Swap from naked to tourer, what bike?
Discussion
After doing my first tour this year and owning the same bike for the previous 4 years a big part of me is wanting to make the move to a more touring/adventure orientated machine. Currently on a gen 2 BMW s1kr, awesome bike, can’t fault it, struggle to replace it with anything that’ll better it without paying silly money for something (in my opinion) something with more comfort and wind protection is calling, still want something with plenty of poke you can push on with but can’t decide on the right tool for the job. Suggestions welcome, thanks!
You've not said if you're looking for new or second hand, or what the ball park budget might be.
Lots of choice currently in the sports tourer market. The KTM SD1290GT is a great bike but also look at the Suzuki GSXS1000GT and the Kawasaki Ninja1000SX. From BMW there's the R1250RS and the new R1300RS. For older bikes there's the Honda VFR800 and VFR1200, the Kawasaki ZZR1400 and the BMW K1300S
Finally, the best of the lot is the Kawasaki H2 SX. There's a good reason why I'm on my second having put 35,000 miles on my first.
Lots of choice currently in the sports tourer market. The KTM SD1290GT is a great bike but also look at the Suzuki GSXS1000GT and the Kawasaki Ninja1000SX. From BMW there's the R1250RS and the new R1300RS. For older bikes there's the Honda VFR800 and VFR1200, the Kawasaki ZZR1400 and the BMW K1300S
Finally, the best of the lot is the Kawasaki H2 SX. There's a good reason why I'm on my second having put 35,000 miles on my first.
Edited by black-k1 on Friday 29th August 09:42
Agree with all the above suggestions, my R1250RS is out of the doghouse following a fantastic trip around the Alps earlier this year, a trip which it was hard to fault for, except perhaps economy at three figure cruising on the Autobahn.
Most obvious option, S1000XR surely? Suzuki GSXS1000GX is fun, cracking suspension.
Most obvious option, S1000XR surely? Suzuki GSXS1000GX is fun, cracking suspension.
I don't usually do these 'what bike' threads as the usual suspects KTM, GSs, Speed Triples, H2 SX normally pop-up and great bikes they are too...but you did say touring, comfort and weather protection! Here's my take on it...
Indian RoadMaster PowerPlus 112
Clearly it's not a sports tourer, but the comfort is extemporary - easy all-day riding position for me. When I bought it, I rode from Cornwall home to Fife 550 miles in gusty winds and squally showers, actually some quite heavy. But I was pressing on and couldn't be bothered stopping for waterproofs, and only my knees got wet - which wasn't a really problem with knee armour.
[Electric] screen up or down there's no wind pressure on your body or helmet - I really don't like riding with a visor down (glasses wearer) and run the screen down most of the time, but up in the rain. The leg shields have vents in them that open on hotter days, and there's vents under the fairing that swivel to direct more air to you - I was riding it in 95 degree heat at times on a Czech trip and there's enough air control to give you a decent breeze while you're moving, but it never gets 'windy' and I don't get buffeted.
I've done 600 miles in a day on it, and even though I'm an old bloke I could easily have done a couple of hundred more, except I'd got where I wanted to go.
Massive luggage capacity, plus electrically adjustable [Fox] rear suspension - just tap in the load in the bags, box and pillion and it'll adjust. And a decent 4-speaker stereo to for motorway drudgery, and cruise control.
But now the surprising thing to some - sure it's a big heavy lump but it's amazingly sprightly on the move and fairly nippy. Clearly its not a sports bike or even a sports tourer, but it handles the twisties really well..at my skill level/b
k-size I don't need any more cornering prowess. The chassis spec doesn't really read like a regular US heavyweight - aluminium frame, Brembo radial brakes, upside down forks, Fox monoshock rear etc. The chassis and motor are the basis of the Indian King of the Baggers race bikes...BTW if you haven't seen it and want to watch some entertaining racing have a look at King of the Baggers on YouTube.
And unlike the 'conventional' 'mercan v-twins it's water cooled, OHC with 4-valve heads and relatively high revving. At 112 Cu In (1835cc?) I think it's meant to make 125hp and 130ft/lb so not superbike power, but very torquey and nippy enough for touring. It's far from being just a motorway cruiser; you could do worse than getting a test ride if you're looking for touring comfort and weather protection, you might be surprised.
Looking forward to a trip Provence in a week
Indian RoadMaster PowerPlus 112
Clearly it's not a sports tourer, but the comfort is extemporary - easy all-day riding position for me. When I bought it, I rode from Cornwall home to Fife 550 miles in gusty winds and squally showers, actually some quite heavy. But I was pressing on and couldn't be bothered stopping for waterproofs, and only my knees got wet - which wasn't a really problem with knee armour.[Electric] screen up or down there's no wind pressure on your body or helmet - I really don't like riding with a visor down (glasses wearer) and run the screen down most of the time, but up in the rain. The leg shields have vents in them that open on hotter days, and there's vents under the fairing that swivel to direct more air to you - I was riding it in 95 degree heat at times on a Czech trip and there's enough air control to give you a decent breeze while you're moving, but it never gets 'windy' and I don't get buffeted.
I've done 600 miles in a day on it, and even though I'm an old bloke I could easily have done a couple of hundred more, except I'd got where I wanted to go.
Massive luggage capacity, plus electrically adjustable [Fox] rear suspension - just tap in the load in the bags, box and pillion and it'll adjust. And a decent 4-speaker stereo to for motorway drudgery, and cruise control.
But now the surprising thing to some - sure it's a big heavy lump but it's amazingly sprightly on the move and fairly nippy. Clearly its not a sports bike or even a sports tourer, but it handles the twisties really well..at my skill level/b
k-size I don't need any more cornering prowess. The chassis spec doesn't really read like a regular US heavyweight - aluminium frame, Brembo radial brakes, upside down forks, Fox monoshock rear etc. The chassis and motor are the basis of the Indian King of the Baggers race bikes...BTW if you haven't seen it and want to watch some entertaining racing have a look at King of the Baggers on YouTube.And unlike the 'conventional' 'mercan v-twins it's water cooled, OHC with 4-valve heads and relatively high revving. At 112 Cu In (1835cc?) I think it's meant to make 125hp and 130ft/lb so not superbike power, but very torquey and nippy enough for touring. It's far from being just a motorway cruiser; you could do worse than getting a test ride if you're looking for touring comfort and weather protection, you might be surprised.
Looking forward to a trip Provence in a week
Perhaps controversial as most people like to change it up when they swap bikes, eg ive had a BMW so i'll go to something different. But....if you loved your S1000R so much (I understand why!), why not look at the same engine in a tourer chassis...eg S1000XR.....low and behold I'm selling my lovely example which would be perfect.
listed for 7.5k open to offers
listed for 7.5k open to offers
The GS guys will flame me but I don't think the OP should go too adventure or touring, doesn't sound a good fit.
OP look at the first three bikes in this pic:
Three box luggage packed for a fortnight, weather protection, comfort, still sporty. Next is more of the same, bit heavier. Excuse the GS tard at the back, he's looking for his keys/wallet/toiletries he can't remember which one of the thousand pockets & bags he packed it in.
OP look at the first three bikes in this pic:
Three box luggage packed for a fortnight, weather protection, comfort, still sporty. Next is more of the same, bit heavier. Excuse the GS tard at the back, he's looking for his keys/wallet/toiletries he can't remember which one of the thousand pockets & bags he packed it in.
PorkInsider said:
T6 vanman said:
Although granted .. It's a bit ugly
That's being overly kind, imo.There was a fleet of them outside the Victory Cafe at the TT this year and looking at them put me right off my coffee and cake.
The only 2 proper sports tourers left are the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT and the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX. Of which the Ninja is generally considered to be the slightly better. New, both will cost about £13/14k. Used, start about £5k upwards. IMO the "adventure bikes" are too tall to enjoy pushing on, but give the different styles a try and see what you think.
Condi said:
The only 2 proper sports tourers left are the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT and the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX. ....
I'm sorry but that statement is a load of tripe. There are many other "proper" sports tourers, including SD1390GT/1290GT, S1000XR, R1300RS, Ninja H2 SX, Tracer 9 GT, Hayabusa amongst others. I know it's sometimes hard to separate sports tourers from tourers and adventure bikes but those mentioned are sporty road bikes with touring capability.Check out https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
black-k1 said:
I'm sorry but that statement is a load of tripe. There are many other "proper" sports tourers, including SD1390GT/1290GT, S1000XR, R1300RS, Ninja H2 SX, Tracer 9 GT, Hayabusa amongst others. I know it's sometimes hard to separate sports tourers from tourers and adventure bikes but those mentioned are sporty road bikes with touring capability.
Check out https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
Each to their own, but IMO any "sit up" bike is not a sports tourer. Check out https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
Maybe I should say then, the most "sports focused" of the sports tourers (and what would be traditionally called a sports tourer), are the Ninja 1000sx and the Suzuki GXS-S1000GT.
Your milage may vary.
Condi said:
black-k1 said:
I'm sorry but that statement is a load of tripe. There are many other "proper" sports tourers, including SD1390GT/1290GT, S1000XR, R1300RS, Ninja H2 SX, Tracer 9 GT, Hayabusa amongst others. I know it's sometimes hard to separate sports tourers from tourers and adventure bikes but those mentioned are sporty road bikes with touring capability.
Check out https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
Each to their own, but IMO any "sit up" bike is not a sports tourer. Check out https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...
Maybe I should say then, the most "sports focused" of the sports tourers (and what would be traditionally called a sports tourer), are the Ninja 1000sx and the Suzuki GXS-S1000GT.
Your milage may vary.
They are definitely sports bikes with loggage options.
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