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.

[Papa Lazarou]

Honda CG125. This bike can do anything and do it for a pittance. Easy to work on, yet pretty much bullet proof-which is why there are a trillion Chinese copies out there.
Honda C90. This machine got the World onto 2 wheels. It has also outsold everything else. For a very good reason.
Triumph Daytona 600. Not as fast as its rivals but a much better made machine that will outlast them.


Old bikes:
Honda C90
Honda CG125
BSA M21.  

[R Doug]

The Versys takes the lead.  That does not surprise me.  

[Hotbrakes]

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.  

I believe these owners are too busy mile munching to waste time chatting about how good their bikes are.

KTM Superduke.  Add some hard luggage space and you can knee drag across the country with ease.  The mechanical quirks just require a little extra maintenance but the Big 4 have yet to produce a bike anywhere close to the quality of KTM.

VFR.  It was also overlooked by its creator and sold as an overpriced budget bike.  

[HipGnosis]

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

I don't think the ST3/4 is underrated...  I think it's lack of popularity is due to maintenance history of pervious Ducatis and Ducatis dealer sparsity.
Ditto (with minor adjustments) for KTM and ULY.
Dealer support is a very valid consideration on a sport-touring purchase.
I had a Sprint RS.  I have (err had, one recently dropped Triumph) 2 dealers w/in an hour.  Got it used at a very good price and got a good trade-in; the BMW dealer also owned the other place that (then) carried Triumph.  If I could only have one bike, this is my first thought.  In Lucifer orange.

I'd give honorable mention to Wee-Strom.

[bassjones]

I would personally love a Norge, but there just aren't any dealers close enough if I needed any warranty work done, and I'd be worried about the limited dealer network on a trip as well.  Otherwise, that is by far my favorite of the big ST bikes.

[drew95gt]

I think my bike (2005 Kawasaki Z750S) should be on that list, it is a very capable ST bike that is very underrated and overlooked.

[jsanford]

I voted Aprilia and Norge, but my write-in would be my Monster 695. On a six-day trip last summer it was nothing short of a hoot, even with a decent sidewind.  It got great mileage, adapted well to elevation changes and didn't overheat.  The motor ran really well for long stretches and the torque was very useable in undulating road conditons.  

[MIDSKIER]

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 should have voted for something else and just left this as our secret

the more I ride it the more I like it and harder it becomes to find something newer to replace it

[Chuck 500]

Is it possible to "un-vote".  I meant to vote for Honda NT700V but hit ST1300?

I just got an NT700V.  More I ride the better I like it.  It may be underrated because it has only been here a year.  The "press" seems mixed wit comments like under powered, dull etc.  That said, I have already seen more than one reference to riders doing SS1000s, some more than one.  The bike seems more than able to run down the road all day at normal highway speeds without strain.

My former bike was a Suzuki GS500F which I rode 15,000 miles in about two years.  I rode mine all over east Texas.  It is capable and reliable but seems to be pushing on longer (450+) rides.

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[jay547]

I think my bike (2005 Kawasaki Z750S) should be on that list, it is a very capable ST bike that is very underrated and overlooked.

that's what i have now.

[Fourstring]

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

Man's talking.  If this was an option, woulda been my vote.

Viffer with ballz:




Honorable mention- Ninja 650.  But I voted for the Versys because they're kissing cousins.  (But I still want a Dullsville in the garage.  Like when they don't cost ten grand.)

 

[CaptWSims]

Not surprisingly, I consider my bike to be one of the most underrated sport touring bikes.  The Triumph Tiger 955 is reliable, comfortable, and has plenty of performance.

I just rode 200 miles yesterday and could have easily done another 200.  The upright sitting posture helps on long days in the saddle.

The "adventure bike" label hurts its identification as a sport-touring bike, but on the Triumph forum it is very obvious that many Europeans tour the Continent on their Tigers.  

 

[Papa Lazarou]

Okay, since you all want BIG bikes:

Triumph Trophy 1200
BMW K100 series
Any large engined Guzzi. The older the better-like the Spada series.

[the drummer]

BMW K1200RS  98'  Sport-touring...... able to haul what you need, at a HIGH rate of speed!!

[bluepoof]

I was tempted to write in my bike, which is the perfect touring bike for me, but I fully realize that I'm broken in that way.  

[R Doug]

I love the new Avatar!  

[Shell4747]

Day before yesterday I was idly reading this thread, taking a couple of notes, first time on the forum...

Today I own a Sprint 955 ST.

 

For sale: 1994 BMW R1100RS

[Royal Tiger]

aprilia Futura.  I was looking for one to keep the RSV-R company, but found a super clean ST3 and wanted something different from the bike I had.

I also liked the Norge and Sprint that I rode.

How about the Motus?  I saw it at Ferracci's when they were doing their cross country promo tour.  Looked very interesting.

[98superhawk]

my write in would have to be the Honda superhawk 996. Currently have a 98 with  46000 miles and never had one issue.  still looks new

[bluepoof]

my write in would have to be the Honda superhawk 996. Currently have a 98 with  46000 miles and never had one issue.  still looks new

As long as you don't mind touring the gas stations!  

[Scottybones]

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 love my Zed.  It's a great looking bike and very fast and handles very good.  Yes it's a fairly heavy bike, but once your moving the weight seems to disappear.  I can keep up or beat just about any supersport except for the newest ones.  The fuel mileage kind of sucks, but it's such a great blend of touring and sport bike that it doesn't bother me at all.  Plus my wife loves riding on it so how much more can you ask for?

[greidel]

I voted for my Versys. I don't hear a lot of people talking about them here. I guess they don't excel at "triple-digit sight-seeing". But they rock in the twisties, which is what everyone says they search out. I recently rode with a group of Concours 14s and stayed right with them because we were in winding back roads. Then, at the end of the ride, I didn't have to add gas to get home. Short wheelbase, light, upright, big tank equals a long day of fun. Has anyone else noticed that the motorcycle mags, after they talk about the latest Ducati to come out, have an article about some great scenic ride... and that guy is on a Versys.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I picked FZ6R but meant FZ6.  If you want a lightweight sport touring mount the FZ6 is it inmy book.  50+ MPG depending on how fast you want to go and plenty of room and carrying capacity for all but the heavist of loads.  Engine has good midrange.

I went from a FJR1300 to a FZ6 and so far I've really been liking it.  

I don't care for the FZ6R.  Steel frame (weight), and lower shelf suspension and other bits than even the FZ6 had (and it didn't have the best stuff), all so they could put more plastic on it to make it appeal to the yougins who had to have a "sport bike".

[cubby]

I'm on my second Vstrom 1000 and although its kind of vanilla compared to some others mentioned here, it fits me nice, and I can out run all cruisers and though I am behind, I can hang with my buddies on FZ1's through the corners.  Plus its nice for two up with luggage.