Sport touring?

[shereth]

So for the longest time I figured that when the time came to add another ride to my stable, I'd go for a supersport. I've always loved the look, the sound .. well, I doubt I really need to explain my reasons.

But looking back at my last year and a half of riding I realize that is not really the kind of riding I do. I like to go for short to medium roadtrips - 200-300 miles, 3-5 hours, get out of town and wander through the mountains or some of the back roads kinds of things. I'd like to start stretching that out to longer trips, wander further from home, spend half the day or all the day out on the road. Maybe even overnight trips down the line.

I know some people have made a very successful road touring machine out of their Ninjette; things like changing the gearing for more highway riding. I'm not really keen on going down that road since I use it as a commuter, not to mention the fact that I've taken it to the track before and I will want to do that again in the future. I also am not a little guy, and while I've made some adjustments I still tend to feel cramped on the little ninjette after a few hours of riding.

That said, I really am pretty ignorant when it comes to the offerings in the target segment, and figured there have to be a few of you whose brains I can pick. Any recommendations on what I should be looking at? My primary considerations are:

• Something comfortable and capable for all day / weekend roadtrips
• Something that's still up for a good spirited run through the occasional twisties
• I don't anticipate having a passenger or loading it for more than perhaps an overnight stay

Thanks!

[Geezer-60]

Just opinion, no experience at all but I got the hots for the cb500x. Seems like a comfortable all-day lightweight bike. And it'll take hard bags.

[verboten1]

I think if you feel the Ninja is too small, the CB500 will be too. I just checked one out on monday, I was surprised by how small they are.


I'm probably going versys, after riding my wifes bike, it's pretty nice!

[Bigballsofpaint]

Ill say what i always do. Ninja 1000, i love the hell out of it.

You also have the fz1, fj9, prob a bmw or 2, not really too sure on the others.

[michvin]

I'll second the cb500x. It was compared in many reviews to versys, strom (or whatever suzuki called it ), to honda's own nc700x and g650gs and pretty much always was found to be a better bike for mixed commute/touring purposes. And fun too. Worth checking it out at least.

[sparky80]

The FZ1 is a great all-around bike and a worthy sport-touring model. I did a 16 day, 4200 mile trip from texas to California without a problem and have done three trackdays at a pretty quick pace.
PLENTY of power and basically unchanged since 2006, which means you can get an older one for a good deal.
I'll NEVER sell my FZ1....

[SMman]

Kawasaki Versys 650 or 650LT (1000cc also available). Do it all bikes at great prices. Yamaha FJ-09 looks interesting as well. My Honda VFR800 was a comfortable sport touring machine but I hated the VTEC. I haven't ridden the new model though.

[Ghostt]

I myself just modified the OEM seat, suspension, windscreen, and ergonomics, much better than before.

[dcj13]

10 to 20 year old BMW (K, F, or R-series) with all the farkles already installed. Cheap, reliable, likely well maintained. Parts will be available forever.

[fishdip]

ninja 650

[Sirref]

sv650

[Rifleman]

FJ1200, Hayabusa1300, ZX-14concourse...

they will cruise at 80 and barely whisper... wheelie on demand and can carry a bunch of stuff if need be.

[supersport]

Originally Posted by shereth

So for the longest time I figured that when the time came to add another ride to my stable, I'd go for a supersport. I've always loved the look, the sound .. well, I doubt I really need to explain my reasons.

But looking back at my last year and a half of riding I realize that is not really the kind of riding I do. I like to go for short to medium roadtrips - 200-300 miles, 3-5 hours, get out of town and wander through the mountains or some of the back roads kinds of things. I'd like to start stretching that out to longer trips, wander further from home, spend half the day or all the day out on the road. Maybe even overnight trips down the line.

I know some people have made a very successful road touring machine out of their Ninjette; things like changing the gearing for more highway riding. I'm not really keen on going down that road since I use it as a commuter, not to mention the fact that I've taken it to the track before and I will want to do that again in the future. I also am not a little guy, and while I've made some adjustments I still tend to feel cramped on the little ninjette after a few hours of riding.

That said, I really am pretty ignorant when it comes to the offerings in the target segment, and figured there have to be a few of you whose brains I can pick. Any recommendations on what I should be looking at? My primary considerations are:

• Something comfortable and capable for all day / weekend roadtrips
• Something that's still up for a good spirited run through the occasional twisties
• I don't anticipate having a passenger or loading it for more than perhaps an overnight stay

Thanks!

Thats exactly what my riding have evolve to. I do short runs with my sport bikes. But i started to wander father and farther away. Half the time i'm in the mountains with light gravel in the back roads. Its not the roads where you want to have street race/sport tires. I spend maybe 5-9hrs just exploring and going into mountain trails.

Anyways i bought a 2008 fz6 for the price of a ninja 250. I also order some scorpion trail tires for it so i can get deeper. I love going deeper