I currently ride a Katana 600. Its a great bike but as my wife and I want to go on longer trips and see more on Canada on the bike I am finding its just not up to doing what I need for 2 up (Luggage is mainly and issue). I also has a little project 400 GS that i will use as a run around.
Plus I think I am ready for something a bit bigger.
I have narrowed it down to 4 choices that i have split into 2 categories. No specific years have been chosen but i think i will go with newer used
Luxury touring - I love the look and the comfort level that these bikes provide. The luggage and storage options are great with room for lots of fancy gadgets. The trouble with them is that I am thinking as a small guy these might not be the best bikes for me to try and keep up. The Concours even among the fans is known to be top heavy at slow speeds
Honda ST1300
Kawasaki Concours
Touring (adventure) - These seem to be a little less Comfort but have great after market support for luggage and can be found used fully decked out for a fair price. Both seem to be a bit more friendly to doing your own work on them as well. These man also be a little cheaper on insurance due to the slightly lower CC
Bandit 1250 (1200)
Vstrom 1000
I think all these bikes will make a good choice for a long distance 2 Uper. With a slight edge going to the smaller Suzuki’s that I won’t be an intimidated by for taking on solo or shorter rides. What's everyone's opinion on these choices and the difference between the two styles?
Additional suggestions are welcomed at well in the sport touring category. But I’m fairly budget conscience and would like to stick with Japanese (I love Suzuki’s) but do also like the triumph ST’s
Plus I think I am ready for something a bit bigger.
I have narrowed it down to 4 choices that i have split into 2 categories. No specific years have been chosen but i think i will go with newer used
Luxury touring - I love the look and the comfort level that these bikes provide. The luggage and storage options are great with room for lots of fancy gadgets. The trouble with them is that I am thinking as a small guy these might not be the best bikes for me to try and keep up. The Concours even among the fans is known to be top heavy at slow speeds
Honda ST1300
Kawasaki Concours
Touring (adventure) - These seem to be a little less Comfort but have great after market support for luggage and can be found used fully decked out for a fair price. Both seem to be a bit more friendly to doing your own work on them as well. These man also be a little cheaper on insurance due to the slightly lower CC
Bandit 1250 (1200)
Vstrom 1000
I think all these bikes will make a good choice for a long distance 2 Uper. With a slight edge going to the smaller Suzuki’s that I won’t be an intimidated by for taking on solo or shorter rides. What's everyone's opinion on these choices and the difference between the two styles?
Additional suggestions are welcomed at well in the sport touring category. But I’m fairly budget conscience and would like to stick with Japanese (I love Suzuki’s) but do also like the triumph ST’s