Best Mighty Tourer?

[beano1197]

So if I was to get myself out and about on a big tourer, and it would mean hanging around on a lot of street corners at the moment , what would it be?

Apart from a "Gold Winge" or a "Hurley", I think the top runners have to be the Pan, the FJR or a Beemer.

Nothing against Beemers (have owned four, even at my tender young age), but just don't fancy another.

Would need to do some serious miles two up (large size crew!) but still be entertaining to pilot.

Anybody tried out the latest ST13 or the FJR13 - any comments, favourable or otherwise?

[sparkey]

I've not tried them, but the only one I'd consider would be the FJR. The others all look a bit too sensible IMO.

[Mon Ami Mate]

ZZR1200. Fantastic!!!

[iguana]

I personally would look no further than a VFR I know the new 800's are a bit more sport orientated, but the older ie non VTEC 800 has got to be the best sports tourer.

[Gerrard]

My mate bought a new FJR about 4 weeks ago - he upgraded from a Bandit600. He loves it! He throws it round like he did his bandit and its got enough umph to leave me behind even when he's two up! Cruising at motorway speeds he says there's no turbulance (sp?) at all once the screens up.

Only problem he's got is that the Yamaha top box isn't available and there's no firm date as to when it will be.

[whome]

Hmmmm depends on how much you want to spend... I bought my CBR thou for £1K and used it for 8,500 miles round Europe with no hiccups, problems or misfires. Cheap, cheerful, thrifty 40 mpg regardless of speed or weight, comfortable and very, very reliable. Money no object... Have to agree... VFR800 or possibly a trumpet T955i - borrowed a mates for a summer (tweaked with loud can) and for distance it was awesome - comfortable no wind blast at all, fast, reliable, good looking and different... ;-) Suprised me - I don't like Trumpets.

[ant_f]

Just bought a new VFR800. Traded in Bandit 600S. Although I haven't done too many miles on it yet, so far it's comfortable, fast, looks are superb (IMO), it handles superbly, brakes are awesome, carries two up without problems etc.
Seat cowl for pillion seat improves looks for one up riding. Honda luggage is expensive, but aftermarket luggage choice is plentiful. Can't beat it.
Just my opinion, of course !!!
ANT

[steveblade_uk]

Oh yes baby the VFR800 is a rocket and does everthing you'll ever want from a bike. Ive ridden loads and love em, even the older 750cc carb models are a dam good buy shame there still pricey if in nice condition. Cbr thou could be bought cheaper I think and are not far behind, limited ground clearance but if your touring you'll not be hanging off it for all your worth will you?

>> Edited by steveblade_uk on Monday 16th December 23:56

[Tony Hall]

Triumph Sprint ST is far better than VFR IMHO after trying both & buying the Triumph. 955 injection 3 is great. Me marra has a Trophy 1200/4 cylinder, tours north of England and been up as far as the north coast of Scotland. Loves it and he carries FULL camping gear. ie tent/bed/stool/table etc etc

[apache]

If you're looking for older stuff the Yam FJR 1200 was a beaut and Ducati had something...ST4 was it? I am around 6 ft and the Duke was one of the best riding positions ever

[bikerkeith]

just how much comfort do you need, or to put it another way, do you want to throw it into corners or just cruise? If the bike has to take 2 large people, that mitigates against anything vaguely sporting.
Even bikes like the VFR or Sprint are not comfortable enough for some bikers I have spoken to (mainly dedicated Pan users).
How about the big BMW that looks like a Wing (can't remember what model it is)? Its huge but I've seen them been hustled along B roads at some pace with pannier nearly skimming the road in bends.
If you've got a shortlist, go blag a few demo rides from dealers. Its the best way to find out if a bike is right for you, or more importantly if its a total no-no.

[Nacnud]

A few years ago, did you read about the bloke riding around the world on a Blade

I'll bet he's got a minority view when it comes to the features of a touring bike....

[beano1197]

bikerkeith said:
How about the big BMW that looks like a Wing (can't remember what model it is)? Its huge but I've seen them been hustled along B roads at some pace with pannier nearly skimming the road in bends.

That'll be the K1200LT - yup, I know they go (so does a Wing) but it's just not my cup of diesel Not tried the LT, but I did own a 1200RS for a couple of years, surprisingly nimble often getting comments from sports bike riders on its power through and out of the twisties!!!

I like the idea of the VFR - that'd be nearer to my choice - but I was hoping to seek out some views on the bigger buses. It's all a bit of a personal view, I know.

Don't think I'll be going on a serious shopping spree until Spring (depends upon job and lottery wins)!!!

[tallchris99]

Well i ride a Pan most days and that would do the job and they are cheaper too given the arrival of the STx1300.

The STX1300 is a nice development from the pan but they are suffering more than a few problems which need to b ironed out, quite expensive too.

The FJR1300 is a great bike, it depends on how much you want to carry and if you have a fat passenger or you are a bit fat then you will have trouble getting on the bike and being comfortable.

I would recommend a brand new PAN myself, £8000 new, you can't go wrong. The one I am riding today has done 149,ooo kilometers and is still going strong.

>> Edited by tallchris99 on Thursday 19th December 15:04