Thoughts on a Sports Tourer?
Discussion
Looking for something with a 17” front wheel in a sports tourer type of bike, but one where you sit a bit more upright, seeing as I don’t off-road and most it not all of my riding is days out or the odd your here and there.
Test ridden the 1st Gen Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S and apart from the harsh quickshifter in 1st and 2nd then I really liked it (although can’t now remember if it felt a bit cramped, I’m 6ft 1”) so when my dealer gets a demo of the 2nd Gen bike in I’ll be taking that for a test ride.
Also gave the new Tiger 800 Sport a go last week, nice bike but maybe a few too many things on it I wasn’t too sure about but a nice enough bike all the same.
Got a test ride of a 2024 BMW S1000XR tomorrow and looking forward to that, all the YouTube reviews are promising and the seating position didn’t feel too bad when I sat on it at the dealership.
Lastly wouldn’t mind a test ride of the Yamaha Tracer 9GT+ but nearest dealers is a fair few miles away.
Not to plussed on the Suzuki GX new touring bike at the moment, seen too many reviews all saying, wooly brakes, poor tyres and electronic suspension not the best.
Any thoughts???
Anyone got any of the above bikes and if so any pointers or things to look out for?
Test ridden the 1st Gen Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S and apart from the harsh quickshifter in 1st and 2nd then I really liked it (although can’t now remember if it felt a bit cramped, I’m 6ft 1”) so when my dealer gets a demo of the 2nd Gen bike in I’ll be taking that for a test ride.
Also gave the new Tiger 800 Sport a go last week, nice bike but maybe a few too many things on it I wasn’t too sure about but a nice enough bike all the same.
Got a test ride of a 2024 BMW S1000XR tomorrow and looking forward to that, all the YouTube reviews are promising and the seating position didn’t feel too bad when I sat on it at the dealership.
Lastly wouldn’t mind a test ride of the Yamaha Tracer 9GT+ but nearest dealers is a fair few miles away.
Not to plussed on the Suzuki GX new touring bike at the moment, seen too many reviews all saying, wooly brakes, poor tyres and electronic suspension not the best.
Any thoughts???
Anyone got any of the above bikes and if so any pointers or things to look out for?
Edited by Martylaa on Monday 10th March 14:19
I'd suggest you've missed the KTM SD1290GT, the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and the BMW R1250RS.
I did a similar "market review" in 2019 after my K1300S had been killed by Bambi, and ended up with a short list of the S1000XR, the SD1290GT and the H2 SX. All were great bikes but the SD1290GT was noticeably better than the S1000XR, and the H2 SX noticeably better still. Coincidentally, those rankings aligned with the relative costs!
I bought the H2 SX and never regrated it in the 5 years, 35000 miles of ownership. A quick check of the competition last year and I went for another H2 SX!
I did a similar "market review" in 2019 after my K1300S had been killed by Bambi, and ended up with a short list of the S1000XR, the SD1290GT and the H2 SX. All were great bikes but the SD1290GT was noticeably better than the S1000XR, and the H2 SX noticeably better still. Coincidentally, those rankings aligned with the relative costs!
I bought the H2 SX and never regrated it in the 5 years, 35000 miles of ownership. A quick check of the competition last year and I went for another H2 SX!
black-k1 said:
I'd suggest you've missed the KTM SD1290GT, the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and the BMW R1250RS.
Another vote for the R1250R/RS, especially if lots of toys combined with mid-range torque is your thing. And BMW Motorrad dealerships appear to be hanging around......Thanks for the comments, regarding the KTM, then I'm staying away from those bikes tbh, don't like the recent news on KTM and seen some bad YouTube vids regarding problems with the Duke GT's, have to say the new 1390GT looks superb but something about KTM brings me the fear regarding reliability...
I'm tending to stay away from the Kwak and Suzuki due to lower seating positions as I prefer something a bit more upright and finally the R1250 RS just feels to big and long for me when I sat on one, sure they are great bikes but personally for me they are something I'm not going to look at atm...
I'm tending to stay away from the Kwak and Suzuki due to lower seating positions as I prefer something a bit more upright and finally the R1250 RS just feels to big and long for me when I sat on one, sure they are great bikes but personally for me they are something I'm not going to look at atm...
Edited by Martylaa on Monday 10th March 16:10
I'd suggest you ignore the reviews you've seen/read about the Suzuki GX and actually go ride one. I have ridden one, the suspension is fantastic, the handling is nicely adjustable and the engine is giggly fun. The tyres are kind of irrelevant as they'll wear out and get replaced ( you'll ride the bike, right?) and they're not that bad anyway. The brakes work okay, but the lever requires more of a pull than I'm used to, but then the BMW brake lever is pretty rock hard. I haven't ridden the XR, I might like it, but I question if it's worth the extra in comparison.
Given your comments about riding position the R1250RS doesn't suit you, it's canted forwards so requires a bit of core support. I do like that, so in general for me it works, but around town I'd prefer a more upright position. On long journeys the RS works well, all day comfort, flickable in the twisties even with luggage, and plenty of torque so it's not demanding. The "electronic suspension" isn't great, fine for all day comfort, but if you switch to Dynamic the front is a bit firm whilst the back is a pogostick. The big Suzi is way ahead in this area.
If they'd had the colour I wanted at the time I was ready to do a deal I'd have the GX right now, but instead I've still got the RS, and I might keep it another season; I might try to get an XR as a courtesy bike in a couple of weeks.
Btw I loved the Guzzi, but the reason I don't have it is I found the seating position a bit restrictive, there wasn't any room to squidge around; fine for an hour, but after that you'd need to stop. If that suits your riding, it's a lovely bike. I really wanted to put one in my garage.
Given your comments about riding position the R1250RS doesn't suit you, it's canted forwards so requires a bit of core support. I do like that, so in general for me it works, but around town I'd prefer a more upright position. On long journeys the RS works well, all day comfort, flickable in the twisties even with luggage, and plenty of torque so it's not demanding. The "electronic suspension" isn't great, fine for all day comfort, but if you switch to Dynamic the front is a bit firm whilst the back is a pogostick. The big Suzi is way ahead in this area.
If they'd had the colour I wanted at the time I was ready to do a deal I'd have the GX right now, but instead I've still got the RS, and I might keep it another season; I might try to get an XR as a courtesy bike in a couple of weeks.
Btw I loved the Guzzi, but the reason I don't have it is I found the seating position a bit restrictive, there wasn't any room to squidge around; fine for an hour, but after that you'd need to stop. If that suits your riding, it's a lovely bike. I really wanted to put one in my garage.
FWIW This is my 3rd year of riding a Tracer 9GT, incl tours of Scotland (NC500) and the Picos (probably 1000 km).
Nice low down torque, but does run out of puff as the speed rises. I'm on the stops on the motorway often.
I've found it v comfortable. 10 hours in saddle some days of touring, and yes legs and arse aches. But they all do that sir...
Could use a better exhaust but it's a full system or nothing. No slip ons.
I was following a nice s1000RR today, and found myself fantasizing about the s1000XR.
I did test one last year, but it was raining and I think it was in rain mode (which was bulls
t).
Nice low down torque, but does run out of puff as the speed rises. I'm on the stops on the motorway often.
I've found it v comfortable. 10 hours in saddle some days of touring, and yes legs and arse aches. But they all do that sir...
Could use a better exhaust but it's a full system or nothing. No slip ons.
I was following a nice s1000RR today, and found myself fantasizing about the s1000XR.
I did test one last year, but it was raining and I think it was in rain mode (which was bulls
t).hiccy18 said:
I'd suggest you ignore the reviews you've seen/read about the Suzuki GX and actually go ride one. I have ridden one, the suspension is fantastic, the handling is nicely adjustable and the engine is giggly fun. The tyres are kind of irrelevant as they'll wear out and get replaced ( you'll ride the bike, right?) and they're not that bad anyway. The brakes work okay, but the lever requires more of a pull than I'm used to, but then the BMW brake lever is pretty rock hard. I haven't ridden the XR, I might like it, but I question if it's worth the extra in comparison.
Given your comments about riding position the R1250RS doesn't suit you, it's canted forwards so requires a bit of core support. I do like that, so in general for me it works, but around town I'd prefer a more upright position. On long journeys the RS works well, all day comfort, flickable in the twisties even with luggage, and plenty of torque so it's not demanding. The "electronic suspension" isn't great, fine for all day comfort, but if you switch to Dynamic the front is a bit firm whilst the back is a pogostick. The big Suzi is way ahead in this area.
If they'd had the colour I wanted at the time I was ready to do a deal I'd have the GX right now, but instead I've still got the RS, and I might keep it another season; I might try to get an XR as a courtesy bike in a couple of weeks.
Btw I loved the Guzzi, but the reason I don't have it is I found the seating position a bit restrictive, there wasn't any room to squidge around; fine for an hour, but after that you'd need to stop. If that suits your riding, it's a lovely bike. I really wanted to put one in my garage.
Appreciate the comments, I probably will try and test ride the GX however for whatever reason my local Suzuki dealer doesn't carry a demo or have a 2nd hand one for sale (which I could test ride).Given your comments about riding position the R1250RS doesn't suit you, it's canted forwards so requires a bit of core support. I do like that, so in general for me it works, but around town I'd prefer a more upright position. On long journeys the RS works well, all day comfort, flickable in the twisties even with luggage, and plenty of torque so it's not demanding. The "electronic suspension" isn't great, fine for all day comfort, but if you switch to Dynamic the front is a bit firm whilst the back is a pogostick. The big Suzi is way ahead in this area.
If they'd had the colour I wanted at the time I was ready to do a deal I'd have the GX right now, but instead I've still got the RS, and I might keep it another season; I might try to get an XR as a courtesy bike in a couple of weeks.
Btw I loved the Guzzi, but the reason I don't have it is I found the seating position a bit restrictive, there wasn't any room to squidge around; fine for an hour, but after that you'd need to stop. If that suits your riding, it's a lovely bike. I really wanted to put one in my garage.
I'm looking forward to the BMW S1000XR test tomorrow, I'll see what it is like, with regards to the Moto Guzzi, there was deffo something I thought regarding the comfort but for some reason I was thinking it may have been the knee angle rather than the seat not giving much room to move around on.
Similar to above I tried the S1000XR a couple of times, plus the kawasakis, the KTM, the GS (I know wheel size), after leaving my k1300S.
I first had an XR as a courtesy bike from Maidenhead and the leisurely ride home I was missing my K1300. Then when they rang to say it was ready I rode back a bit more eagerly and all of a sudden I liked it. Kind of opposite to my experience of the R NineT then ha!
Anyway long story short I ended up on a GS first, then the KTM GT.
I was going to say though, remember bar risers, rearsets, fancy seats etc. means you can modify ergo to some degree if you love a certain bike.
I first had an XR as a courtesy bike from Maidenhead and the leisurely ride home I was missing my K1300. Then when they rang to say it was ready I rode back a bit more eagerly and all of a sudden I liked it. Kind of opposite to my experience of the R NineT then ha!
Anyway long story short I ended up on a GS first, then the KTM GT.
I was going to say though, remember bar risers, rearsets, fancy seats etc. means you can modify ergo to some degree if you love a certain bike.
Test rode and ordered the S1000XR (MSport colour) on Sat. I’m 62 and 6’ 2” I’ve had loads of sportsbikes but can’t cope with them anymore, I’m coming off a GS1250, great bike for distance etc but a little dull for a Sunday morning blast. The XR is comfy enough for touring in my view and will satisfy the excitement/sportsbike buzz too, great bike
Comfort is a really difficult thing to judge without actually sitting on a bike for a fair few miles. Nick Saunders went around the world on an R1 when most people can only get as far as the local ring-road.
My 6ft tall, 68 year old friend, visiting from Australia, was worried last year when I leant him H2 SX for our trip to the Pyrenees but, to his surprise, he found it extremly confortable. However, another friend on the same trip found his R1200GSA less comfortable, especially on the long days.
If the bike claims to be a sports-tourer it'll be worth a trying.
My 6ft tall, 68 year old friend, visiting from Australia, was worried last year when I leant him H2 SX for our trip to the Pyrenees but, to his surprise, he found it extremly confortable. However, another friend on the same trip found his R1200GSA less comfortable, especially on the long days.
If the bike claims to be a sports-tourer it'll be worth a trying.
Stone Cold said:
Test rode and ordered the S1000XR (MSport colour) on Sat. I’m 62 and 6’ 2” I’ve had loads of sportsbikes but can’t cope with them anymore, I’m coming off a GS1250, great bike for distance etc but a little dull for a Sunday morning blast. The XR is comfy enough for touring in my view and will satisfy the excitement/sportsbike buzz too, great bike
Nice, also had a 1250 GS myself, and agreed, great bike for touring but my for those day trips out I found it a little too big, heavy and dare I say it bland too...I'd personally have a go on a Suzuki GX and not just take the reviews as gospel.
IF its anything like my old GSXS1000F, then yeah the tyres are st and the brakes meh, but swapping the tyres for something half decent and changing to EBC HH pads is a lot cheaper than paying the premium for another brand. The engine is ace though, and the gearbox is the best I've ever used.
Might still be st, might not.
Also that new Versys 1100 might fit the bill.
IF its anything like my old GSXS1000F, then yeah the tyres are s
t and the brakes meh, but swapping the tyres for something half decent and changing to EBC HH pads is a lot cheaper than paying the premium for another brand. The engine is ace though, and the gearbox is the best I've ever used.Might still be s
t, might not. Also that new Versys 1100 might fit the bill.
Stone Cold said:
Test rode and ordered the S1000XR (MSport colour) on Sat. I’m 62 and 6’ 2” I’ve had loads of sportsbikes but can’t cope with them anymore, I’m coming off a GS1250, great bike for distance etc but a little dull for a Sunday morning blast. The XR is comfy enough for touring in my view and will satisfy the excitement/sportsbike buzz too, great bike
Nice choice. Don't see you going far wrong with that. Looks a very versatile tool.Well, just back from a test ride on a 2024 BMW S1000XR, wow what a machine, never stopped smiling, shame it wasn't fully broken in so could not give it top licks but the seating position, the handling, the comfort, has fantastic gearbox, engine and brakes, the screen wasn't to bad at all and the sound of the akropovic exhaust was gorgeous.
I'm not even going to bother looking at anything else, its blown the V100 Mandello S and Tiger 800 Sport out of the water...
Right, now to sell some bikes...
I'm not even going to bother looking at anything else, its blown the V100 Mandello S and Tiger 800 Sport out of the water...
Right, now to sell some bikes...
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