What bike (again?) - Sports Tourer style - apologies

[Slaav]

So ladies and gents, I have decided that I may get away with returning to the fold and buy myself a new bike; well not brand new

Last bike (shows my age and the time) was a (jelly mould) CBR1000 which I loved; H reg!!!! HAd it years and loved it fro what I used it for,

I am 6'4" and a tad under 18st (ex rugby player - not a 'hairy biker' )

Was going to buy a Blackbird a few years back but bottled it - wasn't allowed ....

Thinking of either a GS1200 or stick with the sort of Sports Tourer I am used to but definitely not a gullwing type.

What realistically are my options? Starting to look but though I would tap into an enthusiasts forum that wont laugh at my need for comfort and not wanting the nuttiest balls out Ducati etc.?

So, my short list will be??? Both across GS1200 types and also genuine BIG sports tourer due to my size!

Thanks in advance for any ideas and pointers !

[Slaav]

Tall_Paul said:

What's the budget? Plenty of sport touring/adventure touring bikes out there but lots may be out of budget!

Budget is clearly open to 'mission creep' and also happy for 'man maths' to win the day!

Edit to add that probably at least once per week, I will commute into Central London from Glos. so 101 miles door to door (each way) mainly on M4 or M40 so motorway cruising is an essential but then travel tight into central
London. 2 or 3 dates/week, it will or may be central London 3 miles each way commute!

So, budget is pretty flexible tbh and thanks for suggestions and comments so far .....

Edited by Slaav on Sunday 1st May 23:30

[Slaav]

steve_k said:

Kawasaki 1400GTR big fast comfortable and handles well ?

Mmm ..... Thanks for suggestions chaps. Loving looking at them! And can't wait to get out on some if them

[Slaav]

In the face of imminent pish taking and possible ridicule..... I am preferring the 'more' faired in look rather than what I would call a 'naked' bike.

I remember the first time I sat on a Monster at my rugby club beside my CBR and whilst lovely, I couldn't imagine clocking up motorway mikes clinging on for dear life . (The 600? Was too small as well)

[Slaav]

spareparts said:

Baryonyx said:

spareparts said:

Fact of the matter is that the K13's days are numbered, and the R12 remains the biggest seller in Europe amongst tourers - and for good reason.

Because bikers are fatter, lazier and more fashion conscious than ever!

That may be the case but it doesn't change the fact that the R12GS is still a better all round touring machine than the K13S

Chaps,
To be honest, I am unlikely to do a weekend with the Mrs in Italy on it! The most would possibly be a weekend at Le Mans or similar.

Sports Tourer was the initial requirement for many reasons but a week's touring in Euro wasn't actually one of them bizarrely - although the idea of a weekend or 4 day trip with mates does appeal

[Slaav]

Mastodon2 said:

It's got to be the K1300S or a ZZR1400, if you're getting a tourer you might as well have some excitement too.

I do like the look of the ZZR to be honest! Almost bought a ZZR1100 years ago.....

And it just feels slightly less 'safe' and middle aged than the BM

Will speak to Metropolis in Vauxhall re riding a few unless anybody has a good recommendation for a multi franchise dealer?

Thanks again for all the comments....