Author Topic: Sport Touring bike for a young couple (Read 3589 times)

ProudGecko · « **on:** July 16, 2008, 05:05:52 AM »

My wife and I love bumming around town on my CB500 but that's about as much as we can do. We'd like to be able to go on trips with the bike but there just isn't any room to ride two-up with any sort of luggage, plus its a bit lacking in power with the two of us.

My question is, what would be a good sport touring bike for a young couple just starting out. Ideally I'd buy a Triumph Tiger/Sprint ST 1050 but I don't think the bank account will be able to support that this year. I'm not looking to buy anything to use this season so a bike that would need some maintenance during the winter isn't a big issue. We don't need anything fancy (or new), just something that can hold the two of us with at least side luggage and a tank bag and be able to keep up with traffic.

Thanks

my78k · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2008, 07:06:43 AM »

hmmm.....maybe a VFR?

.RJ · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2008, 07:22:15 AM »

Quote from: my78k on July 16, 2008, 07:06:43 AM

hmmm.....maybe a VFR?

+1

An older CBR (F2/F3) would fit the bill too.

blaster802 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2008, 01:41:35 PM »

thinking the same thing myself. As much as I love my 71 750 with 40,000 on it I've really like to have the Honda ST 1300

a

fuzzybutt · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2008, 05:05:08 PM »

buy a beemer twin.

DarkRider · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2008, 10:44:16 PM »

Even an older GL1000/1100 would fit the bill

seaweb11 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2008, 10:58:37 PM »

Secca 900

KB02 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 17, 2008, 04:30:03 AM »

Quote from: my78k on July 16, 2008, 07:06:43 AM

hmmm.....maybe a VFR?

That was my first thought, too.

I'm thinking about an upgrade in a couple of years as well and thinking along the sport touring line. I'm trying to decide between the Kawasaki Concord 1400 or the Yamaha FJR1300. I've ridden both and like the Conny better, but it has a major heat issue on the right side.

andy750 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 17, 2008, 04:34:41 AM »

For the economical but with reliability - Suzuki Bandit 1200.

my78k · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2008, 05:49:27 AM »

I would steer clear of the F3 as a tourer....I have one and it is a blast to ride but can't imagine doing distances. After about 400-500 kms I am baked and that is without a passenger (although I always have my tank bag and usually a backpack strapped on the back). Forunately I need to stop and get gas every 200-250kms so I can stretch my legs and back!!

Dennis

MCRider · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:10:04 AM »

Quote from: ProudGecko on July 16, 2008, 05:05:52 AM

My wife and I love bumming around town on my CB500 but that's about as much as we can do. We'd like to be able to go on trips with the bike but there just isn't any room to ride two-up with any sort of luggage, plus its a bit lacking in power with the two of us.

My question is, what would be a good sport touring bike for a young couple just starting out. Ideally I'd buy a Triumph Tiger/Sprint ST 1050 but I don't think the bank account will be able to support that this year. I'm not looking to buy anything to use this season so a bike that would need some maintenance during the winter isn't a big issue. We don't need anything fancy (or new), just something that can hold the two of us with at least side luggage and a tank bag and be able to keep up with traffic.

Thanks

What's the budget. You can get really amazing deals on used ST1100s, no fear buying a high mileage one as they are stone cold reliable. Maybe sub $5,000 with options. This coming from a VFR owner. The VFR came here in 2002 as a 2003 model, so not many old ones around. You can get the ST in the mid 1990s version at decent prices.

The older GL recommendation works except they are far from Sporty. The ST in the right hands is very formidable. It is heavy but carries its weight low (gas tank under the seat) has amazing range, and stability, and my wife still says its the most comfortable for the passenger shes been on (except the GL) including my VFR. Luckily she doesn't ride on the back much as she has her own bike.

.RJ · « **Reply #11 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:53:58 AM »

Quote from: MCRider1 on July 17, 2008, 06:10:04 AM

The VFR came here in 2002 as a 2003 model, so not many old ones around

VFR's go way back to the mid 80's.

You can get a ~2000 VFR for $5k - 800cc, single side swingarm, fuel injected and none of the vtec engine nonsense.

CBGhia · « **Reply #12 on:** July 17, 2008, 07:05:17 AM »

You could always look at the V-strom. It didn't sell worth a damn and go pretty cheap, but they are a blast to ride and plenty of room.

ProudGecko · « **Reply #13 on:** July 17, 2008, 08:00:13 AM »

These are some great suggestions. If possible I'd like to keep the price of the bike under $6000. I definately want something sportier so the Gold Wings are out.

MCRider · « **Reply #14 on:** July 17, 2008, 09:20:11 AM »

Quote from: ProudGecko on July 17, 2008, 08:00:13 AM

These are some great suggestions. If possible I'd like to keep the price of the bike under $6000. I definately want something sportier so the Gold Wings are out.

There's a couple of good looking STs on eBay around $3,000. With another $3,000 you could do whatever maintenance and accessories required.

Of course you may not be close to them, but just pointing out some alternatives. I really like STs if you can't tell.

ProudGecko · « **Reply #15 on:** July 17, 2008, 09:59:31 AM »

How's the mileage for the bikes mentioned? From what I've gathered most are around 40mpg. It seems like most of these bikes are pretty heavy as well, are there any lighter bikes in this category or is 500+ lbs. the standard?

bunghole · « **Reply #16 on:** July 17, 2008, 10:09:42 AM »

I really like the VFRs too. I've heard that there is great aftermarket support for luggage and touring accessories.

CBGhia · « **Reply #17 on:** July 17, 2008, 10:55:14 AM »

Quote from: ProudGecko on July 17, 2008, 09:59:31 AM

How's the mileage for the bikes mentioned? From what I've gathered most are around 40mpg. It seems like most of these bikes are pretty heavy as well, are there any lighter bikes in this category or is 500+ lbs. the standard?

If you want to go 2 up and have room for your stuff, you will want a bigger bike.
You could always look at the SV650. There are aftermarket bags available, it can go 2 up, it's light, handles well. You can go with higher bars on the S model, or just go for the standard model that already has the higher bars.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #18 on:** July 17, 2008, 03:23:39 PM »

BMW R80, 90, or 100
They have possibly the best stock seats ever made, easy to maintain, plenty of power, luggage options galore, and if you join the BMWMOA, you get the Annonymous Book which provides help in literally EVERY locale in the country (and most of the world)

Any Honda ST

Kawasaki W650

Triumph Bonneville

Concours (?)

thought about Moto Guzzi? G5 or T3 maybe?

ofreen · « **Reply #19 on:** July 17, 2008, 05:20:42 PM »

Lot's of used Concours around for reasonable prices. A lot of bike for the money. Shaft drive, big gas tank, good mileage, plenty of power, decent bags, good fairing, durable motor.

DarkRider · « **Reply #20 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:09:17 PM »

The VFRs started in 1983 as the VF then became the VFR when it got gear driven cams in 1986...for touring purposes you would be best off with a 1990- 2000 VFR 750/800.

CBGBs · « **Reply #21 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:20:23 PM »

Quote from: CBGhia on July 17, 2008, 07:05:17 AM

You could always look at the V-strom. It didn't sell worth a damn and go pretty cheap, but they are a blast to ride and plenty of room.

I think the V-strom is a good choice. I have a cousin who rides one with his wife on it and they seem to really like it. Cheap and modern are big advantages. I think they are 650's but there may be a larger model as well.

crazypj · « **Reply #22 on:** July 20, 2008, 10:43:05 PM »

Got to say it, Suzuki Katana 750.
Cheap, cheap maintainance (service around 3.7~4.5 hrs), screw and lock nut valve adjusters, loads of parts and information
100ish bhp (at the crank) and handling isn't too bad for a sport tourer, plus it will go to about 145mph (at least the european ones will) plus, if you want more you can fit SACS cooled Gixxer 1100 motor (around 140bhp-at the wheel)
Old Yamaha FJ1200 is also a good buy but is substantially heavier and drags bits when ridden hard. Quite a lot of info for them as well as they were drag raced at one time.
PJ

ProudGecko · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2008, 08:03:57 AM »

Great ideas guys! I think I've got some good options to explore. I'll probably look at the Bandits, VFRs, and STs. They seem like the best fits for us, but we'll just have to ride them and see.

DarkRider · « **Reply #24 on:** July 21, 2008, 02:49:41 PM »

Im amazed no one suggested this yet but if you are looking up in the 1000-1300 CC range take a look at the Honda CBR1100XX. There have been plenty of people who have outfitted them for touring duty.

schwebel · « **Reply #25 on:** July 22, 2008, 10:53:28 PM »

I'd say a V-strom, cheap, full of torque, comfortable riding position, and you can carry as much stuff as a goldwing. I guess they technically aren't sport-tourers, but they are darn nice bikes for the money.

medic09 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 23, 2008, 10:51:45 PM »

A Sprint ST 955i. The older Sprints don't seem to go for what they're worth. I have an '01. When I flog it, I get about 48 mpg. Usually I get just over 50 mpg. My wife likes it better than riding two up on my 750Four. Can be outfitted for touring very nicely. The 1050s not only cost more, but the seating isn't as comfortable for two up in our opinions.

Green550F · « **Reply #27 on:** July 29, 2008, 05:10:24 AM »

I've seen a Triumph Trophy 1200 go for $7000 and have only 13,000 miles on it! Wish I'd have bought it....

Another unique option would be the Yamaha GS1000ABS! Made back in 1993, they sported a lot of tech! ABS brakes, Catalytic exhaust, Fuel injection, Center Hub Steering!

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Author Topic: Sport Touring bike for a young couple (Read 3589 times)

fuzzybutt