What kind of sport-tourer are you into?

[sammyseaman]

Hmmmm????
Just another independent study  

[jeepinbanditrider]

Not sure if the FJR fits into either one of those.  

IMO its more along the lines of being between your first two choices.  I don't consider it big as in Goldwing big but it's not minimal either.

[sammyseaman]

Not sure if the FJR fits into either one of those.  

IMO its more along the lines of being between your first two choices.  I don't consider it big as in Goldwing big but it's not minimal either.

I consider it big, fast and comfy because, well...... it is big, fast and comfy  

[Papa Lazarou]

Mine is big and slow and comfy. So I didn't know what to vote. So I voted option 3.

[boomerang]

Not sure if the FJR fits into either one of those.  

IMO its more along the lines of being between your first two choices.  I don't consider it big as in Goldwing big but it's not minimal either.

 


I guess if you consider a set of hard case's and a tire repair kit on my FJR Big and comfee with all the goodies. Then that's me.

[Chuck 500]

It doesn't get much more minimal than a GS500F!



Keep the shiny side up

[Orson]

anything more than a tank bag is in Gold Wing territory.

 

[Fourstring]

An old sportbike is all you need.   Fuel gauges are for Iron Butt rides.  

[sammyseaman]

I'm very suprised with the results so far. Must be the windbreaker wearing, ice cream shop hoppin' riders haven't voted yet  

[Capirex]

An old sportbike is all you need.   Fuel gauges are for Iron Butt rides.   =

String izzata fire extinguisher peeking up over your left bag?


BOT - I voted light and sporty.  The Sprint is nice but I find myself yearning for something lighter and sportier.

[bassjones]

funny, I consider the Sprint to be light and sporty, along with the VFR...

[Capirex]

Sure they're light and sporty compared to an FJR but I wonder how I'd enjoy a weekend 'sport-touring' trip on a 675 Daytona with a backpack.

[Rincewind]

Naked touring for me  

[bomber]

I voted #2, but I'll admit that anything with computerized ignition, fuel injection, and a computer that surpasses than in teh Space Shuttle (not hard, I know) doesn't really seem minimal to me ;-}

[Fourstring]

String izzata fire extinguisher peeking up over your left bag?

Spontaneous combustion isn't something that just happens to other people.  I need to improve my mechanic skilz.  




It's a fuel bottle, because fire is fun.

[1000lbs]

I'm currently all of the above.  But I'm selling the big, fast, comfy rig. I guess I'm closer to lighter and sportier with the speed triple.  

[maddjack]

Light and comfy,and yes they do exist.If I want full weather coverage I'll take the car

[falconati]

Option 2.

Protip: ST1300/FJR/Connie riders: you ride a porker and should vote for option 1  

[rodm850g]

Guys,
I got both of them....My ST1300 and a VFR800...not saying other bikes won't do the do but these are the choices for me.....I love the protection I get on the ST and the range can't be denied.....storage could be better but I am working on that. I plan to use soft bags on the VFR  goin old school I have in reserve a pair of Eclipse bags and a matching tank bag.....I like the heavy weight on the highway when that is necessary and the VFR in the outback is a blast! I would say that if the ST went away for what ever reason I'm not sure what I would replace it with....it might not be another heavy weight tourer...mebee a naked bike of some brand....who knows
Rod

[Fourstring]

on the ST....storage could be better but I am working on that.

What are you bringing with you?  

[XLR8]

I will probably get another FJR someday.

[MuddDawg]

I will probably get another FJR someday.

I will probably get a FJR someday

[XLR8]

I will probably get a FJR someday

We'll wear out our sweet VFRs first.  

[2006FJR]

I love my FJR for touring and when I am ready to get rid of the bike I will get another FJR. You guys keep talking about smaller and lighter? If you want smaller and lighter get it. I ride both my wife and I 2-up to Canada each year for a 10-day ride and good luck doing that on something smaller than a FJR/ST/C14.  

[billo]

I like my ST1300 a lot.        It handles the canyons great.  My wife is always up for a ride because it's comfortable.  More ride time = more fun no matter what you ride!  

Bill

[JReazor]

Naked touring for me  

As god intended.

[sammyseaman]

I love my FJR for touring and when I am ready to get rid of the bike I will get another FJR. You guys keep talking about smaller and lighter? If you want smaller and lighter get it. I ride both my wife and I 2-up to Canada each year for a 10-day ride and good luck doing that on something smaller than a FJR/ST/C14.  

Over the past 23 years I have done a minimum of two 10-14 day trips a year on a V65 Sabre then a FJ1100 then a 1200 Bandit then a Sprint ST with a couple cruisers, nakeds and repli-racers thrown in for good measure. The cruisers and the repli-racers sucked. The nakeds and others were fine  
And yep, most of them were with the SO and she never complained.

[wbrisett]

I'm fortunate to have both. I don't consider the Buell Ulysses big, at least compared to my BMW RT, and I've taken both touring. Kind of depends on where I'm going and what terrain I plan on hitting. I love the RT on the road, especially when I know I'll hit cold weather, it has more protection and I can turn on both the heated seat and heated grips if needed. The Ulysses heated seat only comes on in the summer, and there isn't any way to turn it off.

Wayne

[googus]

For me I do a couple of 1000 plus mile trips a year and I like bikes that can turn into sportier bikes when not in tour mod like the Spint St, VFR, and the XX. If I had money which I don't:( I would have  something like th enew connie and a CBRRR or a on and off road type.

[dduck]

I've only been on one real trip 1000 miles over 4 days on my FZ1; with the Givi side bags it has plenty of storage capacity.  It is a total beast when you open it up.

I love it but it doesn't seem to be a very popular bike; what am I (or it) missing?

The only thing I can complain about is 2-up not so good.

[Thunderbox]

Not sure if the FJR fits into either one of those.  

IMO its more along the lines of being between your first two choices.  I don't consider it big as in Goldwing big but it's not minimal either.

A Gold Wing is hardly a sport touring bike in any sense of the word.  Your FJR is in the first catagory and for good reason.  Great bike but you have to call a spade a spade.

[Zerosum]

I voted "sporty and minimal", mostly for my V-Strom.  Not sure where my VFR fits into those first two choices, though.  It's kinda big, and kinda fast (comparatively), and I've put a few bells and whistles on it.

[chornbe]

I own two naked bikes to which I affixed (or *am* affixing) GPS, hard saddle bags and gerbing connectors.

Where's that sit in the choices?  

[coho]

Big, nekkid and comfy.  

[chornbe]

More ride time = more fun no matter what you ride!  

And at the end of the day, isn't that all that should really matter, regardless of the steed?  

[Orson]

And at the end of the day, isn't that all that should really matter, regardless of the steed?  

at the end of the day, there'd be a lotta people standing around looking down at the ground if there wuzn't no bench racing  

"Yer bike sucks" is merely an icebreaker used to liven up evening conversation  

[jfusaro]

Sprint St does it for me. Light, quick good torque.  Not so comfy for the wife tho, but she only rides with me 3 times a year and only to the diner with me on sunday mornings

[rauchman]

Right now, I'm on a 2007 SV1KS w/ Nelson Rigg bags.  So, yeah, sporty and minimal for me..... for now.

I WANT a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport.... I'm guessing this still qualifies as "sporty and minimal".

Somewhere in the back of my head, a Kawi Versus needs to be gotten as well.

The idea of a big tourer has it's positives, for sure.  It just seems like SO MUCH motorcycle.

[sammyseaman]

Right now, I'm on a 2007 SV1KS w/ Nelson Rigg bags.  So, yeah, sporty and minimal for me..... for now.

That's my idea of a sport-tourer  
Now some people here would never consider it a proper sport-tourer seeing as it doesn't have shaft drive, ABS, hard bags, and you lean into the wind like a proper motorcycle. I think some people here are a half a step from just driving a convertible instead of a bike  

[FizDog74]

 You guys keep talking about smaller and lighter? If you want smaller and lighter get it. I ride both my wife and I 2-up to Canada each year for a 10-day ride and good luck doing that on something smaller than a FJR/ST/C14.  

I'm with this guy. I loved my FZ1 for day trips, maybe even an overnighter, but it left me wanting on longer trips/vacations.

[bassjones]

If I could afford it, which I can't, I'd have a CBR/ZX/R (no gsxr though  ) an ST 1300/FJR/Conk, and a KLR/XR, but I can't so I went with the VFR, which seemed the perfect compromise between the CBR and ST 1300.  Not much opportunity to off road much anyway, but I might start saving up for an older DP bike.

[rauchman]

That's my idea of a sport-tourer  
Now some people here would never consider it a proper sport-tourer seeing as it doesn't have shaft drive, ABS, hard bags, and you lean into the wind like a proper motorcycle. I think some people here are a half a step from just driving a convertible instead of a bike  

Totally agree.  I've never been a fan of shaft, however, if my SV had belt drive, that would be perfect.  I'll be doing a 5 day tour the end of the month.  I'm curious to see how this baby does as a tourer.  It should rock!!!

[BillL]

An old sportbike is all you need.   Fuel gauges are for Iron Butt rides.  

What's goin' on with the clip do-hicky-gizmos on the back of yer Nelson-Riggs?  Is that a clearance light there on the left side?

[Wanderer]

I'm torn.
Though I have an FJR, I voted 2 (sporty and minimal) because if my wife rode her own bike I'd have a Sprint ST or 'Busa instead.
Since she has no interest in piloting a bike, but loves to ride pillion, 'big fast and comfy' is my weapon of choice.

It's just not what I'm into necessarily.

[SuperHans]

I'm torn.
Though I have an FJR, I voted 2 (sporty and minimal) because if my wife rode her own bike I'd have a Sprint ST or 'Busa instead.
Since she has no interest in piloting a bike, but loves to ride pillion, 'big fast and comfy' is my weapon of choice.

It's just not what I'm into necessarily.

I'm in the same boat and voted sporty and minimal also. I love the FJR for what it is, an excellent 2-up, sporty tourer, but I would rather ride something smaller and lighter.

My GF does like riding her own bike, but we enjoy taking longer rides/trips 2-up so the FJR just makes sense. If all my riding was solo I would most likely be riding a Sprint ST.

[motrhead]

"Quote from: 2006FJR on January 31, 2010, 11:42:35 pm
 You guys keep talking about smaller and lighter? If you want smaller and lighter get it. I ride both my wife and I 2-up to Canada each year for a 10-day ride and good luck doing that on something smaller than a FJR/ST/C14. "


I'm with this guy. I loved my FZ1 for day trips, maybe even an overnighter, but it left me wanting on longer trips/vacations.

 I have to disagree with you guys. My wife and I have ridden all over Canada  2-up on my old CX650 Eurosport with soft bags, and I have no problem breaking 100mph when passing or behaving badly, or even putting in 12 hour days on the bike. I have never felt like that bike was too small.
 There's nothing wrong with having a big bike, but in no way is it necessary.  I would have no problem crossing the continent 2-up on my Seca 650.  I'm definitely more comfortable on the CX or Seca than on my GL1100 (although I'm working on modifying the GL into something more usable). I'm not saying I wouldn't be comfortable on an FJR (although it's really too portly for my enjoyment), I'm saying I don't need 1000+cc, no matter how far I am travelling. To each their own I guess.

[jfusaro]

just like my women, light and sporty

[jfusaro]

least I forget,  minimal

[Nodaclu]

Spontaneous combustion isn't something that just happens to other people.  I need to improve my mechanic skilz.  

Thanks for the new sig line!!  

[woodman]

aprilia futura...the best there has ever been!!

[Hotbrakes]

My general rule of thumb is knee draggability.  If I can't drag it I can't ride it!  Not that I ride around like some Moto GP champ, I just like a bike that handles well.  The VFR barely fits the bill.  Right now I'm working on some hardbags mounts for the Super Duke and my gf's 636.  Race replicas don't really do it for me cause of the lack of practical storage and the speed with which they are happy to carry everywhere.  

[scramblerracer123]

I voted 2, but the loaded down vfr is between 1 and 2.  With 3 hard bags, fuel cell, and water jug the vfr is a little overwhelmed in the rear for a fat guy.  Wish I had a little more space and a little more electrical capacity, and more horsepower.

[sammyseaman]

I voted 2, but the loaded down vfr is between 1 and 2.  With 3 hard bags, fuel cell, and water jug the vfr is a little overwhelmed in the rear for a fat guy.  Wish I had a little more space and a little more electrical capacity, and more horsepower.

You could always buy a new VFR..............  

[2RR2NV]

i would vote, but ya don't have one to fulfill my choice..  

[Rhino]

I really like my New 2008 Triumph Sprint.  It is just different enough to stand out.  Big enough to go anywhere I want to go.  And my buddies with Sport bikes aren't going to leave me in the dust on local rides and I am not one to have to ride in the lead all the time.  I just hate to be in the back.  Just me!  

[Fourstring]

Thanks for the new sig line!! 

Your welcome.   

What's goin' on with the clip do-hicky-gizmos on the back of yer Nelson-Riggs?  Is that a clearance light there on the left side?

The carabiners are there so I have something to clip to and I can lock the soft bags; it discourages casual thieves.  The orange thing on the left side is a bottle opener.   

[Fred Manfranchenson]

I voted A non sport-touring bike and a backpack tankbag and duffel. I've gone the big, fast ST route and it's just not my thing. I don't ride the interstates so that's a big part of my decision.

[BamaBiker]

Sport touring - light and sporty- FZ1

For 2 up touring -big comfortable fast enough - Valkyrie

[RocketJohn]

I just picked up a 98 VFR for a more agile sport tourer... we'll see how it goes!  

[RobbieB]

I have ridden sport bikes ONLY since I was 19 (raced a CBR900 for a few years).  Over the last few years my '02 RC51 has started giving me back pain while commuting so I switched to an '09 Kawasaki Concours.  It RULES!  It handles great, it's fast and it's comfy.  The stock tires blow but once I replaced those the bike has lighter turn in characteristics and handles even better.  

[TriumphTiger1050]

I voted big on basis of anything over 1000 cc's I consider sunstancial.  Plus I like to trick a bike to make them very comfy with bell and whistles!

[fxrbill]

I have two sport tourers in different categories,so I couldn't vote.Aprilia does classify the Falco as a sport tourer.

[sleazy rider]

I'm more and more liking the sport in sport-touring.  The weapon of choice for my two week trip west comes with soft luggage and clip-ons.  We'll see what i have to say after 16 days of SPORT-touring. 

[arr2]

I have to have SPORT in sport touring. I have rented a FJR while on vacation and it was nice riding 2 up with the then GF. She didn't like the ST3 at all.
But, No way would I have one as my only bike. It's much too big. I didn't say I don't want one, just not as my only bike.
It would be nice for rides with my lady on the back. But now it's not needed. My GF now really like the Duc.
Sometimes, i would just like to have a simple naked bike. Something that if I dropped it it wouldn't break the bank.
Actually, since she likes riding on the ST3, I may buy a new dirt bike, 2 stroke this time, and turn my KTM into a motard.
It's already street legal ( well mostly) and would just need wheels and tires. But, I wouldn't tour with it. No Way.

[shawn and gwyn]

we have what i would consider both

01 concours for me..  big.. fast enough for me.. comfortable.  and  an 09 bandit 1250.. lighter than the concours.. has full luggage. thats the wifes.

shawn

[sammyseaman]

I have two sport tourers in different categories,so I couldn't vote.Aprilia does classify the Falco as a sport tourer.

Nice one/two punch  

[joelmikel]

I can tour on anything as long as it doesn't kill my back.
But most of my bikes that I have toured on have been sport-touring bikes.
K12RS, R1100S(I know, not that toury), Blackbirds, VFRs, ZX14, Futura,
919, 954, Vstrom, Connie, FJR

[MKorn]

I voted big, fast and comfy because that is how i view my C14 ... love this bike.

[McHack]

I'm torn.....

Ditto...   I'm buying this winter,  & am torn between a SPORT-tourer, & a sport-TOURER...

[919]

Went with light and sporty, not really a sport touring bike but more of a UJM.  

That's why I like it, throw a soft bag set-up and go across the country, take the bags off and combat commute, take it for a Sunday cruise, or carve a canyon.

I can only afford one bike, so I make it fit whatever I want to do.  Still working on the offroad set-up, but it handles dirt and gravel roads just fine.

[Geno]

The FJR was the choice for me after months of agonizing comparisons and research. For my wants & needs, it just had the best combination of power, comfort, and handling, plus I just love the looks.  OTOH, those BMWs aint shabby, either.

[02Tac]

Kind of liking my bandit with a bit of luggage.  Then again, it is like anything else. Unless you have the $$$ to have a tool for each need, you have to comprimize.  What I would like is a 450 class dual sport (or older KLR 650), a Bandit and a Goldwing.

[Papa Lazarou]

Kind of liking my bandit with a bit of luggage.  Then again, it is like anything else. Unless you have the $$$ to have a tool for each need, you have to comprimize.  What I would like is a 450 class dual sport (or older KLR 650), a Bandit and a Goldwing.

If I had the money, both the Bandit and the Goldwing would be off your list.

[motomem]

2000 BMW R1100RT, 32k miles, Lowered foot pegs, Throttlemeister cruise, barbacks, ball mounts, aux power outlets, ABS, heated grips, good rubber. Good maintenance history including annual service.

I've been watching this bike for awhile on CL - it's beautiful, big and sporty. I love those curves and ethnicity. She looks like a big, busty, Bavarian bar maid.  

[darty411]

Considering the r or k this time...Maybe the GS...

[CanadianBird]

'02 CBR1100XX SuperBlackBird, 170,000 kms. Full Givi hard bags. Many comfort and performance mods.  

[motodoc43]

The two bikes I ride most often are

     an 09 Kawasaki Voyager- BIG, COMFY, ALL THE GOODIES
     and an 02 Guzzi Lemans- completely minimalist and very sporty.

But guess what. I can pull my Lemans on a trailer behind my Voyager! Muahahaha!!

[MDHCO]

It's all a matter of perspective.  

My neighbor's son, just over from England,  thinks anything bike over 400cc's not only overweight and going to handle like a pig, but is a complete waste of horsepower and fuel.  Note it does sounds better with the accent.  

As he ages, he will surely be lured to the dark side, as will all who failed to vote Big, Comfy, All The Goodies.

 

[Fastenloose]

It's as much about the SPORT as it is about the TOURING!  

[axelwik]

I'm definitely on the light end of the scale. I had Goldwings in the past and they're just too friggin heavy and not much fun. Just had the girlfriend on the back of my Ducati Supersport and it wasn't too bad (but not for a long trip).

With girlfriend-size passengers light is the way to go, but for wife-size passengers you might have to go heavy.  

[Papa Lazarou]

The two bikes I ride most often are

     an 09 Kawasaki Voyager- BIG, COMFY, ALL THE GOODIES
     and an 02 Guzzi Lemans- completely minimalist and very sporty.

But guess what. I can pull my Lemans on a trailer behind my Voyager! Muahahaha!!

Nice. But to complete the look, replace the Kwak with a Victory Vision.  

[Grainbelt]

With girlfriend-size passengers light is the way to go, but for wife-size passengers you might have to go heavy.  

I looked to the left at your profile, expecting to see Wisconsin. Imagine my surprise.  

[OU812]

I really like my R1200RT. Very light for it's size and it has all the goodies.
Plenty fast for me.

[Hotbrakes]

I really like my R1200RT. Very light for it's size and it has all the goodies.
Plenty fast for me.

Definitely my favorite BMW.  Hoping to rent one in a couple weeks during a short trip to AZ.

[Hotbrakes]

Just saw my post on this thread from spring last year.  Here's my progress, well finished product.  Hard bags on a Super Duke.  It does everything well minus a pillion.  Not much for weather protection but with good gear is comfortable at freezing or better.

[RSims]

1st year Honda ST1100.  There are newer, faster, more powerful bikes , but I'm not sure they are that much better.

[sammyseaman]

Just saw my post on this thread from spring last year.  Here's my progress, well finished product.  Hard bags on a Super Duke.  It does everything well minus a pillion.  Not much for weather protection but with good gear is comfortable at freezing or better.

That's what I'm talkin' about  

[ConPilot1]

I'm more of a comfort guy. This bike looks like the shit.   Nice photo.

[ride200mi]

Or my last ride....

[Bandito]

I ride a bandit 1200s with a hard trunk and put Bilt soft bags on it, i have heated grips and a zero gravity touring windshield and couldnt be happier...it is very nimble for a bigger bike.

[bearcat263]

ZRX1100 with soft bags it's all i need  

[Mortech]

And here I was thinking my 99 Concours was light and sporty .. it handle a lot nimbler than my old 74 CB550 ever did .

[ConPilot1]

And here I was thinking my 99 Concours was light and sporty .

 

I love my Connie too but light and sporty it's not.  

It will move if you spank it along, and nimble when rolling, but jeebus it's the heaviest thing I've ever ridden since my late Uncles H-D FXRT.

It's a bitch in gravel/dirt parking lots.

[twistytony]

2008 Honda CBR1000rr
"Leave No Corner Unturned!"
This touring machine took me 3600 miles with less then 60 of it interstate.
That's the way I roll!

[Scottybones]

  Light and sporty.  Tank bag and backpack is all I need on my Zed.

[kwb377]

OK, I over packed on this trip...





Pared it down some on this trip...

[black hills]

[Danimal14]

Big(Plenty big for my 5'11 135 lb frame), fast(Uhhh yeah) and comfortable(Yes, but will be even better after a few more mods). The silky smooth engine, 5.8 gallon fuel tank and 47+ mpg on the freeway also help to make it a great touring machine.



Current touring mods include: (1)Buell pegs to give me a bit more leg room. (2)Stacked sets of bar risers to bring the controls a bit closer, but they're still not as close as I'd like. (3)Givi hard bags. (4)GPS (5)Laminar lip windscreen(Not pictured). (6)Throttlemeister (7)Heated grips (8)Harness for my heated riding gear.

The only things left to do are the LSL handlebar kit, a tankbag and mabey a Concours seat.