Most Overlooked and Underrated Touring Motorcycles (PICK 3)

[R Doug]

I would like to follow up this poll with another poll discussing the most overrated bikes.  But, I'm the kind of person who likes to save the best for last.  

The list above represents older and late model sport(y) touring models which don't seem to be discussed a whole heck of a lot on STN or I see very few owners of these bikes.  I believe we overlook some great machines and the more popular ones dominate most of the discussion.  

Now it's time to vote and talk amongst yourselves.  PICK UP TO 3!!!!

[R Doug]

For me, I voted for these three:

Ducati ST3/4 - quintessential sport-touring bike.  Nobody has done it better.  It's a shame Ducati doesn't make another one today.

KTM SM-T   -   Seems to be a lot of discussion and focus over the past few years about the Tiger and the new Multi.  I believe the SM-T is the perfect compromise between the two.

Triumph Sprint RS - partially naked triple with good ergos which can be had at a very reasonable price today.  I'm surprised more people aren't buying used RS's.  But then again, maybe the owners aren't selling.  

Honorable Mentions:  Versys and Uly

[Rincewind]

Sprint RS - overlooked, under-rated, and now amazingly affordable.  One of my local dealers has one for $3500.

I voted KTM SMT as well, because there are so few owners.  But now I'm thinking maybe that is partially KTM's fault for getting rid of so many of their streetbike dealers.

[scottzilla]

Speed Triple.  The ratio of people who think it's a way cool bike and would like to own one to those who actually do is skewed.

[garry]

I used to own a Sprint RS. Aside from the cheap suspension (easily fixed for $1000 - $1200) it was a fine bike. I bought it dirt cheap as a new/leftover with a big Triumph incentive on top. But it was basically a Sprint ST minus some plastic and the 955i Sprints get plenty of love here.

There are two KTM 990 SMTs collecting dust at my local dealer. Weird. I guess KTM has failed at grabbing mindshare for some of their bikes. The Adventure and SuperDuke are well-known, but the SM/SMR/SMT and RC8 don't seem to be on the regular Joe's radar screen.

[nater]

I used to own a Sprint RS. Aside from the cheap suspension (easily fixed for $1000 - $1200) it was a fine bike. I bought it dirt cheap as a new/leftover with a big Triumph incentive on top. But it was basically a Sprint ST minus some plastic and the 955i Sprints get plenty of love here.

There are two KTM 990 SMTs collecting dust at my local dealer. Weird. I guess KTM has failed at grabbing mindshare for some of their bikes. The Adventure and SuperDuke are well-known, but the SM/SMR/SMT and RC8 don't seem to be on the regular Joe's radar screen.

I think that part of the reason is that the RC8 is priced up there with the Ducatis and Aprillias.

[sprint_st]

Triumph Sprint ST -  955i
I owned both an ST and RS and would say both were underrated.  Other than the SSSA and DSSA they were the same bike except for tupperware (frames were very slightly different).  At the same time VFR's were the best on the planet, MC ragsters were saying poor suspension, or some other lackluster comments.  New springs on my Sprint for $250 and could run off and hide from VFR's --- the triple was awesome.    The 1050's aren't bad either.

[R Doug]

Triumph Sprint ST -  955i
I owned both an ST and RS and would say both were underrated.  Other than the SSSA and DSSA they were the same bike except for tupperware (frames were very slightly different).  At the same time VFR's were the best on the planet, MC ragsters were saying poor suspension, or some other lackluster comments.  New springs on my Sprint for $250 and could run off and hide from VFR's --- the triple was awesome.    The 1050's aren't bad either.

Yep, I had no issue with the showa suspenders on my VFR and have felt the Sprint "wobble" mid corner on an older 955 triple.  That said, I hated VTEC and loved the triple motor.  It's a lot easier to upgrade the suspension on the Sprint than improve the motor on the VFR.

[Hunter]

Almost as comfortable as my old VFR (95) with just slightly lower clip ons, seat to pegs and reach to the bars is almost the same. Loads more power and a lot less weight. SPORT-tourer is the game.

Honorable mention: Daytona 955

[mugwump58]

Sprint RS - overlooked, under-rated, and now amazingly affordable.  One of my local dealers has one for $3500.

I voted KTM SMT as well, because there are so few owners.  But now I'm thinking maybe that is partially KTM's fault for getting rid of so many of their streetbike dealers.

KTM's fault

[2WheelPilot]

ZZR1200, of course.  It was never the fastest.  Nor the best handling.  Nor the prettiest.  But it does everything pretty well.  I keep looking for something sporty, reasonably quick, and well suited for 2-up.  Everything else comes up short in some category.  Usually 2-up capability.  Smaller & smaller is the trend these days.  At 4 or 5 times the cost, a C14 would probably be better, but not 4 or 5 times better.  Big ZZR's are so cheap now that if I trash mine, I can replace it for the cost of a couple of insurance payments on something new.

[J-Mac]

ZZR1200, of course.  It was never the fastest.  Nor the best handling.  Nor the prettiest.  But it does everything pretty well.  I keep looking for something sporty, reasonably quick, and well suited for 2-up.  Everything else comes up short in some category.  Usually 2-up capability.  Smaller & smaller is the trend these days.  At 4 or 5 times the cost, a C14 would probably be better, but not 4 or 5 times better.  Big ZZR's are so cheap now that if I trash mine, I can replace it for the cost of a couple of insurance payments on something new.

I voted for the bike as well. It's a wolf in sheeps clothing, and a sheep in wolf's clothing. That bike can do it all.

If you disagree, you've never ridden one.

BTW, to get the ball rollin', the Hyapusy is the most overrated bike by far.

[Orson]

There are two KTM 990 SMTs collecting dust at my local dealer. Weird. I guess KTM has failed at grabbing mindshare for some of their bikes.

I think "The Long Way Round" might play a factor.

I suspect many new riders who want to be taken seriously as a RTW rider only has eyes for BMWs.

[Blunder]

Almost as comfortable as my old VFR (95) with just slightly lower clip ons, seat to pegs and reach to the bars is almost the same. Loads more power and a lot less weight. SPORT-tourer is the game.

Honorable mention: Daytona 955

That there ZX-9 was definitely underrated as a usable tool for covering long distances with comfortable speed and style.

[ZED]

I think the Ducati ST3 and ST4 are very overlooked.  I feel my ST3s is the pinnacle of the SPORT-touring world.  You don't here about many or see many but they have all day comfort, power, and weather protection.  I still can't think of another bike I would replace mine with.

I also voted for the 'other' category because I think the 'run watchya brung' bikes are often overlooked. Just about anything can be used.  A person doesn't need a bike that was categorized as a Sport-Tourer.  Most any sport bike or naked can be made to work.  I did about 12K of touring on my Z1000 before getting the Ducati.  I recently bumped into a guy on a Z1000 that had done over 50K touring on it.  Just shows that it's all about how fussy we get.
 

[maddjack]

Versys, people have the brain washing that it has to be big in displacement to be good.
Second the Sprint RS the half faired Sprint was the shizzle.
Third Speed Triple to 2005, hell ,I tour on mine

[maddjack]

There are two KTM 990 SMTs collecting dust at my local dealer. Weird. I guess KTM has failed at grabbing mindshare for some of their bikes. The Adventure and SuperDuke are well-known, but the SM/SMR/SMT and RC8 don't seem to be on the regular Joe's radar screen.

The rumor of leaking water pumps, bad fuel pumps being all too common, has turned me off. The need to fix that shit before I'd buy one. Yeah the engine/ suspension rocks , but I need frigging turn key , it don't break for that kind of money,even discounted.And too few dealers to be comfortable on a big road trip for me. Everyone I know who has a KTM did the fuel pump at least once and I know 3 with shit water pumps. Sorry unacceptable for a bike of that caliber

[falconati]

ST3 - I just sold mine and already miss it.  There is no replacement on the market, though the Ninja 1000 sounds promising (but it's an inline 4  )

Moto Guzzi Norge - I will be test riding one next season.  Beautiful shape, nice features, and plenty of deals can be had on them.  Not as comfortable or fast as a BMW RT, but like all other Guzzi models, there's just something that makes you want it.

Suzuki GS500F - this is kind of my wildcard pick.  It's not designed for either sport or touring; however it tours at a pretty low weight and (with modifications) can carry a good amount of luggage.  It's also a very economical and reliable choice, and there are a few members on this board who sport-tour with theirs, and I've been really impressed with their setups.

[Orson]

Moto Guzzi Norge - I will be test riding one next season.  Beautiful shape, nice features, and plenty of deals can be had on them.  Not as comfortable or fast as a BMW RT, but like all other Guzzi models, there's just something that makes you want it.

Top speed isn't a good measuring stick in my book  

riding "The Pace" is all about riding a big 'ol wave of torque thru the twisties.

and at that, both the boxer twin and the V-twin excel. The engine characteristics and sound keeping you engaged and entertained from one curve to the next  

On a similar stretch of road, an inline four would be lulling you to sleep  

[R Doug]

Top speed isn't a good measuring stick in my book  

riding "The Pace" is all about riding a big 'ol wave of torque thru the twisties.

That's exactly what I look for in bikes.  But, I still want something that's a little racy too.  that's why the Uly never did it for me.  That bike hits the torque criteria well, but there's something about a Guzzi or Duc motor that gives you a little quicker revs.