Shopping advice? Sport Tourer/Standard for cruiser guy.

canuckerjay

canuckerjay

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hey everyone;

My v-star's great; with the aftermarket seat I can go for 10 hours on it no problem. But it's got no storage, I've done it up to suit more of a 'showy' purpose. So I'm keeping that but shopping for a second ride that will:

-be my 'running around town' bike. The V-star feels like a bit of a pig turning and stopping in the city. I'd like something that feels lighter.

- allow for storage (hard bags pref.).

-Be comfortable on the long, 10 day touring rides. Would prefer feet straight below me, and very comfortable posture. see note below on ST3.

- have more power than the cruiser.

- No 'adventure' bikes that look like they'll transform into autobots (Triumph Tiger, etc) at any second.
I'm not too much of a fan of the SV or the V-strom either (solid recommendations; I just find them fugly).


I also don't want something that's the same (cruiser kind of deal).
So i was thinking sport-tourer, used, with a budget of 8k.

Reading reviews, seems the ST1300 gets great reviews and every review also notes it's boring to ride.

Was then looking at the FJR1300, many say it's great but could be more nimble. One review said it's getting 'long in the tooth' and needs to move forward.

Then saw a nice Ducati ST3 (nicest looking sport tourer I saw), drove an hour to see it over the weekend, fully prepared to purchase. Sat on it and hated it. It leans too far forward; I'd never put in an 8-10 hour day riding in that position. At least, I feel that my arms would go numb with all the torso's weight on my palms.


I could pick a cruiser easily. But I'm not really very experienced with any other type of bike. So would any of you be able to help with any suggestions for that price bracket? I'd really appreciate it guys; was hoping to have something suitable that I could take to the East Coast in a couple weeks.


Thanks in advance
 
That ST1300 got a bad review IMHO.

My buddy could leave me in his dust on asphalt or gravel, while touring in Pennsylvania.

The VFR is a brilliant sport tourer, but the peg position and ergonomics aren't what you're looking for in your post.

I second the Bandit 1250, with an aftermarket seat on it.
 
Take a look at the Kawi Concours 14. Great for long rides in Pennsylvania etc. but a bit of a beast around the city
 
Have you considered the new 2014 vstrom 1000 people i know are very impressed and its not as tall as the older version.

//Missed the part about them being ugly. Cant disagree but i love mine.
 
Two50noob said:
Have you considered the new 2014 vstrom 1000 people i know are very impressed and its not as tall as the older version.

//Missed the part about them being ugly. Cant disagree but i love mine.
Click to expand...

Have to agree here. The new Vstrom is really a beautiful machine with a true time tested engine.
 
Looks like you might want to sit down and make a pro's and con's list of what you want. I have an FJR1300 and find it quite good, I actually love my bike. Yes it's not as nimble as maybe a 600 but I like the luggage room. It can handle the twisties maybe not like a 600 but it all in the technique. I took Sharp Rider's Level 1 last year. It didn't turn me into a pro but now I can now handle the twisties with less effort without feeling totally drained at the end of the day. If you want something for twisties all day long then you need to consider bikes geared more for that nature. I love to tour but wanted to have a little more fun. So after 13yrs I went from a VStar 1100 Custom to the FJR1300.
 
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If I had the extra cash and additional garage space, I'd definitely add one of these:

96863085.jpg
 
My friend has a 2006 Sprint ST. Factory hard luggage, well positioned clip ons, plastic tank, ABS, centre stand. It's a great sport touring bike
 
FZ8?
Ninja 1000?

Those almost handle as sport bikes
 
1190 KTM adventure sport bike handling and power all day comfortable.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
 
Ninja 1000 is so underrated
 
kiwi said:
Ninja 1000 is so underrated
Click to expand...

+1

I think it looks better with the bags, than without. Great deals to be had.
 
I truly love my Sprint ST, but since my touring is mostly to work an back I am considering selling it. Also, I'm short and this is a bit tall and heavy bike for me to maneuver...
1050 cc engine is just awesome. I'd definitely get another triple for replacement... maybe street triple.
8263463092_8ea0b397e0_b.jpg
 
canuckerjay said:
hey everyone;

My v-star's great; with the aftermarket seat I can go for 10 hours on it no problem. But it's got no storage, I've done it up to suit more of a 'showy' purpose. So I'm keeping that but shopping for a second ride that will:

-be my 'running around town' bike. The V-star feels like a bit of a pig turning and stopping in the city. I'd like something that feels lighter.

- allow for storage (hard bags pref.).

-Be comfortable on the long, 10 day touring rides. Would prefer feet straight below me, and very comfortable posture. see note below on ST3.

- have more power than the cruiser.

- No 'adventure' bikes that look like they'll transform into autobots (Triumph Tiger, etc) at any second.
I'm not too much of a fan of the SV or the V-strom either (solid recommendations; I just find them fugly).


I also don't want something that's the same (cruiser kind of deal).
So i was thinking sport-tourer, used, with a budget of 8k.

Reading reviews, seems the ST1300 gets great reviews and every review also notes it's boring to ride.

Was then looking at the FJR1300, many say it's great but could be more nimble. One review said it's getting 'long in the tooth' and needs to move forward.

Then saw a nice Ducati ST3 (nicest looking sport tourer I saw), drove an hour to see it over the weekend, fully prepared to purchase. Sat on it and hated it. It leans too far forward; I'd never put in an 8-10 hour day riding in that position. At least, I feel that my arms would go numb with all the torso's weight on my palms.


I could pick a cruiser easily. But I'm not really very experienced with any other type of bike. So would any of you be able to help with any suggestions for that price bracket? I'd really appreciate it guys; was hoping to have something suitable that I could take to the East Coast in a couple weeks.


Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

I find it hard to believe you find a little V-Star a pig in the city. You do know the SV looks nothing like a Strom, right. Regardless the SV is far from a touring bike.
You should get removable Leatherlyke saddlebags and a luggage rack for a large cruiser bag. That to me sounds like what you want.
 
sounds like KLR will be perfect.

in addition to what's been mentioned,

Blackbird
Versys
F650GS / F800GS
Moto Guzzi Norge
Multistrada

and I would still recommend the 650 V-Strom - It's fugly looks will keep it from getting stolen. The new 1000 version takes premium fuel if that matters.
 
Compared to my friends Sprint 1050, my Blackbird felt like I was sitting on a missile.
 
Well I've kind of done up the V-star a certain way -- bags on it are out.

And it does notoriously handle like a pig in slow speeds and around town.


So it seems thanks to all your advice (thanks so much everyone) I'm down to a 1250 Bandit, the Triumph ST and the FJR.
Went to see an 05 Bandit last night. Nice, though would want one where a lower fairing is available.

Looks like the FJ will be the most comfortable riding position for me. the others would be close runner ups.


If anyone knows of anyone selling something (pref. in black), let me know.
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