absolute top range for a beginner bike. To be sure, it is much less forgiving than the R3, but if you are gentle with the throttle and you'll be a-ok. Also, I'd highly recommend doing the MSF course before getting on an FZ07. The R3, although not personally recommended, you can pretty much jump on it with no prior experience if your inseam is good. One thing I prefer FZ07 over the R3 in terms of beginner is it is far better for slow speed maneuverability. My God, everytime I get on my wife's R3, slow speed turning sucks huge ass on that thing. So unstable- it almost feels like the bike wants to fall down. The FZ07 you can turn and do figure eights at 5mph all day long with no worries. Now, if all you ride is the R3, you won't notice it, but dammit, if you get on a FZ07 you'll understand the huge difference when it comes to slow speed handling. That is one of the big differences between a sportbike and a naked standard after all.

As said, if you plan to make a habit of having a passenger, probably want something bigger/stronger. Through honestly the FZ07 isn't much bigger or heavier than the R3. But stronger, yes.

I did lug my wife around for 3 whole months on my FZ07 before we finally got her the R3.

Now, if you think your girl will OCCASIONALLY ride around with you, I'd say go for the R3.

Just echoing what everyone else said... Setting the preload on the rear suspension up high is pretty imperative. I'm about 130 pounds, and I keep the suspension on setting #6 even though that is a touch to firm for just me, just for the situation where I have my g/f on the back (she is ~100 pounds). We're on the lighter side.. but you sure can feel the difference in acceleration and stopping. That being said, it still can get up and go when you get on it, and easily cruises on the SoCal highways at 85mph with both of us on it - and is still nimble enough to do lane splitting type stuff(legal here in Cali) She complains sometimes that it isn't comfortable enough for longer rides, but to be fair she complained about it before even sitting on it... so there might be some bias there lol.

I guess my only tip based on my experience is to give a good lesson ahead of time about how to be a good passenger. People that haven't been a passenger often on a motorcycle might not understand where they can put their hands, how to brace themselves during braking by putting their hand(s) on the tank...how to communicate since hearing each other with visors down on fullface helmets can be a daunting task... etc etc...

My fiancé has rode with me on the back of my R3 a couple of times when I first purchased it. I am fairly small.. 5'5 and 120 pounds. I am comfortable riding on the back, but I have ridden on the back of other bikes before. I feel that this bike is more comfortable riding on the back of compared to the R1. Combined weight between him and I is about 300 pounds. The bike rides fine. It is more a matter of if YOU feel confident in riding with someone on the back.


I have a friend.. his wife is...not the smallest. He said riding her around was the hardest thing he has ever had to do.


I'd suggest riding the bike on your own first until you get comfortable with the turns, etc. And make sure you explain to your girlfriend/wife/lady friend that she can't be all moving around on the back or it could really throw your balance of.