Comfy tourer?

[martybabe]

Hey guys, I'm on the look out for a full bore tourer.

The Bride has had terrible back problems for nearly a year now and as I write she is counting down the weeks till she gets her Operation to sort it out, hopefully forever (fingers toes and everything else crossed).

In addition to that, I have recently acquired a great solo,quick blat, fun bike all of my very own, which is cool as :yes:

So I will shortly be in the market for a Tourer of worth. Sport tourers don't hack it in this instance, great bikes and I've had a few, but I'm after a bolt upright fully faired ready to tour bike such as the examples below.

I'd value your opinion/experience on anything that fits the criteria below....

Price: Around the $10-13k mark

Pillion comfort is the number one priority

Some kind of backrest facility, even if it means adding a top box

long legged, reliable, and able to be left for weeks at a time, dusted off and toured.

Doesn't have to be huge on power as long as it can cart us and luggage at legal speeds :innocent: all day long.

Goldwings and st1100s are not under consideration for various reasons.

Thoughts please, I'm thinking positive here, in that the Bride will make a full recovery because she so likes to go touring, if fate decides that it's not to be we'll deal with it but for now we're gonna look forward to next spring on the road and hope for the best.

Whatdya think, whatdya know ? cheers

[TerminalAddict]

reckon my dream garage right now would be:
XR1200 and VFR1200

Martybabe2.4 has a nice ring to it :D

[MIXONE]

Go with a beema.Always comfy for the ladies.
Good luck to your lady to mate.

[Maha]

Moto Guzzi Norge would do it for me if I ever go that way Marty.

[martybabe]

Martybabe2.4 has a nice ring to it :D

It does too, nix to 2.4 children, we want 2.4 litres of motorbike eh :yes:


Go with a beema.Always comfy for the ladies.
Good luck to your lady to mate.

R100rt, comfiest bike I've ever owned, like riding a lazy boy all day, bit of a lazy engine too come to think of it. Hot contender for sure. Thanks for your kind thoughts for the Bride mate, she's just been shopping and only managed one shop due to the pain......Come to think of it there is an upside to all this, one shop will do me fine :shifty:


Moto Guzzi Norge would do it for me if I ever go that way Marty.

Lovely bike and if I win the Lotto Saturday, it will be on the short list but I've only got $13k max mate :no:

[Maha]

How nice is this??
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-281438562.htm

[martybabe]

How nice is this??
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-281438562.htm

very nice, any good on the comfort/long distance thing do you know? I like the adjustable screen for sure, I'm too tall for my shortness or something when it comes to screens, my head always seems to be sat in hurricane Katrina. I know dual purpose bikes had a good rep for all day doings but I'm not sure if that's the case any more, I ain't too clued up on the adventure/dual purpose jobbies. He's got one of these down the road at the shop, might see if I can blag a ride, he's not big on demonstrators though.

[The Baron]

My vote is with the BMW R1150RT - and its in your price range. Full adjustable screen - heated grips - ABS.

My wife and I did 730km yesterday on ours. But she likes to have the top box on for when she falls asleep on the back.

[martybabe]

My vote is with the BMW R1150RT - and its in your price range. Full adjustable screen - heated grips - ABS.

My wife and I did 730km yesterday on ours. But she likes to have the top box on for when she falls asleep on the back.

Ooh, your's is very nice innit, any issues with it at all?

[The Baron]

No issues. I got it a 11000km and it now has 73000km. I do about 22000km per year on that bike.
She is heavy so not one that you just nip up to the bank on. Very good luggage or shopping boxes ( if you know what I mean).

[martybabe]

No issues. I got it a 11000km and it now has 73000km. I do about 22000km per year on that bike.
She is heavy so not one that you just nip up to the bank on. Very good luggage or shopping boxes ( if you know what I mean).

Thanx, that's some good feedback and yes I do know what you mean. The bride has even scanned prospective purchases in the past to ensure there was a sufficiently secure place to transport...cough..Ladies special items :blink:

[Maha]

very nice, any good on the comfort/long distance thing do you know? I like the adjustable screen for sure, I'm too tall for my shortness or something when it comes to screens, my head always seems to be sat in hurricane Katrina. I know dual purpose bikes had a good rep for all day doings but I'm not sure if that's the case any more, I ain't too clued up on the adventure/dual purpose jobbies. He's got one of these down the road at the shop, might see if I can blag a ride, he's not big on demonstrators though.

I have asked Laava for the lowdown on the V Strom....sent him a pm, so he'll be along soon enough.

[twotyred]

I think you could pick just about any bike you like and get a Rider seat made up with emphasis on the pillion and it would be the bees knees...
happy hunting

[Edbear]

Thanx, that's some good feedback and yes I do know what you mean. The bride has even scanned prospective purchases in the past to ensure there was a sufficiently secure place to transport...cough..Ladies special items :blink:

My vote is for the R1150RT as well. Has the advantage of shaft drive. The subframe was improved over the 1100 as there were reports of rear subframe failure along with some of shaft drive failures with them. The boxer twins never wear out and will do huge mileages.


I have asked Laava for the lowdown on the V Strom....sent him a pm, so he'll be along soon enough.

V-strom is the bike for touring anywhere in the country on any roads, sealed or unsealed and they are comfortable. Very tall for some and has the disadvantage of chain drive which needs regular maintenance. Needs an adjustable screen, yes.

[KoroJ]

I'm a bit biased but the ST does it all for me!

Mrs goes to sleep on the back (top box fitted), nearly 30Kg of luggage capacity, 420-550kms range (depending on fang factor) means not much planning required on fuel stops.

I'm happy commuting, club rides, touring and endurance riding. I never have the screen anywhere near fully up (I'm 180cm). I don't have heated grips and have had cold hands but it was -7 at the time. I would wear summer weight Darby gloves for 9months of the year as the mirrors tend to shield your hands.

Mines 2007 and just clicked over 90Km and I expect it's in your price range at about $10-12K. The lower Kms quickly take them to $15-18K.

[Big Dave]

A XB12X is your XR1200 with improved handling, good touring ability and first rate passenger comfort.

[martybabe]

Bloody good choice Dave, I used to ride my Mate's one around the Channel isles but it's way too tall for my three inch legs, I simply wouldn't be able to support me,the Bride and a bunch of luggage on the very tip of one big toe, shame but.

[shafty]

Always considerate Marty, what a Guy, - getting another bike to best suit your Pillion in a Million!

I presume the ST1100 being discounted for "various reasons" is because its a bit boring? Too little maintenance? (Piss take) - but I DO know what you mean. Years ago I tested an ST1100 and found it withou character, so I bought one of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-279631602.htm

Worth a thought - acres of grunt, still styley IMHO, BEARS friendly, good luggage etc......

Or, a bit more sporty....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-283398875.htm

I am very happy with the Pan Euro, - would love it better if it had a Triumph Triple exhaust note, but hey.....

I love the ride the R1150RS provides, but I see it as pretty dated now....

Have fun checking out your options.

[Ocean1]

but it's way too tall for my three inch legs, I simply wouldn't be able to support me,the Bride and a bunch of luggage on the very tip of one big toe, shame but.

XB12XT then. Complete with luggage.

[RiderInBlack]

See ya have had (or have) a GSX1400. I find mine (a K5) totally comfortable for myself and a pillion. Mine has a Pack-Rack that could take a back rest for the pillion. Ya can get them new for less than $14K. Have just come back from over 5000kms South Is touring. Sweet as and laiden with pillion, tent, bedroll, sleepbag & clothes (nearly filled a Falcon Sedan's boot with it when I unloaded :gob:not counting the pillion as she was driving the car:msn-wink:).

[Big Dave]

Got it - mine has the tall seat and I'd like it taller.

My choice in the Dressers would be the Concours 1400. Price might be a bit high though.

[martybabe]

Always considerate Marty, what a Guy, - getting another bike to best suit your Pillion in a Million!

I presume the ST1100 being discounted for "various reasons" is because its a bit boring? Too little maintenance? (Piss take) - but I DO know what you mean. Years ago I tested an ST1100 and found it withou character, so I bought one of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-279631602.htm

Worth a thought - acres of grunt, still styley IMHO, BEARS friendly, good luggage etc......

Or, a bit more sporty....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-283398875.htm

I am very happy with the Pan Euro, - would love it better if it had a Triumph Triple exhaust note, but hey.....

I love the ride the R1150RS provides, but I see it as pretty dated now....

Have fun checking out your options.

Cheers Shafty, I simply can't go into my feelings on the ST1100 :shutup: just.....Nah a very competent bike but been there done that, they're two a penny in the UK, cops have used 'em for years, they're just...I dunno, I feel a little bit dirty inside when I get off one :laugh: I'm writing this and even I don't know what I'm talking about but Nah.:rofl: just Nah.

Triumphs, do they stack up against the orient express?


XB12XT then. Complete with luggage.

Cripes, I'm gonna have to look that one up, cheers Ocean

[martybabe]

Absolutely no argument with any of that my mate, an awesome ride on all counts and I still marvel at mine every time we hit the road but I want/need something purpose built with fairings n boxes n stuff, something I can just wipe down and sod off to somewhere else whenever I've got the time and largely ignore In-between tiki tours, I couldn't do that to a fourteen, it deserves better, fantastic bike.

[Laava]

very nice, any good on the comfort/long distance thing do you know? I like the adjustable screen for sure, I'm too tall for my shortness or something when it comes to screens, my head always seems to be sat in hurricane Katrina. I know dual purpose bikes had a good rep for all day doings but I'm not sure if that's the case any more, I ain't too clued up on the adventure/dual purpose jobbies. He's got one of these down the road at the shop, might see if I can blag a ride, he's not big on demonstrators though.

Yes, comfortable on the long distance and screen is good if it has a deflector or you replace it with a givi touring screen. They are a good get on and go bike, no chrome to polish no nonsense etc but like anything you need a test ride! I put a chain oiler on mine and apart from extra mess it has done 42000 kms and been adjusted twice.

[Big Dave]

I personally would only consider a bike with a very small windscreen or an Electric one. Every fixed unit I have ever tested has been miserable in a lot of circumstances. Buffeting, noise or pretty ghey looking.

The thing I like about the guys at Godiva Screens is the make replacement minis.

[martybabe]

Yes, comfortable on the long distance and screen is good if it has a deflector or you replace it with a givi touring screen. They are a good get on and go bike, no chrome to polish no nonsense etc but like anything you need a test ride! I put a chain oiler on mine and apart from extra mess it has done 42000 kms and been adjusted twice.

Interesting info, thanks Laava.


I personally would only consider a bike with a very small windscreen or an Electric one. Every fixed unit I have ever tested has been miserable in a lot of circumstances. Buffeting, noise or pretty ghey looking.

.

Yup, I hear ya, that st1100 in particular, under certain conditions, would literally shake my head from side to side. Great for taking in the scenery, got to see everything except where I was going. I tend to cut them down if possible.

[martybabe]

Yes, comfortable on the long distance and screen is good if it has a deflector or you replace it with a givi touring screen. They are a good get on and go bike, no chrome to polish no nonsense etc but like anything you need a test ride! I put a chain oiler on mine and apart from extra mess it has done 42000 kms and been adjusted twice.

Anyone got any info on those pacific coasts PC800, I'm not sure I've ever seen one in the flesh but sure do look like a practical carriage.

[hmmmnz]

my money is on the triumph tiger, i rode a mates for a few weeks when i was last back in scotland,
i bit more balls than a beemer, it would need a taller front wheel to be as good off road, my mrs seemed happy enough on the back,
her being a shorty was a bit of a struggle to get on the back, and i dare say with a top box, she would have really been stuffed,
hmm may be the tiger isnt the best bike,
i know its probably not what your after.. but what about a can-am spyder??

[shah]

i had one (1990-1993). lovely lovely bike. but i think you'll find it boring, considering your current rides.

trust you've googled it? 800cc, made between 1989 and 1998, shaft-drive, plenty of luggage space. yes, very comfy seats. but even in the 90s, bikers regarded it as just a big scooter.

there are a few in NZ. in 2008, there was a beautiful one in white - just like your pic - and that guy was asking for $8,000. earlier this year, i checked on one at takapuna (auckland). the shop asked for $6,500, i believe. 65,000 miles. (note: miles, not km); i didn't rate it highly though.

there is now a cult following for the PC800, hence the relatively high price. there are PC clubs everywhere.

hope that helps.
Shah

[Edbear]

Interesting info, thanks Laava.

Yup, I hear ya, that st1100 in particular, under certain conditions, would literally shake my head from side to side. Great for taking in the scenery, got to see everything except where I was going. I tend to cut them down if possible.

The thing with screens is that the air-flow curls up under the screen causing buffetting. You can place your arm across your chest and feel the wind coming up under your helmet. I fitted the VA lowers to my C50T and the buffeting is minimal as to be of no consequence and I don't need ear plugs when I ride.

[Big Dave]

The thing with screens is that the air-flow curls up under the screen causing buffetting. You can place your arm across your chest and feel the wind coming up under your helmet. I fitted the VA lowers to my C50T and the buffeting is minimal as to be of no consequence and I don't need ear plugs when I ride.

Did you see the bit about Ghey looking?

[RiderInBlack]

Absolutely no argument with any of that my mate, an awesome ride on all counts and I still marvel at mine every time we hit the road but I want/need something purpose built with fairings n boxes n stuff, something I can just wipe down and sod off to somewhere else whenever I've got the time and largely ignore In-between tiki tours, I couldn't do that to a fourteen, it deserves better, fantastic bike.Am looking at hard Panniers for mine, only so I can lock them, and yes a shaft drive would be cool. Heated handgrips can be easily aided. But my 1400 is not high maintance & having come from a fully fairringed bike to the GSX1400K5 with a Givi screen, I've not been missing the fairrings.

[martybabe]

i had one (1990-1993). lovely lovely bike. but i think you'll find it boring, considering your current rides.

trust you've googled it? 800cc, made between 1989 and 1998, shaft-drive, plenty of luggage space. yes, very comfy seats. but even in the 90s, bikers regarded it as just a big scooter.

there are a few in NZ. in 2008, there was a beautiful one in white - just like your pic - and that guy was asking for $8,000. earlier this year, i checked on one at takapuna (auckland). the shop asked for $6,500, i believe. 65,000 miles. (note: miles, not km); i didn't rate it highly though.

there is now a cult following for the PC800, hence the relatively high price. there are PC clubs everywhere.

hope that helps.
Shah

That's great background thanks Shah. Boring is ok in this instance, I just want it to sit at the speed limit all day long in as much comfort as it's possible to get, weather protection and luggage carrying ability. It ticks a lot of boxes for sure, I even like the way it looks but I seem to be in the minority with that one. The large under seat boot/trunk is a great bit of design work.

My only real concern is it may be a bit feeble powerwsie under heavy load? It's certainly on the short list and I shall try to get a ride on one somewhere but they are a bit rare now.

Thanks mate.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qspYws-Z2K4&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qspYws-Z2K4&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[kiwifruit]

a GL1500

[martybabe]

a GL1500

Youse not paying attention is you naughty fruity man :bleh::laugh: Wings and ST100s are excluded from this pop quiz. See the headmaster after your smoko young man.

[Edbear]

Did you see the bit about Ghey looking?

OI! I heard that!!! :Pokey: Or did you mean grey looking..?

[Big Dave]

OI! I heard that!!! :Pokey: Or did you mean grey looking..?

No - I meant big poofy lumps of plastic stuck on a nice bike. :-P

[Edbear]

No - I meant big poofy lumps of plastic stuck on a nice bike. :-P

But, but... I reckon it looks classy! :yes:

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/Edbearnz/Hway27.jpg

[Big Dave]

Everyone is different - I used that windsceen on a C90 at first and it buffeted so much it gave visual distortion - couldn't see straight above 90kph. Loved the bike when I removed the windscreen altogether.

I like the feel of the wind hitting my chest.

[kiwifruit]

Wings and ST1100s are excluded

Why ?

[oldrider]

Hey martybabe, have you thought about a Honda 700cc injected Duville (sp) they go and go and go!

They get called "Dullsville" by hotshots but I looked into them and would be a great commuting/touring bike!

You would have to import one from Aussie though as they don't sell them here. :rolleyes:

[marty]

Give Whopper a call - he could be keen to move his very nice Beemer: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1129647510

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-281001798.htm

[martybabe]

Why ?

The simple version is, I have owned both before, I know what they're like and they're not what I want right now, I've got to get down to a short list and the only way to do that is to eliminate some models, both good bikes, each in their own way but not on the list this time round.


Hey martybabe, have you thought about a Honda 700cc injected Duville (sp) they go and go and go!

They get called "Dullsville" by hotshots but I looked into them and would be a great commuting/touring bike!

You would have to import one from Aussie though as they don't sell them here. :rolleyes:

No, I hadn't thought of them mate, I'll stick it on my study list. I wonder why they don't do them here, very popular in the uk as was the NTV?650 before it, couriers love em so reliability must be good. Thanks

[shah]

there's a 2006 model on sale in Masterton - not too far from where you are. expensive though. check out "honda nt700" at TradeMe.

i wrote to BlueWing Honda to ask about the Deauville two years ago when i came back to motorcycling after 15 years. thought i'd get one i'm familiar with as the Deauville is more or less an updated version of the PC800. but i was told, basically, there was no demand here. parallel importers would do it for me, but i wasn't too keen to buy something unseen.

as for the nice PC800 i mentioned earlier, the seller on TradeMe back in 2008 was "bosun1". you could go to TradeMe and search his contact, i guess. no harm asking. btw, there are two for sale on www.motorcycletrader.co.nz but they don't look nice at all.




No, I hadn't thought of them mate, I'll stick it on my study list. I wonder why they don't do them here, very popular in the uk as was the NTV?650 before it, couriers love em so reliability must be good. Thanks

[shafty]

What was the question again? lol

[Movistar]

Mart, I could have seen you on this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-281941517.htm

Or maybe one of these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers//auction-270808487.htm

[fliplid]

Personally, I'll be mainly sticking to me Trophy 12. Does most what it's asked for, not the flashiest, or perhaps the quickest, but comfy.

[martybabe]

Mart, I could have seen you on this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-281941517.htm

Or maybe one of these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers//auction-270808487.htm

Both nice, though I confess, I Know absolutely nothing about the none boxer Beemers, more home work to do I guess, they do seem a lot of bike for the dollar........

This one any good?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-283952339.htm

[Movistar]

Both nice, though I confess, I Know absolutely nothing about the none boxer Beemers, more home work to do I guess, they do seem a lot of bike for the dollar........

This one any good?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-283952339.htm

That (like any dollar reserve auction) has the potential to be the bargain of the century...

It's on my watchlist :shifty: (along with about 400 other people no doubt)

[mazz1972]

Yes, comfortable on the long distance and screen is good if it has a deflector or you replace it with a givi touring screen. They are a good get on and go bike, no chrome to polish no nonsense etc but like anything you need a test ride! I put a chain oiler on mine and apart from extra mess it has done 42000 kms and been adjusted twice.

+1 for the V-Strom thou. Hubby has the one in the pics below and he loves it. Plenty of get up and go, tons of luggage room and comfy for a pillion (top box has a back rest). I've only been on the back a couple of times (prefer my own bike!) but hub had our sis-in-law as pillion for a while, and she said it was very comfy. That luggage is Suzi branded and came with the bike - same as in the first trademe listing posted near the beginning of your thread, and it's got more capacity than the ST1100 too :)

[martybabe]

+1 for the V-Strom thou. Hubby has the one in the pics below and he loves it. Plenty of get up and go, tons of luggage room and comfy for a pillion (top box has a back rest). I've only been on the back a couple of times (prefer my own bike!) but hub had our sis-in-law as pillion for a while, and she said it was very comfy. That luggage is Suzi branded and came with the bike - same as in the first trademe listing posted near the beginning of your thread, and it's got more capacity than the ST1100 too :)

OK. thanks for that, some good background there. The big plus for the Suzi is I have a dealer within walking distance. I'll have to see if I can get out on one. Cheers.

Nice bike you have by the way S83? I fancy one of those too, why can't I have loads of bikes...Why? 7 or 8 would do, I'm not greedy.

[KoroJ]

I may have an opportunity to trade-up, in which case my ST might be up for sale in the next month or so and would be in your price range.

You can PM me if you're interested and want stats and details.

[Big Dave]

You look at what they have to do to that strom to make the screen viable and I rest my case!

Ticks all the boxes though. Cheap as for the capability of the machine.

[Hailwood]

Bloody good choice Dave, I used to ride my Mate's one around the Channel isles but it's way too tall for my three inch legs, I simply wouldn't be able to support me,the Bride and a bunch of luggage on the very tip of one big toe, shame but.

Also+1 for the XB12X..wife loves riding on the back and heaps of room with luggage. We use the RJays expandable bag instead of the top box for even more space.

Try one with the lower seat etc..its was designed for people who couldnt touch the ground on the original bikes. Factory heated grips cost about $340 from here and about $190 shipped via Ebay from USA and they are great..2 settings warm and holy crap thats hot!!!!

XB12X is right in your price range and in fact you will have change.

Dont discount it..find one with the lower seat and have a ride

[martybabe]

Dont discount it..find one with the lower seat and have a ride

I know the bike well and apart from the dangling leg issue and roasted nuts in traffic, I think it's a Bargain, one of those bikes that never quite got the credit it deserved. If I can find one with a lower seat It will be on the shortlist for sure.
I can tippy toe it, don't get me wrong, but with the bride and her 13 outfits and 14 pairs of shoes for an overnight stop, there just isn't enough feet ground interface traction going on to prevent the inevitable whoopsy on a bit of loose gravel. I shall be watching for one. Thanks.

[Ocean1]

I know the bike well and apart from the dangling leg issue and roasted nuts in traffic, I think it's a Bargain, one of those bikes that never quite got the credit it deserved. If I can find one with a lower seat It will be on the shortlist for sure.
I can tippy toe it, don't get me wrong, but with the bride and her 13 outfits and 14 pairs of shoes for an overnight stop, there just isn't enough feet ground interface traction going on to prevent the inevitable whoopsy on a bit of loose gravel. I shall be watching for one. Thanks.

Like I said, the Uly for shortarses: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-274370236.htm

Standard XB suspension, (rather than the taller XB12X rig) and Buell hard luggage standard. Unless you venture off-piste you'll never miss the extrta spongy-pud travel.

Teh roasted nuts thing? HTFU.



Or buy a RH air scoop for it.

[martybabe]

Like I said, the Uly for Normal/none giraffe type people http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-274370236.htm

Standard XB suspension, (rather than the taller XB12X rig) and Buell hard luggage standard. Unless you venture off-piste you'll never miss the extrta spongy-pud travel.




Or buy a RH air scoop for it.

I'm on it.

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ins9E87BeRk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ins9E87BeRk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[Big Dave]

I wouldn't pay extra for Buell luggage. If it's included it's probably OK. They have to get rid of it somehow.

Worst I've tested (and I bloody bought it before testing!). Not waterproof, the latches are made of cheese and it's very expensive.

[fliplid]

How much of luggage supplied as "optional extras" is waterproof or secure?:blink:

[Big Dave]

Of the ones I've used.

Kawasaki Connie 1400. - Excellent.
Sprint ST - Good - a bit small.
Tiger - let in a few drops and has to allow for exhausts - really like the system though. The latch wouldn't break when closing it like the first batch of Buell's did. (Mine were replaced under warranty - and I'm assured they were upgraded - but I'm still slightly nervous they are going to schnap again every time I do them up. It's just a bad mechanism design - which is cruelly ironic on a Buell.)
Goldwing - Excellent
Victory Vision - leaked in one pocket during a cyclone. There's nothing wrong with the luggage - except that it 'looks' like it should hold more than it does.
ST1300 - Good system. Let in a few drops.
All Harley Baggers - Excellent - they open from the top and have good security (on some).
Guzzi Stelvio - Excellent ADV bags. The ugly sister in an ugly stuff to put on a bike anyway family. Utility compensates.
V-strom - good - though limited capacity.
Trophy 1200 - fair - leaked a bit too, but the latches held.

Givi stuff is cheaper and better made than the std Buell cases.

How's that? :blink::blink:

[fliplid]

Do for now bud! Personally I'm well aware of the Trophy "leaks"- me bike gets parked at work in a plant nursery where they run irrigation...

[Big Dave]

Hang on - I'm still adding to the list! (for my own reckoning)
Takes a while for the synapses to line up on a Sunday.

[banditrider]

Of the ones I've used.

Kawasaki Connie 1400. - Excellent.
Sprint ST - Good - a bit small.
Tiger - let in a few drops and has to allow for exhausts - really like the system though. The latch wouldn't break when closing it like the first batch of Buell's did. (Mine were replaced under warranty - and I'm assured they were upgraded - but I'm still slightly nervous they are going to schnap again every time I do them up. It's just a bad mechanism design - which is cruelly ironic on a Buell.)
Goldwing - Excellent
Victory Vision - leaked in one pocket during a cyclone. There's nothing wrong with the luggage - except that it 'looks' like it should hold more than it does.
ST1300 - Good system. Let in a few drops.
All Harley Baggers - Excellent - they open from the top and have good security (on some).
Guzzi Stelvio - Excellent ADV bags. The ugly sister in an ugly stuff to put on a bike anyway family. Utility compensates.
V-strom - good - though limited capacity.
Trophy 1200 - fair - leaked a bit too, but the latches held.

Givi stuff is cheaper and better made than the std Buell cases.

How's that? :blink::blink:

+1 on the Connie luggage and Givi stuff. Never had an issue with water getting in. There was that time that my drink bottle exploded inside my topbox though...the water couldn't get out...

I'd take hard luggage over soft or packs etc any day. Money well spent.

[Hailwood]

So any updates marty? What have you bought or ridden?

[martybabe]

Not yet me old mate, I'm on ( looking after the wife pre and post-op and moving house) duty at the moment but rest assured my eye is firmly glued to trade me and the like. When the right one comes up at the right time and the right price, it shall be mine! Thanks for your interest though, I shall shout it loud when my life slows down to mildly hectic and I have a mile muncher in the Garage. Cheers