Avoided the Bandit trap

[James Deuce]

For those of you who have experience of the following, which would be the least trouble and most fun for 1100km round trip weekends away?

FJR1300 - Panniers and top box
Honda CBF1000 - Panniers and top box
Triumph Tiger 1050 - Top box
Yamaha FZ-1 - Panniers and top box

I suspect I've already made my mind up, but I'm horribly insecure and require peer approval before I do anything.

[mossy1200]

zx14r and trailer.

[James Deuce]

zx14r and trailer.

No. Too uncomfortable.

[MIXONE]

I would buy the cheapest and keep the change for booze and drugs on the journey.:eek:

[nzspokes]

Triumph will break down and you will never get parts.

Honda will bore you to death.

FJR is a house on wheels.

FZ1 has no Torque.

Get a Bandit.:lol:

[James Deuce]

Triumph will break down and you will never get parts.

Honda will bore you to death.

FJR is a house on wheels.

FZ1 has no Torque.

Get a Bandit.:lol:

That is the feeling I have about Triumphs. I am boring. I like houses. It's all relative. Oh, and no, not ever.

[AllanB]

None of those should cause you any mechanical trouble at all, so that is eliminated.

All sweet engines, all very capable bikes.

Bore you? With, reliability and great handling? Are bikes becoming way too refined now that 'character' is missing? Those little engine vibes we accepted 10 years back are no longer acceptable, but then there are complaints of blandness ......

I say pipe the fucker - that usually removes any perception of boredom as you howl out of a corner on the pipe.

Out of interest the Bandit has been eliminated because (besides being boring....)?

[James Deuce]

Out of interest the Bandit has been eliminated because (besides being boring....)?

Cheap and nasty with poor finish and require $2.5k spent on suspension and brakes to be merely "acceptable". Been there and done that before and not doing it again.

Muffler farkling is compulsory.

[TheDemonLord]

Cheap and nasty with poor finish and require $2.5k spent on suspension and brakes to be merely "acceptable". Been there and done that before and not doing it again.

Muffler farkling is compulsory.

Get a GSX 1250 FA

Its technically not a bandit :D

[James Deuce]

Get a GSX 1250 FA

Its technically not a bandit :D

It's still not technically above average either.

[2smokes]

You know there is only one genuine long haul tourer on that list. I'll buy one too. When I'm old, fat and lazy. (one to go).:laugh:

[nzspokes]

Get a GSX 1250 FA

Its technically not a bandit :D

Its not a Bandit, lacks the oil boiling part.

[Ulsterkiwi]

The FJR looks like it was made for trips like that.


It's still not technically above average either.

you pays for what you gets?

Indulge me, lets assume budget is not an issue. Is there a bike available you would buy and do nothing to? Not even a pipe?

If one exists then apart from budget what is stopping you getting one? If nothing, then it can be inferred that budget is a major decision factor.
So, the below par Bandit is only below par because less money was spent on building it, so less is charged selling it, so one can only expect "less" from it.
Or is that oversimplification?

[James Deuce]

Bore you? With, reliability and great handling? Are bikes becoming way too refined now that 'character' is missing? Those little engine vibes we accepted 10 years back are no longer acceptable, but then there are complaints of blandness ......


In regard to that, I'm never bored on a bike, even a Bandit. I just want one I can get on Friday lunchtime, ride 600kms, and not feel like the stumps when England's batting. Then do it again on Sunday. Lockable luggage and a clock helps.

[James Deuce]

The FJR looks like it was made for trips like that.



you pays for what you gets?

Indulge me, lets assume budget is not an issue. Is there a bike available you would buy and do nothing to? Not even a pipe?

If one exists then apart from budget what is stopping you getting one? If nothing, then it can be inferred that budget is a major decision factor.
So, the below par Bandit is only below par because less money was spent on building it, so less is charged selling it, so one can only expect "less" from it.
Or is that oversimplification?

Too much assumption leaping. I don't like Bandits enough to spend my own money on one. Budget is an issue for most people , it's just that I've managed to exceed the trapped in having to to buy a worthy but uninspiring Bandit budget to achieve those goals listed above.

I know people who love and adore Bandits and I know my attitude is less than optimal, but I also think it is ok to say that you don't like something enough to spend money on it.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Too much assumption leaping. I don't like Bandits enough to spend my own money on one. Budget is an issue for most people , it's just that I've managed to exceed the trapped in having to to buy a worthy but uninspiring Bandit budget to achieve those goals listed above.

I know people who love and adore Bandits and I know my attitude is less than optimal, but I also think it is ok to say that you don't like something enough to spend money on it.

fair enough and point taken :yes:

[TheDemonLord]

It's still not technically above average either.

Hairy Muff,

I'm a little biased cause I'm on the 650, and I ride it alot - that said, I did do an all day ride, and by the end, my calves were a little sore, but I suspect that is more due to the rider, than the bike

[nzspokes]

Too much assumption leaping. I don't like Bandits enough to spend my own money on one. Budget is an issue for most people , it's just that I've managed to exceed the trapped in having to to buy a worthy but uninspiring Bandit budget to achieve those goals listed above.

I know people who love and adore Bandits and I know my attitude is less than optimal, but I also think it is ok to say that you don't like something enough to spend money on it.

I bought a bike that did everything well enough. Sounded good. Good power, range etc. But god it was boring. Buy what you want and enjoy.

Cant have a bike without a clock.

[F5 Dave]

So Hinckley Triumph are still getting the bad rap from Meridian nails? You have empirical evidence then? Or just internet yabba?

I'm selling my givi topbox for the 1050 even though I used it today. Makes them handle bad, just too much weight too far back.

[James Deuce]

No proof, just a feeling. Good point re. Top box. Have located one with panniers and ABS.

[SVboy]

The FJR all day long. I have a FZ1. All I had to make an ok bike was add a new rear shock, which highlights an average front end. Poor fueling down low makes it hard to ride smoothly in tight twisties. Simply add a pc5 and custom map to improve.... Stonking engine, beaut frame, let down with budget suspension. Brakes are great. I don't believe you should have to spend thousands to create a good bike, but there you go.

[mossy1200]

So Hinckley Triumph are still getting the bad rap from Meridian nails? You have empirical evidence then? Or just internet yabba?

I'm selling my givi topbox for the 1050 even though I used it today. Makes them handle bad, just too much weight too far back.

Be a lot better off with a trailer.

[iaingsx1300r]

Have you considered the Kawi Concours - Had a 2011 for a while and found it to be a great bike with all the kit for long trips

[F5 Dave]

Be a lot better off with a trailer.
Be better off with a van. Can get the dirt bikes in the back. I mean if you want to get all practical.

[James Deuce]

I'm selling my givi topbox for the 1050 even though I used it today. Makes them handle bad, just too much weight too far back.


The FJR all day long. I have a FZ1. All I had to make an ok bike was add a new rear shock, which highlights an average front end. Poor fueling down low makes it hard to ride smoothly in tight twisties. Simply add a pc5 and custom map to improve.... Stonking engine, beaut frame, let down with budget suspension. Brakes are great. I don't believe you should have to spend thousands to create a good bike, but there you go.

Thank you folks, exactly what I'm after. Hitcher's FJR was very comfy and effortlessly quick for something relatively large. I have a mate in the UK screaming at me to buy the CBF. F5Dave and PaulinNZ HAVE BEEN GENTLY AGITATING for me to buy a 1050 of some sort, so it looks like I'm down to 3 to choose from.

[shafty]

I'd go for the FJR, all nice bikes but as my names suggests, I loathe adjusting and lubing chains


- and they go frikin GREAT 👍

[mossy1200]

I think motorad has an 2014 new concours for 20k at the moment unless it sold in the last 2 weeks.
Idd own it but the boss says no more new bikes for a while.

[James Deuce]

The plan is to get a serviceable tourer and something interesting, and I have a line on a decent RG500. I like the idea of a Concours, but it means maybe cutting down to one bike for a couple of years.

[James Deuce]

I'm with you shafty! Completely over it myself. I may not be a real biker.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-794370568.htm

[James Deuce]

US import. It will crash when it finds out I'm a redneck.

[F5 Dave]

. . . something interesting, and I have a line on a decent RG500.

Now we're talking!

[James Deuce]

Now we're talking!
Oh yes, I forgot about your fetish.

[pritch]

Your view of the Triumph 1050 engined bikes seems overly jaundiced. That triple is a great road engine. The Triumph importer has a bad reputation but the only time I needed something it appeared promptly enough, although that can be a sign that the particular part frequently requires replacement. It was a regulator/rectifier and most makes and models, except some top line sprotbikes, come with the cheap option as standard.

I've never ridden one but the Yamaha but it would seem to fit your requirements, the FZ1 less so.

[Gremlin]

US import. It will crash when it finds out I'm a redneck.
So other than that, (coz there are plenty of kiwi ones), I was also going to suggest considering a Concours, as you seem to like the idea of an FJR...

[HenryDorsetCase]

I have carefully considered all of your options and decided you should buy a Vincent Black Prince, and a sidecar.

[James Deuce]

I have carefully considered all of your options and decided you should buy a Vincent Black Prince, and a sidecar.

You know, I hadn't thought of that!

[ducatilover]

A Victory 8 ball would fit your needs well.



That is, if you were a cunt.

[HenryDorsetCase]

You know, I hadn't thought of that!

Might be a bit spendy too.

Ducati Multistrada 1200?

[James Deuce]

Might be a bit spendy too.

Ducati Multistrada 1200?

The boss caught me looking at those. I'm still walking funny a couple of weeks later.

[caspernz]

FJR would be my pick. Had I been a few years older when I bought the Busa 18 months ago...there would now be an FJR in my garage.

The task you're setting for the bike...I'd grab an FJR without any hesitation.

Be interesting to hear the outcome :blink:

[Maha]

Our Tiger is always here/there if you feel the need for triple exposure.

Mangakino in less than two weeks.

[Stylo]

There's always the option of looking outside the square , the extra power doesn't hurt when you've got some weight to carry ....


309371

[F5 Dave]

Two can play at that game.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/asset.php?fid=2397&uid=984&d=1145754877

[James Deuce]

There's always the option of looking outside the square , the extra power doesn't hurt when you've got some weight to carry ....




Too old and broken to consider a busa. Would want to throw it in a ditch after an hour. Sorry.

[Ocean1]

The boss caught me looking at those. I'm still walking funny a couple of weeks later.

990 SMT maybe?

[James Deuce]

People still want Ducati Multistrada money for SMT's IF you can find one for sale.

[Ocean1]

People still want Ducati Multistrada money for SMT's IF you can find one for sale.

Until news of the new 1290 SMT broke.

The bro bought one a month ago for $11. There was one on TM for $12 last week.

[James Deuce]

Not there now, but there is a 990 Supermoto. I did sit on an SMT once. I suspect I'd need training wheels. It's quite tall.

[Ocean1]

Not there now, but there is a 990 Supermoto. I did sit on an SMT once. I suspect I'd need training wheels. It's quite tall.

It's nowhere near your original group, but if you haven't tried one I'd suggest you do.

They're not silly tall, and the flip side of tall is, of course lots of room to go with your lean angle, sir. And you spend a fair bit more time enjoying the extra leg room than you do paddling around carparks. At least I do.

Edit: http://cycle-ergo.com/

[James Deuce]

It's nowhere near your original group, but if you haven't tried one I'd suggest you do.

They're not silly tall, and the flip side of tall is, of course lots of room to go with your lean angle, sir. And you spend a fair bit more time enjoying the extra leg room than you do paddling around carparks. At least I do.

Edit: http://cycle-ergo.com/

I've tried a 950 SM and it was fine. The SMT was tippy toes and I really hate that.

[SVboy]

I had a go on a SMT 990 with big intake and PC mods etc. Struggled to reach the ground but what a bike! I loved it. So competent and reassuring but fast and fun. Would love one, along with leg extensions!

[Latte]

I seriously looked at a sd 990 , great price, fun bike. But felt a bit gutless after climbing off an R1. Felt slower than my old RSV which was also a 990 Twin.

And to bring the post mildly on topic ... I had a gsx1400 and a tnab at the same time. Out of the 2 I liked the 14 better initially , but over time I found myself choosing the 1250 more.

[F5 Dave]

So what you're really saying is Jim needs to consider twin turbos on whatever he gets which this side of a ZX10 will be a pussymobile.

[James Deuce]

I might get a CB500X and just use my throwovers and tank bag.

[mossy1200]

trailer:msn-wink:

[ducatilover]

I might get a CB500X and just use my throwovers and tank bag.


http://rs1img.memecdn.com/plz-go-away_o_543662.jpg


That's bloody rude

[James Deuce]

trailer:msn-wink:

It's bad enough being uncool already without hooking a trailer to a bike and limiting myself to 90kph Or 50kph if someone got their power to weight calculations wrong.

[mossy1200]

It's bad enough being uncool already without hooking a trailer to a bike and limiting myself to 90kph Or 50kph if someone got their power to weight calculations wrong.

90s a great speed.
I spend a lot of time doing 90.:innocent:
Would need be a heavy trailer to limit speed to 50. Mine weights about 15-20kg unloaded.
Ill admit you do need be very cool to pull off a trailer and still look macho.

[Banditbandit]

Ill admit you do need be very cool to pull off a trailer and still look macho.

Yes - hard to do macho with a trailer behind ...

http://1.media.collegehumor.cvcdn.com/88/76/b7c381a6505df42e85983d4fe3804643-old-lady-in-wheel-chair-towed-behind-motorcylce.jpg

[Swoop]

Would want to throw it in a ditch after an hour.

Ahhh! The "genuine OLD KB'er" approach to owning a GSXR.

That brings back memories of the Coro Loop having one on each corner...:crazy:

[James Deuce]

Well I was thinking more of stopping, getting off and pushing it into the ditch. But whatever floats your boat. Or GSXR.

[ducatilover]

What 'bout a ZRX?

[James Deuce]

Happy to help for a small fee.

[ducatilover]

I'll give you something rare and desirable if you push one in to my garage

[Big Dog]

I'll give you something rare and desirable if you push one in to my garage

Somehow that sounds dirtier than an E L James quote.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[MD]

Anything but the boring Honda James. I enjoyed my 1050 Tiger for 2 years. Super comfy and torquey and never missed a beat. However, I will admit it was a little top heavy. Wouldn't want to add a top box. I had the lower seat but it was still a reach for me to locate terra firma.

Z1000SX all the way. Ticks all the boxes

[F5 Dave]

I've changed my mind. You want a top box

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=855131360

[James Deuce]

Anything but the boring Honda James. I enjoyed my 1050 Tiger for 2 years. Super comfy and torquey and never missed a beat. However, I will admit it was a little top heavy. Wouldn't want to add a top box. I had the lower seat but it was still a reach for me to locate terra firma.

Z1000SX all the way. Ticks all the boxes

Not buying another Kawasaki. I think I've made my mind up. Money should be arriving in my account anon.

[James Deuce]

Somehow that sounds dirtier than an E L James quote.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
I know, right? I read that and couldn't in all good conscience respond politely, so I said nothing.

[Blackbird]

Anything but the boring Honda James. I enjoyed my 1050 Tiger for 2 years. Super comfy and torquey and never missed a beat. However, I will admit it was a little top heavy. Wouldn't want to add a top box. I had the lower seat but it was still a reach for me to locate terra firma.

Z1000SX all the way. Ticks all the boxes

I recently sat on one when I took the Triple for its 60k service. Must say that I was seriously impressed and it fitted like a glove. However, as an old fart with short(ish) legs, I'd need to try one out to see how I handle the weight. I've now had 5 years with the Triple, it's done everything I've asked of it and still running superbly. Will probably replace it next year, most likely with the latest Triple RX but the SX will receive serious consideration.

[roogazza]

Anything but the boring Honda James. I enjoyed my 1050 Tiger for 2 years. Super comfy and torquey and never missed a beat. However, I will admit it was a little top heavy. Wouldn't want to add a top box. I had the lower seat but it was still a reach for me to locate terra firma.

Z1000SX all the way. Ticks all the boxes

Looks good MD , does it wheelie ??
Don't forget coffee if ya going past huh ?

[Ocean1]

I've tried a 950 SM and it was fine. The SMT was tippy toes and I really hate that.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-865482547.htm

[James Deuce]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-865482547.htm

"may trade v8 or harley" = What do you mean you have to change the oil?

[Ocean1]

"may trade v8 or harley" = What do you mean you have to change the oil?

Hadn't escaped my razor like. Yet the obvious farkles don't look too old, and someone that indulges like that can't be too bad.

Probably.

[Ocean1]

Versys, eh?

Usual snot green is it?

Farkles?

[F5 Dave]

Ha I was thinking of one of those but in a strange twist ended up with the Tiger having never touched a Versys

[Ocean1]

The Mrs had an ER6F for a while and I couldn't find much wrong with it. Nice engine.

The Versys has longer legs I think, possibly better ones at that...

[F5 Dave]

I was thinking of getting away from the weight. . .and then in a strange twist. . .

[Ocean1]

I'm noticing the extra 15kg the 1290 has over my old 1125CR, not because it's a lot more but because it isn't "mass centralised". It's not as absolutely nimble but you get more feedback, it has a definite "frequency", as in pendulum.

[F5 Dave]

TDR250 looking better and better every day. Silly 4 strokes.

[george formby]

TDR250 looking better and better every day. Silly 4 strokes.

I only looked at this thread because of this quote. Want. The fastest thing in my shed on our local twisty roads is a 2t trailie. Makes me laugh just letting the clutch out.
Oop, here's the bus. Must be off.

[SPman]

Ahhh! The "genuine OLD KB'er" approach to owning a GSXR.

That brings back memories of the Coro Loop having one on each corner...:crazy:

:killingme

Aaaahhhh the good old days...... (shhhhh)

Tried out a KTM Superduke 1290R last week............:eek:
Holy fuck - what a weapon - but....too much for me I'm afraid. Must be old age - oh to be 50 again!.....the new VFR800 was, :weep:, more my style ....... nice, competent bike, actually - I was surprised - so much better than the abortion before it.

[Swoop]

Tried out a KTM Superduke 1290R last week............:eek:
A mighty fine choice!
I could be tempted by a Duke, but not too sure of the "lunacy level" it induces... ;)

So, did you decide on something new?

[Ocean1]

A mighty fine choice!
I could be tempted by a Duke, but not too sure of the "lunacy level" it induces... ;)


If I put it in rain mode and shoo'd you off around the block you'd swear it was some 500 Lams V twin. Even in lunatic mode it's a pussycat at up to 3/4 throttle. Even full throttle is mostly fairly sane if you're ok with the front wheel hovering 4" and staying there until 5th gear. The trick is to not do that if you need to steer or slow down in any way.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-893006188.htm

:sweatdrop:sweatdrop

[mossy1200]

A mighty fine choice!
I could be tempted by a Duke, but not too sure of the "lunacy level" it induces... ;)

So, did you decide on something new?

I almost bought a SD but didn't. The cost of upgrade was above me.

[nzspokes]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-893006188.htm

:sweatdrop:sweatdrop

We bought the same bike for 2k.

Well its got 90,000 more ks on it. With a jet kit the things brilliant for 2 up.

[mossy1200]

We bought the same bike for 2k.

Well its got 90,000 more ks on it. With a jet kit the things brilliant for 2 up.

I think its great value for a bike commuter and weekend rider.

[nzspokes]

I think its great value for a bike commuter and weekend rider.

Agreed. I commute on ours. Get mid 5k per 100ks and more than enough power for 2 up. Perfect for what it is.