Looking for the right sport tourer

[Aryaeil]

Hi guys,

My current ride is a 1987 Honda NV400SP. I've done 8,000km in the past year on it. I've done 500km days on it and am looking to move up to a more suitable sport tourer. It needs to carry 2-3 hard luggage cases and two up on long trips. But it needs to be able to put that silly grin on ones face when on short rides in the hills :P I'm a racing snake at 5'8"/65kg. I'm usually easy on the revs so after something with decent mid-range power. I am confident enough in my sensibilities to not exceed my abilities however:)Looking for something under $5,000 so am happy with older models. So far I've been investigating VFR750s and GSX750s.

Cheers, (apologies if this has been covered already)

[Bren]

I bought me a 94 GSX750F (Katana) last year and am loving it...Its cheap and reliable, has enough power to be fun on the twisties, and is able to comfotably do long distances....Did wellington to christchurch and back again last christmas all loaded up and did not miss a beat...There will be better ones about for more money, but the Katana is a great bike...I love it, and it always gives me the grin factor...

Oh and welcome to KB

Oh dont forget the Suzuki RF900....would be a good sports tourer as well

[Aryaeil]

Thanks, good to be here :) I do like the look of a GSX750F on trademe. I've looked into the RF900 and am I right in thinking it is somewhat heavier? The biggest bike I've ridden is a Yamaha XJ600. I assume it doesn't matter so much when you are already rolling, but I'm not experienced with bigger bikes.

[MSTRS]

The RF900 is probably THE sports tourer. A big pussycat. With claws. Suffers only from being a 5 speed. Find one and you won't look back.
Your other choices are good too. The GSX would be my pick, based soley on price.

[Grubber]

Triumph ST Sprint is a great tourer.
Plenty of luggage space and comfort and power to burn.

[Mom]

Triumph ST Sprint is a great tourer.
Plenty of luggage space and comfort and power to burn.

Beat me to it. Hands down the ST has the most comfortable pillion ergonomics of any bike I have pillioned on. I did not like the RF900 at all.

[Grubber]

Beat me to it. Hands down the ST has the most comfortable pillion ergonomics of any bike I have pillioned on. I did not like the RF900 at all.

I've only test ridden couple and they are just awesome to ride. Good handlers as well as plenty of get up and go. Not bad lookers either. The new ones are looking pretty damn fine too.

[Mom]

I've only test ridden couple and they are just awesome to ride. Good handlers as well as plenty of get up and go. Not bad lookers either. The new ones are looking pretty damn fine too.

Sat on one on Saturday, later model than the one Maha had, it was comfy and even though has the split height seat, it still maintained that really lovely foot peg height due to the exhausts being tucked up under the seat. I wonder if that would make a "warm" issue?

[Taz]

Buy my R1100GS. Perfect sports tourer. Shaft drive, great tyre mileage, 400km fuel range, tough. Great on gravel back roads too. Not under 5k but not too far over that.

[Aryaeil]

I do like shaft drive, but I tend to steer away from European stuff due to expensive parts.Maybe when I've made my fortune! They do look like a nice bike though. I've read reviews on the CBR1000 Hurricane. The gist was that it was perfect for people who liked practical, sensible, uncharismatic yet fun riding. Would that be accurate? I'm leaning towards these old Jappers because they are usually within my price range. Any Kawasakis or Yamahas I should be looking at?I have been informed that I could probably get a much newer GSX for the same money as an RF900. I'm not qualified to comment on that. Any ideas on that?

[Bren]

I have been informed that I could probably get a much newer GSX for the same money as an RF900. I'm not qualified to comment on that. Any ideas on that?

I was looking at a few models when I got my bike. The GSXF, GSXR and the RF...Yes I lean towards Suzuki more than any other marque. The GSXR was too sports orientated for my liking after a few blats, and the RF were few and far between, and also much more expensive than the GSXF. My budget only went as far as 4 grand...but as posted before I love my bike....suits me nicely, and I intend to keep it for a long time yet...

[spacemonkey]

Bandits are pretty good tourers the 1200 would have ample power for 2up and is a solid reliable package.
I don't know what the pillion ergonomics are like, but I've happily done Whangarei to Wellington nonstop and felt absolutely fine when I parked up in Welly.
They also handle pretty well in the twisties. ;)

[RiderInBlack]

Too bad ya can't stretch ya budget a bit further cause this bike (<!-- title / author block --> ad - Bike GSX1400 Stunning machine (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/126479-GSX1400-Stunning-machine) ) would hit all the right spots and is being sold for way cheaper than it should be.

[DEVVIL]

Thanks, good to be here :) I do like the look of a GSX750F on trademe. I've looked into the RF900 and am I right in thinking it is somewhat heavier? The biggest bike I've ridden is a Yamaha XJ600. I assume it doesn't matter so much when you are already rolling, but I'm not experienced with bigger bikes.

GSX750F

100BHP about 210KG a good budget all rounder. About 240ks out of a tank you can really throw it around corners just lacks torque coming out (compared to a VTR/KTM type of bike)
You will love this bike as its not to sporty (I did many trips from Akl to Npr on mine):Punk::Punk:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=183753

[NighthawkNZ]

There is heaps of threads on this... and they all say the same thing... most time they recommend the bike they have or the have had in the past...

And I will say the same thing I have said in them... You need to to test ride... Just be cause jack finds bike a great bike for his need it may not meet jims need...

Every bike is different, every person is different... there is to many vriables... I find the Ducati ST4s a great sports tourer... but it may not suite you may find it uncomfortable... I use to own a VTR firestorm was gret bike and classed as a sports tourer... but its fuel range is crap compared to the ducati...

Do want a V-Twin, IL4, V4, triple, Twin? what size are you looking at?... what is your budget?

Go shoping and take for a test ride... and take your pillion on the test ride... you may be comfortale but she might hate it...

I will recommend the Ducati ST4s... heaps power, comfort both rider and pillion... has the race heritage... take on track, or play in hills... standard panniers, easy to add pack rack or top box... fuel range is good... Maintenance isn't that much heck I can afford and i am on minimum wage...

[AllanB]

Go see the bank and get a few more grand.

look at the listed GSX1400 or tyr a Hornet 900 - throw on some soft bags, pack rack and tank bag and you're in. Strip them off and it's fun time.

Both naked but you can add a small screen if that is your thing and unless you are doing naughty speeds all the time the screen is not needed.

[Aryaeil]

Wise words from Nighthawk, and good to hear from all the more learned riders experience. It may be time to drag the missus out on a few long test rides!

At the moment the budget I'm working on will be $4-5000. Which I realise limits me somewhat. I'm after decent midrange power and torque, as I'm not a major rev-head. So V-twin or V-four?

[george formby]

Your not short of choices & nighthawk nailed it, test rides. I'm very biased towards my style of bike. They do everything competently, touring, commuting, gravel roads & keeping sportsbike's honest. Cheap to run & maintain too. I have a TDM set up for touring round Europe, givi luggage & Sat nav etc in the UK & the bike i have here just gets ridden on every kind of kiwi road. I have done Auckland & back in the rain with my partner on the back (600k all up) & she was grinning like a cheshire cat when we got home. Much to my dismay.
Just thought I would complicate things further...

[yod]

for what it's worth:

RF's are a solid machine, I had the Canadian spec lower power version (which is more common, there is a 135HP version out there), - around 120HP, and around 210kg dry IIRC. Fuel consumption was great, barely changed whether I was gentle or heavy handed, 1-up or 2-up (and I did a LOT of 2-up on it)....well over 350km out of a tank. (21 litres? memory fail)

I was lucky enough to find a reasonably priced 2nd hand corbin seat for it which made it a lot more comfortable for the pillion, new they're fairly expensive (from the states, google is your friend)

I got mine at about 42000 miles so it had a few wear and tear issues to deal with over time, but you'll get that on any bike of this age/mileage, chain, sprockets, rear disc, usual stuff.....

certainly a good option and if you hunt around you can find some good deals, I only paid $3850 for mine

[blackdog]

Bandits are pretty good tourers the 1200 would have ample power for 2up and is a solid reliable package.
I don't know what the pillion ergonomics are like, but I've happily done Whangarei to Wellington nonstop and felt absolutely fine when I parked up in Welly.
They also handle pretty well in the twisties. ;)

you get alot of 1200 bandit for $5k too.

as for the pillion, she prefers it to the triumph trophy we had before

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-295319270.htm

or this (negotiation would get ya close to $5k). i still miss mine...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-305409689.htm

[blackdog]

wise words from nighthawk, and good to hear from all the more learned riders experience. It may be time to drag the missus out on a few long test rides!

So v-twin or v-four?

inline four!

this could be worth considering if it's as tidy as it looks. actually, buy my bandit so i can buy it!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-306016800.htm

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/118444-Naked-1200-bandit

[Aryaeil]

I looked up Triumph Sprints and promptly stopped looking. Most on Trademe were well out of my price range! Looking for something with Givis already on it, which I'm informed will save me quite a lot of $$ If I could just find the cash there is a beauty GSX for $4500 on Trademe with them. Sadly, boxes don't make the bike. And the wrong end of the country! So does engine configuration usually have a big impact on torque? Or does it come down to Cams , stroke etc.?

[MSTRS]

So does engine configuration usually have a big impact on torque? Or does it come down to Cams , stroke etc.?

Don't get too worked up about that. Big(ger) engines have all the torque in the world for what you describe you want. Generally, the less cylinders the greater the torque. But an RF900 for instance (inline4), would be the shizz. And they are usually well in your price range.

[CRM]

Hi guys,

My current ride is a 1987 Honda NV400SP. I've done 8,000km in the past year on it. I've done 500km days on it and am looking to move up to a more suitable sport tourer. It needs to carry 2-3 hard luggage cases and two up on long trips. But it needs to be able to put that silly grin on ones face when on short rides in the hills :P I'm a racing snake at 5'8"/65kg. I'm usually easy on the revs so after something with decent mid-range power. I am confident enough in my sensibilities to not exceed my abilities however:)Looking for something under $5,000 so am happy with older models. So far I've been investigating VFR750s and GSX750s.

Cheers, (apologies if this has been covered already)

I have a VFR800 and it's perfect for what you describe - decent mid-range but plenty of excitement as well. Also my wife approves of the pillion position (and she's pretty hard to please when it comes to bikes). They're awesome reliable bikes and will do high mileage no worries. I've ridden the 750's as well and they're great bikes (some people say better). Stick with Honda I say :done:

[bent12]

for fuck all money an RF900 will scare you shitless - buy one and look for its limits

[Aryaeil]

I am a Hondaphile, but an open-minded one. And my old 400 has already scared the shit out of me several times! But that is learning. At least I haven't arsed off yet. Yet... I'm not surea bike like that it supposed to have it's pegs buried in the road. Finding the model I can afford for a test ride is the issue!

[Winston001]

There are as many bikes as there are answers. I prefer the Ducati ST4 even if mine did try to kill me. :D However they are not cheap and probably too sporty for your enjoyment.

I've always liked the Triumph Trophy http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers//auction-308584413.htm.

The VFR 800 has a very good reputation and is rated highly by various reviewers. It only falls down against the latest 900-1000 competition and people would still argue its the best.

Personally I'd look for ownership and mechanical history. A low ownership bike of any marque which has been looked after is going to be a pleasure to own.

Ride a few and get a feel.

[Aryaeil]

That certainly seems to be way I'm headed. Just going to find what suits me and then find a tidy example.

[yachtie10]

In the price range you mention I would test ride a hornet 900 or bandit1200 both have loads of torque and very reliable. and great value for money

[blossomsowner]

is the way to go. obviously I currently have one and it really does tick all the right boxes. I could be convinced to part with mine due to wanting more space in the garage for other projects. 17000 miles on it. Pack rack, no panniers. 1998 model. pm if you are interested. wrong end of the country i know but only a plane trip away.

[tamarillo]

don't rule out bmw's - don't forget they made lots and lots and there are lots of alternative suppliers for parts AND bmw support older bikes. I never felt parts were expensive and you never get told its unavailable! lots of interchangeability of parts too.

look at early Triumph trophys - I just got a 96 with full luggage and 25k's for not a lot more than your 5 and they are around for 5. 96 model more tourer than earlier ones but came with panniers. still fun in twisty's and triple adds sound and character.

[grbaker]

As mentioned here the Suzuki GSX750F is a good tourer... bit of a strech seat to bars. RF900 is okay but I would not spend money on one. The GSX is better balanced and the engine is more fun.

Honda had a number of CBF bikes in the 1998-2004 which you may be able to find one for 5k. The CBR600's maybe a little small for what you want but the CBR900 went very fast and can take a load. The Hornet 900 of the time had the same motor and sat up a little straighter.
I'm not expert of VFR's but the were issues around tank range on those (still is I think).

Lots to look at from really - Kawasaki ZZR900 (to ZX-12), Bandit 900 (or 600), BMW R850, SV1000S, SV650S, Yamaha XJ600/900.

[Stylo]

As mentioned here the Suzuki GSX750F is a good tourer... bit of a strech seat to bars. RF900 is okay but I would not spend money on one. The GSX is better balanced and the engine is more fun.

Honda had a number of CBF bikes in the 1998-2004 which you may be able to find one for 5k. The CBR600's maybe a little small for what you want but the CBR900 went very fast and can take a load. The Hornet 900 of the time had the same motor and sat up a little straighter.
I'm not expert of VFR's but the were issues around tank range on those (still is I think).

Lots to look at from really - Kawasaki ZZR900 (to ZX-12), Bandit 900 (or 600), BMW R850, SV1000S, SV650S, Yamaha XJ600/900.

Can't say it's a good alternative but, we're heading away soon on our Gen 2 Hayabusa, and fully loaded . Gonna be an interesting trip , I can think of a number of Bikes that might be more suitable but, looking fwd to it nonetheless , must say , don't envisage being overtaken by too many Campervans ....

[grbaker]

Hayabusa ... didn't think of that one. Riding position almost the same as the GSX750FL and it goes like nothing else.

[DesmoDAZ]

st4, st4s,st2, st3, multistrada, it's just the bucks, all good sound rides, depends on what % of sports you want over tourer.

[Aryaeil]

I've taken the plunge on a 2001 Ducati ST4. One test ride and I was sold. Absolutely love it. Went to Hanmer for an evening ride yesterday and Akaroa this afternoon. Seventh heaven all the way :)

[Winston001]

I've taken the plunge on a 2001 Ducati ST4. One test ride and I was sold. Absolutely love it. Went to Hanmer for an evening ride yesterday and Akaroa this afternoon. Seventh heaven all the way :)

Well you are a fine chap and no mistake. :2thumbsup: An excellent choice.

Often on these forums people ask that question and get loads of advice to buy a Bandit or a Hornet (which I respect) but there are other great options.

I used to have a yellow Ducati 2001 ST4 (sob.....:crybaby:) and can't adequately express the joy that bike gave me. Damn it was a fine machine.

This is what you need next..... :devil2: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=320375399

[Urano]

well...

staying on old models i'd go on a vfr800.
or a cbr600f.
or maybe (if you are lucky enough to find one in good conditions) yzf600 thundercat.
otherwise i can't but speak well about the er6f (ninja 650r), but it's a twin...

then, coming on the newer, there is the bmw f800st (other twin).

and, if you have a little extra time to wait, it seems possible that in two/three months we'll have a whole new cbr600f... ::yes::yes::yes::love:

[Bass]

I've taken the plunge on a 2001 Ducati ST4. :)

A Ducati!!!!!
You'll regret it!!!!
(But you'll have one helluva lotta fun before you do - enjoy!)

[Aryaeil]

This is what you need next..... :devil2: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=320375399[/QUOTE]

Pity, my bike is red...I am actually looking for a leather summer riding jacket. The tidy kind that doesn't look out of place in the pub. I have to go sideways through doors in my touring jacket. And I'm slim. Found a nice new one for $400. Ouch.

[CRM]

Selling my VFR800 if you are interested (I know it's a bit above your target price but its cheap for a current model vtech crazy-smooth, fantastic-handling mile-eater :woohoo:) It's here (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=321342738) on TM.

[Corse1]

Of course I would recomend the Ducati ST series with the standard hard bags. certainly willing and able bikes that do put a smile on your face.

The Triumph Sprint is a great bike that is very comfortable and handles real well

[cristi]

Hi,

Maybe is to late, but I recommend you to buy BMW K1200S or BMW K1300S with ABS. In my opinion this bike is perfect. You have a good position on her, you don't have problem with wind, enough power, space for luggage and the breaks are impressive.

I have a BMW K1200S and I drive this year around 35000 km.
I will attach few picture from my holliday.

[Aryaeil]

Many fine bikes out there, I'm sure. It may have been that it was the first decent bike I'd ridden, but it hooked me straight away. The GPR pipes and to me (at the time) incredible power got me. The power of the thing still scares me, which is better than being over confident I suppose. Not slow on the track either. Won't be doing to much of that though!

Going to Greymouth street racing on saturday, so I'll probably see a few members on the road. Stay safe.

[neels]

Not slow on the track either. Won't be doing to much of that though!
Not unless you plan on buying new mufflers eh?

[Aryaeil]

you're not wrong! One day at the track and I've worn halfway through the exhaust pipes already!

[Winston001]

you're not wrong! One day at the track and I've worn halfway through the exhaust pipes already!

And fortunately I just happen to have a set of the genuine article sitting alone doing nothing in my gargre....er, gager....nope, gragrrge......um, shed for bikes 'n stuff. :rockon:

[Madness]

Kawasaki's not getting much mention here.

For $5k you're sure to find a tidy ZZR-1100 D model from 1993 onwards. They piss all over RF900's, beat Honda Blackbirds in a straight line and will run forever with little maintenance.

Read up on them, they didn't manage to produce & sell virtually the same bike for 7 years running for no good reason.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-326530445.htm

[helenoftroy]

Many fine bikes out there, I'm sure. It may have been that it was the first decent bike I'd ridden, but it hooked me straight away. The GPR pipes and to me (at the time) incredible power got me. The power of the thing still scares me, which is better than being over confident I suppose. Not slow on the track either. Won't be doing to much of that though!

Going to Greymouth street racing on saturday, so I'll probably see a few members on the road. Stay safe.


Not unless you plan on buying new mufflers eh?

Well you cant say you aren't enjoying the gorgeous beast eh Aryaeil!!

...and yeah you gave the GPRs a wee touch at your first track day:innocent:

They are a magic,versatile machine....says she who has been Ducati deprived since the earthquake,I really miss mine....

[Corse1]

you're not wrong! One day at the track and I've worn halfway through the exhaust pipes already!

Yes I have worn the radiused corners of the feed pipes on my GPR's as well before I raised the rear ride height. A must if you have that feature on the ST4...the 4s has.

The model GPR pipes I have don't taper out and up to the cans like the originals. They just exit with a large radius that sticks out quite a lot more than stock items.

Mine are nearly through so I have purchased a second hand set of damaged stockers to try and use the lower pipes with the GPR cans.

[Corse1]

A Ducati!!!!!
You'll regret it!!!!
(But you'll have one helluva lotta fun before you do - enjoy!)

4 years and no regrets so far:yes::yes::yes::yes::scooter::scooter:

[Aryaeil]

it was the feed pipes that got scraped. Any idea how much a new set of those would cost? I could get a new set bent up, but are they a special alloy?. 5th gear all the way home. Jut enough of a rumble to keep me happy. The fuzz kept the me from needing 6th! And only had to take the weight off my rear a couple of times the whole trip. What a machine!

[Winston001]

I had a set of feeder pipes made for me by a mate as a favour but the work involved made me feel very guilty. Double-layered at the inlet end plus needs to be correctly bent. You can probably order them from the US. Try Ducati.MS http://www.ducati.ms/forums/

Alternatively have two sets of pipes as I did. One for the track and loud fun, and the other for the WOF and long journeys. As I said earlier, I have a set of original Ducati stainless steel mufflers in the garage which I should sell.

[Corse1]

I had a set of feeder pipes made for me by a mate as a favour but the work involved made me feel very guilty. Double-layered at the inlet end plus needs to be correctly bent. You can probably order them from the US. Try Ducati.MS http://www.ducati.ms/forums/

Alternatively have two sets of pipes as I did. One for the track and loud fun, and the other for the WOF and long journeys. As I said earlier, I have a set of original Ducati stainless steel mufflers in the garage which I should sell.

Yeah I priced up a set of made up feed pipes locally. Seemed like an easy enough job. You would want to go stainless. $470...and I nearly fell over:shit:

Pissed me off as if I had raised the ride height like I have in the first place the problem would not have occured. The difference is 55mm from the ground to the wheel on the centre stand to nearly touching the ground which gives a large amount for additional ground clearance and better turn in without compromising high speed stability.

Thats why I have purchased a set of rashed originals to try and adapt the feed pipes. I do not want to tamper with my original OEM ST4s exhausts.


Also on the 4s the gearing is way high. I changed from 15/38 to 15/42 and have around 3700rpm at 100kph........Ducatis are renouned for high gearing standard.

As mentioned by Winston001 join www.ducati.ms for all the info you will ever need. And its not a crap forum full off wankers......no reference to any other forum intended. You will find all the info you will ever need for your Duc by joining this forum.