Looking for my first ST bike, need some suggestions

[pete620]

I've been riding a Suzuki C50 for two years now and I'd like to switch to a sport tourer.  I really like the ergos of the FJR, but there a bit too expensive for me at the moment, same with the Honda ST1300.  I like the Wee-strom, but I'd prefer to have my feet more under me with a slight forward lean.  I've also considered a Kawasaki c10, but haven't been able to sit on one yet.

Any suggestions for an inexpensive used ST ($4000 or less) for someone tall (I'm 6' 3")?
Thanks

[Scratch33]

Here ya go:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,63398.0.html

 

[UHOH]

^^^ seems like a great fit.  
also the Bandit and the Kawa equivalent.



Try searchtempest.com, it makes craigslist easier.

[pete620]

Seems like I have to get my post count up before I can see the link.  I'm assuming its a bike for sale?  Unfortunately I can't afford a new one until I sell my c50, not sure when that will be.  Right now I'm just looking for ideas of other types of bikes to look into that I have not considered yet.  But I do appreciate the link once I can see it.

[Dan]

There are loads of options out there!

The link is for a nice-looking Fazer 1000 (FZ1 I think it's called over in the US).  

I'll (hopefully) be looking for another bike at the end of the year too.  I'm a couple of inches shorter than you and I am looking at Adv-style bikes like the V-Strom, Varadero, Tiger or KTM.  I like the riding positions on these bikes.

If I can't find one of those, I'll look at the FZ1, CB1300S, Blackbird, maybe a VFR (got an old one, good bikes!).  If I can find a cheap one, a 1200/1250 Bandit or ZRX11/12.  Then there are the full tourers - a Pan European or C10.

It all depends what is available and at the right price, but the Adv bikes are top of the list.  

Might give you something to think about!

[pete620]

Thanks, that helps.  I just have to find some of them around my area so I can get an idea of their fit.

[CosmicCowboy]

I like the Wee-strom, but I'd prefer to have my feet more under me with a slight forward lean.

At 6'4", that's pretty much how I sit on my Vee.

[pete620]

At 6'4", that's pretty much how I sit on my Vee.

That's good to know, the Vee and the Wee are toward the top of my list.  I just have to sell my C50 now.

[pete620]

Here ya go:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,63398.0.html

 

I can see it now, that's a nice bike.  I'll defiantly consider one after I sell my current bike.

[kragzore]

 

[boroop]

I'd take a Wee or Vee over a Concours any day of the week. I've had both and went back to a V-Strom 650 after selling my Concours. It was heavy and handled poorly. It was old technology and lacked driver feedback. Not to mention that it had a head waggle due to the windshield/fairings and square bags. It's the only bike in 12 years of riding that I hated.

The Wee on the other hand is an excellent do-it-all bike. At 6'2" I find the V-Strom much more comfortable than the Concours as well. Your legs will be stretched out a bit more.

But in the $4k range there are a number of sweet alternatives that come to mind: ST1100, Triumph Sprint, Aprilia Futura, VFR, Ducati ST4, the Honda Accord (I mean Pacific Coast 800)...

I've pined after each of those at one point or another during my years of riding.

Good luck with your shopping!
Bo

[pete620]

Thanks, I ended up going with an 04 FZ1, and I absolutely love.  My only regret is not selling my cruiser sooner.

[sfalexi]

Get something used, cheap, and reliable.  And just ride it for a little bit to see if the sport-touring setup is for you.  I would suggest a used Ninja 650R.  It's a GREAT little bike, cheap, and the little time I spent on one made me realize just how EASY of a bike it is to ride.  After you see if sport-touring is the type of ride you want, you can EASILY sell that, or it's cheap enough you can keep it and modify the heck out of it, or just keep it as a second bike for when your first bike is in the shop getting work done or something.

Alexi

[pete620]

Thanks, I ended up going with an 04 FZ1, and I absolutely love.  My only regret is not selling my cruiser sooner.

Already found one

[1KPerDay]

Sell that piece of crap and buy this.
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,66802.0.html

 

[GilaMonster]

I'd take a Wee or Vee over a Concours any day of the week. I've had both and went back to a V-Strom 650 after selling my Concours. It was heavy and handled poorly. It was old technology and lacked driver feedback. Not to mention that it had a head waggle due to the windshield/fairings and square bags. It's the only bike in 12 years of riding that I hated.

The Wee on the other hand is an excellent do-it-all bike. At 6'2" I find the V-Strom much more comfortable than the Concours as well. Your legs will be stretched out a bit more.

But in the $4k range there are a number of sweet alternatives that come to mind: ST1100, Triumph Sprint, Aprilia Futura, VFR, Ducati ST4, the Honda Accord (I mean Pacific Coast 800)...

I've pined after each of those at one point or another during my years of riding.

Good luck with your shopping!
Bo

Interesting on your C-10 experience.  I bought an '02 new and put over 24K on it in the 14 months I had it.  I then moved to my first BMW ('03 K1200RS).  Yes, I enjoyed the BMW more and now I am on my third K bike, but bang for the buck, I thought the C-10 was a great bike, and there are lots of them around for ~$3K or less.

[sfalexi]

Thanks, I ended up going with an 04 FZ1, and I absolutely love.  My only regret is not selling my cruiser sooner.

Whoops.  Interesting though, cause my first bike was also a C50.  Fun bike. but I scraped the floorboards a little too often.  Then went sport-touring for about two years, and then went for ultimate comfort for the wife and me (now own a Victory Vision).  It's not even CLOSE to as fast as ANY sport-tourer out there, but has a surprisingly good lean angle (enough that I don't scrape very often at the speeds I feel comfortable with).  

[boroop]

...there are lots of them around for ~$3K or less.

I think lots of people must share my opinion of that model.  

[TheOtherLebowski]

There are loads of options out there!

The link is for a nice-looking Fazer 1000 (FZ1 I think it's called over in the US).  

I'll (hopefully) be looking for another bike at the end of the year too.  I'm a couple of inches shorter than you and I am looking at Adv-style bikes like the V-Strom, Varadero, Tiger or KTM.  I like the riding positions on these bikes.

If I can't find one of those, I'll look at the FZ1, CB1300S, Blackbird, maybe a VFR (got an old one, good bikes!).  If I can find a cheap one, a 1200/1250 Bandit or ZRX11/12.  Then there are the full tourers - a Pan European or C10.

It all depends what is available and at the right price, but the Adv bikes are top of the list.  

Might give you something to think about!

I'm brand new to this board and coming from the exact opposite place (dual-sport).  Thanks for the list, it gives me a great place to start.

Right now thinking about moving up to the Sprint GT, but the VFR or FZ1 are definitely intriguing.

[boudreaux]

I just picked up a 2002 R1100S and it is one fun bike!  Good luck

[bwnolen]

 If I can find a cheap one, a 1200/1250 Bandit or ZRX11/12.

Grade A idea haha. I picked up a 600 Bandit dirt cheap a while back and I love it. I guess people arent really into them and you can pick them up cheap. Im 6"3 and the 600 is comfortable I think. Dont think you could go wrong there.

[bassjones]

I'm brand new to this board and coming from the exact opposite place (dual-sport).  Thanks for the list, it gives me a great place to start.

Right now thinking about moving up to the Sprint GT, but the VFR or FZ1 are definitely intriguing.

All three of those are GREAT bikes. I really like my VFR.

[corndogs]

Here ya go:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,63398.0.html

 

I would get a kawasaki concours 2000 to 2005 for the money they can not be beat and I've seen them with over 100K

[Mortech]

Interesting enough I was originally looking at a FZ1 and ended up with a Concours ... been a joy so far after being out of riding for 15 years .