March 15th, 2011, 12:56 PM | #1 |
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Which Sport Touring Bike and Why...
I may in the near future be in the market for a Sport Touring motorcycle. I'm thinking about selling my 1000RR and getting something me and the wife can travel a bit with. At a glance I'm favoring the BMW's but I was wondering what you guys may have or like and why?
Some basic information (no specific order)... 1. Style is important (even though this is opinionated ) 2. Budget will be $10k or less 3. Prefer liquid cooled but I'm open to opinions with this 4. Luggage cases and a trunk will be required (or at least able to add on) 5. Passenger comfort must be good (Wife may not go along with this purchase unless her tush is comfortable) Thanks in advance!
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March 15th, 2011, 01:29 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org dude
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2-up with luggage + trunk doesn't leave a whole bunch of options. Many of the more sporty ones get really close to max weight when fully loaded. (VFR, FZ1). Things like the FJR and Kawi concours 14 might fit the bill, but again, make sure that everything you expect to carry is well within the suggested weight limit. If you and the wifey are average sized or smaller, all might be well, but definitely look into it. Either of those last two should be doable for $10K if you go back a few years.
Only other thing I'd add is that liquid-cooling vs oil-cooling shouldn't be much of a factor, if at all. The concerns about bikes overheating without liquid cooling were valid decades ago, but with modern models it's just not a factor. BMW boxers will not overheat in the most insanely heated conditions, and they are not liquid cooled. Same even with modern Harley's, though I don't think those would fit the rest of your requirements. Definitely check out the BMW line if you have a chance. For $10K, it might be hard to get into a R1200RT, even a 5 year old one might be closer to $12K. But if you go to the 1150 line, there will be many nice examples under $10K.
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March 15th, 2011, 02:10 PM | #3 |
Bad-ass 250 racer
Name: Neal
Location: Minnesnowta
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r, ATK 605, Honda CR250R Posts: 91
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I LOVED my 2005 FJR. I'm partial to Yamaha so we were a good match.
Good handling, good power, good looks (to me), factory hard bags with liners that were all easy to use, shaft drive (low maint), and it fit me like a glove. *sigh* I miss that bike.
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March 15th, 2011, 02:16 PM | #4 |
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Name: Alex
Location: Belfast, ME
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I fully agree with Alex.
In the Sport-Touring bike, besides BMW, I strongly recommend the Honda ST-1100. For two-up touring it seems to work quite nicely for my friends. He is a muscular 180lbs and she is somewhat corpulant. The bike works well for them. Seat and ergos are great. The problem is that Honda no longer makes this bike--they make an ST-1300, which is equally well suited--if not more. It is, however, not in the 10K range The Kawasaki Concours is an incredible bike. Every test in the mags give it rave reviews. It is, by all reports, rather heavy. A new one costs 13K. How much "dickering" one can do is in question. Contrary to popular belief, markup on bikes is not that great--compared to cars. What I considered when I made the change was ergonomics, and if I can flatfoot the bike at lights, etc. The NT-700V fit that bill. I did consider an ST-1100 (same ergos) but could not find a good used one around. People seem to keep them. They, and BMW, are very popular with the "Iron Butt Rally" folks. The NT-700 is fine for me because I will be riding solo (Wife is terrified of anything on two wheels), thanks to her first husband who used to pop wheelies with her on the pillion. He also drank and rode. The man was a total ass--also an LTC in the Air Force.
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March 15th, 2011, 02:24 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bill
Location: Tampa Fl
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja Posts: 180
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I recently chose a 2009 FJR. Used, they can be found well less than 10K and they deliver alot. Great looks, comfort, reliability, very sporty. I added a trunk and an enlarged windshield. Haven't travelled two up but solo its a fine machine. I have a 30 inch inseam and I think the bike would be too tall for me if I were much shorter. Consider a used FJR it really delivers for the price.
Bill |
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March 15th, 2011, 02:47 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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All great info guys. Sounds like the FJR deserves some additional research. BMW I think would be my first choice but like Alex said, it may be hard to find a nice bike with the $10k budget. Guess I'll start looking around to see what is available used for the BMW, Honda, and Yamaha.
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March 15th, 2011, 02:53 PM | #7 |
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If you go the Beemer route make I would make sure that you have a dealer close. Not saying anything will go wrong but I ride with a guy that has a 4hr ride to get his bikes serviced, i.e. warranty work.
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March 16th, 2011, 06:05 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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Funny you mention that... Closest dealer is a little over 2 hours away.
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March 16th, 2011, 06:09 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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March 16th, 2011, 06:34 AM | #10 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sean
Location: Mary Esther, FL
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Quote:
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March 16th, 2011, 06:44 AM | #11 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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I have ridden a few motos long distance, coast to coast, up/down east coast:
02 BMW R1150RS: 98 BMW K1200RS: 00 Honda VFR800: 02 Suzuki Bandit 1200: 03 KTM 640 Adv.: Lately, 98 Honda Blackbird: It takes a few trial and error to determine which moto suits best for you over long distance. Personally, I can't sit upright on a moto for long period of time, road shock and engine vibe travel straight up and down the spine is not healthy. I prefer to have a secure tank bag to rest against. Determine how many miles/day for your travels, make certain your passenger is up to the same mileage. Weight of a machine can highly affect your travels, heavier machines are less prone to handling effected by wind or 18-wheelers traveling by on highways. But once you come near a stop, you may not realize how heavy that weight is until it's too late. I'm a cheap bastard, never spent 10k for a moto. Used, well-cared for, well-capable sport-touring machines can be found under $4-5000. |
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March 16th, 2011, 07:06 AM | #12 |
CPT Falcon
Name: J.Emmett Turner
Location: Newnan, GA
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.
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Buell Ulysses XT always looked nice to me. Not liquid cooled though, IIRC.
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March 16th, 2011, 07:29 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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The FJR has really started to catch my eye. Seems to fit the budget well too.
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March 16th, 2011, 11:16 AM | #14 | |
Bad-ass 250 racer
Name: Neal
Location: Minnesnowta
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Quote:
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March 16th, 2011, 11:50 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matt
Location: St. Louis
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too sexy not to get
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March 16th, 2011, 11:56 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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But isn't this sexier...?
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March 16th, 2011, 02:43 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ninja 250 street fighter, 2008 street fighter ninja 500, 2001 nsr 125 Posts: 812
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the fjr will fit your budget however the kawasaki will fit the bill, especially going two up. and even at that you could tell her hold on tighter and go like a sports bike. Luck.
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March 16th, 2011, 03:13 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bill
Location: Tampa Fl
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja Posts: 180
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There is no doubt that the Kawi Concurs is a great machine and on Par or better in some respects than the FJR. It's got one item that bothers me. According to my friend who owns one and is a professional bike mechanic, he says its the most difficult bike to work on out there. Especially when it comes to valve check/adjustment. He offered his friends on the forum, "If you ask me to do your valve check, don't ask unless you're ready to lay out some serious cash."
Still no doubt a great bike,a little taller than the FJR so inseam challenged riders like myself might find it too tall. Lot's of good choices out there. Bill |
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March 16th, 2011, 03:16 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bill
Location: Tampa Fl
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja Posts: 180
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March 16th, 2011, 04:38 PM | #20 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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Why spend 10K?
What type of sport touring do you plan on doing? Coast to coast, week long or month long rides? 6-10 hours a day in the saddle? or 12-18 hours? How much stuff do you plan on carrying with you? Motels or camping along the way? |
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March 17th, 2011, 11:22 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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March 17th, 2011, 11:33 AM | #22 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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Quote:
1. Why not? 2. 1-2 weeks at a time 3. 6-10 hours 4. Enough to get 2 people by for a few days 5. Could be either
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March 17th, 2011, 01:31 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
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Quote:
If you can get past the looks and the price is right, there is no reason to avoid them. The advantage is you get a unique machine, that can be maintained easily as it shares so many parts with machines that have sold quite a bit more.
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March 17th, 2011, 01:49 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Cindy
Location: Wethersfield, CT
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 691
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I didn't see it mentioned so... my friend loves his Triumph Sprint ST and is planning a cross country trip on it. He frequently makes long trips on it along with his gf.
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March 17th, 2011, 02:23 PM | #25 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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For $4-5000 you can likely find a well-suited moto, save the rest of the money for the trip or even multiple trips, farkle it to your desire and still would be less than $10k.
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March 24th, 2011, 09:41 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Scott
Location: Indianapolis
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (Blue) Posts: 167
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This was going to be my choice as well. Now that the Sprint GT is out, you should be able to get a great deal on an ST. Sweet-sounding, powerful triple, very reliable/durable (won 50,000km challenge), beautiful, GREAT sport-touring seat position (ymmv), excellent range, and great handling. Oh, and it's about 60 pounds lighter than most of its competition in the sport-touring dept. It could very well be my perfect long-range compliment to the 250.
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March 25th, 2011, 06:42 AM | #27 |
Mid Life Crisis
Name: Ken
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (Passion Red); 1999 BMW K1200RS (Marrakesh Red) Posts: 81
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IMHO, you can't beat the BMW K1200RS (1997-2004). I have a 99 model that the wife and I take on trips. It is very comfortable and super reliable, not to mention the incredible power on tap. I bought mine on CL for $4500 and it only had 12k on the odo. BMW's are known to outlast most others. Definately worth a look!
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March 25th, 2011, 07:12 AM | #28 | ||
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Quote:
The photo above was taken during the return trip to PA. I took the Blue Ridge Parkway, I encountered snow/sleet.. I stopped to take a photo of the upcoming snow, the next thing I know the bike was on its side due to the sidestand had sunk into the soft ground.. At 150 lb. with full riding gear, I couldn't get the 700+ lb. beast back up to save my life even after I took all the luggage off. Blue Ridge Parkway was closed due to the snow/sleet and no traffic was coming by for a while. After sitting around for 30+ minutes, a car came by and I stood in the middle of the road to stop the car. Driver took pity on me and helped me upright the beast. I rode to the next exit and state trooper was getting ready to close off the ramp to get on/off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I sold that BMW to a good friend who's 6'4", 220 lb. I still get to ride it once in a while when we go on trips together. The telelever suspension is something very different from other motos, steering feedback is very subtle, very hard to tell if you're pushing the limits of lean angles.. |
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March 25th, 2011, 11:48 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.
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Buying a FJR this weekend!
2007 Yamaha FJR Black cherry in color Power commander Upgraded windscreen Frame sliders Sargent seat New Pilot Power tires Saddle bag liners Throttle lock less than 6,ooo miles and comes with all stock parts Total = $8k
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March 25th, 2011, 12:33 PM | #30 |
Motorcyclist
Name: James
Location: Maryland
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.
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March 25th, 2011, 12:38 PM | #31 |
Mid Life Crisis
Name: Ken
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (Passion Red); 1999 BMW K1200RS (Marrakesh Red) Posts: 81
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Did Yamaha ever go to a 6 speed trans in the FJR?
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March 25th, 2011, 12:44 PM | #32 |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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That is sexy!
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March 25th, 2011, 12:45 PM | #33 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.
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No. Still a 5 speed gearbox
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March 25th, 2011, 12:53 PM | #34 |
Mid Life Crisis
Name: Ken
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (Passion Red); 1999 BMW K1200RS (Marrakesh Red) Posts: 81
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The FJR is a sweet bike even with a 5 speed.
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March 25th, 2011, 03:51 PM | #35 |
Bad-ass 250 racer
Name: Neal
Location: Minnesnowta
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r, ATK 605, Honda CR250R Posts: 91
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Congrats on the new ride!
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March 25th, 2011, 04:42 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bill
Location: Tampa Fl
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninja Posts: 180
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Congrats on the new ride. For those concerned about the 5 vrs 6 speed. It just isn't an important issue. The torqe available and smooth highway RPM doesn't need any improvement. I'd rather have the 5 speed as it is than a 6 speed.
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