[Closed] Touring motorbikes - advice?

VFR 800 was a nice ride.... but TBH mate, you should be more looking at say a Superblackbird/ZZR1100

I have a 650 Versys. Copes well with touring but I've not gone 2 up as the other half rides his own bike. But I have no doubt it'd be fine for 2up touring.

Anne, how tall are you, if you don't mind me asking?

you should be more looking at say a Superblackbird/ZZR1100

My last big bike was a Suzuki GS850.
🙂
I was a bit worried they'd be a bit too much for a returnee.
Will stick them on the list.

Have ridden a ZZR600 a while back which was great, but there's not a lot of nice ones left.

Don't rule out something Bavarian too.

Cheers, Rich

Rich, some K series and high mileage 1100's at my budget.
Not ridden a modern boxer, they look huge. 😐

Rusty - I was surprised at how nimble the R1200GS I took out whilst my 800 was in for a service. I always wanted the boxer (an it will be mine eventually) but as a new rider I assumed it would be too heavy to handle. I'd say, if anything, it's EASIER than the 800...

It's also huge fun!

Rachel

Got a 650 Transalp. First and only bike so not really qualified to compare anything. However, very pleased with it. Good economy (50+ mpg but I don't cane it). Good view. Handles better than I'll ever need. I'm 5'11" but only a 29" trouser and just on the edge of comfortable to put a foot down.
700 'Alps are supposed to be underrated.

Rich.

Cheers Rachel, that's good to know. I'll go and have a sit on a few.
🙂

A mate of mine picked up an '03 VFR800 very recently for less than 2k It's at 28k miles and due a largish service soon, was making a funny noise that the seller said was the clutch (it wasn't it was the Cam chain tensioners, common fault) it was in fair condition and had full, bespoke luggage thrown in. He's ridden it a few times and he's started to tinker the faults right. Should be bob-on pretty soon with little more than 2k spent.
Looks nice, sounds nice, is a bit heavy, but the weight is low and doesn't feel heavy when you're moving. Quite comfy and aside from a few well documented niggles it seems they go on forever. worth a try i reckon...

oh - and riding up or down the metal ramp of a ferry in the rain is probably the most terrifying thing you will do in your life. Ever... 😉

Rachel

Under 3k won't get you much GS as the secondhand ones have an undeserved premium being the worlds most popular bike etc etc. In addition whilst the new ones are just as good on road as off (where they obviously spend 99.9% of their time) the old 1150's were more trail biased

A CBF1000 would suit your requirements pretty well, they have a fantastic engine, great handling, reliable, good luggage options and better still, as they are unfashionable you can get a beauty for 3k

Forget Triumph , tall and top heavy - great if you fit but not if you dont.
VFR - or Blackbird good choices , older boxers complete lottery for reliability
avoid completely at your budget. FJ11/1200 could be found but most have been
run into the ground.

Rusty

My cousin bought a TDM 900 to use on a touring holiday last summer ( he didn't want to take his GSX).
He said it worked well as a tourer ,but found it a bit thirsty* .
He had intended to keep it as a commuter/winter bike but traded it for an XTZ.

*[i]he may have been trying to ride it like his GSX a bit too much[/i]

For two-up with luggage, then Honda Blackbird is perfect. it's unlikely to breakdown and will last forever. Same with VFR, but maybe a little short on horse power if that bothers you. You may find a late CBR1000f which are worth looking out for.

On a similar theme. Same type of bike but for someone tall? Thinking about my first real motorbike (rode them as a kid offroad but never actually got a licence). I quite fancy something sitty uppy and beggy that is going to be comfortable for long touring days and I'm 6'4".

My elder brother (who is a bit taller than me) seems to suit his big beemer but I was wondering whether there were any other outsize contenders on the market.

Have ridden a ZZR600 a while back which was great, but there's not a lot of nice ones left.

Where are you based? A mate's got a ZZR600 in a garage on low miles and not been on the road in about 6 or 7 years. He keeps half heartedly talking about selling it or getting it serviced and going again. It's very tidy but would need a once over to get it going again (clean carbs etc). He might be amenable to an offer 🙂

V-strom is a great, underappreciated bike. £3k is previous generation territory though.

I have a '13 DL650. Done a few 400 miler days (on non-dualler carriageways and stretches of single too!) this last year and its been great. Not really a handful but managed to more or less keep up with bigger bikes (my main riding mate has a Guzzi 1200 Sport). You have to plan your overtakes mind as it struggles to keep up bike with 50-100% more power. You might find it underpowered two up.

You'll be lucky to find a Transalp cheap, they have a following (which is a good thing). never tried one, but would've bought one if I could've found one cheap enough.

I would've thought that with the Aventurer Tourer being the mode a la jour you'd manage to pick up a 'proper' tourer cheaper. No experience, so won't comment

However, I'm seriously tempted by the new Tiger 800...

If you can get a Triumph GT I'd heartedly recommend one.

Big, comfy, safe.

Lower seat than the ST and a longer swingarm. Came with panniers as standard.

VFR from your list without a doubt. Outside thinking and agreement with Daisy Duke is the bigger sports bike such as Blackbird and ZZR1100. Whatever you get make sure it has removable panniers and topbox. Very handy when you get to your destination and allows a bit more fun without them.
I had a Honda Varadero that you could cross continents with ease but it wasn't a light bike and with the height and extra touring weight it could be unnerving at slow speed.

and, if they are removeable, that they lock to the bike - you don't want to find someone removes them without asking nicely!

Rachel

I have an R1100S which will be for sale as soon as I return from India.

I was in a similar situation to you a while back and the VFR800 and R1100S were on my short-list as I'm not a big fan of in-line fours. The VFR was supremely capable, but it felt as though you needed to be going at warp-speed for it to be fun. While I expected the boxer to be wheezy and slow, the engine has bags of character and was fun at sensible speeds, while still being able to crack on.

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Has hard luggage and pretty much fits your criteria (although range isn't huge) and will be well under budget. Let me know if you're interested and not too far from London.

Cheers, Rich

I've toured on a 1200 bandit. A smallish tanks and poor fuel economy makes fuel stops a bit inconvenient. The unfaired ones (which I have) are tough on the neck if you're spending a lot of time over 60. The front wheel doesn't like staying on the ground two-up.

So, not ideal, but if you can put it down to character they're fine. Wouldn't be my first choice though.

I bought mine new in 96. Nothing has dissolved yet.

Love my 24 litre tank and 60mpg economy... 🙂

Rachel

Love my 24 litre tank and 60mpg economy...

EDIT: don't buy a Cagiva Elefant, or any old Ducati / Cagiva. The electrical systems do dissolve.

I have a mate who has one of them R1100's for sale too. He bought it for a tour of France, now he's back.

If, by "touring" you mean walking around the bike with a spanner in your hand, swearing loudly and kicking the it from time to time, then Ducati's what you want. Or if you like riding in tow trucks, they're good for arranging that.
Not so hot if you plan going someplace more than 30 miles away and not finishing the trip using public transport.

Rusty I'm 5'9" ish but I did have my Versys lowered so I felt a bit more at ease with my feet properly on the floor.

If, by "touring" you mean walking around the bike with a spanner in your hand, swearing loudly and kicking the it from time to time, then Ducati's what you want. Or if you like riding in tow trucks, they're good for arranging that.

[img] [/img]

That was before I got off the drive.

BigButSlimmerBloke - Member

If, by "touring" you mean walking around the bike with a spanner in your hand, swearing loudly and kicking the it from time to time, then Ducati's what you want. Or if you like riding in tow trucks, they're good for arranging that.
Not so hot if you plan going someplace more than 30 miles away and not finishing the trip using public transport

What an absolute pile of tripe.

Another vote for a Blackbird CBR1100xx here.

But you can tour on anything and touring means different things to different people.

For me and my mate its getting to the twistiest roads ASAP and having a laugh. We don't really go to see stuff, just to ride great roads. We leave at 8am in the morning and sometimes don't finish riding till 8pm in the evening. I know for some people that would be hell. Others want to ride as much as possible.

I tour on a Tuono V4 APRC with Kreiga soft luggage. I have done the GS1200 thing and its not for me. Just encourages you to transport loads of rubbish you don't need. Or at least thats my take on it.

Oh and my other half has the Vstrom and would equally recommend them. He's about 5'11".

[img] [/img]

Blackbird suits a mate at work and he's toured all over Europe in it. He's 5'8" and another did fairly huge miles on a VFR800 which was his 1st bike after passing his test.
I sold my Suzuki RF900 a few months ago, mainly because I felt a bit cramped in the legs with it, I'm 6'1" but a very nice bike indeed for 2 up touring. If you can live with the looks and the fact that are a straight 4, you can pick a low mileage one up for a song.

Fat boy fat, I'm 6'4" and got this Honda NC700X for my first bike. I raised the seat an inch and it's very comfy for commuting and light touring.

[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]

Out of that list, I've had the VFR and the ZZR1100 and still have a Blackbird.

The VFR is a bit weedy in this company but is respected as the bike you could ride to the track day then scare the born agains on their Blades. If this is your first big bike, it might be a wise choice if you're concerned about handling the bulk of the bigger bikes.

If you're choosing between the ZZR and the Blackie, I'd go with the latter. The ZZR is a bit rough (carbs), the lights are shite, the range isn't as good and the front mudguard catches cross winds so you need 3 lanes (and spare pants) when it's really windy. The Blackie has a potential ECU fault which gives a false positive on the F1 light but doesn't affect performance at all. I elected to change the ECU when mine suffered it but only cos I'm a bit anal/OCD.

If you want any more, shout.

<edit> CBR6 for touring? Really?...

I'd suggest a late ('96-'97) VFR 750. None of that VTEC nonsense to ruin the fun. Sublime V4 engine, overbuilt like you wouldn't believe and fast enough for most.

[url= http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/honda/vfr750/1997/_/R-NXGN-7629062 ]VFR 750[/url]

FJR1300 - just do it

96k on my zzr11. It's been brilliant and very reliable too. 230 mile tank range, comfy enough for 1000 mile days ..

KTM 990'smt on the cards next.

Re height, I'm 5'9" and get on ok with 1150 and 1200 GSs

CBR6 for touring? Really?...

Did half a dozen foreign trips on mine (F model). It was fine, great all-rounder.

CBR600 is a great tourer, not 2 up though with gear

I got a Ducati ST4S earlier this year.
Superb. Exceeds all expectations.
£2000 with all luggage.

I'd suggest a late ('96-'97) VFR 750. None of that VTEC nonsense to ruin the fun. Sublime V4 engine, overbuilt like you wouldn't believe and fast enough for most.

VFR 750

Do you even ride bro?

I've had quite a few of those. Not sure a versys would be great for two up riding, it felt slow with just me on it. Build quality wasn't great either. Bandits (and I'll get flamed for this) are UTTER crap. I've never had a bike I've hated as much as that and ive had a few aprilias. Top heavy when it has a full tank, slow, terrible build quality and mine was a 2000 mile old 1200 with the half fairing that had been pampered. Maybe I had a duff one but it it me off suzukis for life.

Blackbirds are awesome, proper quick, comfy and built well. First year (96?) had carbs, after that they're all fuel injected. Brilliant bike but if you're short of leg maybe not the best choice.

If you're a little...erm...shorter, a cbr600f isn't a bad shout at all. Mine was brilliant and was as happy buggering about on back roads as it was doing my commute one a week from suffolk to Bracknell (and bracknell to Watford each night). They hold their money well but of all the bikes I've had, that was the most fun and a lot less scary than the new fire blade that replaced it

I'd be having a think on how far you want to go on it and how often you will be carrying a pillion.

If most of your riding is going to be two up over a big distance, then IMHO you need something large and roomy like a Pan, FJR or 1200GS/RT to make it enjoyable for you and your passenger.

Don't necessarily be put off larger bikes as it's just what you're used to and getting the confidence. It might be worth getting a long test ride on something big and getting the feel for it.

I'm a big fan of Boxer's, but if long mostly two up long trips are planned; then a cherished ST1100 Pan would be ideal for you

For reference, I'm riding a 1200GS Adventure on the standard seat height and I'm only 5ft7.

Off the original list, I've always fancied a VFR800, reckon that might suit 'just going about' rather than proper touring though.
The R1100S really surprised me in how much I liked it - very easy to ride, comfortable etc - I'm 5'8 and it was fine for height, etc.
Not so sure about the ZZR - I never got on with mine, wasn't comfortable in the way the bimmer was, and wasn't as good for warming your gloves up when you stop for fuel.

Not sure I read where your touring plans take you? Autobahns - get a blackbird, anywhere rainy or cold, get the bimmer, UK - VFR.

or style it out with a Ducati and a credit card - you know you want to.

or style it out with a Ducati and a [s]credit card[/s] multi-meter - you know you want to.

Fixed 😀

[quote=BigButSlimmerBloke ]If, by "touring" you mean [s]walking around the bike with a spanner in your hand, swearing loudly and kicking the it from time to time, [/s] riding with a mate from Edinburgh, via London to the south of France loaded up with camping gear to watch the Bol d'Or then firing across the Mediterranean coast to Bologna, turning up at Borgo Panigale to be given a free lunch while the mechanics take your bikes away to give them a wee service, complete with new chain and sprockets then returning via France, Switzerland, France and Belgium in a mad one day trip being followed by a couple of English guys in a TVR that cottoned on to your "co-operative overtaking" strategy then Ducati's what you want..
FTFY

Oh, how I miss the Bol d'Or
Best year for me was the year The Stranglers and Motörhead played, can't remember who won the race though 🙂

There was a race?

I was just there for the free Ricard 🙂
Oh - and the Guinness. Why did they have free Guinness??

[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/15140290883_c9b6e9bdc1_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/15140290883_c9b6e9bdc1_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/p4TWZZ ]img173[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22384952@N02/ ]ScotRoutes[/url], on Flickr

I didn't know they had colour film that long ago.

Bol D'or is back at Paul Ricard next season 😀
As has been mentioned in earlier posts,what touring bike you need depends on where you're touring.I went to Circuit Paul Ricard on a 250LC,it was great fun wringing it's neck on those twisty roads..

Had 5 Transalps, not too mention numerous other bikes XJR 1300s, Honda CBs and the transalp is the one I always go back to. Great for touring and seeing the sights and goes off the beaten track very well. Not so good if you want to do ton up on the motorways mind, but bulletproof and far more character than Dullvilles that share the same engine

Bustaspoke - Member

Bol D'or is back at Paul Ricard next season

Funny.
It was that announcement that prompted us both to consider a bike again.

More Bol pictures please.
🙂

Cheers for the thoughts everyone, time for a think and a good few test rides over winter.

Bike's going to be used for Euro jaunts two up, UK tours and weekend trips.

So far, I think the VFR's winning. 🙂

Mrs Spanner, my co conspirator wants a Pan.
I've told her that's fine as long as she picks it up every time I drop it at the lights.

For Rusty..

The start/finish straight
[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15759745991_73622a9b67_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15759745991_73622a9b67_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/q1CPqt ]img194[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22384952@N02/ ]ScotRoutes[/url], on Flickr

Early evening on the Mistral
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/15141636514_f428421eea_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/15141636514_f428421eea_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/p51R1w ]img203[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22384952@N02/ ]ScotRoutes[/url], on Flickr

Night descends
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15759731151_e722d512c2_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15759731151_e722d512c2_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/q1CK1B ]img105[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22384952@N02/ ]ScotRoutes[/url], on Flickr

and the camping....
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7480/15761608215_e1350512eb_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7480/15761608215_e1350512eb_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/q1NmZM ]img109[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/22384952@N02/ ]ScotRoutes[/url], on Flickr
Note the footprints up the side of the tent 🙄

A man with plenty of time on his hands to scan all his old photos 🙂

Some reading

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-top-10s/top-10-tourers-under-3000/24023.html

I rest my case re the FJR 🙂

Some reading

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-top-10s/top-10-tourers-under-3000/24023.html

I rest my case re the FJR

and all 10 of them look gopping 🙂

For me I have to look at the bike and want to ride it 🙂

[i]I got a Ducati ST4S earlier this year.
Superb. Exceeds all expectations.
£2000 with all luggage. [/i]

Hmm, that'd be the one that my local dealer wouldn't let me buy when they were new - he wanted to keep me as a customer and no way did he reckon it'd be up to what I needed from a bike; ie reliability for a 100 mile per day commuting.

Got a Fazer 1000 instead, hated it. Then he opened a Triumph dealership, I went for them and stayed - ace.

What about a Fazer 1000, loads of space and plenty of go?

TDM - I had one, thirsty and a thirsty thing

Tiger 1050 was my most comfy bike for touring on, I did 3 weeks solid on it without a problem! But a bit expensive for maintenance, which is why it went!

Off the wall suggestion - Moto-Guzzi Norge. Really comfy, surprisingly agile and a shafty so much less hassle to deal with touring 😉 I love my Griso even if it is the most impractical bike on planet Earth!

R1100rs, comfy two up and can cheap do big mileages and be hustled along. Avoid any k1100lt probably the worst bike I ever owned. I did go across Germany on one of the bonneville 800 and it was surprisingly comy even at six foot one

Quick edit pan Europeans are great bikes.

Rusty Spanner - Member

Cheers for the thoughts everyone, time for a think and a good few test rides over winter.

Bike's going to be used for Euro jaunts two up, UK tours and weekend trips.

So far, I think the VFR's winning.

Mrs Spanner, my co conspirator wants a Pan.
I've told her that's fine as long as she picks it up every time I drop it at the lights.

Just out of interest, how tall (short) are you?

Pan's aren't really tall, it's just getting used to the weight.

My 1200GSA has got a seat height of 890mm and I can get both balls of my feet down at only 5ft7. I [i]think[/i] an ST1100 has only got a seat height of 800mm.

Edit - Even VFR is no mean feat to pick up by yourself.

I'm 5'6.

I think the heaviest thing I've ridden is a Kwak 750 Turbo, but that had a nice low seat and decent balance.

Have test ridden a Pan, which was fine once moving, but putting my foot down on greasy, off camber city streets was a bit scary.
A confidence thing, like you say, I'm sure.

Rusty Spanner - Member
I'm 5'6.

I think the heaviest thing I've ridden is a Kwak 750 Turbo, but that had a nice low seat and decent balance.

Have test ridden a Pan, which was fine once moving, but putting my foot down on greasy, off camber city streets was a bit scary.
A confidence thing, like you say, I'm sure.

The weight often disappears once you're moving and personally I find a bigger heavier bike easier and more relaxing to ride. My 1200GSA is a doddle to make progress on as it's so torquey and planted.

If you can't flat foot it though, don't try to push yourself back whilst sat on the seat, get off and push it. If you loose your footing even slightly, you'll drop it. Oh and obviously don't park on a decline if you need to get it out backwards 😉

If you use the main stand, put it in gear before you take it off and let the clutch out as it rolls forward onto both wheels. Just reduces the risk of the bike running away from you.

If you get a Pan, VFR or CBR6F for £3k or under and don't like it; you should have no issues moving it on* and getting your money back.

* Unless you try and sell it during snowmageddon 😀

flange - Member
Do you even ride bro?

Haven't had a bike for about 6 years. Why do you ask?

+1 for the Blackbird (mine's a 1996 carbed jobbie). almost 70k miles and the engine still purrs - even with absolute minimal maintenance.

I've used it for all day touring, weeks away (with hard luggage) and even a couple of track days - putting a few power rangers to shame in the process. Great bike.