A bit more Tour

[hugerider]

Hi all,

I currently ride an '07 Versys which I generally love, especially in the city, but I'm starting to think about changing bikes, maybe this year, probably next. I'm trying to compile a list of bikes to consider. Hopefully you can help.

Issues I have with my Versys:

• Lack of wind protection on the highway. Maybe I'm just being a wuss, but I find it exhausting to ride for long periods. I have a touring windshield, but I don't know what else I can add to it.
• Really uncomfortable seat for anything beyond 60 minutes. I do realize that I can change this.
• On the highway, I sometimes feel as though it's missing a gear.
• It's feel into corners. I don't know that it's the bikes fault, new tires might fix it, but it feels like you're falling or flopping into the corner. I've never had a sensation like that on any other bikes I've ridden, so I'm not sure if it's the height, geometry, rubber, or some combination of those issues causing it.
• My wife doesn't like the height of the bike, she won't get on the back.

The bike is fantastic in the city, and for short trips, but after 90 minutes on the highway, I need rest.

Things I don't want to lose:

• Torque. The engine is great in traffic. I like low revving engines.
• Sightlines. I like being able to see when I'm in traffic. I don't want to be cruiser low, but I need to go a bit lower in the height of the bike for my wife's sake.

Currently, 90% of my riding is commuting on freeways and surface streets, but I really want to start doing some longer touring trips.  I'm just looking for suggestions of bikes to consider that meets my requirements:

• Lower than the Versys (what isn't, really?), but not crazy low.
• Good, torque-y engine for commuting.
• Long-distance comfort.
• Large-ish gas tank

Here are the bikes I can think of that fit the bill:

• Suzuki gsx1250fa. They don't call it a bandit anymore.
• V-Strom 1000, maybe a 650.
• A guy suggested a Yamaha FZ1 to me, but I'd have to get lowers, and I don't think it's the greatest bike for in town.
• BMW F800ST.

What can you add? In terms of budget, I'd like to keep it less than $15000. Cheaper is preferable. Used is also fine. I expect any bike to be a worse city bike, but I don't want it to be way worse, if you know what I mean.

Thanks,
David


EDIT:
Bikes I'm considering based on feedback so far:

• BMW K1300S
• Honda VFR1200
• Honda ST1300
• Yamaha FJR
• Kawasaki ZX-14
• Kawasaki Concours
• Suzuki Hayabusa
• Triumph Sprint

There's likely more, but these are the ones in the forefront of my mind. Glad I'm not in a rush to make this decision. Thanks all!

[mustang28027]

You gave some good info, but  we would need more. You havent mentioned  how tall you are.  Does your wife want to ride much? How tall is she? When you mention touring, how far? What is your ideal ride? Twisties or flatland?

I have a  2002 FZ1. It is a decent all around bike. I have  taken it to the dragstrip( ran a 11.3 @ 131 hph), and also had  a 13 hour  ride in the mountains. Some folks take them to the track for trackdays. Lots of fun. I think the Bandit is a good bike, but dont think it, like the FZ, is good for two up riding.

 If you want torque,  look at the Triumph ST. Good bike.  Or, if on the same lines, the Honda VFR( not the new one). They are GREAT bikes,  good torque, can be ridden two up, and have a loyal following. Used ones are plentiful and can be had for a steal.

Just my 2 cents worth...

Dave

[hugerider]

Thanks mustang,

I'm 6'2", 33" inseam. My wife is 5'4". She'd like to ride with me, but I can't say that she'd want to all the time.

My ideal ride is in the mountains. I live 3 hrs. from the Rockies, and I'd love to be able to get there and ride without wishing that my legs were amputated. So twisties, but there's a long ride on slab to get there. Pavement only, I'm not necessarily looking for an adventure tourer.

In terms of distance, I'd like to go cross-country eventually, but for now, ~ a week long trip through the mountains.

I completely forgot about the Triumph ST, and the old VFR800. I was lusting after a VFR 15 years ago.

[Mastros2]

I really like my vfr.  Plenty of power and low end grunt for me.  The only drawback is the stock suspension.  I am in the process of installing fork springs and a revalved/sprung rear shock to handle my weight (180lbs...yea, the stock suspension is overworked from the factory).

There are plenty of 6th gen vfrs on the market for $5k or under.  Add another $1k in suspension bits and you can make it one helluva 2up touring bike.

Another suggestion is the c14.   Plenty of owners here that can add their $.02.  Plenty of used models on the market now as well that can be found for under $10k.

[ridingfar]

One of the Triumph Tigers - they come in three flavors now...four if you count the two 800 variations.

[Jetpilot5]

Like you, I do a lot of freeway miles to get to the fun roads.  I had a Suzuki GSX1250FA for a few months but the wind protection on it just wasn't good enough for all the highway miles I ride.  I decided it was gone on a one day 610 mile ride that had fewer than 100 miles of curvy road.  The engine is fantastic, torque monster, easy to ride in town and very smooth, but if you're not happy with the weather protection on your Versus I doubt you'll think the GSX1250FA is much better.

For extended rides, especially 2 up, you may want to look at the FJR/C-14/ST1300 class of bikes.  A lot bigger and heavier for sure but much better with a passenger and no power or wind protection issues at all.  A lot more bike when you're town riding but you and I are about the same size (I'm 6'2" with a 34' inseam) and I have no problems riding the FJR in town.  I even keep the seat in the high position to provide a little more legroom and it's still an easy reach to the ground.

If you're willing to ride something more sporty then you can consider the ZX-14/Hayabusa/K1300S/VFR1200 class of machines.  Better wind management will come from you being in a slightly more crouched riding position.  Power will be no problem at all and the bikes are not cruiser low but still lower than your Versus.  Only you'll be able to tell if the more tucked riding position will still let you see comfortably in traffic.  I wouldn't go much smaller than the Triumph Sprint GT if your planning 2 up trips.  The VFR800 can do it (I had one for 5 years) but loaded with 2 people and gear for a trip you're going to like the power from a bigger engine, especially in the mountains.

All things to consider.

[hugerider]

I never would have thought about ZX-14 or the Hayabusa. I suppose I have seen lots of threads about how people love touring on these. Off to watch some videos and search the forums.

[Dan K]

With your requirements, you need good wind protection, decent legs, yet sporty in the mountains.  You are describing the K1300S.  The gentleman's sport bike (as opposed to the rowdy Busas and ZX14's).  Great wind protection, suspension adjustable on the fly from comfortable / soft on the highway to SPORT in the twisties.  Hardbags available.  Not a 400 lbs. sport bike by any stretch, but surprisingly nimble and handles much better/easier than the FJR, COnnie type bikes (which are great, they just take a little more effort to rock the twisties).

Triumph Sprint ST (or GT) is a also great way to go, also avoids the weight (but also some amenities) of the FJR/COnnie 14.  Has the grunt you like - great engine.

Haven't ridden one, but the Ninja 1000 may be your ticket as well - also on the sporty end of touring, and with a few mods could be made comfy for long distance, but not likely pillion friendly.

As for the VFR, great bikes, but from my time on one, the torque is severely lacking.  Call me crazy, but it was weak in the low RPM's. Other than torque, and maybe being a bit cramped, it fits your criteria.

Also, if you can find a good one, the Aprilia Futura hits your criteria as well.  SPORTY tourer, V-twin torquey power, great wind protection, much shorter than the Versys.

Good luck.

- Dan

[Dan K]

One of the Triumph Tigers - they come in three flavors now...four if you count the two 800 variations.

Same wind protection as the Versys, no?

[Jetpilot5]

With your requirements, you need good wind protection, decent legs, yet sporty in the mountains.  You are describing the K1300S.  The gentleman's sport bike (as opposed to the rowdy Busas and ZX14's).  Great wind protection, suspension adjustable on the fly from comfortable / soft on the highway to SPORT in the twisties.  Hardbags available.  Not a 400 lbs. sport bike by any stretch, but surprisingly nimble and handles much better/easier than the FJR, COnnie type bikes (which are great, they just take a little more effort to rock the twisties).

I wouldn't say the K1300S handles much better/easier than the FJR.  My K1200S was a little lighter on it's feet at low speeds than my FJR is, but it's not a huge difference.  I would say that some one used to a Versus is going to find both bikes feel a lot heavier to steer.  The thing I notice most between the K bike and the FJR is how much more ground clearance I had on the BMW.  Dragging the pegs is a lot easier on the FJR.

Triumph Sprint ST (or GT) is a also great way to go, also avoids the weight (but also some amenities) of the FJR/COnnie 14.  Has the grunt you like - great engine.

Haven't ridden one, but the Ninja 1000 may be your ticket as well - also on the sporty end of touring, and with a few mods could be made comfy for long distance, but not likely pillion friendly.

As for the VFR, great bikes, but from my time on one, the torque is severely lacking.  Call me crazy, but it was weak in the low RPM's. Other than torque, and maybe being a bit cramped, it fits your criteria.

I hadn't thought about the Ninja 1000.  If the wind protection is good enough and there's sufficient room for the wife on the back, that could be a very good choice.  Lots of positive reviews on that bike.  I agree the VFR800 is smaller than what I would choose to do a 2 up trip on.  Mine was fine solo but more torque would be better for touring.

Sprint GT would also hit the mark I would think.

[Flyer]

At the top of your price point, don't overlook the BMW R1200RT.
If you're serious about two-up comfort, weather protection, and commuting convenience, there are tons of folks who think it's the best...
The ergos will be easier for you to adapt to than the VFR/Ninja 1K/Sprint candidates.

[emerald94]

You're in Canada so how about on of these?
This one is a 2010 (a little lighter and more powerful than the '09) but with your budget, you could probably get a new '09 for quite a good price.

[Giaka]

Go shaft drive sport tourer. ST1300, FJR or C14 and don't look back.  

[Bryan217]

If you and the wife aren't large, I'd say look at the VFR800. I've yet to tour 2 up on it , but I have done all day 2 up rides with no problems. Though given the choice, I'm sure most wives would elect for a Wing (I won't let my wife near one  ), or at least a full size ST like the Connie or FJR.

[hugerider]

If you and the wife aren't large, I'd say look at the VFR800. I've yet to tour 2 up on it , but I have done all day 2 up rides with no problems. Though given the choice, I'm sure most wives would elect for a Wing (I won't let my wife near one  ), or at least a full size ST like the Connie or FJR.

My wife has the same taste in bikes I do. Naked, naked , naked. She does not like the idea of a faired bike, let alone a Wing. We went to the motorbike show in town last weekend, and she made a face every time I sat on something with a fairing (gixxers, ninjas, etc). She calls them "old man bikes"  . She threatened to leave me if I were to ever come home with a cruiser.

Anyway, I spend more time on the bike than she does, so I'll get fairing if I want to.  I'm starting to think it might be a better idea to get her her license and her own bike.  

[mustang28027]

If I had the money...

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/mcy/2799092225.html

 

[CosmicCowboy]

Currently, 90% of my riding is commuting on freeways and surface streets, but I really want to start doing some longer touring trips.  I'm just looking for suggestions of bikes to consider that meets my requirements:

• Lower than the Versys (what isn't, really?), but not crazy low.


Here are the bikes I can think of that fit the bill:

• V-Strom 1000, maybe a 650.

Ummmm.......

[SoCalFJR]

You're simply realizing the shortcomings of a 60hp bike for the long haul.  It is a rare person who can find all they want in one machine.  A week long tour through the mountains is just ridiculous on anything less than a rig with some serious bags.  You really want a FJR, C14, or St1300 for your mission, wife or no wife.  After 35 machines of all types I currently have the FJR so I'm biased, but you can find loads of them around used for under 10K.  Electric shield, power by the bucket, and loads of stability.  The FJR is also 26K miles between valve checks, and few need shims even then.  Low maintenance is a plus here.  For solo touring I think a Hayabusa or ZX14 would be a ball with a set of bags........I think a front shield mod would be necessary there also.  You simply need to move on from 60hp to the 140+ league with the rest of us.   People have toured all over the world on KLR's and 37hp........I happen to have a KLR.........the only way I would go 500 miles on that beast is at gunpoint..........if you want to ride in any semblance of comfort, get one of the big three and be happier than you ever thought possible.  

[hugerider]

Ummmm.......

I had to look it up but I was sure that the Versys was higher than the V-stroms. Turns out they're the same. Shame on me. I sat on a DL1000 and it felt lower.

You're simply realizing the shortcomings of a 60hp bike for the long haul.  It is a rare person who can find all they want in one machine.  A week long tour through the mountains is just ridiculous on anything less than a rig with some serious bags.  You really want a FJR, C14, or St1300 for your mission, wife or no wife.  After 35 machines of all types I currently have the FJR so I'm biased, but you can find loads of them around used for under 10K.  Electric shield, power by the bucket, and loads of stability.  The FJR is also 26K miles between valve checks, and few need shims even then.  Low maintenance is a plus here.  For solo touring I think a Hayabusa or ZX14 would be a ball with a set of bags........I think a front shield mod would be necessary there also.  You simply need to move on from 60hp to the 140+ league with the rest of us.   People have toured all over the world on KLR's and 37hp........I happen to have a KLR.........the only way I would go 500 miles on that beast is at gunpoint..........if you want to ride in any semblance of comfort, get one of the big three and be happier than you ever thought possible.  

The more I look around, the more I'm starting to think this way. I've always believed that I would never need more than 100hp, but my research, such as it is, is opening my eyes. All the bikes that seem to fit my needs\wants the most are all bikes that I would normally discount based on hp alone.

I'm really glad I started this thread.

[Dan K]

K1300S.  Try and get a ride on one.  I've spent time on FJR's, Gen1 C14, and Busas, and while I love the Busa engine, the K1300S is the winner hands down.  Plenty o power, and the handling, at least on the bikes I rode, was significantly better on the K1300S, both at speed and in parking lots.  The electronically adjustable suspension on the fly is amazing, and it sounds like it would suit your needs perfectly.

Dont get me wrong, FJR and C14 handle great - just took a little more effort.  The K1300S was just smoother and easier in every way.  And I personally do not like the BMW roundel - but I love that bike and it hits your list to a tee, although they are expensive...