Touring on a GSX-R1000

[jonnyk5614]

I tour on my GSXR-1000 k4.

I actually find it a really nice tourer - I love sports bikes but strap a bag on top of the pillion seat and I find it remarkably comfortable to cruise along on. I've done 800km days on it with no fatigue :D

No mods except for some heated grips and a phone charger.

Strapping my bag onto the back is a pain though as the only hooks are on the pillion pegs. I inevitably end up winding bungee chords round the number plate and still with the bag occasionally needing a good shove backwards.

My old GSX-250 Invader had a little rack sitting underneath the tail with a couple of hooks on it and was perfect. I don't want anything out to the side but is there anything I could bolt underneath to help?

[Gremlin]

You'd need to get into the subframe for the hook to be secure...

Then again, I like lying on a bed of nails... so comfy. I guess suitability is in the eye of the beholder. Having my head down and arse up isn't my idea of comfort....

[Big Dog]

I tour on my GSXR-1000 k4.

I actually find it a really nice tourer - I love sports bikes but strap a bag on top of the pillion seat and I find it remarkably comfortable to cruise along on. I've done 800km days on it with no fatigue :D

No mods except for some heated grips and a phone charger.

Strapping my bag onto the back is a pain though as the only hooks are on the pillion pegs. I inevitably end up winding bungee chords round the number plate and still with the bag occasionally needing a good shove backwards.

My old GSX-250 Invader had a little rack sitting underneath the tail with a couple of hooks on it and was perfect. I don't want anything out to the side but is there anything I could bolt underneath to help?
Get some luggage hook bolt replacements and replace any equal length bolt of the same size.

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[Big Dog]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/MF3y7mFVraLeHAuQNb1LxktmSYR70ODTm82pZL-RQ1nVPCVM3vX2XXqlHCfqljnM1k4KrpY2uC3U4fE4GWDTCgGHR Alzod4Qg5WlPSmsVJI5UnrirlhvD9a-y1AgrqXWWRBX4qMFmSNj3L3IqwkePeccgHMNWvnpW-iIx1zpnpNif9kpZ_m3JLIttO7RKb4nrllW7sYMvnemG7--xr-RG2jjF-nbwp_lp1ftjg4=w388-h379-nc

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[onearmedbandit]

This is how I tour on my GSXR.

[jonnyk5614]

Cheers guys
I did have the idea of buying a spare pillion cowling and just adding a subframe to my sports bag and bolting to that so I can just clip the bag straight in.
Any opinions?


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[Blackbird]

This is how I tour on my GSXR.

Do your throwovers tend to roll inwards when you have them loaded? I've just bought a GSX-S and from first look, some Oxford throwovers I've had for a while don't look all that stable and I don't want to put a frame behind them to stop them tucking in.

[Big Dog]

In my experience of you have the straps right and the bag is not too empty they don't sag in.
I thoroughly recommend a non slip mat on your plastics.

Source: experience with a Hayabusa, CB1300, DR350 various other bikes I have loaned my bags to.

You can buy fancy luggage blankets that do the same thing but I prefer $2 shop type non slip matting.
Cheap, keeps the plastic free of scratches if you keep them clean, waterproof and it stops the luggage shooting forward or sliding back under sudden braking or acceleration.

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[BrendonF]

I went for a Ventura kit on my BMW K1200S, absolutely brilliant. I have two bags that zip together so the main bag is 55lts and the second bag is 15-30ltr. I went down this route because it was far cheaper than the BMW equivalent as you need to buy a plastic rack and then the bag which costs around $600. I got my rack and bags for under $500 in AUS, should be cheaper here in NZ. Easy to put on the bike. if you do not like the big rack hanging off the back when not in use, you can buy a small bar that makes it almost not there. I also have a BMW tank bag which carries all my tools and tire repair kit including a compressor. All up I have 98ltrs of storage, plenty. I can add the BMW sport panniers but there way over priced.
The Ventura kit does not upset the bikes handling at all as the weight is forward, unlike a top box which sits high and right out over the back.

[Blackbird]

In my experience of you have the straps right and the bag is not too empty they don't sag in.
I thoroughly recommend a non slip mat on your plastics.

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Thanks for that! I'm having 3M matte clearfilm applied to the tailpiece and tank when it gets its 1000 km service on Monday so I can actually try and fit them rather than hold them alongside for fear of scratching the paint. One of the problems is that the GSX-S1000 has a steeply angled up tailpiece like the Gixxer 1000 but I'll give it a proper go next week


I went for a Ventura kit on my BMW K1200S, absolutely brilliant.

Love Ventura gear, had the double pack on both my Blackbird and Street Triple. However, I've avoided it on the Suzuki as the rack might spoil the lines of the bike and I also want to keep the C of G low. Until I've figured it all out, I'll just use a backpack and/or a drybag which I can bungee to the rear seat.

Thanks for the helpful comments guys! :headbang:

[onearmedbandit]

Do your throwovers tend to roll inwards when you have them loaded? I've just bought a GSX-S and from first look, some Oxford throwovers I've had for a while don't look all that stable and I don't want to put a frame behind them to stop them tucking in.

Nope, the bags are retained in place by straps.

[Blackbird]

Nope, the bags are retained in place by straps.

Cheers - will give mine a proper trial.

[Ender EnZed]

Just get a pack rack (I think mine's a Ventura) and then any any cheap bag that fits it. I bought a ~$120 RJays/SanRemo about 7 years ago which is 47L and expandable up to 82L. Even fully expanded it's basically unnoticeable below 200 unless there's some major winds going on.

[Big Dog]

Thanks for that! I'm having 3M matte clearfilm applied to the tailpiece and tank when it gets its 1000 km service on Monday so I can actually try and fit them rather than hold them alongside for fear of scratching the paint. One of the problems is that the GSX-S1000 has a steeply angled up tailpiece like the Gixxer 1000 but I'll give it a proper go next week



Love Ventura gear, had the double pack on both my Blackbird and Street Triple. However, I've avoided it on the Suzuki as the rack might spoil the lines of the bike and I also want to keep the C of G low. Until I've figured it all out, I'll just use a backpack and/or a drybag which I can bungee to the rear seat.

Thanks for the helpful comments guys! :headbang:

Should be 3 straps... 2 wider ones that go under your cowl or seat.
On narrower on that goes over. as long as you do this one up nice and tight you should be golden.

[Big Dog]

Just get a pack rack (I think mine's a Ventura) and then any any cheap bag that fits it. I bought a ~$120 RJays/SanRemo about 7 years ago which is 47L and expandable up to 82L. Even fully expanded it's basically unnoticeable below 200 unless there's some major winds going on.

+1 where you have not already spent your money on the saddlebags.

I use my packrack daily.
The saddlebags only come out for longer trips due to the setup hassles.

[jonnyk5614]

Cheers for your help guys

Probably go with some simple "strap under seat" panniers.

[Erelyes]

A few RokStraps are great for securing things on as well. They are a flat bungee with a traditional bag strap and a plastic clip, and two loop ends.

Loop each end to whatever, clip the two together, yank on the strap to tighten, done.

[BrendonF]

Here's my set up http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/06/60b50db1b65b9b230b33f6ae93027aef.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/06/7bf0f53ea8a5788817124be98a18f60a.jpg


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[jasonu]

I tour on my GSXR-1000 k4.

I actually find it a really nice tourer - I love sports bikes but strap a bag on top of the pillion seat and I find it remarkably comfortable to cruise along on. I've done 800km days on it with no fatigue :D


When you get a bit older and a bit fatter you will change your tune.
I used to do reasonable big miles on my 1986 GSXR1100 when I was in my 20's and, same as you, never had a problem.
Earlier this year (now in my late 40's and 5kg heftier) I rode my 1988 GSXR1100 on a 600ish km day trip and it fucking near killed me. I can ride it for about an hour before it gets tiresome.

[Big Dog]

Depends what you are used to. The hayabusa was much more comfortable on longer rides while I was still commuting on it.

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[caspernz]

When you get a bit older and a bit fatter you will change your tune.
I used to do reasonable big miles on my 1986 GSXR1100 when I was in my 20's and, same as you, never had a problem.
Earlier this year (now in my late 40's and 5kg heftier) I rode my 1988 GSXR1100 on a 600ish km day trip and it fucking near killed me. I can ride it for about an hour before it gets tiresome.

That's not really an age problem though is it? More related to "bike fitness" because if you ride regularly then decent trips are less of an issue on a sporty bike.


Depends what you are used to. The hayabusa was much more comfortable on longer rides while I was still commuting on it.

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Must be why all them yank forums talk excessively about comfort mods, not to mention stupid swingarms and rear tyre sizes, when the problem is really not enough time in the saddle...

[James Deuce]

That's not really an age problem though is it? More related to "bike fitness" because if you ride regularly then decent trips are less of an issue on a sporty bike.

I don't know how old you are, but I can say that by 50, life is not the joyous experience of springing out of bed it used to be. We all hurt ourselves over the years. You think you bounce back from those injuries. You don't. They come back and haunt you. Sleeping has become a contact sport. I used to hurt less after 10 rounds in a boxing ring, than 6 straight hours of sleep.

Bike fitness is a thing, but it is more of a concentration and physical meta link issue than a purely physical issue. If two of your ribs push into your lung and 4 others into the back of your scapula when you take up a sportbike crouch, you aren't going to enjoy riding a sporstbike, not matter how fit you are.

[Blackbird]

I don't know how old you are, but I can say that by 50, life is not the joyous experience of springing out of bed it used to be. We all hurt ourselves over the years. You think you bounce back from those injuries. You don't. They come back and haunt you. Sleeping has become a contact sport. I used to hurt less after 10 rounds in a boxing ring, than 6 straight hours of sleep.

Bike fitness is a thing, but it is more of a concentration and physical meta link issue than a purely physical issue. If two of your ribs push into your lung and 4 others into the back of your scapula when you take up a sportbike crouch, you aren't going to enjoy riding a sporstbike, not matter how fit you are.

He's just a young pup Jim (well, compared with me anyway :laugh:). You're both right actually. The more I ride, the more comfortable I am but I can empathise with your first paragraph Jim. We used to have an expensive, so called ergonomically perfect mattress. It was great when we were younger but it got relegated to a spare bedroom a couple of years ago and swapped with the much cheaper one in there which is far more comfortable nowadays! In addition, Ibuprofen is a wonderful aid on a long ride :whistle:

[nzspokes]

I don't know how old you are, but I can say that by 50, life is not the joyous experience of springing out of bed it used to be. We all hurt ourselves over the years. You think you bounce back from those injuries. You don't. They come back and haunt you. Sleeping has become a contact sport. I used to hurt less after 10 rounds in a boxing ring, than 6 straight hours of sleep.

Bike fitness is a thing, but it is more of a concentration and physical meta link issue than a purely physical issue. If two of your ribs push into your lung and 4 others into the back of your scapula when you take up a sportbike crouch, you aren't going to enjoy riding a sporstbike, not matter how fit you are.

This I agree with. I would like to be able to ride a long distance with low clipons, I really would. But lowered pegs and riser bars mean I can ride in some comfort.

I had to laugh about the getting out of bed thing, its so true.

[caspernz]

I don't know how old you are, but I can say that by 50, life is not the joyous experience of springing out of bed it used to be. We all hurt ourselves over the years. You think you bounce back from those injuries. You don't. They come back and haunt you. Sleeping has become a contact sport. I used to hurt less after 10 rounds in a boxing ring, than 6 straight hours of sleep.

Bike fitness is a thing, but it is more of a concentration and physical meta link issue than a purely physical issue. If two of your ribs push into your lung and 4 others into the back of your scapula when you take up a sportbike crouch, you aren't going to enjoy riding a sporstbike, not matter how fit you are.

Not 50 yet, I've got 25 years experience at being 21. Probably also helps that my war wounds are less significant than yours JD... And yes, your second paragraph gets no argument from me.


He's just a young pup Jim (well, compared with me anyway :laugh:). You're both right actually. The more I ride, the more comfortable I am but I can empathise with your first paragraph Jim. We used to have an expensive, so called ergonomically perfect mattress. It was great when we were younger but it got relegated to a spare bedroom a couple of years ago and swapped with the much cheaper one in there which is far more comfortable nowadays! In addition, Ibuprofen is a wonderful aid on a long ride :whistle:

Crikey Geoff, as long as I'm as slick on two wheels when I get to your age, no complaints from me. Might even learn about riding whilst medicated :laugh: with OTC meds.

[roogazza]

When I reached 50 yrs old I found I was riding more with people 10 yrs younger.
I always said ,wait till ya try 50.
Now at 66 and a pensioner its way,way harder(for me at least).
Just not as much fun any more,but hey, 50 years riding the way I did,was worth it,no regrets there. <_<

[Jin]

I had a chat with an older fella on a Panigale 1299 yesterday at Mangawhai Heads. He would have been in his 50s im guessing. Fucking beautiful bike too :headbang:

[Erelyes]

To anyone who reckons you're too leaned over on a sprotsbike to be comfortable.

Wheelie = problem SOLVED.

[caspernz]

To anyone who reckons you're too leaned over on a sprotsbike to be comfortable.

Wheelie = problem SOLVED.

The wheelie option is one approach.

I recall reading on here a while back about some clever chap who described the ideal sports bike riding position was "balls up against the tank" to achieve a comfy riding position...:shutup::innocent:

[Runty]

I don't know how old you are, but I can say that by 50, life is not the joyous experience of springing out of bed it used to be. We all hurt ourselves over the years. You think you bounce back from those injuries. You don't. They come back and haunt you. Sleeping has become a contact sport. I used to hurt less after 10 rounds in a boxing ring, than 6 straight hours of sleep.

Bike fitness is a thing, but it is more of a concentration and physical meta link issue than a purely physical issue. If two of your ribs push into your lung and 4 others into the back of your scapula when you take up a sportbike crouch, you aren't going to enjoy riding a sporstbike, not matter how fit you are.
Im in my 50's ride a fireblade every day and can still do Akl to Wlg with a diversion or 2 (forgotten world highway) in a day with no major aches or pains.
I do warm up/ loosen up my limbs for 10 mins or so in the mornings (specially shoulders due to old breaks to both collarbones and one scapula (and yes multiples ribs as per post above)
Tried a K8 GSXR for size recently (though not for any distance) and found it fits me fine - biggish km unlike to be an ordeal)
Conversely I get lower back ache on more touring orientated machines - guess my body isn't attuned to that position
So - i'd say bike fitness is the most important factor. Get a few short trips in before making a long trip and you'll be fine.
As for me - I enjoyed riding the SI so much last summer - I'm doing it again in Jan/Feb

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[SPman]

This was my K4 tourer back in 05 -good for 8hr Auckland - Wellington runs without any aches, the long way down, and stable at up to 270Kph (indicated - following Sensei back from Wanga 2005 to New Plymouth)...The K5 was more comfortable. I actually enjoyed touring on sports bikes.....

(http://)

The SP was almost as comfy as well - Cold Kiwi 2003......

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