Thinking of a sports tourer

Zascar

So as per my previous thread I'm just back from 10 days in France, did serious mileage and loved it but my bike (Ducati Monster 620) was far from ideal. Next time I go I want a better bike. I want something that is still a bit sporty, but comfy for motorway driving. I would have given my left ball for a decent bit if wind protection on many occasions on my trip. I don’t think there are too many bikes that fit the category of good looking, kinda light and nimble while being, powerful and comfortable too.. Also, I’m a shortarse at 5’6 so it has to have a relatively low seat height. I’d go by a BMW GS tomorrow if I could but it’s simply way too big for me. Generally its fine when riding but it’s trying to move the thing backwards when parking etc which would be impossible on anything big.

Currently what fits the bill is a Honda VFR800 VTEC. They are pretty much known as great all rounder bikes, the reviews are very good and I’m a Honda fan as I drive a Civic Type R. Seat height is 31.7” which pretty low, I think my Monster is 30.5”. I’m a stickler for a good looking bike – there are many I would not touch as I’m sure they are great bikes but they are just ugly. The newer ones come in white which I think look great, but dam they are expensive, going to cost about 6-7k I’d say. However I’m sure I could get a black or grey one for much cheaper a few years older. However I’m sure I could get a black or grey one for much cheaper a few years older. You can also get hard luggage for them which is well handy for touring.

So, apart from this, what other bikes should I consider?

pa990

Zascar wrote: »

So as per my previous thread I'm just back from 10 days in France, did serious mileage and loved it but my bike (Ducati Monster 620) was far from ideal. Next time I go I want a better bike. I want something that is still a bit sporty, but comfy for motorway driving. I would have given my left ball for a decent bit if wind protection on many occasions on my trip. I don’t think there are too many bikes that fit the category of good looking, kinda light and nimble while being, powerful and comfortable too.. Also, I’m a shortarse at 5’6 so it has to have a relatively low seat height. I’d go by a BMW GS tomorrow if I could but it’s simply way too big for me. Generally its fine when riding but it’s trying to move the thing backwards when parking etc which would be impossible on anything big.

Currently what fits the bill is a Honda VFR800 VTEC. They are pretty much known as great all rounder bikes, the reviews are very good and I’m a Honda fan as I drive a Civic Type R. Seat height is 31.7” which pretty low, I think my Monster is 30.5”. I’m a stickler for a good looking bike – there are many I would not touch as I’m sure they are great bikes but they are just ugly. The newer ones come in white which I think look great, but dam they are expensive, going to cost about 6-7k I’d say. However I’m sure I could get a black or grey one for much cheaper a few years older. However I’m sure I could get a black or grey one for much cheaper a few years older. You can also get hard luggage for them which is well handy for touring.

So, apart from this, what other bikes should I consider?

what about an f800st

galwaytt

pa990 wrote: »

what about an f800st

From a riding position point of view, I think that'd be good, but an F800GS would be even better.

I don't think the V-Tec equipped VFR is great idea tbh. It's not a light bike, and the on/off nature of the V-Tec isn't ideal for touring. A non V-Tec VFR would be better imho.

Other bikes to consider, are........CBR600, Yamaha Thundercat 600, Kawasaki ZZ-R 600. All are compact, so good for those not-large-of-stature , plenty powerful, but comfortable with it. And, not being this year's hot-poop, loads available from budget pricing up to as much as you want to spend.

MrPudding

galwaytt wrote: »

... Kawasaki ZZ-R 600. All are compact, so good for those not-large-of-stature , plenty powerful, but comfortable with it. And, not being this year's hot-poop, loads available from budget pricing up to as much as you want to spend.

I had one of these myself and it was not bad.

OP, how much money are you looking to spend and are you buying new?

MrP

Cuddlesworth

I would have said tank size would be another important consideration.

MrPudding

Cuddlesworth wrote: »

I would have said tank size would be another important consideration.

Well, if it is tank size, then you need one of these, not a sports tourer, but an awesome bike for touring.

What about a Honda Blackbird?

KamiKazi

Fully faired SV650 with double bubble / touring screen?

Idleater

Deleted User wrote: »

What about a Honda Blackbird?

or a zx1200 from a few years back. They were classed as sports "tourers" weren't they? 300kmph machines iirc. Certainly mile munchers.

On the other hand, my SV1000 has been great on long journeys, but my current favourite is the new Multistrada. I'd opt for the sportier one with panniers rather than the BimmerGS variant.

The older multistrada is probably more in your initial budget though and a very capable tourer, though its looks are somewhat, erm, how can one put this, not to everyone's taste.

Wossack

zx9

JohnnyCrash

I know that it wouldnt be classed as a sports tourer,but what about the 1300 Pan.

BlackWizard

MrPudding wrote: »

Well, if it is tank size, then you need one of these, not a sports tourer, but an awesome bike for touring.

What bike is that?

Wossack

BlackWizard wrote: »

What bike is that?

r1200gs*


*step ladder not included

RosieJoe

How about a K1200s?

MrPudding

Wossack wrote: »

r1200gs*


*step ladder not included

R1200GS Adventure to give it its full title. Comes complete with something like a 34 litre tank, plus reserve.

MrP

Wonda-Boy

Dont know about your budget, but the new Yamaha Fazer 800 FZ8 is getting rave reviews.....could also get the 1000cc.

Zascar

Thanks for the replies guys. Some nice choices there. The more I look at MBW’s the more I like them. The BMW F800ST is a lovely bike – competes directly with the VFR800 – both get great reviews, each have their merits really – but the BMW’s are more pricey. I think I might look at the F800GS too – I assume it’s a bit smaller and I’m told you can get a lower seat option – which would be cool.

I suppose it kinda boils down to price. I have an offer on my bike for 3k so there are some nice (slightly older) VFR’s around for the 4k mark. Maybe I’ll just go for one of these for now, get used to a bigger bike and then maybe step up a nice BMW a while after that perhaps?

ifah

i had my cousins tdm900 out for a few days - should fit into what your looking for - light and nimble for commuting and great fully loaded for touring .

CJhaughey

How about the Fazer 1000, a detuned R1 engine tuned for torque, and a more upright stance.
You can get them very reasonably priced if you look around.

Paparazzo

What about an FJR? Something like this: http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1990780

MrPudding wrote: »

Well, if it is tank size, then you need one of these, not a sports tourer, but an awesome bike for touring.

http://www.visordown.com/uploads/images/Large/6019.JPG

He said the gs was too big, but agree that it's a great bike for touring. Loads of storage space, nice upright seating position, great wind protection, big tank.

650Ginge

pa990 wrote: »

what about an f800st

Sounds like the bike for you.

650Ginge

Paparazzo wrote: »

What about an FJR? Something like this: http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1990780



He said the gs was too big, but agree that it's a great bike for touring. Loads of storage space, nice upright seating position, great wind protection, big tank.

I have an FJR not a big as you think, certainly not as wide as you think. You can get a lowering kit but it is heavy, when not on the move. Have loads of grunt, once moving you rarely need to drop out of 5th but I would love if it had a 6th gear.

Not so sure about the the wind protection on the GS, if they had decent wind protection there wouldn't be so many little shields and fairing extentions at silly prices that BMW riders love to load up on. Seriously arent they like 20k new and then they seem to fit €4-5k of accessories straing away. But I did test one recently and I loved it, but you are going to get very wet on it, on a wet day.

Paparazzo

650Ginge wrote: »

I have an FJR not a big as you thing, certainly not as wide as you think. You can get a lowering kit but it is heavy, when not on the move. Have loads of grunt, once moving you rarely need to drop out of 5th but I would love if it had a 6th gear.

Not so sure about the the wind protection on the GS, if they had decent wind protection there wouldn't be so many little shields and fairing extentions at silly prices that BMW riders love to load up on. Seriously arent they like 20k new and then they seem to fit €4-5k of accessories straing away. But I did test one recently and I loved it, but you are going to get very wet on it, on a wet day.

I meant on the gs1200adv cos that's the picture MrPudding posted. Great protection on them. You'll get wet on any bike on a wet day!

MrPudding

Paparazzo wrote: »

I meant on the gs1200adv cos that's the picture MrPudding posted. Great protection on them. You'll get wet on any bike on a wet day!

Yeah, there is a huge amount of wind protection, there may not be much in the may of fairings, but there is plenty of protection...

MrP

Paparazzo

MrPudding wrote: »

Yeah, there is a huge amount of wind protection, there may not be much in the may of fairings, but there is plenty of protection...

MrP

I love the idea of a bike without fairing giving so much wind protection.

galwaytt

650Ginge wrote: »

.... Seriously arent they like 20k new and then they seem to fit €4-5k of accessories straing away. But I did test one recently and I loved it, but you are going to get very wet on it, on a wet day.

The F800GS comes with a low seat option, and is €11,800 new.

Whilst not cheap, it's nothing like 20k.

Spudmonkey

galwaytt wrote: »

The F800GS comes with a low seat option, and is €11,800 new.

Whilst not cheap, it's nothing like 20k.

If you are thinking of an 800gs but it is a bit too pricey, have a look out for a 08 650gs or newer. These models had an 800cc engine even though they were called 650 (dunno why).

I was looking at one of these a couple of months back and its a super bike. Was approximately 6.5k second hand. It was the right bike for me but just the wrong time to buy it.

Del2005

Spudmonkey wrote: »

If you are thinking of an 800gs but it is a bit too pricey, have a look out for a 08 650gs or newer. These models had an 800cc engine even though they were called 650 (dunno why).

F800GS is the Off Road bike the F650GS is the road bike, 800 has bigger wheels for proper off road tyres. The F650GS is more suitable for shorter riders.

turbodiesel

Zascar wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys. Some nice choices there. The more I look at MBW’s the more I like them. The BMW F800ST is a lovely bike – competes directly with the VFR800 – both get great reviews, each have their merits really – but the BMW’s are more pricey. I think I might look at the F800GS too – I assume it’s a bit smaller and I’m told you can get a lower seat option – which would be cool.

I suppose it kinda boils down to price. I have an offer on my bike for 3k so there are some nice (slightly older) VFR’s around for the 4k mark. Maybe I’ll just go for one of these for now, get used to a bigger bike and then maybe step up a nice BMW a while after that perhaps?

Looks like there could be a bargain to be had here, Owner says he's seeing a trader this weekend so you'd pick it up for trade price.

I reckon you'd get it for about 1700 gbp and then as it's '02 the vrt couldn't be more than 250eur, you'd have it on your door after ferries and fuel for 2500eur...lot's of extras and a clean lowish mileage bike and as it's a UK'r it has FSH with MOT's to verify the mileage....

Scottoiler, heated grips, new tyres, new C&S......
http://www.carpe-tdm.net/ipb/index.php?showtopic=21334&st=0&gopid=206089&#entry206089

Wossack

if yer dead set on a tedium, dogsbox have a couple I believe

http://www.dogsboxmotorcycles.ie/english/bikes/yamaha.html

galwaytt

Del2005 wrote: »

F800GS is the Off Road bike the F650GS is the road bike, 800 has bigger wheels for proper off road tyres. The F650GS is more suitable for shorter riders.

Tgh - they're all road bikes........who in reality (on this island esp), goes off roading on stuff that big ? Fug me, my 250 GasGas is heavy enough to pull upright when you get off...........an 800 anything would be a killer.......

There's one of them 800cc F650's (sic :rolleyes: ) for sale in Galway atmo.

Del2005

galwaytt wrote: »

Tgh - they're all road bikes........who in reality (on this island esp), goes off roading on stuff that big ? Fug me, my 250 GasGas is heavy enough to pull upright when you get off...........an 800 anything would be a killer.......

I know that and everyone who buys one knows that, same way very few 4x4 gets mud on them.

I've had enough hell dragging old Bultaco's out of the mud to know better then bringing anything that big off road.

Wossack

954 fireblade

Pique

Del2005 wrote: »

F800GS is the Off Road bike the F650GS is the road bike, 800 has bigger wheels for proper off road tyres. The F650GS is more suitable for shorter riders.

Tell that to the Dakar riders who frequently use F650GS bikes. The F650GS Dakar was launched to celebrate its success in this field. GS means Gelande-Strasse or Off road - Street, to show its suitability in both environments.

BOT, I would say the VFR800 is the machine to go for, OP. Even though I agree that the white ones look sweet, an older black one resprayed might be an affordable compromise.

Anyone know how much fairings on one of those would cost to respray?

Del2005

Pique wrote: »

Tell that to the Dakar riders who frequently use F650GS bikes. The F650GS Dakar was launched to celebrate its success in this field. GS means Gelande-Strasse or Off road - Street, to show its suitability in both environments.

That's the old F650GS which was a single 650cc, the new one is a twin 800cc.

MrPudding

Del2005 wrote: »

That's the old F650GS which was a single 650cc, the new one is a twin 800cc.

They brought out a new one on Paddy's day, so they again have a single cylinder 650gs.

MrP

Zascar

I will go and have a look at a 800gs cause I'd love one one day, but can't really afford it right now, with plenty of reasonably priced vfr's around it would be silly of me not to get one of them right now. What should I be looking for and how much? I hear the post 05 ones have the VTEC sorted out. Is it worth looking in the UK? I'd love one with luggage already as its a bloody expensive aftermarket purchase. Apart from donedeal and autotrader are there any other sites I should be looking at?

galwaytt

MrPudding wrote: »

They brought out a new one on Paddy's day, so they again have a single cylinder 650gs.

MrP

Indeed they did: I saw one in Germany a few weeks ago.

BMW naturally, and to avoid confusion have called the new, single, 650cc F the.........G650 !!

It is lovely, though.

Pity it's made in China, though.....

P.C.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201027362725262/sort/priceasc/usedbikes/cc-from/700cc/cc-to/800cc/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/model/vfr/make/honda/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/m12pg?logcode=p

P.C.

Or this:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201116385526274/sort/priceasc/usedbikes/cc-from/700cc/cc-to/800cc/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/model/vfr/make/honda/radius/1500/postcode/m12pg/page/6?logcode=p

fatbast

Zascar wrote: »

I will go and have a look at a 800gs cause I'd love one one day, but can't really afford it right now, with plenty of reasonably priced vfr's around it would be silly of me not to get one of them right now. What should I be looking for and how much? I hear the post 05 ones have the VTEC sorted out. Is it worth looking in the UK? I'd love one with luggage already as its a bloody expensive aftermarket purchase. Apart from donedeal and autotrader are there any other sites I should be looking at?

i have two bikes that would fit the bill. one is an f650dakar bmw a little slow but very economical/comfortable the other is a zzr1400 very fast/comfortable. nice low seat and can cruise at high speed. not that heavy on fuel below 100mph..... bm is on donedeal at 4k and is in good order the zzr has only 3500miles up and is as new not seen rain! here are some pics:

hondavfr

Zascar wrote: »

I will go and have a look at a 800gs cause I'd love one one day, but can't really afford it right now, with plenty of reasonably priced vfr's around it would be silly of me not to get one of them right now. What should I be looking for and how much? I hear the post 05 ones have the VTEC sorted out. Is it worth looking in the UK? I'd love one with luggage already as its a bloody expensive aftermarket purchase. Apart from donedeal and autotrader are there any other sites I should be looking at?

I have my VFR 2 years now with no problems what so ever. I got it in the UK with full hard luggage,ABS & heated grips. I use it to work and also for touring two up no hassle with plenty of grunt for overtaking etc.. The vtec issue was sorted in the 2006 bikes onwards and the sound of the engine changing tune is music to the ears when it cuts in. 200 miles to a tank no hassle on longer journeys. Build quality seems to be very good all round.

Zascar

Cool thanks. God to know, yeah the reviews are fairly great across the board for these bikes, great all rounders and little they won’t do. What exactly is the issue with the vtec? Is a pre 2006 one definitely to be avoided? I see a lot of great deals on pre 2005 bikes with very low mileage. Should I deffo be buying with luggage now – or do you think I could pick up luggage later for a decent price?

hondavfr

Zascar wrote: »

Cool thanks. God to know, yeah the reviews are fairly great across the board for these bikes, great all rounders and little they won’t do. What exactly is the issue with the vtec? Is a pre 2006 one definitely to be avoided? I see a lot of great deals on pre 2005 bikes with very low mileage. Should I deffo be buying with luggage now – or do you think I could pick up luggage later for a decent price?

The vtec cuts in much more agressively in the pre 2006 models.I think the main issue was for people that were not used to it could get wheel spin coming out of corners if they rode it hard etc.. My one is much more smooth across the range but it can be more agressive depending on how you ride it. The back box is large and holds 2 helmets. I would look for full luggage if possible, lots in the Uk as some came with free luggage when new. Mine is an 08 model with clear indicator lens in red. I really cant fault it as it does everything i want. I would have bought in ireland but could get it cheaper in the UK with luggage,grips and rear hugger etc. Check that any warranty work was done as some had a small oil leak from around the air filter where a pipe corroded. Also as 16K the valves need checking and that service is expensive(around 300 euro's here) good luck

Zascar

My car is a Civic Type R with a vicious vtec at the moment so I'm well used to it. I think I'd actually like it, but I can imagine how you'd want a more smooth power delivery.

http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/06/75433606.html - this one is pretty good value

CJhaughey

Hitlers VFR

I don't know if you have seen this but I thought it was pretty funny.

Zascar

Definitely settled on a VFR now

Found a new nice ones - really like this: http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1693054 - but its in Cork and a little more than I was hoping to pay. Looks like a minter though. I really like this red, and with matching luggage as well, pretty much perfect.

There are some others for less money but they don't look as good:
http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/06/75433606.html
http://www.gumtree.ie/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-vfr/77729024
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/2008842

What do you guys think?

P.S. My bike is for sale! http://www.adverts.ie/car/other-ducati/other-ducati/ducati-monster-620-2005-beautiful-bike/616928

seanybiker

Last link accepts trade. Prolly offer shag all though. The one in cork is grand. Pluggy inny jacket just sounds cool

hondavfr

Zascar wrote: »

Definitely settled on a VFR now

Found a new nice ones - really like this: http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/1693054 - but its in Cork and a little more than I was hoping to pay. Looks like a minter though. I really like this red, and with matching luggage as well, pretty much perfect.

There are some others for less money but they don't look as good:
http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/06/75433606.html
http://www.gumtree.ie/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-vfr/77729024
http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/2008842

What do you guys think?

P.S. My bike is for sale! http://www.adverts.ie/car/other-ducati/other-ducati/ducati-monster-620-2005-beautiful-bike/616928

I like the one from Cork myself, the heated grips are a nice extra especially on cool evenings & the colour is also good.If you go to see it have a good look see if there is any corrosion on brake pipes etc. It looks good from the photos and from my experience the build quality is excellent. The top box is big but it does hold 2 helmets and the suspension is adjustable if you like it hard when loaded. Good luck!

RosieJoe

At least the one from Cork already has the luggage rack and the panniers for you. You'd need to spend money on the other 3 to get them, that would sway me more in favour of the Cork one to start with. Plus, it looks in great nick

Zascar

Very true! Yeah its pretty much perfect for me. He won't take a penny less though. Plus, I need to sell my bike and who knows how long that could take. Do you guys think its priced right?