Topic: Looking for good sport-tourer under 3k

[catzor]

Summer is just around the corner and I think I want to sell my EX500. It's getting some mileage on it and the weak transmission makes me nervous. I'd rather sell it before it grenades and move up to something full-sized for touring, speeding, death-wishing, etc. My criteria are pretty vague, but maybe you guys can see what I’m getting at:

-    Sub-$3k
-    80+ hp, 50+ ftlbs
-    Decent suspension
-    Comfy ergos (from somewhat sporty to full-on neutral)
-    Capable of handling a nice luggage setup
-    Excellent Reliability and/or mechanical simplicity

I'm thinking of a mid-90s VFR, Late-90s Bandit 1200, or Mid-90s Concours. I like the VFR for its sportiness(I'm guessing it would be the quickest around the track of the three) and legendary status as one of the best all-around motorcycles of all time. The Bandit is great for the performance/dollar factor. I think I'd rack up a couple tickets and blow a fork seal or twelve on the way to the my destination, but would probably be the most fun(read:hooligan-ish) and versatile of the three, and have the simplest maintanence practices too. The concours seems to be cheap for what it is. It's probably the most reliable and most comfortable of the bunch, and the performance is nothing to scoff at. I love the awesome luggage/wind protection you get stock as well.

As you can see, I'm definitely looking for a sport tourer. If you guys know of anything that seems to fit my style that I've overlooked, do let me know! I'd love for any owners of any of the three above bikes to pipe in and tell me their first hand experience as well.

[climbingaz]

Another bike you might want to consider is the Kawasaki ZRX.  It's a do-it-all bike like the Bandit, but WAY COOLER!!  

Here is mine all decked out in touring mode.

[MCRider]

For $3K I'd have to own an ST-1100 at least once. Very comfy, virtually maintenance free, ready to tour, and I've ridden with some guys who have really hauled ass on them.

Might be too stodgy, but you don't have to keep it.

[catzor]

No, I'm actually attracted to the clean and smooth honda design mindset (stodgy). I've owned 6 bikes. 5 of them have been hondas. Can STs really be had for 3k?

[Really?]

Check out my bike in my sig.  I think it was the first production sport tourer.  They were made from 83 to 93 (94 - leftovers in europe).

V-4 1200 and 1300.  Over 90hp.  Some 98hp.  Under all of that plastic is a VMAX.  These can be upgraded with VMAX parts for a hotter motor but to me it runs fast enough.  A little long in corners but handles them really well - will lay over very far.  Wife falls asleep on the back.  Great with a trailer on the back - even smaller campers.

Corbin still makes a seat for it with a drivers backrest.

A draw back is that it is 800lbs but not felt when its on the road.  Plastic can be brittle if the PO let it sit out in the weather for years - 15+.  No new repro plastic out there.  Trying to talk Frankdood into it.

These can be found under 3k and down to as much as 1k.  They have been known to go over 400,000 miles without a rebuild.

[weekend_junkie]

I've done a lot of 2-up miles on a 1981 CB900F with a Hondaline fairing.  A lot of miles.  It zigs and zags, gets 45-50 mpg, 86 hp... and the fairing comes off in a hour if you're so inclined.

[MCRider]

No, I'm actually attracted to the clean and smooth honda design mindset (stodgy). I've owned 6 bikes. 5 of them have been hondas. Can STs really be had for 3k?

For example:
http://www.cycletrader.com/Honda-St1100-Motorcycles-In-Wisconsin/search-results?make=Honda|2316874&model=St1100&state=Wisconsin|WI&vrsn=hybrid

They'll be mid 90s with 50k+ mileage, but it wouldn't stop me from shopping if i was so inclined. I love STs. (though when I was so inclined I bot a new FJR, a little sportier, but less comfort.)

[Really?]

Me loves FJR's!  It was like the next evolution of Yammy's sport tourer.  That baby has some spunk and looks darn good too!

[MCRider]

Me loves FJR's!  It was like the next evolution of Yammy's sport tourer.  That baby has some spunk and looks darn good too!

No you can't have it!   

[Really?]

Me loves FJR's!  It was like the next evolution of Yammy's sport tourer.  That baby has some spunk and looks darn good too!

No you can't have it!   

Yes, I am jealous! 

[MoMo]

The Concours is an amazing bike for the money, friend rode one in the Iron Butt-10000 miles no problems.  Hate to say that because I am not a Kawasaki fan...Larry

[Goofaroo]

I'm not a Kawi fan either but I sold my BMW K100RT a while back and started missing it. I wanted to spend $3,000 and couldn't find an ST1100 for anywhere close to that but I came across a 2004 Concours with 26K for $3,500. It's been a far better bike than I expected it to be and much sportier than I ever thought they were. The factory fork springs were like wet noodles so I put in some stiffer straight wound springs and it really brought the bike to life. All I have left to do is add heating elements for the grips and wire it up for my electric vest and I have a feeling I'll have it for a long time. I could have bought one for less than $3000 but I decided to splurge on the later model with low miles. I would have preferred an ST1100 just because I happen to think it is one of Honda's masterpieces but I've never seen one for even close to $3000. Of course that doesn't mean that they aren't out there.
Fit, finish, and materials on the Concours aren't even remotely close to the quality of a Honda but mine is garaged and taken reasonable care of and I'm sure it will look fine for several years.   

[tango911]

For $3K I'd have to own an ST-1100 at least once. Very comfy, virtually maintenance free, ready to tour, and I've ridden with some guys who have really hauled ass on them.

Might be too stodgy, but you don't have to keep it.

MC have you ever looked for an ST-1100  i did a few weeks ago couldnt find any with in 200 miles.
The 900 would also be sweet.

[MCRider]

For $3K I'd have to own an ST-1100 at least once. Very comfy, virtually maintenance free, ready to tour, and I've ridden with some guys who have really hauled ass on them.

Might be too stodgy, but you don't have to keep it.

MC have you ever looked for an ST-1100  i did a few weeks ago couldnt find any with in 200 miles.
The 900 would also be sweet.

Not recently but they turn up every now and then. I belong to the MSTA (Motorcycle Sport Touring Association) and the ST is probably 30% of the membership. They get handed down over time. usually well maintained.

The Concourse idea is a good one. A $3k ST will be much older than a $3k Concourse.

[tango911]

they both look cool

[Little_Horse]

The superhawk/firestorm also called the vtr1000 is considered sport touring and great low mile examples can be found for $3k or less. Its 100 rwhp 76ft lbs torque. I have had one for 4 years now 55k miles I get about 45 mpg on the hwy. Its one of those bikes that never sold real well in the states as it fit into a middle group that was hard to market here, which is being a good street bike, not the best for the track not the best for ubber touring, but an all around fantastic and fun ride for anything from commuting to touring, to track days it does it all while putting a smile on your face.

[kpier883]

I had an '86 Concours (first year) but I bought it in the mid 90's IIRC.  It was a good and reliable bike, the only shaft drive I have owned but I did like not fooling with the chain.  The bars were too low for me, but I think later models had a different bar arrangement.  Luggage capacity was great and the bags detach and are easy to carry in at night.  It was pretty fast and I didn't have any real problems with it except the plastic ears on the fairing were prone to breaking and the fairing was kind of squeaky and rattly.  Nice and warm in the winter, but kind of hot in the summer.  For the money they are excellent I think.

[Goofaroo]

Another option would be a 1990 to 1991 CBR1000. They make a great sport touring ride and can be had very reasonable if you can find one. A really clean example came up for sale here not long ago for $2,000 and I had to force myself not to go buy it.

[Really?]

Lot of suggestions on this thread.  Some more touring and some more sporting.  Decide how you want to do this as in more 1up or more 2up.  If more 2up, think about the passenger.  If more 1up, think more about yourself.

I do not see much down the middle anymore, it is more one way or the other.  The beemer is prolly the closest to the middle but it will cost quite a bit more than 3k.

[jbailey]

I wanted an ST1300 (or 1100), but found the Concours was much more in my price range, so i ended up buying a 2005.  I have a little over 20,000 miles on it now.  No problems and the bike just gets better with age.  I have installed bar risers for about $50 and that is basically all it needed.  Very fast, nice ride, frugal, shaft drive, liquid cooled, six speed trans.  What more could I want.

I have taken several 2-3000 mile trips with 500+ miles per day and it is very comfortable.  Great for two up riding.  Spacious luggage (also added a top box).  And it has a 7.5 gallon gas tank.  At 40-45 MPG (depending on your riding style) it will take you farther than you want between fill-ups.

If you can find a good used Kawasaki Concours, Honda ST or Yamaha FJR, you can't go wrong with any of them.

[RRRToolSolutions]

Find an ST and go for a ride. You're talking about spending a lot of time in the saddle and want to enjoy it. I've had a brand new ZRX for 9 years and will tell you that 2 hours was ok, any more and you would want to start walking - mine was miserable and a $500 Corbin Gunfighter and Lady saddle with gel did not help. I bought a new 2009 ST1300 2 years ago based on my two closest friends both having ST1100's and loving them. Mine is the best bike I have ever owned and they'll tell you the same about their 1100's- even though they moved to a Goldwing and the other an FJR1300.

I have never heard one person say anything other that the ST1100 was the best bike ever made for sport touring. I'd love to ride one sometime just to experience it. I had to have linked, ABS braking and enough electrical power to handle a dozen accessories and the ST handles that with no sweat. There are 200,000 milers out there too, so durability is not an issue.

Gordon

[Goofaroo]

One thing that hasn't been discussed in detail is the weather where you live. The first thing you say in your post leaves me thinking that you want to ride in warm weather. My Concours will never leave the garage here in Oklahoma from around mid April to late September. We get pretty warm here and the Concours, ST1100, and any similar fully faired bike will absolutely cook you in the summer. I always ride with either a leather or textile jacket and pants, boots, gloves, and a full face helmet. It simply isn't worth it to me to roast while I am riding so I always ride something else in the summer. If the weather in your area is pretty warm it may be best to look into a VFR750, CBR1000, or some of the less faired bikes that have been suggested. I'm not trying to confuse matters here but I think that you should be made aware of this. On the upside, in the fall, spring, and winter, my Concours serves me very well.

[MCRider]

One thing that hasn't been discussed in detail is the weather where you live. The first thing you say in your post leaves me thinking that you want to ride in warm weather. My Concours will never leave the garage here in Oklahoma from around mid April to late September. We get pretty warm here and the Concours, ST1100, and any similar fully faired bike will absolutely cook you in the summer. I always ride with either a leather or textile jacket and pants, boots, gloves, and a full face helmet. It simply isn't worth it to me to roast while I am riding so I always ride something else in the summer. If the weather in your area is pretty warm it may be best to look into a VFR750, CBR1000, or some of the less faired bikes that have been suggested. I'm not trying to confuse matters here but I think that you should be made aware of this. On the upside, in the fall, spring, and winter, my Concours serves me very well.

That is very true. I've seen many workarounds which include, cutting down a windscreen to use in the summer. I've seen ST guys with little 4-6" strips of plexi as their summer windscreens. My FJR has an electric shield and its always in the down position in summer. Along with shims installed in the lower connecting points which tilt the shield away from vertical, dumping more wind in my face and torso.

And finally, the newer mesh clothing and a skull cap drenched in water helps.   But any way you go, its hotter than a naked bike. 

[Really?]

I won't ride when it hits 100 here naked or not! 

My legs will fry down by my ankles and my balls will cook through the seat after about 3 1/2 hours at over 100 degrees.

Kinda takes the fun out of it for me.

[Goofaroo]

I'm with you man. It's not any better here in Oklahoma City than it is down there in Tejas. I have an old Honda CT90 and a CH80 Elite scooter that we run around the neighborhood on in shorts and a tee shirt. We have several friends and family that live in the same neighborhood so they are great for that. Other than that, I prefer to float in the pool, drink tequila, and dream of the fall riding season. I bought my Concours in the middle of summer and riding it home felt like I had caught on fire. Nothing fun about it.

[jbailey]

You're right about the heat.  My Concours has the stock windshield, and it is OK up to about 90 degrees.  Over that I don't ride much.  On the other hand, it is good down to 40 and I have ridden in the upper 30's, so it extends your riding season into early spring and late fall.  I live in upstate New York (Rochester/Buffalo), so temps above 90 or anywhere near 100 are usually not a problem.

[Goofaroo]

To be fair to the Concours, we should say that any other fully faired motorbike will also be uncomfortable in the summer heat. The worst I ever had was my 1985 BMW K100RT. That thing was like sitting in a crock pot.  It was great for fall and winter camping trips though.

[Really?]

True, i was speaking of my bike, since that one is my largest amount of experience dealing with that.

[catzor]

Well, I'm located in the foothills of NC so it gets somewhat hot and humid, but we don't see 100 often. I ride year round for a total of 5000+ miles, usually. Winterize certainly isn't in my vocabulary, that's for sure. I'm not worrying much about weather when picking a bike, since I'd appreciate the wind protection in the winter with full fairings, but appreciate the wind-cooling of something "naked" in the summer. It's a win/lose either way. Since I ride just as much all year round, the only solution is to own multiple bikes! Now that's an idea I can get used to...

As far as the sport touring goes, I think I'm after somewhat more sport than touring, so I'm loving the FJR, Concours, ZRX, and old CBR1000 suggestions. This will be 99% used for 1-up riding. I try to get my girlfriend to ride with me, but I don't think it's really her thing, so I'm not going to get too hung up on taking her into account. Even if I can get her on the back, I know she'd have no interest on anything more than a day trip, which is where I think passenger/luggage accommodations would really make the difference.

So, in order of sport/touring ratio, would it be something like:

CBR1000
ZRX
FJR
Concours?

[MCRider]

03 being the earliest year of USA FJRs, probalby none for $3k.   

[Raef]

I think Yamaha made an FJS 1100 sport tourer in the late 80"s Air cooler think.

If it weren't and fjs its was along those lines, I chased a 1989 low miles one up to 2500.00 on ebay, its was in New Jersey. it ended up selling for 50 more than my last bid

Mark

[tango911]

my father just bought a 2004 ST1300  for $2600  :/   told him i wanted it

[Raef]

Not sure how long they made this but it is what I was refurring to.

this is an 86 with 68,000 on it and it is up to 2100.00 with just over a day to go.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/yamaha-/290528105431?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item43a4d313d7

[catzor]

Yeah, I know the FJs were made in the 1100 configuration in the 80s and in the 1200 configuration into the 90s. Both are pretty solid from what I understand, but I think the transmission had a tendency to go out if abused, IIRC.

[Really?]

I think most of yammy's bikes have a darn second gear issue in a line until they figure it out a few years later and fix it.  Ridden a FJ100 and liked it.  It felt a bit long in the corners as well.  Yammy seems to have a thing for slightly longer wheelbases.

[Goofaroo]

This is the generation of CBR1000 I was referring to. This one is a first year 1990 but they made them for about three or four years before they started becoming more of a true "sport" bike. Very comfy, nice upright seating, reasonable leg room, all sorts of windscreen options, and looks that kill. In my opinion it is one of the best values around. As I said earlier, I could have (and should have) bought a super nice 1991 with only 26K for $2,000. You could outfit it with a taller windscreen in the winter and add some heated grips, then put the stock windshield back on in the summer. A tank bag and some nice soft luggage and you'll be stylin'.
The closest thing I can think of to compare it to would be the BMW K1000RS.  A great bike but they are not to be found in the same price range.

[Raef]

I have had a 86 1000RR ( loved) and  a 1990 zx 10 ninja (OK) both Kawasaki's and Ive always wanted a Concourse of that generation just never went through with it.

the shaft drive was kinda a turn off

[MCRider]

While the FJR is the evolution of the FJ (no R), they are way different bikes. The FJ being air cooled, chain drive, no rack or hard bags, 3/4 fairing and the like. Still the FJ is a WONDERful choice, comparable then to the CBR1000 type sport tourer in build.  My build buddy has an FJ1200 ABS I think a 92, paid less than $3k for it years ago. Its a real torque monster, much more fun to ride in that respect than the CBR as Hondas tend to like to rev more. Its a style, but I've learned that big bunches of torque makes a long day of scenic 2 lanes a lot more fun than shifting gears all day.