[yosshimura]

After years of long rides on my former sport bikes, I am entertaining getting a sport touring bike to go on longer rides... The Ducati ST4 type? but too expensive, lol... coming off an R1 and GSXR, anything will be more comfortable anyway, lol...

I do NOT want a gold wing type of bike :lao.... but have no idea where to start... $ target? $5K ...

discuss

 

[harleyxlc]

Honda VFR...although people always suggest what they have

A little b*****, Honda ST1300 or FJR.

 

[dsmgixxer]

sv650

 

[NitroRoo]

Zrx

 

[Scissors]

I miss my ST4s.

 

[toyotapower]

I work at a BMW shop so we see A LOT of sport touring bikes. All makes, all models. After riding all of them the best sport tourer in my opinion is the Aprilia Futura. It has the same motor as the RSV, tons of torque and its absolutley bulletproof. I thought it handled very well and is a pretty sharp looking bike.

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I've had my '07 Bandit 1250 for a couiple years now and taken it on several road trips including a 3000 miler. It's makes an excellent sport-touring bike. It's way lighter than an FJR, ST, or C14, handles better, and has more low-end torque than you need. And it's a LOT cheaper.

There's plenty of touring options for it available like hardbags, windshields, lowers, etc. I use a nice set of soft bags and carry all the camping gear I need no problem.

When I'm not touring on it, I drop all the bags and fairing and it's a great naked sporty for local twisty-blasting. Sure, it ain't no supersport, but it easily out-performs the heavier dedicated ST bikes. I can almost keep up with my buddy's Daytona 675, but he pulls away when my pegs start scraping. I whomp his butt on the straights tho.

 

[yosshimura]

Hmm, I might as well get another R1, lol... it was "great" traveling from Miami, FL to Deal's Gap a couple years ago, lol . I am just in the entertainment stage at this point, but what about a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 cc? There's a Triumph that seems fairly comfortable, yet still sports-type, can'r remember the name..

The Bandit idea I like. Which is the Yamaha counterpart? FZ ...?

 

[tiresmoke24]

I have an '06 yamaha FZ6 that I purchased in feb of last year and have put over 9000 miles on the bike commuting everyday. I absolutely LOVE IT!! Sure it's nothing like the R1 when it comes to speed but I have ridden a lot of different bikes from GSXR 1000 to ninja 250 and I would recommend the FZ6 to anyone experienced or novice. It's versatility means you can be just as comfortable on a 3 hr hwy ride as you can at 135 mph on a twisted back road. It does have it's flaws, but nothing I care to mention and for the fun, versatility, dependability, and the price I don't think you will find a better all around bike out there!!!!

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

The Bandit idea I like. Which is the Yamaha counterpart? FZ ...?

FZ1? It has a little more top end and the power band is higher, more 'buzzy'. Probably has a slight edge on weight and handling, in stock form. Ergos a little more cramped but comparable.

The thing that I love about the Bandit is the engine. Super smooth with gobs of low-end torque. Don't have to shift much, just stuff it into the curve in 5th and the power is there on the exit, all the way down to 3500 revs. 6th gear is overdrive, but you can just roll-on the throttle and pass in a blink of an eye.

The FZ1 is fine if you don't mind being a little busier shifting in the twisties. I'm an old fart though, gettin' lazier I guess. :lao

 

[tiresmoke24]

I have an FZ6, but your are exactly right. The Bandit and the SV have a lot of low end torque and are tons of fun to ride also. Maybe you are answering your own question. To each his own, but for me I am a little high strung like the FZ6 and it just fits me with it's great styling and riding style. But I think maybe you are underestimating the power and abilities of the FZ6. It took a little while for me to get used to the zing of the motor and the gearing but after riding a while I am now able to really push it to the limits and ride with b***** and faster bikes. Also I fixed most of the gearing problem by dropping 3 teeth off the rear sprocket mainly because the FZ6 had too much power in first gear. I mean I am 6'1" and 220lbs and I could lay on the tank and crank down on the throttle with no clutch at 4000 rpm and I could not hold the front end down enough to keep the bike from rolling over on me without letting off of the throttle. with the new sprocket I now can twist the throttle hard in first and the front tire still pulls off the ground somewhat but is controllable and will not roll back on you without deliberately trying at above 8500 rpm. Before when I would pass cars or get into some corners hard I would constantly be searching for the right gear but now I can find a gear around 4500 or 5000 rpm and twist the throttle and just hold on while the motor screams it's way up to 14300 rpm and hit another gear while the world disappears behind me. I like the bike a ot better now and find that the motor is not lacking in the least, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that my bike to me is everything I need and nothing I don't. So for yourself if you like the Bandit or the SV models then by all means get what makes you happy and enjoy the ride!!!

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Yep, agree with ya there. Get what suits ya best. :cheers

The one thing I would add is the difference between the SV motor and the Bandit motor. While they both have gobs of torque, the Bandit is super-smooth, like a turbine. Some may enjoy the V-twin vibe, but I love that inline-4 jet ride.

I even took the bar-end weights off mine when I installed handguards. No difference at all, still smooth as silk.

Besides, when I'm hankerin' for some thump-thump, I just jump on the DR650.

 

[Anthonyd5189]

That Aprilia looks awesome! My GS500F isn't too bad for back road touring...but for long highway stints it kinda lacks in power.

 

[meanstrk]

I have an Aprilia Futura that I will never part with. The bike is the most capable ST bike I have ever ridden. Period. I did a 5000 mile trip to Colorado with it this August and on the return side rode around the Deals Gap area as well. I can drag knee if I want to ride in a sporty mode or do long distances in total comfort. This bike has the best seat I have ever riden on, and I own a Gold Wing as well if that tells you anything! Every woman that has ever been on the back LOVES the fact that the seat is so comfortable! My Futura currently has 45K on the clock and I have never had to do any sort of engine maintenance whatsoever. They are known for being virutally bulletproof.

All that being said... You can't buy a new one and good luck finding a dealer close by that actually knows how to work on them. AF1 is where most people order parts if they need them.

 

[AR3NTH]

I love my 2002 Kawasaki ZZR1200, it's has plenty of power, handles the twisty's well. Givi hardbags on the sides that clip off & can be used like suitcases. The trunk on the luggage rack also clips off, & has a back pad for second rider. I ride around with my luggage off most of the time. It has an aggressive, yet sporty look to it with them off, but with them on, your ready for the long trips.
I took my bar ends off, & installed a throttle lock by "Throttlemeister.com". (hand saver)
The tail lights are unique, & very noticeable. The traffic behind you will easily spot you @ night.
It's a little heavy in the driveway when I'm trying to turn around, but I do live on a hill.
The curb mass: front 291lbs, rear 306lbs
This weight is really nice for stability on windy days, & still handles well in the turns.
These bikes are in your price range. I bought mine for $3,200.00, with minor body damage that I repaired myself with "Quicksteel", sandpaper, & "Dupont" bed liner spraypaint.
Hope you find what your looking for.

 

[rockscaler]

apes are awesome

 

[FLYIN LOW 600]

Triumph makes an awesome sport touring bike at a very reasonable price.
The Sprint ST 955 or 1050

2009 Triumph Sprint ST

 

[SAHTT]

You can sport tourer almost anything. Get a bike that would be fun to ride first, and you can always modify it to suit your sport touring needs. Most sport tourers mentioned here are a lot more comfortable than the stock zx-14 I used to cross the continent and back.

 

[Nailer45]

look at the VFR800 model 1998-2001

here are some of my 99VFR

BikePics - 1999 Honda VFR 800

BikePics - 1999 Honda VFR 800

 

[Xtremjeepn]

It all depends on YOU and what YOU want.

I actually tour and commute on my R1. It just offers something that I have not found in other "sport tourers"

Just have to adjust the bike a bit to suit your needs.

We just did a 2,800 mile trip over 8 days on the R1 and Sv650.

I'm 38, 6'2" 235lbs and was fine on the R1. Heli-bars, gel seat, heated grips, cruise control, hard bags, double bubble screen. I also have a totally upright Triumph Speed Triple and choose to ride the R1 on long trips and daily commute.