Which Sports Tourer

[focusxr5]

After a 4 year break I've decided I'm going to get back into biking. I sold my last bike after a good friend of mine died on a ride out but now I've decided the time is right to get back in the saddle. However, I'm 4 years older, wiser and more knackered. I've done the whole supersports thing and I don't think my knees and neck will cope with that anymore. I've narrowed it down to a VFR800 or a Triumph Sprint ST 1050. Budget is around the £3 - £3.5k mark. Any experiences of either, good or bad appreciated.

Thanks

[Rubin215]

Both are great bikes, both will make you smile.

VFR is more expensive to service, especially if it is a vtec model, also the early vtec is a bit crude when it kicks in.

My vote would be the Triumph but I am a Triumph fanboy anyway...

[CaptainSlow]

Sprint ST for sure, it's the perfect all-rounder.

[SteelerSE]

I've only owned the VFR which I rate really highly. The extra cc's are great for two up work and the triple is supposed to be incredibly smooth. If you haven't already I'd suggest just putting in price and cc like below:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-search?sort=spon...

It may prompt you with something you hadn't considered...like the Ducati ST3 or a K1300S.

[black-k1]

Both good bikes but try them to see if they work for you. I found the vibration on the Sprint made my fingers go white. Not good if you want to go a long distance.

I'd also suggest trying a Blackbird and, if the bubget will stretch a bit further a VFR1200 or, best of all, a K1300S.

[TimmyWimmyWoo]

I had a similar budget for a sport tourer a few years back. Tried the Sprint ST but just preferred the Blackbird. Paid £2800 for a tidy one, massively miss it now despite going shopping for far newer fancier bikes.

Stick a shim on the shock for sharper handling, and ride the life out of it. Handles reasonably well, had many a mad afternoon doing 150mph corners in the Black Forest on mine. Record was 183 Indicated on the autobahn with a GoPro on my head and a tent on the back. Never went wrong, buttery smooth engine and lovely power.

[martyn850]

My Blackbird was great. Here she is loaded up before a blast down to Stuttgart for Oktoberfest. Camping gear and stuff for a week away, and still comfortable at stupid speeds...

[sib8292]

Blackbird gets my vote - changed from a Triumph Tiger several years back, best decision ever. Just need to learn how to handle the weight when moving it around. At 66 I'm beginning to think it's getting a bit heavy for me. Tons of spares and pretty bullet proof.

[sjtscott]

I had a Blackbird for almost 8 years before but I would still consider/suggest the Sprint 1050 ST.
The VFR800 whilst a good bike is deeply 'slack' in terms of go compared to the two above - you'd need to work it hard if you like acceleration lol Its all comparative. Nothing wrong with it particularly just the VTEC ones are a bit uninspiring and don't have the proper V4s with geardriven cams.
How do I know? Euro touring with all these 3 bikes - have ridden them all and we've dragged raced/top speed run them on the German autobahn too

Edited by sjtscott on Tuesday 8th May 11:18

[crusty]

I also have had several Blackbirds, and really rate them.

Just purchased a ZZR1400, which if you can stretch your budget is the bike you want.

Like a Blackbird, but better at everything, faster (alot) more comfortable, more stable, better handling etc etc