Yet another help me decide - (lightweight?) SPORT touring - DECIDED!

[Dan K]

Finally sold the Fz1 and am looking for a new bike.  Here's my list.  Have about $5k to spend, could go higher, say another thousand or two, but am really trying to respect my wife's intense dislike of bikes by not digging into other funds (I'd have a slightly used K1300S or new Multistrada    on order if she liked bikes.... )

ANYWAY - here's my edited short list.  

VFR - want more power, as I may sell Tuono and get a sidecar rig to cruise the kids around on....
Sprint ST - only if I find a deal
Futura - still looking for a good specimen
F800ST - see VFR
FZ1 (Gen2) with lower fairings
Ducati ST - not talking to me
K1200S - if I can find a good deal, still on the table

ZX14
XX
ZZR
BUSA

(don't want to give up the power of the FZ1 I just sold...)

Bike is for commuting to downtown Chicago everyday its dry and over 40, errands, and multipe trips to and from Michigan all summer (220 miles one way).  If I feel like a hooligan, I can ride my Tuono (as long as I have it...)

Just sold my almost perfect FZ1 (want weather protection...).  I will need a topcase.  Even if I find a Futura or Sprint with matching bags, will likely just add a topcase for everyday commuting, add panniers for touring.

Since you guys all have opinions on everything, I'm looking for some suggestions.  VFR's and Futuras are likley the least expensive, then Gen2 FZ1's, and I get kind of beyond what I want to spend after Sprints.

I like the weather protection afforded by full fairings, and that is the ONLY reason I sold my FZ1, which I am missing already, even though it's still in my garage (at least until the check clears).  I've never ridden a Futura, only minor jaunts on VFR's and a Sprint, and recently happened upon an ad for the F800ST, though I haven't ever ridden one.  Adequate saddle time on a K1300S and I want one, but can't drop the coin, so K1200S is on the list, though I've never ridden one. Never ridden a Ducati ST, but it fits the category, so it's on the list.

I loved my FZ1 but want weather protection - the Tuono is plenty for fun rides, but I want the smoothness and as close to the power and handling of the FZ1 with  effective, wind and rain blocking fairings.

Any advice?  I expect to keep whatever I buy for a while, but I want it to be fun to ride too, as the Tuono might one day give way to an older bike with a sidecar so I can cruise both my kids around in the summer (one on back, one in the sidecar...)

- Dan

[Norwegian Blue]

Hate to say it, but I think you'll have to strike both the F800ST and the K1200S from your list -- even high mileage ones aren't into the $5k range yet. Only way you would get into that price range is if the bike were to have a salvage title.

Methinks the only BMWs that might fit your criteria would be either an R1100/1150RS or an older R1100S. I would also toss the R1150R into the ring, but even with a touring windscreen attached I think it would have insufficient protection for you (although standard heated grips help a lot).

[Dan K]

I hear ya, but I'm willing to throw a couple extra dollars down for the right bike and saw a beautiful F800S with fairings for I believe $6k or $6500.  

I've found jaxed.com, using "the mash" will find you every bike on craigslist and ebay by make and model.  Kind of cool way to gauge the market.

Anyway, R bikes are out - I just don't love the opposed twin.  Ridden a bunch of them, they just don't do it for me.

I'm finding it always costs more to get what you really want.  I need to buy a new car too. That will at least partially be financed, unlike bikes, which thanks to Chicago area winter (forever) I couldn't handle making a payment when I wasn't riding.

- Dan

[marc11]

Of the ones you listed, considering it as a commuter, traffic fighter and downtown parking, plus maint costs like tires and vale adjustments, I would say Sprint or VFR as a do it all bike that can be found on the cheap. But I do think you are leaving A LOT of commuter/light touring bikes off your list IMHO.

[Dan K]

But I do think you are leaving A LOT of commuter/light touring bikes off your list IMHO.

Opinions are what I'm looking for.  What am I missing?  I just sold a bike and now have the cash burning a hole in my pocket, even though I can't ride regularly until the end of March or so.  What do I buy?  Remember, I'm looking for wind protection, ergos, and will sorely miss being able to go 0-60 in less than 3 seconds.

- Dan

[marc11]

Where are you parking it, do you care if it gets dinked, knocked over, etc?  I am really thinking a Sprint may fit. Cheap to buy, gen ones even cheaper, easy to maintaine, cheap and available spares, not a high profile bike for theft, good power and protection, most if not all have side if not a top case, etc.

[UFO]

Some of those bikes aren't that "lightweight" ie. VFR and K1200S, and there's no way you'll get a used K12S for $5K.  The F800ST certainly is light, but might be a struggle to find close to $5K.

Best bet on that list is a used VFR/ST/Futura.

[Kraz]

I've owned an ST2 and '00 VFR.  Both were great, can be picked up fairly cheap, and had hardbags (aftermarket add-ons for the Viffer).

ST2 was the greatest bike I'd ever owned.  Easy, 2 valve, air cooled, great sound, V-twin powerband, sexy, helmet-sized hardbags, great handling... and definitely in your price range.  The only problem I ran into with it was the connection to the solenoid switch was a little shaky... but I didn't have it that long.

VFR was fun, but I had some minor problems with it including a worth clutch basket, wax idler went bad (controls low/high idle), some other funky sensors went out.  Overall fun, great sound and performance.  Great ergo's (for me), light, comfy.

It's so hard to tell what you'll like w/o test riding.  Go with your gut.

[bobnflorida]

The 800 ST is my favorite bike right now for sport touring. You should be able to find one without all the bells and whistles in the mid-6's. It is a great bike. I have the 08 without all the addons. Love it. The belt drive is terrific. Problem free. Good usuable power and very smooth. Lightweight and great gas milage. I get right around 59. I have owned many of the other bikes on your list and would vote for the St as number one. Good luck with your search.

[reddog15]

As someone who has both a Futura and a VFR I would say go with the VFR. I base this on the smoothness, handling, wind protection and parts availability of the VFR. Believe it or not, the VFR does have better wind protection/less buffeting! The VFR gives up some power to the Futura but with the balance of the other attributes of the VFR I can apply the VFR better. My 2.5 cents...

[Dan K]

Where are you parking it, do you care if it gets dinked, knocked over, etc?  I am really thinking a Sprint may fit. Cheap to buy, gen ones even cheaper, easy to maintaine, cheap and available spares, not a high profile bike for theft, good power and protection, most if not all have side if not a top case, etc.

Will be in my garage or in the parking garage at the Trump Hotel (across the street from my office).

If any like bikes are missing from the list, let me know.

Like I said, I'll drop a few extra dollars on the table for the right bike, (maybe up to $7k for the perfect bike...) but like Skipper suggested, my list has been Sprint/VFR/Futura since before I sold the FZ1 and really started digging.

It's my lust for a K1300S making me think I want a K1200S and making me think I'll drop another couple grand into the mix.  

The 800ST is a new addition to the list, and I know next to nothing about them, but like the belt drive and the very light weight.

As for the title of the thread, light weight compared to the FJR/Connie14 family of bikes that seem to dominate the touring market these days.


ANYONE that has info or opinions on any of the listed bikes or thinks a bike is missing from the list, PLEASE let me know.  I am not Chornbe and plan to keep this bike for a significant period of time...want to buy the right one.


- Dan

[sagerat]

Kawi Versys.

Note, I don't own one, so I'm not partaking of the fine STN tradition of "buy my bike!"

[Dan K]

I like the Versys, but it's not fully faired. For half faired bikes, I'd just keep the FZ1. Better ergos, better performance, just as aftermarket support  Versys probably gets better has mileage, but the main goal is a fully faired bike to compliment the naked Tuono.

-Dan

[Norwegian Blue]

Kawi Versys.

Not, I don't own one, so I'm not partaking of the fine STN tradition of "buy my bike!"

That's a darned good suggestion.

Other good options include the Suzuki V-Strom (1100) or Wee-Strom (650). And the more I think about it, the more I like the Wee-Strom for your purposes -- nice torquey engine which is excellent for urban adventures, sufficient grunt for the highways, nice upright riding position for urban road warfare, longish suspension to absorb Chicago's legendary potholes, good gas mileage, adequate protection from the fairings (although I believe buffeting has been an issue with the stock windscreen), and ugly enough that you won't mind using it to commute every day.

Getting back to the F800 -- there are two models that might fit your needs, the F800ST and the F800S. The ST sold pretty well and is still offered in the U.S. market. Those are holding their value pretty well -- you might find one in your price range (accounting for your willingness to pay more), but at least in my area they aren't coming down in price very much -- e.g. my localish BMW dealer has a 2007 F800ST with 58,000 miles for just under $8,000, and I usually see them right around $10,000. The F800S, by contrast, was only sold for one model year and sold about as well as ham sandwiches at the Oslo Accords. You can easily find low mileage examples for right around $7,000, but they have a much sportier riding position, a smaller windscreen, and only a half-fairing (any lower fairings are aftermarket). You may spend less money up front, but then have to spend more money to make it what you want it to be.

[ScottB]

5th Gen VFR?  It's a whole lot sexier then the 6th gen and it's probably a bit easier on the pocketbook.

[cbolling]

Yamaha Tmax.

[Marcster]

I just have to say: Futura.  But I base that only on my lust for that bike...

[lizard]

If you don't need tons o' torque or comfy passenger accommodations, you might consider a several gen old 600 crotchety rocket? Like a YZF600, CBR600, ZX-6 from the late 90's early '00's. Lots of these bikes have reasonable riding positions, fully adjustable suspension, 100+HP, good brakes, light weight, and reasonable prices.

I haven't ridden most of the bikes on your short list, but not many of them are "light" in my book. I had a Y2k VFR and it was ok, but it felt top heavy in low speed maneuvers and the FI was jerky at low speed. Basically like an on/off switch in 1st gear, better in 2nd, and the issue was mostly gone in higher gears than that. I sold it after a couple of years due to these reasons. I wound up with the ZZR600. It is essentially a '02 ZX-6 with revised body work for a new "look". It is approx. 100lbs lighter than the VFR and does not feel top heavy, has carbs (some pros & some cons, but smooth low speed on/off throttle transitions), similar riding position and performance (I do miss the linked brakes on occasion). I have a top case mounted for commuting, but there aren't any direct bolt on mounts for hard side bags that I've found. I think there is a post about modifying ZR-7 mounts, but I haven't done it yet.

[specialk]

What about a late model ZX-9? Good ergos, plenty of power, sporty, and decent looks? Or a ZX-12 perhaps?

[JonS]

I just have to say: Futura.  But I base that only on my lust for that bike...

 

From my experience riding with a guy who had one, it handles great and has lots of power. It also has hardcases and a good fairing.
I find the VFR very bland. Sure the motor is smoother, but that would hold little value to me.