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

[sagerat]

1st Gen Kawi Concours.

Hey, somebody had to say it.

[motociclista]

Glad to see you finally sold the FZ1. It was painful watching such a worthy bike hang out there in the breeze so long.

Not on your list, but I think it's a shame you could never work out a trade for Ack535's ZZR1200: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,46639.0.html. Not light, but lots o' wind and weather protection there. Just sayin'...

[phoenix]

I've owned (and done some long trips on) both fully faired bikes [ZX-6] and mostly naked bikes [Z750S].

I don't really get the comment about the FZ1 not having enough wind protection in comparison to something like the VFR. If you compare it to the ST1300 or a 'Wing, yeah, sure I would get that. Otherwise I don't see a world of gain here.

Aside from that, I might as well say SV650S with some bar risers/helibars and a Zero Gravity sport touring windshield. Light weight, fully faired, all sorts of fun.

My 2 cents: narrow down the list a little bit based on the sort of power delivery you want:
torquey? V twin?
smooth as butter? I-4
power everywhere? big bore whatever

[Dan K]

The FZ1 had no lower fairings, so legs had no wind or rain protection. As a commuter, I get caught in the rain on occasion, and after riding bikes like the Sprint and K1300S in 40 degree weather, the difference between fully faired and half faired becomes painfully obvious. Hence, the switch.

-Dan

Oh, if there's performance there, i'm ok with any engine type.    

[Rabidsnipe]

Remember, I'm looking for wind protection, ergos, and will sorely miss being able to go 0-60 in less than 3 seconds.

- Dan

For a commuter bike, I personally think you're putting too much emphasis on the power requirements.  Honestly, how often were you doing full throttle runs on the FZ1?  In the short span I've had the FZ1 I don't think I've ever used full throttle.  Even when I was using the power to "get out of dodge".

[Castaway]

Yamaha Tmax.

   I sat on one of those at the IMS, seeing quite a few of them when I was in Paris got me interested. But I don't get the foot position on them.


Back on topic ... though I haven't ridden one, I've always wanted a Futura. They're hard to come by, though. I rode an 800ST some years ago and was disappointed with the power, but I do like the size, simplicity, and belt drive.

[Dan K]

For a commuter bike, I personally think you're putting too much emphasis on the power requirements.  Honestly, how often were you doing full throttle runs on the FZ1?  In the short span I've had the FZ1 I don't think I've ever used full throttle.  Even when I was using the power to "get out of dodge".

I agree - but on occasion, I will be on this bike riding with bikes like the K1330S and 1098R's and MV Agustas and other crazy fast bikes that I would like to be able to keep up with on the straights.  Not a lot of twisties here in the Chicago area where skill will get me closer.  Power not MAJOR concern, I just like having it available.  Acceleration = joy, including torque down low AND top end rush (as opposed to top end mph).

Tmax is a tickle in the back of my mind, but I have some natural aversion to automatics.  I'll check it out at the Chiacgo bike show in a couple weeks.

- Dan

[Dan K]

   I sat on one of those at the IMS, seeing quite a few of them when I was in Paris got me interested. But I don't get the foot position on them.


Back on topic ... though I haven't ridden one, I've always wanted a Futura. They're hard to come by, though. I rode an 800ST some years ago and was disappointed with the power, but I do like the size, simplicity, and belt drive.

Futura's are semi-hard to come by - for the cost, do I really want to buy unseen and ship it?  Keeping my eyes open.  The "mash" at jaxed.com is pretty unreal.

- Dan

[Rabidsnipe]

Futura's are semi-hard to come by - for the cost, do I really want to buy unseen and ship it?  Keeping my eyes open.  The "mash" at jaxed.com is pretty unreal.

- Dan

You weren't kidding!  That site is awesome!  For vehicle search purposes it seems it trounce Search Tempest.

[marsman]

Hi Dan,

My .02

Had the 01 VFR - I found that it was under powered and heavy so it never really fit the bill of sport or tourer. Wind protection was decent though.

I switched to a cruiser with the intent of doing much longer road trips but now find myself looking to sport bikes again. Cruisers just aren't engaging enough - an expensive lesson for me

If I've read your entries correctly it seems like you want an FZ1 with better wind protection. If that's the case it seems like a late nineties early 2000ish sport bike with comfy ergo's might fit the bill. That said have you considered adding a YZF1000R (pre R1) to your list? I have no personal experience with this bike but have encountered numerous folk who leverage this bike for commuter, tourer and track day squidness.

Not sure what prices are locally for a used Busa in your area but it seems that a first gen would also fit the bill (although perhaps a little on the heavy side). If you look Busa just make sure the frame is intact as I've been told that there was an engineering issue that could cause stress fractures in the frame. And if you consider the Busa then the Blackbird or the first gen ZX-12R would also be worth considering.

Again - .02

Cheers,
M

[Dan K]

Yeah, I've considered the ZX14/Busa/Blackbird route, but because it's an everyday commuter, the sheer size of the things have caused me to go more lightweight.  Are they much lighter than the Connie14 qnd FJR's?

Interesting suggestion on the older bike, but I am trying to stay a bit more modern as my wrenching skills don't go far beyond oil changes.

Am leaning Sprint, with an interst in this F800ST.  Although what about the older Ducati Multistradas?  If it's got an S (with the Ohlins) maybe that's the route to go?

- Dan

[jadziadax8]

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

Well, I wasn't gonna suggest it until you mentioned the Versys, but I might note that the Ninja 650 (I AM participating in the great "buy my bike" tradition here) is basically a fully faired Versys.  I would suggest a suspension upgrade if you want to ride it Downtown.  How are those grate bridges, anyway?

[Dan K]

Well, I wasn't gonna suggest it until you mentioned the Versys, but I might note that the Ninja 650 (I AM participating in the great "buy my bike" tradition here) is basically a fully faired Versys.  I would suggest a suspension upgrade if you want to ride it Downtown.  How are those grate bridges, anyway?

Point and ride.  Never comfortable on those bridges, but they are few and far between on my rides...

Never even thought of the Ninja 650, but if I was going that route, are the ZX12's or ZX14's that much heavier?  I do like the power....

- Dan

[jadziadax8]

Point and ride.  Never comfortable on those bridges, but they are few and far between on my rides...

Never even thought of the Ninja 650, but if I was going that route, are the ZX12's or ZX14's that much heavier?  I do like the power....

- Dan

Well, I will say that my Ninja is no power monster, but it is great in commuter traffic.  I ride it nearly everyday on the road of death known as the I355/290 corridor (you know, if you're doing 80 you're getting passed).  I have never felt the need for more power.  Its also great in stop-and-go because of its light weight.  I get about 52 mpg.  I also have it set up for full touring and have ridden the gap and around the lakes.  Be honest, are you really gonna ever use all the power available on a ZX-12 or ZX-14?

Oh, and I don't have any trouble keeping up with Fourstring on his ZX-9.

[Dan K]

Well, I will say that my Ninja is no power monster, but it is great in commuter traffic.  I ride it nearly everyday on the road of death known as the I355/290 corridor (you know, if you're doing 80 you're getting passed).  I have never felt the need for more power.  Its also great in stop-and-go because of its light weight.  I get about 52 mpg.  I also have it set up for full touring and have ridden the gap and around the lakes.  Be honest, are you really gonna ever use all the power available on a ZX-12 or ZX-14?

Oh, and I don't have any trouble keeping up with Fourstring on his ZX-9.

You got pics of your Ninja?

I'm interested.  Yes I'm familiar with your commute - I'm in Northbrook so it's Edens to Kennedy to downtown.  I usually take 90 to 294N on the way home (I'm in between the two just north of Willow).  Whatever it takes to get another therapy session in on the bike.

As for the power, yes, I do go on some "spirited" rides where the power will come in handy....I ride with guys that have multiple bikes, like Desmosedici's and 1098R's and MV Agustas and Benelli's and Aprilias and the FZ1 had no problem keeping up, or sometimes leaving them behind.  Being more limited in the funds, my options are more limited, but I don't want to lose too much performance...

- Dan.  

[marsman]

Hey Dan,

The Blackbird/ZX-12R carry like the VFR but with alot more power. My only description for the Busa is that of having thrown a leg over a Rhino and letting it out of the cage - it's a brute that you never have to take past 3rd gear when you're in town. My time aboard that beast was amazing and I honestly found it easier to flick around compared to my VFR (but that's probably just my riding style).

If you're planning to stay in the sub-500 lb. range dry (aka your FZ1) with wind protection via a full fairing then I would seriously consider looking at the FZR600R (pre R6) that Yamaha was still producing in NA up till 2008/9 as far as I know. Locally there are lots of folks that use them for touring and commuting. This was Yamaha's flagship 600 before the R6 came along and it still has impressive #'s in terms of power/performance but the ergo's are alot more upright when compared to the latest batch of 600 sport bikes.

Cheers

[jadziadax8]

You got pics of your Ninja?

I'm interested.  Yes I'm familiar with your commute - I'm in Northbrook so it's Edens to Kennedy to downtown.  I usually take 90 to 294N on the way home (I'm in between the two just north of Willow).  Whatever it takes to get another therapy session in on the bike.

As for the power, yes, I do go on some "spirited" rides where the power will come in handy....I ride with guys that have multiple bikes, like Desmosedici's and 1098R's and MV Agustas and Benelli's and Aprilias and the FZ1 had no problem keeping up, or sometimes leaving them behind.  Being more limited in the funds, my options are more limited, but I don't want to lose too much performance...

- Dan.  

Well, take the Tuono for those!  I ride with the usual R4 crowd of F.U.C.K.E.R.S.  They're pretty fast.  I have no trouble keeping up.

Mandatory pic of setup.  Here's me on the Gap.  As you can see, it has no trouble hauling me and my gear anywhere.

[Tpoppa]

The 2004-2006 CBR600 F4i is probably the most comfortable 600cc sportbike you can buy.  The ergos are close to the 6th gen VFR, but compared to the VFR, it's lighter, faster, and has fully adjustable suspension.  Also, Convertibars are available for the F4i.


Stock clipons have a nice rise over the seat:

[Dan K]

Nice set up.  Covers my bases.  You have risers of some sort or Helibars?  Can't tell in pic.  And yes, I hear ya, take the Tuono.

Only reason I'm resistant to the lower powered bikes is that I can see myself selling the Tuono and buying a side car rig to haul my kids around in, leaving me with a sports commuter/tourer a little lacking in the power depot.

But that pic is VERY interesting.


As for the CBR, He Who Loves his Donkeyballs had full bag set up on the CBR with helibars, and for some reason it didn't fly - I don't think he ever posted why, if he did, I can't remember.  

I'm leaning Sprint again.

- Dan

[Tpoppa]

As for the CBR, He Who Loves his Donkeyballs had full bag set up on the CBR with helibars, and for some reason it didn't fly - I don't think he ever posted why, if he did, I can't remember.  

- Dan

I've done 500 miles days with the stock clipons in relative comfort.  The pre-04 F4i had a more aggressive riding position.  YMMV.