Looking for a sport touring bike...

[Streetdoctor]

So I'm in the market for a sport touring bike that is on the faaaaar side of sport rather than touring. A couple years ago I'd routinely do 500 miles on a GSXR1k without issue. The problem with that now is the wife hates being on the back of a sport bike. Since she only rides with me once a month or so I'm looking for something that won't sacrifice too much "sport" but will be more comfortable for her. I've kind of narrowed it down to the '09 BMW K1300GT and the '10 VFR1200F. Any opinions? It looks like I'll be paying around 15k for the Beemer where I can get the VFR brand new for 10k. What say you? I'm new to the area and have no idea where to go to see if I could like up any test rides also. Majority of the riding I'll be doing will be long days around the mountains and hopefully a half a dozen or so 3 day trips to the desert, etc. A hard luggage option is a must also.

-Nick

[salsashark]

I think the beamer is more on the tourer side of ST, but that's my opinion. I'd also take a look at the Sprint GT as well as the FJR and Connie. All three will definitely keep up in the canyons, come with hard bags and are comfy for long rides.

Lots of info here on any bike you're interested in: http://www.sport-touring.net

[CaptGoodvibes]

FZ1 is pretty close to sport while taking luggage well.

[Clovis]

I'm in a similar situation. I'm going with a FJR for two up/touring riding.

FZ1 isn't any more comfortable for 2 up then a GSXR. A first gen might be an exception.

[asp_125]

SPORT tourers: VFR, FJR, Connie 14, Sprint GT, Ducati ST3 & ST4, Multistrada(?).... even seen Hyabusas fitted with hard luggage and heli-bars.

sport TOURERS: BMW K bikes, Honda ST1300, Guzzi Norge ...

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

So I'm in the market for a sport touring bike that is on the faaaaar side of sport rather than touring. A couple years ago I'd routinely do 500 miles on a GSXR1k without issue. The problem with that now is the wife hates being on the back of a sport bike. Since she only rides with me once a month or so I'm looking for something that won't sacrifice too much "sport" but will be more comfortable for her. I've kind of narrowed it down to the '09 BMW K1300GT and the '10 VFR1200F. Any opinions? It looks like I'll be paying around 15k for the Beemer where I can get the VFR brand new for 10k. What say you? I'm new to the area and have no idea where to go to see if I could like up any test rides also. Majority of the riding I'll be doing will be long days around the mountains and hopefully a half a dozen or so 3 day trips to the desert, etc. A hard luggage option is a must also.

-Nick

Well, I sport-tour on my '01 Gixxer 1k, sometimes doing over 700+ miles of twisties a day, so it all depends on your comfort level. You could get a 'Connie, and she'd probably love that. They seem to handle well enough if you never forget the true weight of the things and ride accordingly.

[Ghosty]

...sometimes doing over 700+ miles of twisties a day...

Wow, impressive!

[Streetdoctor]

My biggest concern with a lot of the more touring oriented bikes is the linked brakes. I'm not a fan of the rear brake applying front brakes and standing the bike up. Does the FJR do this too? I've read the VFR isn't bad with this as it only applies the brakes to one caliper in the front? 700+ miles of twisty roads in a day is crazy too, you must be starting in the dark and finishing in the dark? I've done 800 miles around the Gap and back to Chicago and that was horrible and a lot of that was highway. Any idea of anywhere that would let me test ride an FJR? Any years to look out for?

[Willhide]

Check out the rear seat on the Hayabusa. What a great touring bike.

[Hibs]

as mentioned, you want something faaaaaar side sport.... get a hayabusa, zx14 or zx14r. fit it with heli-bar risers, hard bags, and throttlemeister throttle lock and you're set.

[BC14]

I love my Connie, but mine is an older one without ABS and linked brakes. I hear that the linked setup on the newer ones isn't the best, but haven't ridden one to verify. Plenty of power, good brakes, and for a 2 ton beast, she handles quite well.

[salsashark]

They're starting to pop up in the used market for around 15, but if you find one, check out the Multistrada 1200s as well. Even with the "Italian" electrical issues, I love this bike.

Definitely on the SPORT side of ST. But not a back breaker at all.

Upright ergos, heated grips, hardbags = days and days of 700 - 800+ miley goodness. I rode mine out to Yellowstone then turned around and headed to CA for GP last summer and had a great time.

I have some family friends who traded their HD in on one, they've been all over 2 up on it and the wife says it's super comfy.

[Streetdoctor]

as mentioned, you want something faaaaaar side sport.... get a hayabusa, zx14 or zx14r. fit it with heli-bar risers, hard bags, and throttlemeister throttle lock and you're set.

Remember the issue is not me. If it was up to me I'd grab another SS liter bike and be happy. If I'm going to get a pig like a busa or a zx14 I might as well get some comfort. The idea was finding comfort that handles well too. Those bikes do neither. All those bikes you listed have no wind protection (especially for the passenger), and the passenger foot pegs are way to high for comfort. I need something I can do a 500 mile day two-up on. It sounds like the FJR is the best bet.

[Streetdoctor]

They're starting to pop up in the used market for around 15, but if you find one, check out the Multistrada 1200s as well. Even with the "Italian" electrical issues, I love this bike.

Definitely on the SPORT side of ST. But not a back breaker at all.

Upright ergos, heated grips, hardbags = days and days of 700 - 800+ miley goodness. I rode mine out to Yellowstone then turned around and headed to CA for GP last summer and had a great time.

I have some family friends who traded their HD in on one, they've been all over 2 up on it and the wife says it's super comfy.

I like it!!!! Maybe after the "spring inflation" drops I'll be able to afford one. I hate buying a bike this time of the year.

[salsashark]

I like it!!!! Maybe after the "spring inflation" drops I'll be able to afford one. I hate buying a bike this time of the year.

I know the feeling... I was wanting a DS, but gave up the search once spring pricing started to go up. I'm not about to drop 4K on a 15 year old beat down dirtbike.

Still keeping my eye out, but being incredibly selective.


Also, you may want to check out Grand Prix. If anyone would have a FJR to demo, they would be the ones.

[Bashed]

I am picking up a '12 Multistrada tomorrow for your same reasons.
It still has the power of a sportbike but can do the miles two up comfortably for both me and the wifey. I still love the pure sportbike, but my aging back does not.
Get both of you on the bike to determin what will work. Sometimes what is good for her on the back is not what is comfortable for you, for ant number of reasons. Good luck!

[madvlad]

VFR ftw dude. My first bike was a 03 VFR800 and what a fun bike that was... Wow dude 700+ miles? Most I've done is 600 in one day and my back was screaming for help

[TinkerinWstuff]

My biggest concern with a lot of the more touring oriented bikes is the linked brakes. I'm not a fan of the rear brake applying front brakes and standing the bike up. Does the FJR do this too? I've read the VFR isn't bad with this as it only applies the brakes to one caliper in the front?

I do not know everything about all viffers but of the ones I do know.....

With a VFR linked brake system and applying pressure to the foot pedal; fluid pressure is applied to ONE of THREE pistons on BOTH front calipers.

Some love it, some hate it - but it's really not fair to judge until you've tried it.

[Think]

Viffer fo sho. I've heard good things about the FJR.

[mathman1000]

I wish I still had my white VFR800 with luggage........that bike was the bomb!

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

VFR ftw dude. My first bike was a 03 VFR800 and what a fun bike that was... Wow dude 700+ miles? Most I've done is 600 in one day and my back was screaming for help

Started in Grand Junction at 8:30AM, ended up in Murray UT at 10:30PM via 128 to Moab, Hanksville, Bryce Canyon, Antimony...... Some of it was 'slabbing it just to get from one set of twisties to another, but it was mostly twisty of one sort of or another.

[daemon]

Frank is just a sucker for punishment. I have done plenty of 600+ days two_up.
I have to say that I have a rare passenger though.

[DFab]

I'm very happy with my vfr800. I test rode a sprint st as well but found the vfr to handle better.

[salsashark]

I am picking up a '12 Multistrada tomorrow for your same reasons.

Well?????