Good Sport Touring Bike?

[138742]

Hello,

I am looking for a new bike and I was aiming for a sport touring. I live in Seattle, WA and go to school in Boston, MA. I am planning to ride back and forth during the summer instead of flying, so I am looking at racking up around 12-15 thousand a year. I was thinking about the Sprint St, Ducati ST3, or Honda Interceptor. Also while on this note, does anyone know about the longevity of a motor that is well maintained and serviced? Does a a v-twin do better than a V-4 or inline 3? Sport Touring motor and a sport bike motor? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Brian

[quicksilver]

You have a good list.

You might add FJR (winning the current polling at the moment for STN top bike).

Chain drive is a disadvantage for this long of a road trip.

You should look at valve adjustment intervals for each bike.  That is a major maintenance cost.
I think VFR is every 16K and FJR is every 24K.

Also, with this kind of serious highway journey, perhaps a Goldwing or BMW LT would be more appropriate.  Bigger and not as nimble, but comfier for serious seat time.

Also for that kind of ride, you'll waqnt a communicator for in helmet music and phone.
Autocom and Starcom are popular brands.

Boston to Seattle in the winter? You'll need a big windsheild and heated gear too....

[motorgod]

I've had a 2005 FJR since, well, Sept 2005.  I have just under 30K miles on it.  I would recommend it w/o hesitation.  With that said, you are going to get replies that will cover all sport tourers out there.  The FJR requires a new seat (rick maier), self installed cruise control (not a throttle lock), larger windscreen, and like most bikes, music.  The newer FJR's have addressed the heat issue some whiners whine about.
It also depends on your budget.  The new beemer GT has cruise control and GPS installed.  But the price is about $7k more than the FJR.  Its going to come down to what fits you best.  Hopefully you'll find some out there to at least sit on.  Good luck in your hunting.

Oh yeah...there are several FJRs w/ 100K+ miles on them out there.

[torags v2]

It appears your preferences are for sport bikes. Those bikes may be more at home in twisties.

My definition of a sport tourer is a BMW R1150 RS. Smaller fairing - lean forward seating.

That's my choice, but I believe its not the best choice for your use. A fuller faired bike would be better when you hit the cold.

Tires should not be Z rated (chicken strips after long hwy miles makes cornering disconcerting).

Your final drive ration and tank size will determine radius. The sports bikes have higher ratios and smaller tanks.

You should have hard bags they will last longer and you can stuff more laundry to do at home like my son did.

That's a bitch of a commute.

Think about a BMW 650 for local use around Boston and fly home for the checks.

[Highway Star]

If the realities of student finances douse your bike desires.  Suck it up and get a tried and true ride with long legs and long life.  Tried and true rides aren't sexy but are less expensive and fully sorted out.

ST1100
Connie
GPZ1100/Ninja
XX

They may be dated but they can do the job nearly as well as the new bikes.

[old wanderer]

While I might be the lone voice here, look at an Aprilia Futura....Good solid very comfortable bike that does almost everything well.
And at each end of the trip you will have one of the most beautiful bikes on the road.

[ss2]

Brian, as far as longevity I'll tell you this.  Maintenance has everything to do with it.  Keep your engines happy and they return the favor.  Any inline will last the same as a twin or the V4.  But, IMO, I'd expect the V4 to fail first due to the number of components.  If I were making the decision you have, I'd choose the Sprint or a VFR without the V-tech.  A friend has done numerous cross-country trips on his '98.

I'd say the FJR is a good practical choice.  IMHO, it's like a Nighthawk 750 with a nice fairing and only 5 gears.  Which, as you have a CB750, might be a perfect fit.  I personally find it somewhat uninspiring.  Very commuter friendly, but not fun for the twisties.  

I'd say the R1150RS would be cool in that the maintenance is easy.  You'll have the same maintenance intervals as the Duc, but you'll be able to do the services in less than half the time.  Both with dry clutches allow you to spread the oil changes to these intervals.  If you're using it just for the commutes, then you'll be set with doing maintenance about every other round trip.  The boxer engines are supposedly long lasting, and if you pick up a used one, depreciation isn't bad.  The ST3 is a classic design, so comparison for depreciation is pretty much moot.  I would expect to pay extra in the long run for the Duc maintenance (belts), but if you like it, then go for it!  

The Futura is cool.  But only really cool if you have a dealer nearby.  I know it's cliche to say that these exotic italian bikes can be hard to get parts for.  Like George Carlin says: Stereotypes exist for a reason -- they're true.  I ride with a Futura owner and a Mille owner.  Each of them needed something specialty within 20,000 miles of ownership.  Both had fault code problems that needed software updates.  Which, if you could download them yourself would be great, but the adapter tools are only available at dealerships.  Other than that they have been really reliable bikes.  Guys with Futuras know they are a steal of a deal.  But if you're down and no dealer, you're pretty much screwed.

Triumph will still hold the unreliable tag, but new owners will tell you otherwise.  The new 955 and 1050 engines tell a new tale of the New Brit Order.  Sprints are great machines.  I've been looking at them for awhile.  As for LD use, I think it's the most versatile of your selection.  A powerband that never gets boring, and maintenance in between the inline 4 and the twin.  The cheap parts seem to have disappeared from the lineup.  A great choice for many reasons.
 
Fact is that there aren't really any bad bikes out there these days.  Go with what your heart wants and what fits on the test ride.
Good luck with your searching.  Test rides are good.

[ToadRide]

I've made my B12 Bandit the sports tourer of my dreams. It's got the comfort, the speed and the looks. And after road testing several others ranging in prices of 4 to 12 thousand bucks more, I am really glad I settled for mine at 12000 Can., taxes in.

[birdrunner]

Many sport bikes can be comfortable enough for mega miles.

If you looking used,  find a nice Blackbird.  Lots of them are available, and it isn't hard finding people with over 100,000 miles on them.  The motor is bulletproof.  
 
Other good choices:  ZZR1200, Bandit 1200, Concours, ST1100.

[ben1364]

Hello,
I am looking for a new bike and I was aiming for a sport touring. Does a a v-twin do better than a V-4 or inline 3?
Thanks Brian

These are all good machines.  Depending on your budget, there are others that might be better for long rides in varying weather, including the BMW R1200RT which is an outstanding sport tourer which comes with an electronic cruise control and outstanding ergonomics for the long distance rider.  It is somewhat biased toward touring.  The Honda ST1300 and the FJR at lower price points are also good machines if they fit you and if engine heat is not a consideration.

All other things equal, the engine configuration (in line, V or horizontally opposed is all a matter of packaging and weight.  For example, a V-4 is lighter and more compact (shorter/lighter crankshaft) whereas an in line 4 (up to about 2300 ccs.) is smoother running.  Note that I said all other things equal.  There are exceptions to every rule.

[138742]

Hello again everyone,

Thank you kindly for all your information and suggestions. It seems that everyone is quite happy with all their rides, so I need to look at those bikes I haven't considered yet.

To answer an earlier question, I will be riding back to Seattle at the end of June to be home and head back in September for school.

[JoeKC]

I was mere days away from buying a used ST3 (the 748 was an awesome, trouble-free 22K mile experience, despite my HD friend's opinion that I'd be stranded every other day) when a pal at work put me onto a guy who wanted to offload his Futura.  I got the Futura for half of what the ST3 would've cost me and I'm very pleased with the bike overall- good ergos, great panniers and attractive lines.  The Rotax motor has a sterling reputation from what I've gathered on ApriliaForum.com.  Anyway, I'm happy with mine overall.  If you get one, go red (simply stunning in direct sunlight).  The only thing it gives up to the ST3 is the desmodromic sound.  That I'll miss until my next Ducati.  It seems twins are where it's at for me.  I don't think I'll go back to 4 cylinders unless I switch to a K12GT or such.

[Smiffy]

If you plan riding "solo" then you could do a lot worse than a VFR. I have owned three now, (750, 800 and VTEC) and loved all of them, with none of them ever letting me down once (apart from a puncture on the VTEC  )...
But as soon as the wife wanted to come out on the bike with me, I found the 800 engine a bit of a "gasper" when fully loaded.
I looked around for something with a little more midrange grunt and ended up buying a brand new ZZR1200. A very nice bike, with loads of torque for two up touring but the worst stock seat imaginable. My first mod was to swap out for a Corbin, which improved things slightly but the wife was never 100% happy on the back of it. She's not a big girl by any stretch of the imagination, but Kawasaki just didn't provide enough room for a passenger on what was supposed to be their ST model.
I soon changed again for a ZZR1400 and she finds this much more comfortable...with no modifications needed apart from a higher screen to save me from the windblast....
A friend of mine has an FJR which he loves, and keeps trying to talk me into having a go on. But they just don't do anything for me on the looks front to be honest. Other friends have Pan Euro's which they swear by, and I think if the ZZR1400 hadn't come along, and my arm was twisted to buy another bike which was going to be comfortable for the wife, the Pan Euro would be sitting in my garage now.
A very good bike, with Honda's legendary reliability and build quality. And comfortable for day long journeys.
And the Police use them over here too....and if you have ever seen a British bike cop going at full chat on one, or have ever tried to stay with one on the road you will discover............they handle!!
Rob

[Sport]

Hmmm, need I say more?  Best bargain in motorcycleland so you might as well go all the way.

[Mini4x]

I really miss my CBR-1000-F when it come to slabbing the miles away... that bike was so well mannered in the highway.  big tank, comfy seat..  wish I knew what I had when I had it.

[county]

Honda Blackbird
Kawasaki ZZR
Suzuki Hayabusa

And the Kawasaki ZX 14 if you want the newest.

With proper maintenance any of these bikes will do more miles than you will.

These bikes are the ultimate sport tourers.  Put on an automatic chain oiler, accessory plug and heated grips.

[zzr pilot]

Don't forget to add an Audiovox CCS-100 cruise control!!!

[jwhite518]

You're only riding cross country twice a year, but you're owning the bike year round. Get something you're going to love those other 50 weeks. You can make it cross country on anything.

[ben1364]

You're only riding cross country twice a year, but you're owning the bike year round. Get something you're going to love those other 50 weeks. You can make it cross country on anything.

Sounds good but I think he intends to make two round trips per year totaling what, about 12,000 miles?  I think a sport touring bike is in order.  Any of the sport touring bikes discussed above are fine but I would recommend a test ride on an R1200RT if it fits the budget.  It is an exceptional long distance touring bike and is surprisingly flickable bike when the situation dictates.

[adamjava1]

if your legs are long enough and you dont mind having  a set of non-metric tools in the garage you should take a ULY for a test ride

its REALLY comfortable on highway and hella-fun on city streets

[ben1364]

Don't forget to add an Audiovox CCS-100 cruise control!!!

Good idea.  However, it isn't needed on a R1200RT which comes with an electronic cc, heated grips, ESA, etc., etc.  

[WBill]

Second the motion about getting the bike you like for general riding.  I rode many thousands of miles with a buddy who rode a '00 Triumph 850 Bonnie. He'd owned one of the originals back in the day, and just loved the configuration.  Not to mention that the newer version was way-way superior to the Bonnies of the 60's.  He added a winsheld and a seat sheepskin, a tank bag and some soft panniers.  

That guy flogged his bike coast to coast, plus Canada and Mexico.  Greased up the chain every morning and hit the road.  Even dumped it a couple of times and replaced the broken bits.  He swore by it, and is only now considering a change because he got married and wants a bigger ride for his honey.

Not that there's anything mistaken about any of the other suggestions of this tread.  It's just that there's a wide range of bikes that'll do.  It might be easier to specify what kinds of bikes "wouldn't do" especially well, i.e., sport bikes, because of their aggressive riding postures; small dirt bikes, because of their gearing and tires.  Crossing death valley, I wouldn't be happy on a Vespa, but that's just me.  Antique bikes would be unacceptable because of the scarcity of parts or service.

Get something that can go all day at 85, handle strong crosswinds and has a decent dealer network along the routes you're traveling.  

[armymedic]

I have to vote for my Suzuki DL1000 V Strom as an excellent all around touring do-it-all bike. Comfy, lots of power, lots of great extras, can go off road, commute. Great bike. I sold my Triumph Sprint ST to get the Vstrom. I thought the Sprint would be a great bike for longer distances but the forward lean was way too much to be comfortable for any length of time. I much prefer an upright position. I can go all day on the Strom, no problem!

[BruceK]

I have to vote for the FJR. I thought the Sprint would be good for touring, but forward seating postion was too much for me. I got to put a few hundred miles my sister's FJR, and that is one sweet ride!

(PS my wife and I ride two-up)

I know there will be an FJR in the stable before too long.

I looked at the BMW bikes, but they seem to have issues with the clutch and drive train.

[ben1364]

I have to vote for the FJR. I thought the Sprint would be good for touring, but forward seating postion was too much for me. I got to put a few hundred miles my sister's FJR, and that is one sweet ride!

(PS my wife and I ride two-up)

I know there will be an FJR in the stable before too long.

I looked at the BMW bikes, but they seem to have issues with the clutch and drive train.

My R1200RT has no such issues nor does my Grinnall Scorpion 111 with a K1100LT drivetrain or my past R1100RT.  

[dangle]

Have you really thought this out? I visited my daughter who graduated from Brandeis and was working at Harvard for the past couple of years and I noticed that there was hardly anyplace to park out thattaway, especially in Cambridge. Public parkin is by permit only and private parking will cost an arm and half a leg.  A motor vehicle is a pain in the ass in this environment. Public transportation is the fastest and easiest while in town and a cheap Jet Blue tkt home.

[Elseanno]

So I assume you'll be using bike for general transpo?

Isn't Boston crappy (snow & ice) for at least 3-4 months per year?

If those two things are the case, I might suggest something like a Tiger/V-strom/Caponord, or better yet V-strom 650. Fun bikes all. Capable highway bikes, and more confidence inspiring in poor conditions than other  ikes mentioned. I'm making the assumption you are buying used as you're a student... All available used for $3500-$6000 for very rideable examples.

BTW, what is you riding experience?

Elseanno

[Farked Up]

The 'stroms are probably the best value. For cross country rides, I think the bigger one might be more stable / comfortable.

[Mini4x]

I really miss my CBR-1000-F when it come to slabbing the miles away... that bike was so well mannered in the highway.  big tank, comfy seat..  wish I knew what I had when I had it.

Man will I ever second that..

[Grizz]

  After my first trip on my new to me 05 bandit 1200S I have to say I am impressed at to bike for the cost. I rode from McDonough Ga. to Goshen Ct. in 22 hours. 1079 miles. Bike ran great. 100% stock. On the return trip I got the forms for a SS1000. I would like to make some changes, zg double bubble, seat, and hard bags. However for $5000 the bike only had a little over 2 thousand miles and the owner also let me have a set of nelson riggs soft bags and duffle bag. I bought a tank bag and still came out  15 thousand under the R1200RT I was having dreams of. After 2 1000 mile in 24 hour rides I am still happy with the B12 for the money. So much so that when more money comes up I might go with a new water cooled and injected Bandit.

[slime]

Hmmm, need I say more?  Best bargain in motorcycleland so you might as well go all the way.

 
 Will also make your "commute" much faster too. And you can get over 40 mpg @ 100mph +. Trust me!

[Sign Guy]

Vote #3 for a Futura. Great bargain, most comfortable seat of any bike(IMHO), I did 650 miles my first day on the then new to me RST, and (IMHO) stunning. As for the software updates buy one with a PCIII or Tuneboy and they are not an issue. I've only had to order one non-consumable part, that ended up not being needed, the part was in hand 3 days after ordering from a dealer who had to order it from Aprilia. Couldn't recommend one more; fast, reliable, comfortable, beautiful! There are a few easily handled fixes that are needed but all are VERY well documented on the AF1 forum and easily done. As a bonus you don't pass one every day/month or even year. As matter of fact I've never seen another one with the exception of seeing two one weekend in Suches in '02.  

[PaintSniffer]

I'd say look for a good clean used VFR.  I own a 98 with about 22,000 miles on it (just a baby).  We just had a mint 2000 VFR in our shop today....very well maintained, just got a new chain,  rubber, oil and filter.........the dude's gonna sell it for about $4000.  Completely bone stock except for a taller windscreen.   It would make an excellent starting point for a ST for some lucky person.
   On my own bike...I'm a bit vertically challenged and have a bad back... so I put a softly sprung Penske rear shock on it, slid the forks up a bit and put Gen_Mar bar risers on it as well as Telefix bars...so I raised the controls up about 3 inches....also had the Race Tech Gold valve kit for rebound / compression put in it.  The bike is fantastic...and very comfy (for me).  I have no problems what so ever scuffing up the last bit of tire on the edges (chickenstrips).

[05vstrom]

Here is a list of bikes to research in no particular order. All of them are great bikes, but you need to find the one that is best suited for YOU.

1. Suzuki Vstrom
2. Triumph Tiger
3. Triumph Sprint
4. Suzuki Bandit 1200
5. Honda ST1300
6. Yamaha FJR1300
7. Kawi Concours
8. Ducati Multistrada
9. BMW R1200RT
10 BMW K1200GT


I'll leave it at that so as not to overwhelm you too much, but there are other choices. Remember that sometimes the bike you want and the bike you need are not the same.

I tried an ST1300 - too heavy. Tried a DL1000 not enough wind protection. Now I ride an R1200RT. It's really a very good blend of both those bikes. Very comfortable, good wind protection, nice ammenities, but great handling.

So many good choices, you really can't go wrong. More often than not it's a matter of different and not better.  

[nmquigley]

Lot's of great suggestions so far but I need to add one more...

From my signature, it should be obvious that I am partial to the K1200RS.  They are all used bikes now, they can be purchased very reasonably.  I bought my '03 with 14k miles, confort windscreen, soft trunk, system cases, and Luggage Locker Tank bag for under $9k. My friend found an older model with 16k miles for $5500.  After '03, they all come with cruise control, heated hand grips, and ABS brakes (the braking power is nothing short of amazing).  Let's tie that in with 144HP, great torque, and the bulletproof K-engine.  All-in-all it will get you across country, across town, and last for many years.  It looks good, and rides better.

Now, for my best advice.  Screw what is right for us, you need to find a bike that fits you.  Do some research and test riding.  Understand what you want your stance to be like, what performance you want, and where you think you will be riding (surfaces, etc.) and groom the choice to fit you.  In my opinion, a bike is more of an extension of you than a vehicle you drive.  You want it to fit right.  I'm a tall guy (6'4") with a strong upper body, so BMWs are ideal for me.  If you have shorter legs, you will want a lower bike.  If you aren't as strong, you will be better off with a lighter bike (of course, you can always get stronger, but shorter you are stuck with for the most part).

Good luck with school, and enjoy the riding.

[gforce]

   Hello????    

Brian, the founder of this thread, hasn't been heard from since March 30.  By now, he's made his two x-c trips and is back at school in Boston.  Maybe even w/ a new bike.

But carry on, if you must.  

[138742]

Hey Guys,

I know I have been gone for a little bit but I have been dealing with some medical issues with my eyes and had to stay away from everything related to bikes. I haven't done too much riding because my vision is altered, which slightly affects my coordination at times. Hopefully in a another month I will be on some sort of effect treatment.

I have enough money saved up from the summer and before to get pretty much anything I want, but ouch, insurance is tough for my age group. So I am looking at a late 90's CBR 1000 or a Ninja 1000. I have sat on a lot of bikes and the sport touring bikes are comfortable. It really boils down to what happens with my vision and what bike is available for a good price at that time.

I can't thank you enough for all the information and time you have all spent!  It's very accurate coming from the right people.  

I am still planning to ride cross country, assuming my eyes work out.  

[Cal24Master]

Hey Guys,

I know I have been gone for a little bit but I have been dealing with some medical issues with my eyes and had to stay away from everything related to bikes. I haven't done too much riding because my vision is altered, which slightly affects my coordination at times. Hopefully in a another month I will be on some sort of effect treatment.

I have enough money saved up from the summer and before to get pretty much anything I want, but ouch, insurance is tough for my age group. So I am looking at a late 90's CBR 1000 or a Ninja 1000. I have sat on a lot of bikes and the sport touring bikes are comfortable. It really boils down to what happens with my vision and what bike is available for a good price at that time.

I can't thank you enough for all the information and time you have all spent!  It's very accurate coming from the right people.  

I am still planning to ride cross country, assuming my eyes work out.  

What I would recommend first is to subscribe to Rider magazine and use he code for GMAC insurance.  I saved about 70% over what I was paying from Progressive, and my son who is about your age saved much more than that.  He is currently paying less than $500/year for full coverage on his SV650.  If you pay cash for the bike you can save a bunch of money in insurance by not carrying full coverage.

As for bikes, you have alot of choices.  Since it appears you are on a budget I would stay away from most any BMW.  The maintenance costs will kill you if you put alot of miles on.  If you put the kind of miles on you talk about, it is not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when" the rear drive takes a crap.  BMW may or may not pay for it, but being stuck between Seattle and Boston for a couple weeks waiting for the repair could be inconvenient.

If you go chain drive, get a Scot-Oiler.  It will save a bundle on chain and sprocket replacements and make riding distance much easier.

Another thing to consider.  Seattle to Boston is about 3,000 miles.  If you ride hard you can do it in 3 days, really hard maybe 2.  If you average 40 mpg and gas is $3/ gallon it will cost you $225 plus other expenses to go one way.  You can fly round trip on Jet Blue for about $300.00.

[IBA270]

I bought a '89 FJ1200 off of ebay for $2000 just before the IBR '03.  I put new tires on it, a friend gave me a set of Givi bags off of a wreck, and I bought a new GIVI rack.  I added a Laminar lip, and a Rocky Mayer saddle.  I found an old POS fuel cell and under $2500 in it including tires.  I didn't even add a chain or sprockets.

I finished the IBR with -0- issues.  These are great, bullet proof motorcyles.  Dated yes.  Power? Gobs!  Try to find a '94(Last year I think) and you might even find one with ABS.

Just a thought.

AD

[swanny]

Sorry about your eyes, I've been battling a stye since July and am finally getting my vision back to 100%. I live in Seattle also and sport-tour all over the NW.  I have to say the most important thing about a bike is the maintenance issues. With limited funds and time to ride, I elected to ride a bike that I can neglect, abuse, and won't let me down...ever.  Also, riding can get cold even in summer so heated grips are a must to help stave off fatigue. Low maintenance bikes have shaft-drive, are air-cooled, and are not built-up to within an inch of thier life (lower HP's). The only bikes that fit all these criteria, in my opnion, are BMW's.  My R1100S looks and rides like a sportbike but you can tour forever on this thing. Huge bags and over 80 years Aviation spec. engines top off my pick, if I was spending your money!

[moondew]

Sorry about your eyes, I've been battling a stye since July and am finally getting my vision back to 100%. I live in Seattle also and sport-tour all over the NW.  I have to say the most important thing about a bike is the maintenance issues. With limited funds and time to ride, I elected to ride a bike that I can neglect, abuse, and won't let me down...ever.  Also, riding can get cold even in summer so heated grips are a must to help stave off fatigue. Low maintenance bikes have shaft-drive, are air-cooled, and are not built-up to within an inch of thier life (lower HP's). The only bikes that fit all these criteria, in my opnion, are BMW's.  My R1100S looks and rides like a sportbike but you can tour forever on this thing. Huge bags and over 80 years Aviation spec. engines top off my pick, if I was spending your money!

I agree w/ your thinking as I ride mine daily all year.

[bob12312357]

Another good budget ST is a ZX-6e. I got mine for 1800 and have put only 240 bucks in tires and a hundred or so bucks for chain and sprocket. The rear shocks suxs as i'm a big boy by motorcycle standards at 6' and 210lbs, got it revalved for a 240lb person (my weight in full gear), heavier fork oil and for 2400 bucks have a bike set up my way,handles well enough to keep up with anything with an R in the name and can go 200 miles on a tank highway if i'm especially conservative. Has a center stand for easy adjusting of chain/ tire plugs on the go. My only complaint is cornering clearance doesn't match the 55+ of my TL1000s,i'd say its got maybe 45 degrees and i sometimes find myself goin a lil hot into turns. For anything less then race track pace its a great bike. I've got 30+k miles on it trouble free. It's just a tad slow,a tad porky and not the most modern lookin bikes,but if i need speed i got the Tl and 750 to deliver.

[Magnarider]

Well I guess I can't say too much about it yet since I haven't had it out on the road yet (got it about 3 weeks ago), but I'll second the Kawi GPZ.  It's got plenty of engine at 1100ccs, I've heard good about the seat (one person on this board actually went back to the stocker after throwing a corbin on it), and it has a 5.5 gal. tank with milage somewhere in the 45-50 range.  That makes for good solid miles.  And the people that have had them that I've talked to loved them.  I'll let you know how I feel with it in the spring, but I'm sure I'm going to love it.  Just my $.02

[Magnarider]

P.S. i picked up my '96 with 30,000 on it for 3,500 and it looks immaculate, and some people here have said I could have paid less.

[gforce]

Another good budget ST is a ZX-6e.

+1  6E's ergos are the best of the 600's, bar none (except maybe the YZF).

[138742]

Happy New Year Everyone,

It's looks like I won't be able to head cross country for a few years. Taking off cruise this quarter year with my school to see more doctors leaves me to make it up this summer. I will have to fly from school to meet up with the ship. So I might be able to do it my junior summer. While it's so temping to get a newer bike I am looking to get two mid 90's bikes. One for Seattle and one for Massachusetts. At the very least one in Massachusetts this spring because I have my 750F here. Depending on what good deal is out there will most likely determine the actual bike(s) I get. I am looking for a Ninja zx-9 or a CBR 900, but I haven't look at too many Yahamas or Suzukis, and I need to. So the more exotic foreign bikes will have to wait a couple more years.  

You couldn't be more right with flying jet blue. It's a bit for more for the holidays but all the companies are. I just want to ride cross country for the ride.

I got the subscription to Rider magazine and the GMAC insurance will allow me to insure the faster newer bikes  

I'll keep you posted on the new bikes I get  

[DDFZ1]

I had to dig through my old photos to find the first bike I transversed the country on.  I was in the Army, stationed at Fort Eustis, VA (outside Newport News) in 1971.  My older Brother had purchased an X6-Hustler Suzuki and I wanted a bike, too.  All I had was $500.  No loans or credit cards back then.  I bought a 1969 T-350 Suzuki.  It wouldn't hold a dollar's worth of fuel back then.  I even slept on the bike in Charleston, WVA on the way home.
Any bike in the last 20 years would do.  One problem would be parts.  The Recession of 1982-4 killed the motorcycle industry.  I bought a brand new 1982 650 Seca Turbo for half price in 1984.  Most of those cheap bikes have gone to Europe.  Remember when you could buy a near new bike for $1000?

[gforce]

I had to dig through my old photos to find the first bike I transversed the country on.  I was in the Army, stationed at Fort Eustis, VA (outside Newport News) in 1971.  My older Brother had purchased an X6-Hustler Suzuki and I wanted a bike, too.  All I had was $500.  No loans or credit cards back then.  I bought a 1969 T-350 Suzuki.  It wouldn't hold a dollar's worth of fuel back then.  I even slept on the bike in Charleston, WVA on the way home.

Sweet.    We got a veteran sport-tourer here, literally!  

A guy on my hall in Ann Arbor bought a new 350 Zook in the spring of 1970.  One of the first 6-speeds, IIRC.  No H1, but a slick and strong machine it was.

[Bike Effects]

Another vote here for the FJR1300. I was a hard core sport bike rider (I have an R1) but the FJR showed me I could have fun AND travel while being comfortable.

[Rhythm]

Brian, as far as longevity I'll tell you this.  Maintenance has everything to do with it.  Keep your engines happy and they return the favor.  Any inline will last the same as a twin or the V4.  But, IMO, I'd expect the V4 to fail first due to the number of components.  If I were making the decision you have, I'd choose the Sprint or a VFR without the V-tech.  A friend has done numerous cross-country trips on his '98.

I'd say the FJR is a good practical choice.  IMHO, it's like a Nighthawk 750 with a nice fairing and only 5 gears.  Which, as you have a CB750, might be a perfect fit.  I personally find it somewhat uninspiring.  Very commuter friendly, but not fun for the twisties.  

I'd say the R1150RS would be cool in that the maintenance is easy.  You'll have the same maintenance intervals as the Duc, but you'll be able to do the services in less than half the time.  Both with dry clutches allow you to spread the oil changes to these intervals.  If you're using it just for the commutes, then you'll be set with doing maintenance about every other round trip.  The boxer engines are supposedly long lasting, and if you pick up a used one, depreciation isn't bad.  The ST3 is a classic design, so comparison for depreciation is pretty much moot.  I would expect to pay extra in the long run for the Duc maintenance (belts), but if you like it, then go for it!  

The Futura is cool.  But only really cool if you have a dealer nearby.  I know it's cliche to say that these exotic italian bikes can be hard to get parts for.  Like George Carlin says: Stereotypes exist for a reason -- they're true.  I ride with a Futura owner and a Mille owner.  Each of them needed something specialty within 20,000 miles of ownership.  Both had fault code problems that needed software updates.  Which, if you could download them yourself would be great, but the adapter tools are only available at dealerships.  Other than that they have been really reliable bikes.  Guys with Futuras know they are a steal of a deal.  But if you're down and no dealer, you're pretty much screwed.

Triumph will still hold the unreliable tag, but new owners will tell you otherwise.  The new 955 and 1050 engines tell a new tale of the New Brit Order.  Sprints are great machines.  I've been looking at them for awhile.  As for LD use, I think it's the most versatile of your selection.  A powerband that never gets boring, and maintenance in between the inline 4 and the twin.  The cheap parts seem to have disappeared from the lineup.  A great choice for many reasons.
 
Fact is that there aren't really any bad bikes out there these days.  Go with what your heart wants and what fits on the test ride.
Good luck with your searching.  Test rides are good.

Great info!

But I have to go with the Busa,if body size permits and you want to go the distance sport touring and looking cool when  carrying luggage or not.  As SS pointed out, its really about keeping up with your bike maintenance,especially the valve clearance service intervals.


A very sexy sport tourier or sport bike with some serious ummph at low and top end.












So cool lQQkn that one of WV finest had to give it a try and feel in love.  

[138742]

Rhythm

So did you become an officer to get out speeding tickets? Hahaha. Sweet setup.

[Rhythm]

Rhythm

So did you become an officer to get out speeding tickets? Hahaha. Sweet setup.

No, thats a photo of an Officer Blake who I chatted with about the history of a small town in Matewan Virgina that was part of his route. He was a really nice young man that was kind enough to show me around the small town of Matewan on his lunch break.

Matewan Massacare: http:// http://matewanwv.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30

Here is a photo of Officer Blake pointing out one the bullet holes from the Matewan Massascare during Jan 16, 1911





Matewan sits right off the river separtating it from Kentucky.

Heres me on Needles Highway - Norbeck Scenic Byway SD after leaving Mt.Rushmoore that evening. http://www.blackforestinn.net/activities.html

If you ever in SD ride the Norbeck Scenic Byway and be sure to ride through the NEEDLE EYE!!!


Me standing in the middle of the EYE.

[138742]

Hello Guys,

I finally got my new baby. 1997 YZF 1000 Thunderace! I got a wonderful deal on her and shes runs like a swiss watch. Surprisingly she is very comfortable. With some nice heli bars, a corbin seat, and a double bubble windscreen I think she could be cross country material next summer.

Thanks again for all your help!

[Dean Rose`]

Take a long look at the Moto Guzzi Norge. Being as you are from Seattle you are really in luck as you have one of the best Moto Guzzi dealerships there is in Seattle. http://www.motointernational.com/

http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/Nuovi_modelli/norge1200/specifiche.asp?modello=norge1200&%20pagina=spec

It is available in ITALIAN RED, Silver & Black. A friend of mine has one of the RED ones it is a beautiful machine. Being as it would be set up by Moto International you wouldn't have any problems with it.