2up, low seat, budget tourer?

[RichTT]

I've just traded in a Versys 650 for a Triumph Bobber. Going from one extreme of practicality to the other. However I'm determined to get the other half persuaded to some UK touring. We're both short of @rse, sorry, shall we say, she's under 5ft and I've got a 30" in-seam which means that I'm not fond of top heavy adventure touring bikes. Especially if I'm going to be loaded up with luggage and a pillion. Would rather have something with a lower seat height. She never wanted to ride pillion on the Versys as she felt far too high up.

Also as I've just rinsed a lot of cash on the bobber i'm looking at perhaps a budget of 4-5 grand all in for something reasonably powerful with luggage.

Short list which I think can be had in budget

Honda ST-1300 Pan European
Triumph Sprint GT 1050
Yamaha FJR1300

A quick look at cycle ergonomics and it looks like both the Yamaha and Honda are lower seat height. I've heard good thing about all three but any first hand experience is welcome.

[carinatauk]

What about a BMW R1200RT with a low seat?

[RichTT]

Stock height is about same as the Sprint GT. How much lowering is available through seat height? 10mm, 20mm?

[Bikesalot]

carinatauk said:

What about a BMW R1200RT with a low seat?

This is what I was going to suggest when I saw the thread title.

A friends just got himself an old ex police one. Bit tatty around the edges but he's clocked up over 6000 miles in the two months he's had it. NC500 and Euro tour.

[RichTT]

Early 2010's coming in under budget. Guess the draw would be maintenance free(ish) shaft drive. Shame they're bloomin ugly.

[YoK]

Does a Hayabusa not have a low seat height, or I've certainly seen some with lowering kit.

[Donbot]

Goldwing?

[TheCommuter]

Honda Blackbird. Put a bar riser on it and its perfect. I used to own one.

[black-k1]

K1300S with low seat fitted.

[ChocolateFrog]

Or VFR 1200.

[carinatauk]

RichTT said:

Stock height is about same as the Sprint GT. How much lowering is available through seat height? 10mm, 20mm?

I'm not sure at this point but I would guess your not too far away

[A500leroy]

Ive seen a lowered xj6

[black-k1]

black-k1 said:

K1300S with low seat fitted.

And if a low seat is not enough you can also (cheaply) get lowered links for the rear suspension although it does potentially impact handling.

[Rubin215]

black-k1 said:

black-k1 said:

K1300S with low seat fitted.

And if a low seat is not enough you can also (cheaply) get lowered links for the rear suspension although it does potentially impact handling.

You have to be really pushing it before you'll really notice any difference with a lowered K1300; steady as a rock, even at stupid speeds.

[black-k1]

Rubin215 said:

black-k1 said:

black-k1 said:

K1300S with low seat fitted.

And if a low seat is not enough you can also (cheaply) get lowered links for the rear suspension although it does potentially impact handling.

You have to be really pushing it before you'll really notice any difference with a lowered K1300; steady as a rock, even at stupid speeds.

It's more that cornering ground clearance is impacted although you have to be "enjoying the road" a fair bit to notice. Stability, which was already excellent due to the "funny front end" actually gets better. It does make turn in a little slower.

[carinatauk]

carinatauk said:

RichTT said:

Stock height is about same as the Sprint GT. How much lowering is available through seat height? 10mm, 20mm?

I'm not sure at this point but I would guess your not too far away

A bit of internet research suggests a height reduction of approx 40mm; with ESA you might get some more

[CaptainSlow]

I'd go for the Sprint GT, a lot of bike for the money and less to go wrong than the BMW.

[Lee540]

Might find a Kawasaki ZZR1400 with a set of cases for less than £5k

Defo find one with a top box for less than £5k then fit a pair of SW Motech soft panniers and you’re off. I had this set up for 2 Euro trips now.

Edited by Lee540 on Saturday 20th July 14:17

[RichTT]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep looking, definitely looking for something that's a bit more upright. Last time I had a 'sportbike' it just caned my back and wrists.

[Lee540]

RichTT said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep looking, definitely looking for something that's a bit more upright. Last time I had a 'sportbike' it just caned my back and wrists.

Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit GT or GSX1250FA.

Like this?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-GSX1250FA-WITH-T...