What is the most comfortable motorbike to ride - all weathers?

[rocketman1]

Just wondering what is the most comfortable motorcycle to ride over long distances, say at least 500-700km in day.
Rode the ol' SV back from Wellington a while back 600km in about 6hrs, including 2 stops and 3 refuels... yes she was singing a merry tune all the way home.....but
I was knackered when i got back, sore bum and shoulders.

Any out there have there preferences on what bike you would be good on if you regularly traveled 600km in one day?

[98tls]

Just wondering what is the most comfortable motorcycle to ride over long distances, say at least 500-700km in day.
Rode the ol' SV back from Wellington a while back 600km in about 6hrs, including 2 stops and 3 refuels... yes she was singing a merry tune all the way home.....but
I was knackered when i got back, sore bum and shoulders.

Any out there have there preferences on what bike you would be good on if you regularly traveled 600km in one day?

Methinks its more a rider thing than a bike thing,in the 10 years or so of owning the TL ive had many 800km days with no problems at all,at 47 i am quite happy still to leave Oamaru ride over to Greymouth have lunch and ride home.Fwiw.

[Maha]

SV's are not known for there comfit are they?
Most (if not all) SV owners would agree.
A Sports Tourer is the obvious choice for distance riding.
Some would be quite happy on a Sports Bike all day, some not so.

[Edbear]

At 52 I reckon mine is...

[mattian]

I asked a similar question not long ago.... sorry, can't find my thread. Consensus was that there was no "ideal" bike for all weathers. Every bike has its good and bad aspects comparitevely speaking. Good engine braking technique or maybe some ABS (if you can afford it) for the really wet days.

[AllanB]

A very subjective question.

In theory one of the big tourers - Kawa, BMW etc. The Road King has a sofa of a seat!

But then what do you really want your bike for and how often do you do 500 km trips?

I'm pretty sure I could carve a more comfortable seat from a piece of soft balsa wood for the SV!

[firefighter]

Easy. A cruiser IMO would be a good option for that many kms a day. That or a big sports tourer.

[Swoop]

Distance is only one area to consider. The type of riding you do has to be factored in.

So long as you have 2 wheels underneath you, is all that matters.

[98tls]

Easy. A cruiser IMO would be a good option for that many kms a day. That or a big sports tourer.

Really,i rode a 1800 Honda once,i was fucked after just lifting it off the sidestand let alone riding it all day.

[dipshit]

I reckon when I get too old and decrepit for a sports bike and still want to do big miles... I'll have me one of these...

(a ST sprint 1050)

[Edbear]

Really,i rode a 1800 Honda once,i was fucked after just lifting it off the sidestand let alone riding it all day.

LOL!!! That's why I like mine!

[shrub]

Rocket 3. I rode one to the coast and back once, and loved every minute once I got my head around the ground clearance. Big fat seat, effortless power, awesome brakes and smooth like only a triple can be. I could have ridden all day and all night.

[AllanB]

Really,i rode a 1800 Honda once,i was fucked after just lifting it off the sidestand let alone riding it all day.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


That's some real steel there boy - not that fancy carbon-fiber crap. Real manly steel that you were lifting.

[marty]

Hayabusa, Blackbird, Bandit, GSX14, CB13, XJR13 etc. Any big-bore eats miles with ease.

My pick though would be a VFR800. It will probably be my next bike - the pre-underseat pipe model though

[98tls]

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


That's some real steel there boy - not that fancy carbon-fiber crap. Real manly steel that you were lifting.

The sidestand possibly,rest of it was shite.

[wysper]

What? No ones gone for the Goldwing - classic motor-car-cycle. :whistle:

But seriously, as others have said, there is probably no bike that is all things to all conditions.

My choice would be either a cruiser or something like a GSX1400 if I was going long distances lots. But I like naked bikes.
Others would go for fully faired BMW's and the like.

So really only you can answer that question. Because everyone else will have a different answer.

[98tls]

I reckon when I get too old and decrepit for a sports bike and still want to do big miles... I'll have me one of these...

(a ST sprint 1050)

Bullshit,you live in Palmerston,next upgrade for you is a Cortina.

[PirateJafa]

I've done down to Wellington and back to Auckland in a night on my old VFR400R, and was pretty much fine afterwards.

Depends more on the rider than the bike I reckon.

[firefighter]

Really,i rode a 1800 Honda once,i was fucked after just lifting it off the sidestand let alone riding it all day.

lol. Yeah was thinking more along the lines of a Speedmaster. The old man has one which I always commandeer when I go and see them. Comfy as hell.....yet still fun. The saddle bags kinda suit it too so plenty of really convenient space.....If I was after a comfy bike for long distances it's a good mix of reasonable handling, the right amount of power and good wind-protection, and yes comfy, and would be on the short-list of course. Obviously all the mods he's done would be a must.

[Stylo]

Hayabusa, Blackbird, Bandit, GSX14, CB13, XJR13 etc. Any big-bore eats miles with ease.

My pick though would be a VFR800. It will probably be my next bike - the pre-underseat pipe model though

Hayabusa is not a good Bike to spend hours and hours on .....Cockpit is a little cramped , try one of the above or go for a 14 , from Kawasaki ...my 5 cents....

[banditrider]

I'm not biased in the least...

207444

[dipshit]

Bullshit,you live in Palmerston,next upgrade for you is a Cortina.

Yeah, and I'm going to marry my long lost sister as well. :blip:

[marty]

dunno - i'm 6'1 and never thought twice about 5-600km days on mine. just pre-flight it, gas it up and go

[Big Dave]

For a big/tall guy

Marty's list:
Hayabusa - No
Blackbird - No
Bandit - Fair
GSX14 - Good
CB13 - Good
FJR13 - Very good.
VFR800. - No.

TL - No
ZX14 - almost.

My best (in no particular order)

Connie 14
FJR1300
Victory Vision
Harley Ultra or any Touring Chassis Hog.
R3 Tourer (Sans Screen)

One of the most tiring things I find on touring motorcycles is a fixed height windsceen. The noise and turbulence they generate is far more wearing than dealing to the mass of the bike.
It's why the Triumph Tiger, Goldwing, Norge, Varadero, Vee Strom and several others aren't on my personal list.
Those on my favoured list have small enough bodywork not to disturb the air hitting my melon - or they are electric and can be adjusted to suit the prevailing conditions.

Ed - there are no cruisers on my list. The style of the bike means that they have limited rear suspension travel. It's doable as you know - but if we are talking efficiency - they actually aren't that well suited for the described task by nature of the design. When compared to machines with 6" of travel - on NZ roads.

[Edbear]

Ed - there are no cruisers on my list. The style of the bike means that they have limited rear suspension travel. It's doable - but they actually aren't that well suited for the described task by nature of the design. When compared to machines with 6" of travel - on NZ roads.

I agree BD at times it can jar a bit. I've got the shock on max, but to be honest even two up with all our gear, for most roads, and we've been over most of the upper NI from Rotorua to Opononi, it's fine for us. Jill wants a more comfy perch but the stock seat is fine for me.

No buffetting issues since fitting the VA lowers and even around the Coro it's not disgraced when in company with the likes of the GSX1400 and Bandit 1200S. My mate on the 1400 was convinced it was a thou! When assured it was only 805cc he asked if I'd hotted it up!

[zahria]

Well, I have a firestorm, and I've done a capital cruise (1000kms in 12 hours) and most of a TT2000(1350kms in 2 days) and was pretty much ok. Nothing beer and pizza dosen't fix.

[98tls]

Dear oh dear,ive possibly (sadly) got one of the largest collections of motorcycle mags dating back to the early 70s still tucked away in the shed,when out there mucking about i sometimes reach into one of the early piles (pre waving/Ducatis actually sounded sweet/motorcycling had nothing to do with fashion/nobody gave a fuck what lane you crossed/cruiser meant a lowered 65 Impala not one minus 2 wheels to to gain a bit of perspective.Back then a bike was a bike,how i would love to have a certain Z1000 today.

[Maha]

@ Big Dave....
Why the XJR over the GSX/CB?
Is it the fit?

[Big Dave]

>>Why the XJR over the GSX/CB?<<

Doh - I meant FJR.

The fit / ergos - and the integrated luggage. FJR has an outstanding system and the bodywork worked for me.

[slofox]

Most (if not all) SV owners would agree.
.

I sure as hell friggin' would...but then I am ten thousand years old...

[shrub]

For a big/tall guy

R3 Tourer (Sans Screen)

One of the most tiring things I find on touring motorcycles is a fixed height windsceen. .

I agree, I have ridden several hundred Ks on a Rocket 3 Tourer, and the screen is incredibly irritating. At 110 kmh it feels like your helmet is strapped to a jackhamer, so I always took it off before I left the shed.

[nudemetalz]

Funny you say that. I put a Givi bikini screen on the V11 Sport. Found it buffeted my helmet like a bastard while on the open road. Took it off...nice and smooth again.

[davereid]

The big beemers always seem to end up popular with the regular long distance commuters. My K100 previously belonged to a mate, who used it every day in all weathers to commute from Levin to Welly. I bought it when he went out and got himself a new one.

Compared to my 650, its like riding a whale, but it makes a good job of weather protection, has a seat the width of my fat arse, and is cheap and easy to service.

[avgas]

GN125...............I could do a 1000km a day on that thing no worries.

[R-Soul]

The BMW tourers are ridiculously comfortable as far as their seats go, and a great riding position.. The R1150 RT or the R1100RT in particular - also not too big and heavy (a la goldwing).

I rode one once - it was like riding a cruise missile - 160km/hr effortlessly, feeling like 80km/hr. No engine starin, electronically adjustable windshield, lots of torque for overtaking. Amazing bike.

Its was so comfortable that my mate fell asleep on it (riding a long straight desert road) and died...

:(

[Maha]

The BMW tourers are ridiculously comfortable as far as their seats go, and a great riding position.. The R1150 RT or the R1100RT in particular - also not too big and heavy (a la goldwing).

I rode one once - it was like riding a cruise missile - 160km/hr effortlessly, feeling like 80km/hr. No engine starin, electronically adjustable windshield, lots of torque for overtaking. Amazing bike.

Its was so comfortable that my mate fell asleep on it (riding a long straight desert road) and died...

:(

Nice footnote!
Makes ya really wanna go out and buy one donnit?

[spajohn]

I don't often ride in bad weather, though have from time to time, and my K1200R is good. Fine weather long rides I could just keep going...Auckland - Fielding in an afternoon and I reckon I could have ridden back again if I wanted. Mid-winter in Aus doing this route in two days each direction (Syd-Mel), then two days back...quite cold, at time, but again fine.
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Alexandria+NSW,+Australia&daddr=Bega+to:Melbourne+to:Albury+to:Alexandria+NS W,+Australia&hl=en&geocode=FZ3D-v0drw8DCSlR758xtLESazEE2kN7QXEeaQ%3B%3B%3B%3B&mra=ls&sll=-33.897571,151.195567&sspn=0.052577,0.111494&ie=UTF8&z=7

I'm 194cm's.

[Devil]

My R1200GS Adventure is fantastic on the long trips. Shitloads of weather protection, 600km without stopping for gas is no problem.
Love it.

No way would I want to do distance on a cruiser. Just not the right riding position. Gotta be upright.

[Ixion]

600km in a day isn't really all that much.

For comfortable riding, BMWs are hard to go past.

But I totally second BDs comment re electric screens. IMHO, one of the most useful and sensbile motorcycle things invented in the last 20 years. i wouldn't have a long distance tourer without one.

Naked is fine for lower speed touring, but 130+ gets tiring on a naked after a while. And touring means all weathers. In the rain a fairing really does help. Sure, I can ride in the rain without one. But I'm going to be more tired, more uncomfortable without one.

The other thing I think you need for regular long distance cruising is shaft drive. Chains are fine, but they need constant attention . Which is a pain on a long tour. Oh, and you need tyres that can go a good many 600km days without having to be replaced! No fun being stuck 1000 km from home in a small town with a tyre that was OK when you left home , and now isn't safe.

I've not ridden crusiers far enough to comment on their ergos. But certainly sprotsbikes don't cut it for long disatnce. Yes, yes, I know, it CAN be done, and there are hard men that will proclaim that they can ride their race rep for 1000km and walk away. I can't . An upright position (actually, leaning slightly forward, if on a naked) is essential. And pegs that actually support your weight.

[BuzzardNZ]

SV's are not known for there comfit are they?
Most (if not all) SV owners would agree.
A Sports Tourer is the obvious choice for distance riding.
Some would be quite happy on a Sports Bike all day, some not so.

True, after only an hour I'm sore. The seat on the SV is like sitting on a phucking rock

[NighthawkNZ]

Depends what you call comfortable compared to what I call comfortable... evey one is different and have different ideas on comfort...

I have done huge km days on all the bikes I have owned and in all weather...

At present the ST4s I am happy with and could easily do 800, 900, 1000km in a day if I had too...

[Monamie]

I found my Buell Uly comfortable with no aches and pains at 500kms/day for a week when we went on holiday-similarly 86's Tiger left him in good shape :yes:

[Big Dave]

I found my Buell Uly comfortable with no aches and pains a

Yea - Agree - mine is good for all week on all roads - 2 up.

[pritch]

Had to read almost the whole thread before I got to DR & RS' posts. the BMWs have always had the reputation for being most conmfortable on the long haul. "The only bike on which you can ride 1000K and still feel like dancing".

There are others now, but if comfort was the priority that's where I'd start.

[R-Soul]

Nice footnote!
Makes ya really wanna go out and buy one donnit?

Well ya gotta admit that it must be damn comfortable for the RIDER to fall asleep (prolly while doing about 160kph at the time)!
I also think that riding long distance in NZ would be a far cry from the long straight stretches through the Great Karoo desert. More twisties here to keep you awake (thankfully)...

[R-Soul]

I don't often ride in bad weather, though have from time to time, and my K1200R is good. Fine weather long rides I could just keep going...Auckland - Fielding in an afternoon and I reckon I could have ridden back again if I wanted. Mid-winter in Aus doing this route in two days each direction (Syd-Mel), then two days back...quite cold, at time, but again fine.
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Alexandria+NSW,+Australia&daddr=Bega+to:Melbourne+to:Albury+to:Alexandria+NS W,+Australia&hl=en&geocode=FZ3D-v0drw8DCSlR758xtLESazEE2kN7QXEeaQ%3B%3B%3B%3B&mra=ls&sll=-33.897571,151.195567&sspn=0.052577,0.111494&ie=UTF8&z=7

I'm 194cm's.
That looks like an awesome ride!

[Taz]

Had to read almost the whole thread before I got to DR & RS' posts. the BMWs have always had the reputation for being most conmfortable on the long haul. "The only bike on which you can ride 1000K and still feel like dancing".

There are others now, but if comfort was the priority that's where I'd start.

Not my BMW!! But then I've never ridden a bike that I haven't got a sore arse on within 300kms. Must just be my arse.

[spajohn]

That looks like an awesome ride!

Especially down the coast...great fun. The bike was new then too so that just amplified the buzz. Pretty freaky leaving Bega on a foggy morning, having a massive Roo hop out of the mist into the middle of a passing lane where it was merging. One of those clenching moments! LOL

[Dave Lobster]

Isn't any bike comfortable if you've had a big cup of harden the fuck up first?

[spajohn]

Could also be the riding gear. My Tiger Angel Guardian suit is good, though not the warmest, but who doesn't we layers in the cold...look under All Weather:
http://www.tigerangel.com.au/frontpage.html

[R-Soul]

Isn't any bike comfortable if you've had a big cup of harden the fuck up first?

Well thats why I always carry a flask of it with me when out riding the VTR...

[rocketman1]

Good reply BD. Had me stuffed on the XJR too, till I read on.

I took a ST1300 for a spin, nice bike, a bit scooterish, handled better than it looked it would, good protection, but brakes werent up to much.
VFR 800 they go alright a bit wristy after a while.
Havent ridden a BMW but quite like the look of the big K1200RS, heavy beasts, but apparantley very comfortable, and go like hell.
The cruisers seem to get criticised for getting their riders very wet in poor weather.
Why are the most comfortable bikes the most expensive....? I guess you pay for comfort.

There are some hard arses out there that can ride a sportsbike for 1000km and still feel good ...beats the hell out of me!!
Me think theres some bullshit being thrown around on this thread.

[Rogue Rider]

Well, this is an interesting question, it all really depends on the look you want.
Some of the most comfortable bikes there are, are also some of the most ugly as well.... for example if gayness isn't a problem then going for a BMW 1200CL or Goldwing or the like won't be a problem.
If you want something a little cooler in the tourer department then you have the Roadking, softails options in Harley or the Japanese equivalent if budget, economy and maintenance is paramount. They look and are comfy, but mostly handle like rogue bush pigs......
If you like sports, then the SVs half cocked and VTR style riding position isn't the best. Sports bikes are ultimately designed for performance over long term comfort. Although street adapted applications are made with regards to seat, ultimately they are still packaged as a race bike.
It is worth noting that the naked versions do tend to have a more upright riding position which helps in comfort department.
I have at present a speet tripple 1050 which I find probably one of the better street applicated bikes as far as comfort goes. Comfort can always be improved by adding a gel seat, or a portable gel seat patch. These are available easily from usa on ebay.

Lastly there is the 80's inspired bikini fairinged bikes like the fj1200, xj600/900, and bandits. They are pretty ugly but comfy none the less.

In saying that, the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden, would have to be my previous bike, which was an 03 Triumph Speedmaster. It was fitted with a big bore, and had some other mods as well as a gell touring seat. I could ride that baby all day long with no issues, aches or pains, and no need for massages....(Though I claimed them any way lol)

By the time you own around 20-30 bikes you start to get a feel for what you like and don't like.

I didn't mind my SV1000s, it was ok, but lacked the style and comfort for sure.

[peasea]

I ride almost daily, in all weathers, and have done some big-k days on my Wideglide. The worst physical hiccup I've had (and also on the FXR I had before it) would be slightly sore forearms and on a couple of occasions, sore thigh muscles. I did find, however, that if I did a couple of big-k trips in quick succession the soreness disappeared. How comfy you are is largely dependant on fitness and weather as much as the bike.

My W/g will go from tank fill to tank fill without beating me up. That's what they're designed for, long haul comfort and my only restriction is hours in the day really; cruising at 110-130 six/eight hours or more is not an issue.

[shafty]

I loved my R1150R Roadster - but eventually traded it for my "Orient Express" ST1300 ABS. The reason? I went for a ride from Tauranga to Miranda for fish and chips with some Mates - on a perfectly sunny winters day - and froze my butt off. I had all the gear on, but still froze. I decided to finally upgrade to "an old Man's bike" - so I could enjoy year round riding in comfort.

I do miss the BMW suspension/ParaLever/TeleLever set up, but the BM equiv of the Pan Euro at the time was $10K extra. (I tested the FJR also and was impressed)

I do enjoy the lecky screen, 29L tank, Rider seat ( www.trimit.co.nz ) Integral day riding lights, shaft drive, hot grips, excellent luggage, computer and a huge alternator for extra goodies etc etc

Each to his own though, - "it would be a pity if we were all the same" huh?

[Berries]

Went over to Queenstown at the weekend on my SV1000. Only 300km each way but I think all my previous bikes bar one would have been more comfortable. Maybe it is an age thing, or lack of long rides lately. Ten years ago I would do a 700 mile round trip for a long weekend without thinking about it. It hurt after a few hours, always the back of the legs for me, but it was certainly doable. Gonna have to persuade the wife to let me trade the bike if I am going to do the Rusty Nuts next year. If I take the SV I think I will be having a ceremonial burning at the Cape and then walk back. She told me to HTFU.:2guns:

[LBD]

http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=450

I reckon this would be a good place to start.....I as I am one of the above, I reckon we are qualified to comment.

Me...I am a stocky vertically challenged (at 5'7") Ducati monster rider....The monster fits me great...I have a gel seat and Rizzoma bars which are about 1.5 inches higher thann std....rear sets which I had set as low as possible but now higher than original....I have ridden 27000km in the 7 weeks I have had the bike in my hands...to me it is comfy and great for long days

[Gremlin]

on pure comfort of the bike, you can't really go past the Bmw, honda full tourers. They are also heavily represented in long distance riding events. As has been said however, the rider makes a big difference. Me? I use a supermoto for my long rides. Love it! :D

[Snails pace]

My 650 V strom suits me very well with regular rides of 500km plus, either solo or two up. I have a madstad bracket on the screen which loses the buffeting very well. Ride in all weathers no problems as the fairing keeps rain off reasonably. My harley dyna sport tourer, though it is for "touring" just does not compare. The suspension lets it down even though it is fully adjustable. Tried it the other day with the small screen and fairing taken off. The wind pressure on the chest soon had me putting it back on. Naked harley riders I take my hat off to you guys.

[NZsarge]

FJR1300
ZG1400 Concours
Then there is the likes of
Tiger 1050
a FZ1 Fazer with a Sargent seat would be good too I reckon.
My ZX14 with 20mm bar risers is quite comfy too. But for all round big distance bikes I reckon either of my first two picks would be mint.

[Big Dave]

I'll add M109 and C109 to the list. Contrary to previous cruiser statements. Thinking about it properly, I could ride a Thunderbird and a Softail Custom all day, every day without issue too. My first baulk was that I couldn't with the co-pilot on board. There's a difference if a touring partner is to be considered - or a solo affair.

My personal preference is for naked bikes. I agree with Ix about them being tiring for long stints over 130kph. But I don't need lugging the bodywork around for the 99% of the time I'm not doing that. (at the track of course!)

I had a hotted up 1200 Trophy that some of you will recall. I hovered on the brink of losing my licence for a while due to the fact that behind all the plastic 140kph was just cruising nicely.

Had one serious booking when I first got the Buell and haven't been pinged since. 110 on a naked bike feels just as fast and just as much fun. I don't find it any more strenuous at licence keeping speeds. It just needs slightly better riding gear.

[Rogue Rider]

I'll add M109 and C109 to the list. Contrary to previous cruiser statements. Thinking about it properly, I could ride a Thunderbird and a Softail Custom all day, every day without issue too. My first baulk was that I couldn't with the co-pilot on board. There's a difference if a touring partner is to be considered - or a solo affair.

My personal preference is for naked bikes. I agree with Ix about them being tiring for long stints over 130kph. But I don't need lugging the bodywork around for the 99% of the time I'm not doing that. (at the track of course!)

I had a hotted up 1200 Trophy that some of you will recall. I hovered on the brink of losing my licence for a while due to the fact that behind all the plastic 140kph was just cruising nicely.

Had one serious booking when I first got the Buell and haven't been pinged since. 110 on a naked bike feels just as fast and just as much fun. I don't find it any more strenuous at licence keeping speeds. It just needs slightly better riding gear.


I love your last statement, thats exactly why I went for a naked bike. It's amazing how much faster you think you are travelling apposed to riding a faired/ screened bike.
I don't ride two up, and I never ride bitch so not really to up to the play with comfort for pillions..... Pillions should either get their own license or stick to cages lol. By being a pillion they miss out on the full experience and freedom of riding, all the while imposing on the rider by unconscious hesitance and concern.
I have no probs with pillions, I would just be uncomfortable putting someone on the back these days with so many cagers intent on taking us out...... especially those bloody Vovlo drivers..... whats with them, they almost always see a bike, and want a go??????

[zeocen]

FJR1300
ZG1400 Concours
Then there is the likes of
Tiger 1050
a FZ1 Fazer with a Sargent seat would be good too I reckon.
My ZX14 with 20mm bar risers is quite comfy too. But for all round big distance bikes I reckon either of my first to picks would be mint.

Hey mate, where did you get the bar risers from for your ZX14? Did it comprimise the handling at all?

On topic, I'm yet to feel uncomfortable on the ol' workhorse Hornet!

[Devil]

I'll add M109 and C109 to the list. Contrary to previous cruiser statements. Thinking about it properly, I could ride a Thunderbird and a Softail Custom all day, every day without issue too.

I think your size has a lot to do with it. I find the M109R and the like very tiring because the controls are more of a stretch for me, where i'd say your arms and legs would be more relaxed. Effectively i'm just a parachute hanging on to the bars.

The new Rocket III roadster looks like it has a really nice riding position, closer pegs and bars and more upright. Will have to give it a try.

[R1madness]

well i regularly do 600-800km on my GSXR but lets leave that out of the equation for the moment.

The most comfortasble bike i have ever ridden was a Honda PC800. Not too large, reasonable power (for a 800cc vtwin tourer) brakes up to the task, handles fine (within its design), good weather protection, big storage capacity.

And not expencive these days. you can pick up a tidy low mile (they are mostly in mph speedos as they were for the USA market originaly) one for less than $6000.

[Big Dave]

I think your size has a lot to do with it. I find the M109R and the like very tiring because the controls are more of a stretch for me, where i'd say your arms and legs would be more relaxed. Effectively i'm just a parachute hanging on to the bars.

The new Rocket III roadster looks like it has a really nice riding position, closer pegs and bars and more upright. Will have to give it a try.

Yea - best Rocket yet.
http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.com/2010/04/roadster-best-rocket-yet.html

I did label everything personal and big/tall guys. Most of my screen 'issues' would be solved with a call to the guys at Godiva or a jig-saw and bit of emery paper. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[NZsarge]

Hey mate, where did you get the bar risers from for your ZX14? Did it comprimise the handling at all?


I'll PM ya.

[Bren]

Horses for Courses...But for me I am still leaning towards a beemer as a next bike...I rack up 500-700km per week...

...but, I am also slowly being seduced by the XR1200....so question for BD...How is the XR for long distance???

[Big Dave]

XR1200 is a good utility bike - does most things well except carry a passenger. Touring 'officianados' would po-po its peanut tank range. Seat is somewhat on the sporty side too. But I rode one all day for several in a row without much complaint - knees were a bit tender is all.

[Bren]

XR1200 is a good utility bike -. Touring 'officianados' would po-po it's peanut tank range..

well, I guess with 24 hr gas stations all over the place it is not an issue, unless you are in the back of beyond...its still a seductress to me...have yet to ride one, but will do once I am ready to buy....dont want to fall in love:love: with something I cant afford at the moment....

[avgas]

a FZ1 Fazer with a Sargent seat would be good too I reckon.
Tis OK, but not a great touring bike. Engine is too addictive to give juice too.

[avgas]

Isn't any bike comfortable if you've had a big cup of harden the fuck up first?
Yes but the taste is bad
http://www.grailtrail.ndo.co.uk/Grails/brandy.html

[NZsarge]

Tis OK, but not a great touring bike. Engine is too addictive to give juice too.

Yeah , the only issue other than the suspension was the seat comfort for distance on my '06.

[blackdog]

5 pages and no mention of an SMT? jeez people wake up

keep ya beemers and st's and st4's

o yea, and i'm looking for a beemer at the mo:o (a second bike, a f650 for the commute though you understand)

[NZsarge]

Engine is too addictive to give juice too.

Oh, and you say it like it's a bad thing... :laugh:

[NZsarge]

5 pages and no mention of an SMT? jeez people wake up

:sleep::zzzz::sleep: Oh yeah, SMT, nice bike for sure...

[HenryDorsetCase]

asked and answered, next question

[EJK]

Hyosung GT250R for me. That bike fits me like a glove.

Cruiser type hurts my tail bone after long distance.

[banditrider]

FJR1300
ZG1400 Concours
Then there is the likes of
Tiger 1050
a FZ1 Fazer with a Sargent seat would be good too I reckon.
My ZX14 with 20mm bar risers is quite comfy too. But for all round big distance bikes I reckon either of my first to picks would be mint.

Speaking some sense there Sarge. The risers on your bike definitely make it more comfortable - a double bubble & some luggage and it'd be even better (or nearly a Connie :msn-wink:)


Tis OK, but not a great touring bike.

There's one K'ber that may disagree here - he's just done the 10,000km in 10 days on his and it must be getting very close to the 200,000km mark...

[Dave Lobster]

o yea, and i'm looking for a beemer at the mo:o (a second bike, a f650 for the commute though you understand)

Don't discount those.. I've done many, many miles on one of those, two up. Incredibly comfy. Quick enough.. good on petrol too. They go better with an Arrow can on too.

[John_H]

This would be pretty good in all weathers wouldn't it??:yes:

[rocketman1]

Any one ridden a BMW K1200RS they look heavy, but supposed to be comfortable and fast...opinions?

[peasea]

This would be pretty good in all weathers wouldn't it??:yes:

A Quasar?
I think that would be even better in a fire!

I saw one in Blenheim a while back; I don't think I'll go to Blenheim again.

[Cracker]

Get on, launch, get up to speed to hold your weight (way over the limit on a calm day) rest your elbows on your knees and then try not to day dream of 40 virgins or fall asleep. Rain blows off, raises the personnel level of hygene

[fergie]

speaking with my rose tinted glasses on,,,,RT1150 bmw

[vifferman]

Methinks its more a rider thing than a bike thing,
To a large extent, I agree.
Back in 1994 I rode my VF500 from Hamilton to Christchurch without too much drama, then from Christchurch to Tauranga a couple of years later. There's no way I could do that now - my joints aren't up to it.
My VFR's reasonably comfy for me, but even so, after 75 minutes I need a break, as my hips and knees complain.
The VTR was worse - the riding position was pretty crap, even with GenMar risers on the bars (it was the first model, not the later one with 19mm higher bars and different angle. Mind you, the GenMars raised the bars 19mm, so I suspect even the later ones are relative torture racks...

[nico]

viffer man sumed it up vfrs are good ive one for sale lol
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=290155086 bump bump

[DIN PELENDA]

ST1100 with Corbin seat !

[Rogue Rider]

I don't understand, why so many 250cc riders on here, is this the trainer wheel forum lol...................... Might have to have a site Kiwi Learner, or Kiwi Scooter.....

[trailblazer]

why don't sv riders that have an issue with there seats go to an upholsterery shop and get a softer foam put in there seat and get it shaped to make it more comfortable for them. It will cost less than you think if you go to the right place. i have a mate who is an upholsterer by trade and he does heaps of seats for people wanting a more comfortable ride.