2K Touring Bike which one ?

[abarber]

Another vote for the Blackbird, easily the best in it's class for touring and reliability.

[Wedg1e]

hornetrider said:

There's some gems lying around for mere pence. Check out this Pan.

http://autotrader.mobi/used-cars/advert/2012384858...

I paid £1800 for a 99000-mile 'S'-plate ST1100 in 2006 so that's probably a good deal - and more so if you could squeeze the seller's nuts down to £2K.

I think you really need to ride a Pan to see if it's for you; the apparent bulk scares some people and the weight more so, but once moving you don't notice the weight and it's really no wider than many sports bikes with hard luggage hung on the back. The mirrors tend to be the limiting factor for filtering as they're at the same height as a lot of car mirrors - but you can still get through most gaps.
They also hold their value amazingly well, you could run one for a year, wash it and get your money back.
A basic service doesn't need any plastics removing, you can get 45mpg easily and if you ride a silver one with HIDs, people think you're the Police so get out of your way

[Hooli]

Wedg1e said:

They also hold their value amazingly well, you could run one for a year, wash it and get your money back.

I'm trying for better than that. I'm trying to run mine for two years, wash it & make a profit

[greeb]

if buying a cheap old pan beware of rotten exhaust system - frequent problem and expensive to replace

[Wedg1e]

greeb said:

if buying a cheap old pan beware of rotten exhaust system - frequent problem and expensive to replace

..and rotten swingarms as well. The later 1300 doesn't suffer from that as the swingarm is alloy - and the silencers are stainless steel. Sadly the downpipes are only mild so they do rust, although I've never seen them corroded to destruction... yet.
Also, you won't be picking up an ST1300 for two grand... unless it's been wrapped around a tree

[tvrlee]

And another vote for the Blackbird, very comfortable and very reliable, easy to get one for £2k as well