Which smaller touring bike
Which smaller touring bike
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Discussion

Iminquarantine

Original Poster:

2,168 posts

74 months

Friday 14th August 2020
quotequote all
Went to see a BMW F800GS earlier in the week, which I liked but thinking what else I should be looking at.

Up to 6 years old is OK with me. Almost new is also OK with me as long as it is under £9,000.

I'm 5'9" and do a lot of city riding and filtering so it needs to have a sensible seat height so I can put both feet down in a hurry if necessary. 810mm or so. Must have a half or full fairing. Must have been sold with full luggage so that there will be a few used ones around with full luggage. Minimum engine size 800cc and upright riding position.

Contenders so far:
BMW F800GS. Liked it on a test ride but in the back of my mind I wonder of an 4 cylinder would be easier to munch miles on than a parallel twin.
Kawasaki Versys 1000. Like this the best, but the ones I like up for sale now are also at the top end of my budget. Has the highest seat height so I might have to get the foam in the seat trimmed and I don't know what that would do to mile munching comfort.
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
Honda CBF-1000. Used to own a 600 one of these. Bit boring but cheap and gets job done.

I don't think there is much else out there in budget with a upright riding position and plenty around with luggage.

dibblecorse

7,640 posts

222 months

Friday 14th August 2020
quotequote all
821 Hyperstrada, all came with panniers, mine also had a Givi top box ... I'm 5ft 8.


Jazoli

9,681 posts

280 months

Friday 14th August 2020
quotequote all
Iminquarantine said:
Went to see a BMW F800GS earlier in the week, which I liked but thinking what else I should be looking at.

Up to 6 years old is OK with me. Almost new is also OK with me as long as it is under £9,000.

I'm 5'9" and do a lot of city riding and filtering so it needs to have a sensible seat height so I can put both feet down in a hurry if necessary. 810mm or so. Must have a half or full fairing. Must have been sold with full luggage so that there will be a few used ones around with full luggage. Minimum engine size 800cc and upright riding position.

Contenders so far:
BMW F800GS. Liked it on a test ride but in the back of my mind I wonder of an 4 cylinder would be easier to munch miles on than a parallel twin.
Kawasaki Versys 1000. Like this the best, but the ones I like up for sale now are also at the top end of my budget. Has the highest seat height so I might have to get the foam in the seat trimmed and I don't know what that would do to mile munching comfort.
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
Honda CBF-1000. Used to own a 600 one of these. Bit boring but cheap and gets job done.

I don't think there is much else out there in budget with a upright riding position and plenty around with luggage.
Tracer 900
Z1000SX Tourer
Vstrom 1000
Triumph 900 Tiger
Multistrada

All have what you want, I wouldn't class any of therm apart from maybe the Tracer and Tiger as a 'smaller' touring bike though.

PIGINAWIG

2,339 posts

195 months

Friday 14th August 2020
quotequote all
The BMW F800 GT worth a shout, low seat position, belt drive and many luggage options. Good fuel economy to. Electronic suspension on some models, centre stand etc....

trickywoo

14,239 posts

260 months

Friday 14th August 2020
quotequote all
Vstrom 650. You don’t need anything more.

Roger Woods

643 posts

241 months

Tuesday 1st September 2020
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I bought a new tracer 900 gt for just over your budget...

wa16

2,423 posts

251 months

Tuesday 1st September 2020
quotequote all
your description is a z1000sx might get a 2019 with delivery miles for that price and a full waranty


MrGman

1,667 posts

236 months

Tuesday 1st September 2020
quotequote all
For you budget you’ll get a very nicely specced tiger 800, I’ve ridden quite a few and I really like them.

Iminquarantine

Original Poster:

2,168 posts

74 months

Tuesday 1st September 2020
quotequote all
Update: bought a BMW F800GT.

First impression is that 1st gear is quite high and the engine doesn’t have much rotational inertia. Infact I stalled it while moving already wink

GadgeS3C

4,727 posts

194 months

Tuesday 1st September 2020
quotequote all
Iminquarantine said:
Update: bought a BMW F800GT.

First impression is that 1st gear is quite high and the engine doesn’t have much rotational inertia. Infact I stalled it while moving already wink
They like some revs smile

I've got one so shout if you have questions. I find it very easy round town. Rode it home through torrential rain last year with lots of detours for floods. Was wet through and frozen, only the heated grips keep me going!

I find it a bit bland but competent. Good mix of power and weight - manages twisties as well as motorways.

Iminquarantine

Original Poster:

2,168 posts

74 months

Wednesday 2nd September 2020
quotequote all
GadgeS3C said:
They like some revs smile

I've got one so shout if you have questions. I find it very easy round town. Rode it home through torrential rain last year with lots of detours for floods. Was wet through and frozen, only the heated grips keep me going!

I find it a bit bland but competent. Good mix of power and weight - manages twisties as well as motorways.
Nice to hear Gadges3C smile Me, I wanted a lighter touring bike after having a heavy touring bike, which was great for touring but not as great for short trips in town.

This is my first bike with traction control. I gave it a bit of a boot in 1st gear last night and saw the traction orange light flash several times, which was a bit of a surprise since this is only a 90hp bike. I wonder if you can do a power wheelie on it if the traction control is off?

SteelerSE

2,028 posts

186 months

Thursday 3rd September 2020
quotequote all
Iminquarantine said:
Went to see a BMW F800GS earlier in the week, which I liked but thinking what else I should be looking at.

Up to 6 years old is OK with me. Almost new is also OK with me as long as it is under £9,000.

I'm 5'9" and do a lot of city riding and filtering so it needs to have a sensible seat height so I can put both feet down in a hurry if necessary. 810mm or so. Must have a half or full fairing. Must have been sold with full luggage so that there will be a few used ones around with full luggage. Minimum engine size 800cc and upright riding position.

Contenders so far:
BMW F800GS. Liked it on a test ride but in the back of my mind I wonder of an 4 cylinder would be easier to munch miles on than a parallel twin.
Kawasaki Versys 1000. Like this the best, but the ones I like up for sale now are also at the top end of my budget. Has the highest seat height so I might have to get the foam in the seat trimmed and I don't know what that would do to mile munching comfort.
Honda VFR800X Crossrunner
Honda CBF-1000. Used to own a 600 one of these. Bit boring but cheap and gets job done.

I don't think there is much else out there in budget with a upright riding position and plenty around with luggage.
Oddly enough I was just updating my Crossrunner review. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I know everyone plugs their own bike but don't discount it without riding one.

pessimal

339 posts

111 months

Thursday 3rd September 2020
quotequote all
Tiger 800?

i'm 5'7 with 28" legs and i can get enough foot down to be happy.

you can always get the factory low version if you want lower