Help me pick a sport touring bike....

[silentbob]

ST2,3,4.  Like Desmo Demon says, they don't sacrifice handling for comfort and once they settle in you can do valves every 12K.  The heavier shaft drive bikes will eat up tires much faster than that anyway.

Second choice would be the FJR followed by a pre V-Tec VFR.  I haven't ridden the Sprint but after looking at KnightofNi in that last pic, I am tempted to go ride one.

[ROBsS4R]

I hear the Hayabusa makes a excellent sports touring bike    [moto]

[freedom]

My other bike is a 2008 Sprint ST and I love it.  I'm 6'1" and 230 and it is very comfortable for long trips.  Great performance, abs and the sweet sound of the triple.  I came from a 2007 BMW R1200R that I had complete system cases for...in my opinion the luggage is the only thing better on the BMW.

[Triple J]

How about a BMW R1200GS?

Not the prettiest, but very comfy, extremely versatile, no chain, reliable, easy maintenance, endless farkle options, great luggage, and excellent for tall people. You can pick up very nice used ones for <10K.  They're heavy, but they ride very nice and can hang in the twisties. 

[Ivan]

Aprilia RST1000



Lots of info available here:
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/

[pitbull]

another vote for the FJR

I had a Triumph sprint 955 and rode it all over the continent and then for fun rented an 07 FJR for 5 days in Colorado. I never wanted to get on the Triumph again and sold it to buy a monster for my GF. Even though the FJR is heavier it has a lower center of gravity and is was just as flickable as the the sprint, for me. My GF also rode with me for a couple of those days for over 10 hours a day and was as comfy as can be.

Having said that, I would love to take one of the Ducati ST series bikes out for a ride as nothing moves me like a beat of a ducati twin. If the stars ever align financially speaking, I would like to pick up a sport touring bike.

[TAftonomos]

a lot to consider, but all the votes for the FJR have got me looking.

Found a 03 w/3 bags, 23K miles for 6K asking.  Not sure what they would take, but if I could get something like that for 5 large bills I think I'd be pretty happy.

ST ducatis would be nice as well, but the st4s is up there more than a new VFR.

Older VFR's (pre v-tec) are in the hunt as well, although I'm not really finding many for sale.

ZZR or a concours are just out of reach budget wise, as are most newer BMWs.

[Langanobob]

Believe it or not, a 950 KTM Super Moto with soft side bags and a sport tail pack.

I was thinking the same thing - but I'm not sure about the low maintenance part?  I know most KTM's are high maintenance and it's to be expected because they are race bikes.  Seems like most 950's are not ridden daily and I'm not sure where the 950 fits into the overall maintenance/reliability picture for a high mileage daily rider?

[KnightofNi]

Aprilia RST1000

Lots of info available here:
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/

that was actually my first choice but i was warned off of them by an employee at an aprilia shop. apparently getting parts for them is harder than getting duc parts.

[DrDesmo]

that was actually my first choice but i was warned off of them by an employee at an aprilia shop. apparently getting parts for them is harder than getting duc parts.

And from what I've heard taking off the acres of plastic is ... A wonderful way to spend an afternoon 

[DesmosDromos]

that was actually my first choice but i was warned off of them by an employee at an aprilia shop. apparently getting parts for them is harder than getting duc parts.

Well, you can typically get whatever you need from AF1 Racing here in the states. If you need an authorized dealer for some repair there aren't as many around, but then again the Rotax motor is pretty bulletproof.

I'd vote ST (unless you want to buy my Falco and add soft bags ), but I'm biased.

[DrDesmo]

If you're looking at VFR's, I strongly recommend:

www.vfrdiscussion.com


Also - www.searchallcraigs.com for searching all the CL's in your area 

Cheers,
Adam

[KnightofNi]

And from what I've heard taking off the acres of plastic is ... A wonderful way to spend an afternoon 

i need to get dzus fasterners for my plastics. that would make life so much nicer. 

[fastwin]

I hear the Hayabusa makes a excellent sports touring bike    [moto]

I second this! I am on Busa #2 and it's my dedicated sport touring ride. Sold my '05 to a fellow DFWM/DMFer and he added hard bags a tail piece and loves it. Another local Duc rider bought a Busa and also loves it. I know they are not for everyone but they are bulletproof, fast, good gas mileage/large tank, pretty comfy (factory gel seat, Zero Gravity Double Bubble screen and Heli bars) and there are 2 million accessories out there for them!! They are hell on wild animals too, but that's another story.

Just slap on a tank bag and a duffel on the passenger seat and I am easily good for a 3-4 day ride, no problem. No comments on the passenger point of view... my wife hates bikes and will not ride. What's wrong with her? I mean besides her marrying me...

Seriously, the VFR Hondas really rock! Great bikes... they always have been! Would love to find a mint 1986 red, white and blue VFR! Too bad the modern ones have the stupid variable valve thingy. Why?

[DucHead]

Suzuki Bandit 1200S.  Bullet-proof motor, air/oil cooled, carbureted, loads of aftermarket parts, reliable, etc.  Used ones go for $2500-$4500.

Mine in touring mode: