Sport Touring Bikes

[Duc L'Smart]

Are you really going to be doing a lot of touring?
There's nothin' finer than a BMW K1200 RS or GT 

[Count Desmo]

I love the Duc ST series (used to oen one.)

Depending on the type of Sport Touring you plan on doing, I would take a serious look at the ADV bikes.  There is nothing better than being able to comfortably cover 400 miles, then hit the forest service roads to get to a great camping site.  Consider the BMW GS, KTM 990 Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom, Aprilia Caponord, etc.

If you know you're going to stay on the pavement, the Sprint ST would be at the top of my list.  The triple is (arguably) the best street engine made.  I find VFRs to be uninspiring, but you can't argue with their competence.  The newer Triumph Tiger should also be considered.

[DesmonsterS4RS]

Are you really going to be doing a lot of touring?
There's nothin' finer than a BMW K1200 RS or GT 

I have been looking at those too. Do you know where I might be able to get a test ride on one 

I love the Duc ST series (used to oen one.)

Depending on the type of Sport Touring you plan on doing, I would take a serious look at the ADV bikes.  There is nothing better than being able to comfortably cover 400 miles, then hit the forest service roads to get to a great camping site.  Consider the BMW GS, KTM 990 Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom, Aprilia Caponord, etc.

I might have to check those out also, it would be awesome to have a versitile bike. I am not a huge fan of GS's they seem too bulky, and heavy but I have never ridden one so I don't wan't to make to many asumptions, I have read some pretty good things about all of the ADV touring bikes you mentioned especially the new Tiger's.

[Wonked]

I am probably going to steer away from the Ducati brand for a sport-tourer. I really want a belt or shaft-driven engine.

BMW, Yamaha FJR (not the automatic version), etc.

[ltnuke]

VFR is a good bike.  My roomate has one.  But it has V-Tech which is lame.

[CougarSlayer]

After taking a look at this thread.  I think if I can made my choice for st's 2008 BMW F 800 ST.  Good gas range tool 50 to 60 mpg can't complain about that in this age of high gas prices.  Looks pretty solid enough ponies to get around and have fun up in the hills of NH.

-panthro

[silentbob]

The Ducati ST is nice too, although I never understood a tourer that requires frequent valve checks.

How often do you ride 6K miles without stopping?  Some of the touring bikes like the ZX-14 Concours go through tires in less than half of that.  You'll need to stop every 6K on any bike to change the fluids.  Besides once you complete the first 12K miles you can start skipping the 6K valve checks.

[ScottRNelson]

If the "sport" part of sport touring is most important to you, Ducati is the leader there.  My ST2 is a great all-around motorcycle.

I have a friend with an FJR1300, which is great long distance bike, but quite a bit heavier than the Ducati, and much more likely to scrape things if you get frisky in the turns.  It's a good two-up motorcycle.

The Aprilia Futura is also a great bike, but they don't make those anymore and there are a lot fewer dealers available for when you have issues.

[DesmonsterS4RS]

How often do you ride 6K miles without stopping?  Some of the touring bikes like the ZX-14 Concours go through tires in less than half of that.  You'll need to stop every 6K on any bike to change the fluids.  Besides once you complete the first 12K miles you can start skipping the 6K valve checks.

I know for me it's not so much the 6k interval, it's having to drive a few hours to have someone perform the valve service. If I was moving someplace with good local dealers it wouldn't be a big deal. But if the closest dealer is 3hrs + away the extra hassle of driving to get it serviced would get old real quick IMHO (of course I could always just learn to do the valve checks myself  )

[phildo]

I love my VFR...never talked to anyone that's owned one that didn't!
It makes a great sport tourer; reliable, fast (enough), great handling, good storage, very very comfortable!
It's also a very good companion for the monster.

[otter1]

Used to have a Triumph Sprint ST 1050. Very nice sport tour ride!! No problems except for a very hot right leg when idling in rush hour traffic. Strong reliable motor, good looking, etc.

Before purchasing the Sprint, I looked at a Suzuki bandit, I test drove the ST3 and the Multistrada.I liked the Multi better but the price for the Triumph could not be beat.

[LA]

I've been doing some touring this past year on my RS and although it's not what I'd recommend for everybody, I love it.  CoreTech tank and tail pack and away  you go.

I'd go with an ST4S or ST3.

The valve adjustment thing is not so much a problem one the bike is fully broken in and the valve clearance is set. From what I've seen over the past 30 years of Ducatis, the valves clearance don't change so much after that. Maybe every 12,000 mi.

Someone mentioned not wanting a chain for touring. Chains are so reliable now I wouldn't want a shaft and I grew up on Beemers.

LA

[VisceralReaction]

I have to say I love my 05 ST3.

In 04 the made some improvements to the bike, ungraded the lights and seats were big needs.
the stock 05 seat I have done 1100 miles in a day and was suprised how good I felt. The new lights are really nice too.

I do like the sportyness of the ST. It handles very well, but when two up it is still very comfortable.
M

[DesmonsterS4RS]

I've been doing some touring this past year on my RS and although it's not what I'd recommend for everybody, I love it.  CoreTech tank and tail pack and away  you go.

My RS is very comfortable especially with the gel seat a bigger windscreen would make a big difference in comfort also . The fuel range is horible though 100 miles max  . + there is the whole valve adjustment issue again I am not complaining about it I would just rather rack a ton of miles up on something other than my Duc. I am starting to see a patern here though Duc ST's aparently kick a$$  [moto]

[Supero100]

The ST4s is Ducati's most underrated bike. Period.

It's just a missile with bags.

I voted with my wallet. My sig pic is clickable.

Oh yeah... I paid $5,250 for mine, so it just happened to be a no-brainer too.