Help me pick a sport touring bike....

[TAftonomos]

I need something to drive 500+ miles with, such as trips to the beach (from Atlanta to Daytona) and trips through the mountains. 

Currently I've got my s4rt and a ktm 525....neither are going to cut that. 

Hard bags (or the ability to mount them) are a must.

Councours was brought up, but damn that thing is massive

ZZR?

ZX12R?

VFR?

Honda XX?

I'm not opposed to buying used at all.  I've also seen new 07/08 VFR's going for 7750 at dealerships, and that is enticing.  Don't get me wrong, I love my s4r, but it isn't the right tool for the job in this case.

I'd prefer to stay away from a ducati for this bike....last thing I want to do is fool with valve adjustments every 6K on a bike I plan on racking up a LOT of miles on.  Hell, I just want to put tires, gas and oil in it and ride the thing.

[DrDesmo]

FJR.

It seems heavy, but go ride one - you will be amazed.  I did a 1200 mile ride up to the Adirondacks a few weeks ago and wore the tires edge to edge.  Shaft drive, 27k valve services, bombproof.

I have owned the following ST bikes, for what its worth:

- 99 VFR
- 03 VFR
- 98 ST2
- 02 ST4S
- 00 ZX12R

I would take an FJR over any of them, any day of the week.

Adam

[sugarcrook]

I just got a BMW K1200GT and it's a great bike.  You can find them slightly used for much less than sticker on CL. 

[TAftonomos]

I should mention I'm trying to spend the least amount of money as well, so the BMW is probably out before it's in. 

Also, I'm 6'5" ~230lbs.  Wife isn't a midget either, at 5'11".  DOUBTFUL that she will ever get on it with me, but I suppose that gets rid of the zx12 idea .


FJR hmmm....

[DrDesmo]

I should mention I'm trying to spend the least amount of money as well, so the BMW is probably out before it's in. 

Also, I'm 6'5" ~230lbs.  Wife isn't a midget either, at 5'11".  DOUBTFUL that she will ever get on it with me, but I suppose that gets rid of the zx12 idea .


FJR hmmm....

The ZX-12R is absolutely horrific for two up.  I bought it thinking it would be OK, it's not.  The pegs are WAY too high so your wife will be perched in a very uncomfortable position.  If you want to be single in rapid fashion, it's a great choice 

The FJR? After my GF rode the FJR once she declared she "doesn't want to ride the green one anymore" 

I can't say enough good things about the FJR.  They're a BREEZE to work on, a TON of value for the money, and unlike Ducatis there's not a lot of bling you can buy for them aside from a GPS and heated gear 

I put mine up for sale ( strictly because I am moving ) last week and have gotten 6 calls about it already, it should be gone tomorrow.  For $7000-$8000 you will not find a better value.  Period.

I'll be buying another one once I move - I couldn't justify the $700 to ship it when everything else I own fits in my car 

Cheers,
Adam

[sugarcrook]

I should mention I'm trying to spend the least amount of money as well, so the BMW is probably out before it's in. 

That's fair.  Used 2008 K's are going for about the price of a new C14, but you're getting a lot of creature comforts with the K. 

[Desmo Demon]

I'd prefer to stay away from a ducati for this bike....last thing I want to do is fool with valve adjustments every 6K on a bike I plan on racking up a LOT of miles on.  Hell, I just want to put tires, gas and oil in it and ride the thing.

What do you consider to be a "lot" of miles? I mean, I've done close to 2000 miles during a 3-day weekend and have logged nearly 25k miles in a year, plus my wife has almost done 500 miles on the back of my ST2 for a single day of mountain twisty fun....I'm two hours from you and I assume we ride some of the same mountain twisties, plus I've ridden my ST2 down to Key West a few years ago. The bike is terrific for both types of riding...

For a sport-touring bike, I would go for a Ducati ST2, but I'm a glutton for punishment and not everyone can appreciate the ST series of bikes....especially since they are more of a SPORT-touring bike. I've done everything from a week-long trip and a SaddleSore 1000 to dragging a knee in the twisties on mine. Once the valves settled in, I only check the valves every 12k miles, now, but will usually try to check the belt tension every 6k. With a shim kit, new belts, and synth oil and filter change, a routine service takes me about four hours and costs around $125 every 12k miles.  The Ducati 2-valve engines have a reputation of being nearly bullet-proof, and many of them have gone over 100k miles without a concern.

I like my ST2 so much, that I got one for my wife. I also have a buddy of mine looking for one, now, after he fell in love with mine after letting him borrow it one weekend for some two-up riding with his girlfriend.

I can't resist a picture of mine in action  



BTW, you can find nice, clean, low-mileage ST2 bikes in the $3000-$5000 range all the time.


Edit - I guess I could add about two-up riding that I am 6'1" and 240 lbs and my wife is 5'11" and probably over 200 lbs with full gear. Also, throwing in the fact that my wife is disabled with a paralyzed left leg from the knee down, has had a total hip replacement, and still needs a knee replacement says something about a 500-mile two-up ride......maybe it says that she's crazy. 

[KnightofNi]

i did quite a bit of research on these before i bought my triumph.

if you want more a sport oriented bike that has plenty of comfort for long touring rides look at the ducati st series or the triumph sprint. there are a ton of st2s out there right now for a decent price. hard bags come standard on both and as i was recently informed, they go on and come off of each very easily as well.

the g/f has declared both passenger seats "comfy" so after a bit of time in the saddle she will be able to do longer rides as well.

if you want more comfort look at the fjr or bmw. they are heavier than the duc and triumph, but they are also a bit more forgiving on your soft bits on a long ride.





ohh and the triumph looks better *ducks*
 

[DucatiTorrey]

I'm 6' 2" and seem to fit Triumph Sprint ST very well! not sure if you can find a used one, but might be worth a look. nice looking bike, SSS, fast as hell, hard bags...   what do you think? [moto]

[DucatiTorrey]

dont tell me this doesn't look fun



 

[DrDesmo]

Sprint ST is a good choice as well.

I bought my FJR, and recommend it because:

- No maintenance
- No chain
- Luggage is amazing
- Bulletproof
- Everything is thought out.  Everything.  Especially on the 06+ models.

If you haven't ridden one - I strongly recommend you do so. With a set of BT-021's they are incredibly planted and very, very easy to ride fast.  Ask Vin 

Adam

[Travman]

If it was me, I'd consider the Moto Guzzi Norge or a BMW RT.  These bikes may not have the power of a FJR, but they may be more comfortable.  This guy seems to like the Norge:
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/moto-guzzi-norge-1200-first-ride-report-18840.html

[LA]

Believe it or not, a 950 KTM Super Moto with soft side bags and a sport tail pack. Very comfy, low maint., puts down more power than the spec sheet indicates and handles with the very best sport bikes out there.  Some good deals out there new and used. 

Performance catalog that will bring tears to your eyes and empty your bank acct.

LA

[corey]

LOVE the Sprint ST's....

[KnightofNi]

dont tell me this doesn't look fun

 

ohh it is!
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=0HH600ZO040116&po=116
(go to the 13th pic)

had i been wearing full leathers and been hanging off the red honda st in front of me wouldn't have gotten away.