Sport Touring change from Cruiser

[Codfodder]

Hi All,
Been riding 5 years.  Yamaha V-star 650 for first 2 and Vulcan 1500 for last 3.  If it makes a difference, I am 40 with 2 kids and I ride like I want to see them again  
I really enjoy the long rides/trips.  Whether it is a hotel or camping, I enjoy the multi-day outings with a GPS and general direction.
Obviously, I do not have a significant amount or riding time and I understand any reservations people may have making suggestions for me.
My l......o.......n........g...... term goal is to do all US States and Canadian provinces on a Goldwing.  However, family and work may place this on hold for 15 years.
In the interim I am looking for some experienced views:
My assumptions are most Sport Touring bikes require:
1.   Seat upgrade
2.   Heated grips in Canada 
3.   Aftermarket windshield
4.   It would be a good transition toward a Goldwing.

The biggest issue is my 30” inseam.  

I consider the following to be beneficial (I may be incorrect)
1.   Shaft drive = lower maintenance
2.   FJR/ST/Concours are the best value options
3.   Common bike for more service options (no BMW for me)
4.   Removable/lockable hard bags convenient and efficient for hotel stays?

Maybe the Vstrom/Spirit..etc would be better?

I will ride the scenic but also do large chunks on highway when necessary.
Thanks!

[County Tar]

Welcome aboard Craig.

Suggest you try a few used ones and see what you like.  Plenty around these days, sitting at dealerships waiting for someone to come along.  30" inseam is slightly MORE than mine and I ride a VStrom 650.  You should be able to flat foot an FJR.  Good luck.

PS, you can probably find a used one with an aftermarket seat already installed.  

[UHOH]

In the interim I am looking for some experienced views:
My assumptions are most Sport Touring bikes require:
1.   Seat upgrade
2.   Heated grips in Canada 
3.   Aftermarket windshield
4.   It would be a good transition toward a Goldwing.

The biggest issue is my 30” inseam.  
...
I will ride the scenic but also do large chunks on highway when necessary.
Thanks

30" inseam here, ride '04 FJR, 60,000 miles worth.  It's as big a bike as I ever own, but it works.
Stock seat, but understand the '06 & after seat is different.
I wear hiking boots so I have the lug soles to help grip
 at the occasional gravel at stops, and because I like to hike...  

Find the protection good for wind and occasional water coverage.
The hard bags are v. good.

Sat on an ST and it felt too heavy for me, but try it.
Concours seemed fine.

for large chunks of hgwy get any more modern ST tire like the pilot road 2, or avon storm 2 or ...
the various dual compound ST rear tires will allow you to add straighter line riding without buying the tire company.

welcome, though.  can PM me if more info desired.

[schmii]

Retail seat option:

Sargeant Seats - http://www.sargentcycle.com/

Corbin Seats - http://www.corbin.com/

Russel Day Long Saddles - http://www.day-long.com/

Rick Mayer Seats - http://www.rickmayercycle.com/

Bill Mayer Saddles - http://www.billmayersaddles.com/

Mr Ed's Moto Seats - http://www.mredsmoto.com/

Rich's Custom Seats - http://www.richscustomseats.com/

Spencer's Seat Mods - http://greatdaytoride.com/Home_Page.php

Biker Cushion Pad - http://www.bikercushion.com/

Alaska Butt Pad - http://www.alaskaleatheronline.com/servlet/StoreFront

Corbin seems to have a love/hate relationship and their coverings are hard like a horse saddle.  Sargent makes pretty sexy seats that look good with an OK covering.  Russel day long are the pinnacle of comfort but considered aesthetically inferior the best option for heavy(weight) riders.   Ride-in dealers fit a a custom fit while you need to ship and reship your seat to get the best fit out of most modified seats.  Seat cushions keep you dry and comfortable but they're annoying if they slide around and their looks are mediocre.

You can also modify a seat yourself: http://www.diymotorcycleseat.com/index.php

The above are general thoughts and opinions and rumors read from various forums.  Local upholstery might be able to attempt a seat redesign.

[county]

Hi All,
Been riding 5 years.  Yamaha V-star 650 for first 2 and Vulcan 1500 for last 3.  If it makes a difference, I am 40 with 2 kids and I ride like I want to see them again  
I really enjoy the long rides/trips.  Whether it is a hotel or camping, I enjoy the multi-day outings with a GPS and general direction.
Obviously, I do not have a significant amount or riding time and I understand any reservations people may have making suggestions for me.
My l......o.......n........g...... term goal is to do all US States and Canadian provinces on a Goldwing.  However, family and work may place this on hold for 15 years.
In the interim I am looking for some experienced views:
My assumptions are most Sport Touring bikes require:
1.   Seat upgrade
2.   Heated grips in Canada 
3.   Aftermarket windshield
4.   It would be a good transition toward a Goldwing.

The biggest issue is my 30” inseam.  

I consider the following to be beneficial (I may be incorrect)
1.   Shaft drive = lower maintenance
2.   FJR/ST/Concours are the best value options
3.   Common bike for more service options (no BMW for me)
4.   Removable/lockable hard bags convenient and efficient for hotel stays?

Maybe the Vstrom/Spirit..etc would be better?

I will ride the scenic but also do large chunks on highway when necessary.
Thanks!

Bikes don't require those upgrades...just a lot of people do them.

As far as shaft drive is concerned, chain maint. is a big deal for some, not for others.

As far as the bikes you mentioned, there are a lot of bikes out there.

As far a hard bags are concerned I do not see them as a big deal.  A tank bag is pretty important.

[Codfodder]

I will continue to look around and sit on a few.  

I guess another option is to buy an older bike and keep the Vulcan.

My main concern is the 30" inseam, as I am used to flat footing.  There are a lot of posts and opionins on forums to better educate myself before choosing.

[Fourstring]

30" inseam isn't that short.  

That said, the last gen Conc would be a little large (initially) if you're worried about flatfooting it.  You'll probably be able to do it, barely.  But it's a lot of bike, especially with a full tank.  Maybe look into a Bandit?

Maybe keep the Vulcan and snag a used sportbike?  The ZZR600, ZZR1200, ZX9, VFR, and YZF600 are are "sportbikes", but the ergos are much more relaxed than a modern offering and they make a great touring mount if it's for you.  I've found I really prefer that little forward lean, but your mileage may vary.

I shared your distrust of chains, but after owning a few bikes with 'em, they're no big deal.

[nater]

Find a used VFR and put some heated grips on it.  

[cbsnbiker]

I will continue to look around and sit on a few.  

I guess another option is to buy an older bike and keep the Vulcan.

My main concern is the 30" inseam, as I am used to flat footing.  There are a lot of posts and opionins on forums to better educate myself before choosing.

If you mean that you want to be completely flat footed with significant bend in your knees, that may be a bit of an issue.

I have 30" inseam (probably more like 29.5"), and don't have an issue with two of my three bikes. (My oldest one was purchased from someone a lot taller than I am, so it's set up for a tall rider, but i still do fine.)

There are quite a few bikes out there. Think about the things that are important to you, make a list, and see how the various bikes compare.

For example, I happen to like having hard saddlebags, so all of my bikes are so equipped. Others may not find that so important.

[richak]

I will continue to look around and sit on a few.  

I guess another option is to buy an older bike and keep the Vulcan.

My main concern is the 30" inseam, as I am used to flat footing.  There are a lot of posts and opionins on forums to better educate myself before choosing.

  I never rode my Vulcan after switching to a sportbike. It collected dust for a few years before I sold it.

[cbsnbiker]

Another thought: check out insurance rates. I know basically nothing about insurance in Canada, other than that it's usually more expensive than in the U.S.

[Codfodder]

Thanks for all the input.

I will look at a VFR.

I do expect once I get a Sport Touring, the Vulcan is out the door.  Hence, new is not out of the question as I can trade and not carry insurnace for two bikes and be in less trouble at home  

I will also look at my list of "must haves" and post.  I am in no rush and will really make an informed decision.

[Chuck 500]

My new bike is a Honda NT700V, bike no. 2.  Came off a Suzuki GS500F.  My inseam is about 29" and I could flat foot the Suzi but not the NT.  It took a week or so to get used to putting only one foot down at most stops.  You will want want to work on being smooth and knowing which way the bike will lean when you stop.

You might want to check out the NT also.  700cc, shaft drive, integrated saddlebags.  It is capable of all day highway speeds (70 - 80+) and weighs 120 lbs. less than an ST or FJR.  Around town, around town, slow speed handling is light and nimble.  Personally, I found the C14 way to heavy and ungainly feeling.  But remember, I was moving from a 400 lb bike to a 800+ lb bike.  Try out several.

Happy hunting,

Chuck    

[Codfodder]

Hi Chuck,

The Honda NT700V is not sold in Canada

I was lucky enough to get a leg over the NT700 at Americade, along with Concours and ST.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get a test ride on the either or the FJR.

This is where my inseam concern came in.  A friend, who has been riding for 40 years and rides a Goldwing, thought they were too high for me.  I am starting to get the impression that stopping on one foot is the norm for the shorter inseam folks.  As for that, I always stop with my left foot down and right on the brake.
I am kicking myself for not demoing the ST, FJR and NT 700 now.

Working on the list of things that  I consider must haves.  Thanks for the input.

[cbsnbiker]

Hi Chuck,

The Honda NT700V is not sold in Canada

I was lucky enough to get a leg over the NT700 at Americade, along with Concours and ST.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get a test ride on the either or the FJR.

This is where my inseam concern came in.  A friend, who has been riding for 40 years and rides a Goldwing, thought they were too high for me.  I am starting to get the impression that stopping on one foot is the norm for the shorter inseam folks.  As for that, I always stop with my left foot down and right on the brake.
I am kicking myself for not demoing the ST, FJR and NT 700 now.

Working on the list of things that  I consider must haves.  Thanks for the input.

If you told us that you have, say, a 26" inseam, then I might be a bit concerned about how you would fit on several of the sport-tourers out there.

If you told us that, with your 30" inseam, you want to get a BMW F650GS Dakar, a Kawasaki KLR650, a BMW R1200GS Adventure, or one of those insanely tall dual-sports, I might be a bit concerned on your behalf.

But the reality is that with your 30" inseam, and assuming that your health is generally good including routinely healthy legs, hips, and feet, you should be perfectly fine.

There are bikes with adjustable height saddles; my K12 is one such example.

Other bikes may have low saddles available, either for swap (e.g. my F650GS), or for a fee.

You can also order an aftermarket seat that's cut lower.

(I'm not a fan of lowering the bike itself, and I really doubt that you would want or need to do so.)

Keep shopping. It's part of the fun!

[naustin]

I own and ST1300 and I love it.  I have a 32" inch inseam and it is no problem.  Although I have dropped it a couple times.  Luckliy, it has built in tip-over guard on the front - and I added extra ones in the back (aftermarket).  I recently dumped the bike on a min maintenance road (soft sand) - and had zero damage...

At 30" inseam you'll be fine.  The seat has 3 height settings, and I have mine set on the high one.  It will take some getting used to though.  Any ST style bike has a higher center of Gravity then you are used to, but I think you'll be able to get your feet down on both sides.

I knew a guy who road a KLR650.  He was barely 5'5" and his feet would dangle 6 inches off the pavement on either side of that bike.  He had NO problem with it.   He'd do sort of a half-running jump to get on it, and after that, he was fine.  He could damn near stop for a good 3 count without needing to put his feet down, and when he did need to, he'd just slide off one side of the seat and put down his toe.  After seeing that - I figure that anybody can ride anything.

[The Dude]

If a Goldwing is your ultimate goal, maybe you should look at a maxi-scooter like a Burgman or Silverwing. I've heard they're fantastic touring mounts with great handling, protection, and storage. Can't get much more practical. The image of riding a big scooter is the only thing you'd have to get over. That's easier for some people than others.

[Codfodder]

If a Goldwing is your ultimate goal, maybe you should look at a maxi-scooter like a Burgman or Silverwing. I've heard they're fantastic touring mounts with great handling, protection, and storage. Can't get much more practical. The image of riding a big scooter is the only thing you'd have to get over. That's easier for some people than others.

   The local guys would have a field day with me.  I have a very self deprecating sense of humour but I would have to draw the line here.  Of course, I am not knocking anyone who rides one, it is just not for me.

[fxrbill]

I have a 30" inseam also and weigh 150lbs and have managed to drop my ST1300 once in 48,000 miles.I did add heat for gloves and vest and changed the seat.The only time I can flat foot it is when we are two up.It's an 06 bought new in 07 so my 3 year unlimited mileage warranty ran out 6/10.At that time I purchased a 4 year unlimited mileage extended warranty.The stock t-stat stuck open and was covered under warranty as was a leaking fork seal at 32,000 miles.So you may be able to find a used model with several years of warranty.
  I feel the ST,FJR etc. would be the perferred bikes if you are looking at going to a wing.Be sure to pick your parking spots carefully and stay off the front brake at low speeds.

[OrangeSVS]

My assumptions are most Sport Touring bikes require:
1.   Seat upgrade
2.   Heated grips in Canada 
3.   Aftermarket windshield
4.   It would be a good transition toward a Goldwing.

I could be wrong, but I think they let you cross the border into Canada without heated grips. But maybe the law is different if the bike is registered there.    

But you'll find differing opinions on heated grips. Lots of folks love them. Personally, my feeling is that if my extremities are getting cold, my core temperature is dropping and so heating up my torso will solve the problem effectively by getting warmer blood pumped out to your hands and feet. Also, on bikes with limited electrical capacity, it seems to me a bit of a waste to have that much heat out in the open. Having it up against your body, protected by insulated layers seems like a more efficient use of the energy. Of course, plenty of bikes don't have so limited of an electrical capacity.

But naturally, never having used heated grips, I wouldn't understand the appeal. I have, however, ridden down to about -15F (briefly), and with a heated vest and tons of layers, cold hands weren't a problem. But then, I understand it gets colder than that in Canada.


As for the aftermarket windshield, it depends on the bike. A number of ST's come with adjustable windscreens, while sportier bikes with small windscreens are kinda all the same so long as your head is in the "clean" air, rather than the "dirty air" burbling and flailing off the windscreen. What I am trying to say is that if your head is substantially above the windscreen so that the air isn't doing anything weird and bouncing your head around, then other than a tiny extra bit of neck strain, there's no need to replace it. Plenty of bikes don't have windscreens at all obviously, and you just get used to it. Of course, I'm assuming a helmeted rider using earplugs. If you're getting your face plastered by the wind, you may be more sensitive to the effects of a less than optimal windscreen... but even then, for bikes with a small windscreen, it seems that getting the "desired effect" is a highly individual thing, depending on your height, how high you hold your head, how fast you tend to cruise, etc. A number of folks have to fiddle with multiple different windscreens before finding one they are happy with aerodynamically; some of those folks find one they're thrilled with, other folks go back to the stock one.