Best tourer for under £4000
Discussion
Good afternoon,
I sold my Blackbird last year after 4 happy years and wish to get a new bike for touring predominantly.
The Blackbird was an awesome machine in terms of reliability, build quality and all round package but, for me, it was not massively comfy.
I enjoyed a week with an FJR 1300 and V Strom 1000 but have been looking at ST1300 with a private example from 2003 with 16k up for £4000. I know they have a great following but would it be more sensible to get something like a Bandit 1250 / CBF1000 that is much newer for the same cash?
My Blackbird was a 2001 vintage and immaculate so not worried about age particularly.
I sold my Blackbird last year after 4 happy years and wish to get a new bike for touring predominantly.
The Blackbird was an awesome machine in terms of reliability, build quality and all round package but, for me, it was not massively comfy.
I enjoyed a week with an FJR 1300 and V Strom 1000 but have been looking at ST1300 with a private example from 2003 with 16k up for £4000. I know they have a great following but would it be more sensible to get something like a Bandit 1250 / CBF1000 that is much newer for the same cash?
My Blackbird was a 2001 vintage and immaculate so not worried about age particularly.
Thank you for the replies.
I would want hard luggage as I had a soft Oxford set on the Blackbird which was fine but hard luggage is more practicle on tour. I have always been a Honda man but the Suzuki 1250 does look like a good package.
I think the 2006 onwards VFR 800 looks great, especially in the burgandy colour, but trying to find a good one is hard work.
I would want hard luggage as I had a soft Oxford set on the Blackbird which was fine but hard luggage is more practicle on tour. I have always been a Honda man but the Suzuki 1250 does look like a good package.
I think the 2006 onwards VFR 800 looks great, especially in the burgandy colour, but trying to find a good one is hard work.
What a fantastic write up - thank you for taking the time to construct this comprehensive account.
A couple of things surprised me or at least made me raise an eyebrow. The seat being uncomfortable is the same issue as the Blackbird and typical Honda! I was going to get an Airhawk so that seems the way ahead here. The riding position is interesting as I always thought the Pan would just be "right" in a similar vein to the VFR but it depends, as you rightly pointed out, that it depends on your build but also your reference point; I have come from Fireblades etc so it should be good.
I am actually looking for a more clynical ride as long as it is smooth, quiet and offers good protection so I can enjoy the ride. The V Strom, although a capable bike, had the worst screen in the world and it was terrible to ride as a result (loud, buffeting etc). I was having some earplug issues but I have a Schuberth C3 so a quiet lid but obviously not compatible. We ended up removing the screen totally and my mate on his R1200RT carried it back!
This is the bike in question (it is green!):
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
A couple of things surprised me or at least made me raise an eyebrow. The seat being uncomfortable is the same issue as the Blackbird and typical Honda! I was going to get an Airhawk so that seems the way ahead here. The riding position is interesting as I always thought the Pan would just be "right" in a similar vein to the VFR but it depends, as you rightly pointed out, that it depends on your build but also your reference point; I have come from Fireblades etc so it should be good.
I am actually looking for a more clynical ride as long as it is smooth, quiet and offers good protection so I can enjoy the ride. The V Strom, although a capable bike, had the worst screen in the world and it was terrible to ride as a result (loud, buffeting etc). I was having some earplug issues but I have a Schuberth C3 so a quiet lid but obviously not compatible. We ended up removing the screen totally and my mate on his R1200RT carried it back!
This is the bike in question (it is green!):
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I'm afraid I have become "lazy" with having almost twist and go bikes and would rather not go back - when I get another sporty 600 I shall have plenty of time for gear lever tapdancing and right hand double twists!
I have long enough legs for an off roader but never thought of an Aprillia. How are they for reliability?
I have long enough legs for an off roader but never thought of an Aprillia. How are they for reliability?
I have kept most of my Bike / Ride mags from 10+ years ago and the K1200 did not get the best reviews but that could be based on what it was against rather than the bike in isolation.
I had an FJR 1300 in 2008 forba week in The Netherlands with the wife and it was a great bike. To clarify, all of my riding will be solo as my wife has hung up her leathers for a while now we have kids (so have I to a degree) so the bike will be used for an annual juant to the continent as well as on nice days.
You could argue that any bike will do that but I like to have the right tool fir the job!
I had an FJR 1300 in 2008 forba week in The Netherlands with the wife and it was a great bike. To clarify, all of my riding will be solo as my wife has hung up her leathers for a while now we have kids (so have I to a degree) so the bike will be used for an annual juant to the continent as well as on nice days.
You could argue that any bike will do that but I like to have the right tool fir the job!
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