So what's the best sports tourer?

[nzspokes]

So whats the best Sports tourer currently?

New of course.

Shall we start with the old Bandit 1250? This has been on the market unchanged for 9 years now. And the current one on special is the GSX1250FA.

Strong reliable bikes that with a few mods can make 125hp and mid 80s flbs torque. Chuck some luggage at it and you can carry anything you would need.

[EJK]

How deep is your pocket? I can think of couple of BMWs..

[Ulsterkiwi]

having just been looking around I would have to say the Sports Tourer idea is becoming less "Sport bike set up for touring" and more "adventure styled bike set up for road touring". Not many new models in the Sport Touring bracket really, unless you count the Super Duke GT and its not that new. Them and nekkids seem to be where the manufacturers are focusing.

[nzspokes]

How deep is your pocket? I can think of couple of BMWs..

R1200r thingy or the S1000xr?

Im not buying one, say cost is no object but value is. You can buy 2 Bandits for one BMW.

[nzspokes]

having just been looking around I would have to say the Sports Tourer idea is becoming less "Sport bike set up for touring" and more "adventure styled bike set up for road touring". Not many new models in the Sport Touring bracket really, unless you count the Super Duke GT and its not that new. Them and nekkids seem to be where the manufacturers are focusing.

SDR GT could be called a Hyper-Sports Tourer?

But yes fair point.

[EJK]

Im not buying one, say cost is no object but value is. You can buy 2 Bandits for one BMW.

Mmmm you are right... Then best bang for buck Sports Tourer? I'm gonna call Yamaha MT09 Tracer. Under $20k. Fancy electronics, full luggage and bonkers engine.

Your move.

[Ulsterkiwi]

How deep is your pocket? I can think of couple of BMWs..

and yes, spend well over $30k and the world is your oyster

[nzspokes]

Mmmm you are right... Then best bang for buck Sports Tourer? I'm gonna call Yamaha MT09 Tracer. Under $20k. Fancy electronics, full luggage and bonkers engine.

Your move.

Forgot about that one. What about the Kawaka Z1000sx?

[bogan]

R1200r thingy or the S1000xr?

Im not buying one, say cost is no object but value is. You can buy 2 Bandits for one BMW.

Then why stick with new :scratch: Alternatively, value of owning two identical bikes is no more than just own one, ie, the number you can ride at a time.

Yeh, I'm busting chops cos "what's the best..." is going to be subjective, thus should not be subject to just one subject's constraints :whistle:

Oh, and it's obviously a heavily modified VFR800...

[Cloggy]

As I haven't owned all of them I can't give an opinion on which one is ultimately the best.
But I have owned a Bandit 1250 and currently own a Concours so can give my opinion on those two.
My Bandit was the GSF1250SA with full touring package. Full fairings, 3 case hard luggage, touring screen and had aftermarket heated grips and an auto chain oiler.
It was a bloody awesome bike that did everything quite well but it was not a good as the Concours.
For two up touring with full luggage, the Concours has more space, a better seat for rider and passenger, it has quite a bit more grunt, and a bigger fuel tank and range between fill ups. There is no drive chain. It has the heated grips built in. I has a nice dash which displays just about everything you need to know. I love the tyre pressure sensors on the Concours. The Concours has far better weather and wind protection than the Bandit.
The only slight advantage the Bandit has over the Concours in my opinion is the lighter weight of the Bandit. And then that only makes a difference when wheeling the bike around and riding at very slow speeds. Beyond walking pace the weight of the Concours just disappears.
Both bikes are incredibly reliable.
If I was looking for a replacement for the Concours, an FJR1300 would very likely be the next bike.

[BuzzardNZ]

Oh, and it's obviously a heavily modified VFR800...

yep, love the VFR800 but why does it have to be heavily modified? Is that a dig at NZSpokes, as in to carry his rather heavy load about + his b1tch Ed as pillion?

[Gremlin]

First you have to define a Sports Tourer (if you're getting one). This could be anything from the Superduke GT (minimal wind protection but still has luggage), actually, the 990 Supermoto T could also be in that category, through to an ST1300/Concours 14. I wouldn't define those last two as tourers, as that's Goldwing / K1600GT territory. Others might say full dress means tourer.

Just to slice that cake a little more, you also have Adventure Tourers, like the R1200GS. Stats wise in the UK, most actually never leave the tarmac, but their upright ergos are favoured over the R1200RT for example.

For me, it would probably be an S1000XR, but there is no way I could have that and my licence at the same time :sweatdrop

[nzspokes]

Oh, and it's obviously a heavily modified VFR800...

Ewwww really? By heavily modified you mean a VFR1200?

[nzspokes]

First you have to define a Sports Tourer (if you're getting one). This could be anything from the Superduke GT (minimal wind protection but still has luggage), actually, the 990 Supermoto T could also be in that category, through to an ST1300/Concours 14. I wouldn't define those last two as tourers, as that's Goldwing / K1600GT territory. Others might say full dress means tourer.

Just to slice that cake a little more, you also have Adventure Tourers, like the R1200GS. Stats wise in the UK, most actually never leave the tarmac, but their upright ergos are favoured over the R1200RT for example.

For me, it would probably be an S1000XR, but there is no way I could have that and my licence at the same time :sweatdrop

ST and Concurs are more straight tourers? Not much sporty about them?

BMW call the S1000xr a Adventure Tourer?

[bogan]

yep, love the VFR800 but why does it have to be heavily modified?

If you want it to be the best, then you gotta add some mods. None of this one size fits all racked suit type of bullshit, gotta go see a taylor at least :laugh:


Ewwww really? By heavily modified you mean a VFR1200?

Better than all the IL4 beigery anyway. Tourer should be something you enjoy riding for hours on end, not something designed to get you from A to B the most efficiently or economically. And no, the 1200 is irredeemably heavy.

[AllanB]

Better than all the IL4 beigery anyway. Tourer should be something you enjoy riding for hours on end, not something designed to get you from A to B the most efficiently or economically. And no, the 1200 is irredeemably heavy.


What he said.


You said unlimited budget - why settled for cotton when you can wear silk? Why bland, when you can have exciting.

The VFR800, fitted with a set of rowdy pipes is a beaut. Then you visit Europe for sport touring on unlimited budgets.

[BMWST?]

r 1200rs is a sports tourer

[Gremlin]

ST and Concurs are more straight tourers? Not much sporty about them?

BMW call the S1000xr a Adventure Tourer?
See it depends on your point of view. ST and Concours are capable of plenty of speed, plus the fairings actually help insulate you from the real speed. Its only if you put it beside a GSXR or ZX10 that of course it might seem slow.

I wouldn't call the S1000XR an Adventure Tourer. It runs street size tyres, only cast rims and a lot of horsepower. The Multistrada is the Italians idea of a tourer (bearing in mind the Diavel is their idea of a cruiser)

[Moise]

ST and Concurs are more straight tourers? Not much sporty about them?

BMW call the S1000xr a Adventure Tourer?
Not much sporty about the Connie? Don't be fooled, they are quick and corner surprisingly well.

But I'd go for a ZX14R.

Sent from my SM-G9208 using Tapatalk

[nzspokes]

Not much sporty about the Connie? Don't be fooled, they are quick and corner surprisingly well.

But I'd go for a ZX14R.

Sent from my SM-G9208 using Tapatalk

At over 300kg I dont see much sporty about it.

[nzspokes]

An somewhat interesting review of the Tracer. Looks like a great bike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aC90iTiTFY

[paturoa]

See it depends on your point of view.

Cycleworld review of the KTM SD GT "KTM’s 2017 Super Duke GT makes you rethink what a sportbike is. It’s fast and easy to ride, but has hard bags, a comfortable passenger seat, and suspension that keeps a passenger in mind. It truly puts the sport in sport-touring."

http://www.cycleworld.com/2016/03/08/2017-ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-sport-tourer-motorcycle-review

[Moise]

...........

[Moise]

At over 300kg I dont see much sporty about it.
True if you measure sportiness by weight.

Sent from my SM-G9208 using Tapatalk

[george formby]

An somewhat interesting review of the Tracer. Looks like a great bike.
]

I really enjoy Moto journal.

Both the Tracers have me very intrigued. They just seem to offer a lot of versatility and fun, for not a lot of money.

Top of my list so far for replacing the venerable TDM on Monday with my lotto winnings.

[bogan]

Its only if you put it beside a GSXR or ZX10 that of course it might seem slow.

And even then, only if you put them on a track (somewhat stretching the definition of touring).

Roadbikes reached maturity about 25 years ago, fuck all has come along since that isn't purely subjective.

[Gremlin]

At over 300kg I dont see much sporty about it.
You gotta be careful how you judge.

A Rocket III stomps all over sportsbikes for 0-100kph from memory.

[nzspokes]

True if you measure sportiness by weight.

Sent from my SM-G9208 using Tapatalk

Depends if you like fat chicks.....

[nzspokes]

I really enjoy Moto journal.

Both the Tracers have me very intrigued. They just seem to offer a lot of versatility and fun, for not a lot of money.

Top of my list so far for replacing the venerable TDM on Monday with my lotto winnings.

Yeah looks like a legit bike. You can make a Tracer MT-10 by the looks with the luggage options.

[Madness]

Roadbikes reached maturity about 25 years ago, fuck all has come along since that isn't purely subjective.

I agree.

322918

[george formby]

Yeah looks like a legit bike. You can make a Tracer MT-10 by the looks with the luggage options.

Yup. I think the MT10 looks better with luggage than without.

For me, on our twisty, bumpy, Northland goat tracks the Tracer 700 would be the weapon of choice. And adequate on proper roads.

[Ocean1]

SDR GT could be called a Hyper-Sports Tourer?

I'm warming to them. Still a bit put off by the electric suspension, but mebe I'm just a luddite...

Also, you need to define both Touring and Sports, 'cause on the face of it there's a bunch of mutually exclusive features there.

Like fairings, or lack of. My version of Sports doesn't need fairings, but I'd not rule them out for a Tourier.

[nzspokes]

I'm warming to them. Still a bit put off by the electric suspension, but mebe I'm just a luddite...

Also, you need to define both Touring and Sports, 'cause on the face of it there's a bunch of mutually exclusive features there.

Like fairings, or lack of. My version of Sports doesn't need fairings, but I'd not rule them out for a Tourier.

Yeah electronic suspension gives me the shits. And fair call on the fairings.

[caspernz]

The sports touring definition varies wildly by personal preference. I'd say new FJR1300 fits that for my way of thinking. Anything sportier is not a sport touring bike really.

Anyway, Concours and ST damn swift if one knows how to ride them.

[nzspokes]

So is the BMW a Sports tourer or Adventure tourer? or track bike?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfOW9ZRFSY4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqaCyOYvUkw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt-Tp2ACX4g

[AllanB]

Sport Touring is a bollocks label IMO.

The medias obsession to label a bike is becoming increasingly irrelevant with the pile of new 'do-it-all' on the road bikes.

Back in the 80's what we now call 'sport touring' was taking your GSX, Z, etc and bolting on a bikini fairing and pack rack - add some soft throw-over bags and instant sport touring. If you wanted it sportier a set of rear Street Stroker or Koni shocks, heavier weight fork oil and preload the front a bit with a stack of coins .......

The essence of what people refer to as Sport-touring now is not really different - a bloody good motorcycle that will do you and your partner fine for a full days travel. It's just that we have a bike from every brand to reference now. My idea of the best one will be different from yours and other posters - test ride and buy.

[george formby]

Sport Touring is a bollocks label IMO.

The medias obsession to label a bike is becoming increasingly irrelevant with the pile of new 'do-it-all' on the road bikes.

Back in the 80's what we now call 'sport touring' was taking your GSX, Z, etc and bolting on a bikini fairing and pack rack - add some soft throw-over bags and instant sport touring. If you wanted it sportier a set of rear Street Stroker or Koni shocks, heavier weight fork oil and preload the front a bit with a stack of coins .......

The essence of what people refer to as Sport-touring now is not really different - a bloody good motorcycle that will do you and your partner fine for a full days travel. It's just that we have a bike from every brand to reference now. My idea of the best one will be different from yours and other posters - test ride and buy.

Concur. Write your list of wants, do some research to tick the boxes, then test ride the bikes with the most ticks.

[Ocean1]

The sports touring definition varies wildly by personal preference. I'd say new FJR1300 fits that for my way of thinking. Anything sportier is not a sport touring bike really.

Anyway, Concours and ST damn swift if one knows how to ride them.

Yeah? See, I've got that the other way around: You can successfully Tour on pretty much anything, there's not much difference or advantage between pretty much any modern bike.

You can't successfully Sports on just anything.

[AllanB]

Yeah? See, I've got that the other way around: You can successfully Tour on pretty much anything, there's not much difference or advantage between pretty much any modern bike.

You can't successfully Sports on just anything.

Depends on your definition of 'sports' see ..........

Hmmm I remember a couple times on my 900 Hornet chasing down pure sports bikes and passing.

Hmmmm I also remember being passed on my Ducati and not comfortable keeping pace with one of those adventure all heavy BMW things ..... I'll claim my bike was new and I was taking care. Yeah - that was it!

Shit I remember a couple of nutters with huge grins on their faces powering down the Akaroa hill at speed on CT110's or something equally not sports (bloody mail bikes!)

I've seen Harleys fatting at decent speeds dragging pipes and cases with sparks everywhere.....


See it's a non-category. Invented I think as a Touring bike has now morphed into a large capacity, full fairing, side box, gizmo laden, 300kg machine that 'sports' was applied to something slimmer with a decent screen and seat!

[Gremlin]

So is the BMW a Sports tourer or Adventure tourer? or track bike?
All roads tourer would be my take. Like the Crosstourer, which is in that category due to weight.

I think of it this way, I've had the GSA crossed up slithering and sliding up rocky gravel roads (throwing crap at those behind me). Would I want to complicate that with 160HP? Any knobbly tyre is going to get absolutely hammered trying to cope with that power as well (on the road as well).

Also, bashing over rough terrain, hitting the wheels into ruts, hitting things so hard you dent the bash plate (as I did with a rock to my original bash plate). Does the XR have the clearance for that terrain? I had cast rims on the 990SM, dented the front twice, but worse, no idea what I actually did to ding the wheel.

Spoked wheels, good ground clearance and bash plates, strong crash bars etc are what's needed for adventure :D

[Ocean1]

See it's a non-category. Invented I think as a Touring bike has now morphed into a large capacity, full fairing, side box, gizmo laden, 300kg machine that 'sports' was applied to something slimmer with a decent screen and seat!

Guess that was my point, anything Touring is inevitably festooned with features. Fat.

You can do Sports on a fat bike, Dog knows I've done enough of it, but not very successfully.

[george formby]

The VFR 1200 seems to have died the death of a thousand cuts, I guess ugly does that.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-929149255.htm

But if you want to get the miles under your belt quickly it has that Honda ability to do it effortlessly. Poxy tank range, though.

Not my cuppa but great bang for your buck if you don't care what your friends think.

Needs an Akra, or some such, too.

[nzspokes]

The VFR 1200 seems to have died the death of a thousand cuts, I guess ugly does that.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-929149255.htm

But if you want to get the miles under your belt quickly it has that Honda ability to do it effortlessly. Poxy tank range, though.

Not my cuppa but great bang for your buck if you don't care what your friends think.

Needs an Akra, or some such, too.

They sound good with a pipe. I didnt think the range was that bad. They must sell somewhere well as they have been going for some years now.

[KoroJ]

ST and Concurs are more straight tourers? Not much sporty about them?

BMW call the S1000xr a Adventure Tourer?

ST's have been feeling pretty sporty and toury for me for over 200,000 Km. They certainly don't feel like 300Kg+ when they're moving and with practice, one can fling them around quite nicely at walking speed. I've certainly been held up by so-called/wannabe sprotty riders on the Rimutakas.

You can't compare STs, FJRs and Connies with Gold Wings and the other straight tourers, although those can also be formidle in the right hands...one just needs to ask the Hyde brothers about trying to get past the four Goldwings that were on last year's Nth Island 1600.

My understanding is, Sports Tourers are faired, screened and come with luggage, one sits more upright than a sprotty, but can still carve through the likes of the Awakino Gorge, the Para's, the Mangamukas, the Waipoua forest, the Buller Gorge and the Takaka Hill.

[KoroJ]

ST and Concurs are more straight tourers? Not much sporty about them?

BMW call the S1000xr a Adventure Tourer?

ST's have been feeling pretty sporty and toury for me for over 200,000 Km. They certainly don't feel like 300Kg+ when they're moving and with practice, one can fling them around quite nicely at walking speed. I've certainly been held up by so-called/wannabe sprotty riders on the Rimutakas.

You can't compare STs, FJRs and Connies with Gold Wings and the other straight tourers, although those can also be formidle in the right hands...one just needs to ask the Hyde brothers about try to get past the four Goldwings that were on last year's Nth Island 1600.

My understanding is, Sports Tourers are faired, screened and come with luggage, one sits more upright than a sprotty, but can still carve through the likes of the Awakino Gorge, the Para's, the Mangamukas, the Waipoua forest, the Buller Gorge and the Takaka Hill.

[nzspokes]

Guess that was my point, anything Touring is inevitably festooned with features. Fat.

You can do Sports on a fat bike, Dog knows I've done enough of it, but not very successfully.

Have to agree.

Just been reading on how to fit a top box ona SDR.

[Gremlin]

Just been reading on how to fit a top box ona SDR.
Make sure the underlying structure properly supports it. I learnt that lesson with the 990SM. Broke two subframes (replaced under warranty) because the design was bad. The square section ended in the tail with a plate on top of the two ends (rather than carrying right around).

[Bass]

Sport Touring is my category. I've not looked anywhere else.
My definition is: -
1. Less than 250 kg ready to ride and preferably less than 230 kg.
2. Comfortable 2 up over long distances.
3. Grunty and nimble enough so that a track day isn't a complete waste of time
4. Factory fitted luggage available

Have owned RF 900, Sprint ST 955, GSX 1250 FA and currently on R1200 GS.
The GS arrived when I added some gravel capability to the above list and it turns out to be the best handler of the lot. So I think it qualifies as well.

[george formby]

I guess a good bench mark would be to look at what the Popo use world wide. They need comfort, protection, luggage, pace and handling.

I've seen some eye watering vids of the boys in blue at pace.

Having said all that, I was shocked to see an R1 in Police regalia in Scotland a few years ago so I could be talking cobblers. Again.
It was on a motorway and they had Porsche's, too.

[insomnia01]

ST and Concurs are more straight tourers? Not much sporty about them


ST's have been feeling pretty sporty and toury for me for over 200,000 Km. They certainly don't feel like 300Kg+ when they're moving and with practice, one can fling them around quite nicely at walking speed.

323080

And John would know this first hand, check out that lean angle !!

[nzspokes]

323080

And John would know this first hand, check out that lean angle !!
Cool. I will remember that if I need to tour or go fast in a carpark. [emoji2]

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

[nzspokes]

Still thinking the GSX1250fa is a good option with some mods.

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[Maha]

And John would know this first hand, check out that lean angle !!

I watched an ST wipes the arse of a Ducati going down the western side of the Paekok hill a few years back. It went passed it and the gap continued to widen from my vantage point at the look out.

[Banditbandit]

Still thinking the GSX1250fa is a good option with some mods.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

Yeah ... the bandits and the TNABs are probably the best bet - or maybe a Honda Hornet ... people I know who have them love them ..

Use different brake rotors (I have Waves) and braided lines ... upgrade the suspension ...


And while we're arguing about what makes a sport bike or a sport tourers .. in the old days sports bikes had clip-ons and what we called "rear sets" .. but rear sets are so standard now ... compared to where the pegs used to be

Cafe Racers were made by first putting on clip-ons and rear sets .. then maybe fiddling with the card and changing the headers and cans ...

So a sports/tourer would have higher bars .. and foot-pegs not so rear set ... and possibly a detuned engine .. but engines are built for purpose now, rather than the old days when there was a standard engine, hotted up for racing .. Say like a Triumph Bonneville and a Triumph Thunderbird (Meridan, not Hinckley ...) . and then a Thurxton version ...


engines are now built for sports tourers, so they are hardly "detuned" even though they don't generate the speed of a sports engine .. say a GSXR compared to a GSF1250S or a GSX1250SA

[Gremlin]

Yeah ... the bandits and the TNABs are probably the best bet - or maybe a Honda Hornet ... people I know who have them love them ..
Hornet is a wee bit naked for extended touring, unless you're putting a big screen on it or something.

[nzspokes]

Yeah ... the bandits and the TNABs are probably the best bet - or maybe a Honda Hornet ... people I know who have them love them ..

Use different brake rotors (I have Waves) and braided lines ... upgrade the suspension ...


And while we're arguing about what makes a sport bike or a sport tourers .. in the old days sports bikes had clip-ons and what we called "rear sets" .. but rear sets are so standard now ... compared to where the pegs used to be

Cafe Racers were made by first putting on clip-ons and rear sets .. then maybe fiddling with the card and changing the headers and cans ...

So a sports/tourer would have higher bars .. and foot-pegs not so rear set ... and possibly a detuned engine .. but engines are built for purpose now, rather than the old days when there was a standard engine, hotted up for racing .. Say like a Triumph Bonneville and a Triumph Thunderbird (Meridan, not Hinckley ...) . and then a Thurxton version ...


engines are now built for sports tourers, so they are hardly "detuned" even though they don't generate the speed of a sports engine .. say a GSXR compared to a GSF1250S or a GSX1250SA

A basic tune the 1250 has about 30% more torque than a Hornet which will show a lot on the road. Its pretty close to the Busa and Bking. The FA with a fairing and a little work on the suspension and you have a winner I reckon.

[nzspokes]

This is a stage 2 Holeshot kit fitted to a 1250. That torque curve would be nice on the road.

Chuck a set of the Holeshot headers on and you have more torque than a Bking and 129hp.

[AllanB]

This is a stage 2 Holeshot kit fitted to a 1250. That torque curve would be nice on the road.

Chuck a set of the Holeshot headers on and you have more torque than a Bking and 129hp.

Stop being a tire kicker and buy one - the bikes are on sale presently - the difference will upgrade your suspension then it's only a bit of coin to suit bags, bars etc that you desire.

You'll be on the road for f-all. Maybe that's why is a 1250FA bawahahahahhahaha

Bang for buck it's a winner.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1023647177.htm

[nzspokes]

Stop being a tire kicker and buy one - the bikes are on sale presently - the difference will upgrade your suspension then it's only a bit of coin to suit bags, bars etc that you desire.

You'll be on the road for f-all. Maybe that's why is a 1250FA bawahahahahhahaha

Bang for buck it's a winner.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1023647177.htm

And again, Im not buying now. Just talking shit about bikes, you know this being a bike website and all......

[AllanB]

And again, Im not buying now. Just talking shit about bikes, you know this being a bike website and all......

I tried that with porn sites - hey it's OK dear I'm just looking .............. she did not understand.

[Gremlin]

I tried that with porn sites - hey it's OK dear I'm just looking .............. she did not understand.
But you bought the Ducati :scratch:

[AllanB]

But you bought the Ducati :scratch:

Ducati is motorcycle porn :yes:


Less talk more buying! NZ dealers need you :sunny:

[insomnia01]

Cool. I will remember that if I need to tour or go fast in a carpark. [emoji2]

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Dickhead

you best stay there then :baby:

[Ulsterkiwi]

...the FA........ a little work on the suspension and you have a winner I reckon.

try just a tad over $3k. Transformed the bike. 135 litres of luggage which is say another $1800 and you are good to go.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Hornet is a wee bit naked for extended touring, unless you're putting a big screen on it or something.

Someday, somewhere, you will be able to go into a bike dealer, sit on a bike and they will tell you what type and height of screen will work for you on that bike, cos....physics.

I had four different screens on my FA and it was never just quite right. Of course I am a wee bit bit longer than most.

Loved that bike, did a lot of kms in a shortish time. Am realising now how tiring it is to not have proper wind/weather protection when on the longer rides.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Stop being a tire kicker and buy one - the bikes are on sale presently - the difference will upgrade your suspension then it's only a bit of coin to suit bags, bars etc that you desire.

You'll be on the road for f-all. Maybe that's why is a 1250FA bawahahahahhahaha

Bang for buck it's a winner.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1023647177.htm

spoilsport, half the fun is the fantasy, you know, like when you visit the porn site ;)

he would likely want to change the small howitzer attached to the end of the exhaust, release the inner hooligan and all.
All the upgrade stuff you suggested is good and upgrade the poor lights....change the seat....heated grips.....hand guards....radiator guard.....fender extender.....damn, he should have just bought my old bike! :mad:

[nzspokes]

try just a tad over $3k. Transformed the bike. 135 litres of luggage which is say another $1800 and you are good to go.
Buy one with luggage. $1500 will sort suspension and $500 on motor.

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[nzspokes]

Someday, somewhere, you will be able to go into a bike dealer, sit on a bike and they will tell you what type and height of screen will work for you on that bike, cos....physics.

I had four different screens on my FA and it was never just quite right. Of course I am a wee bit bit longer than most.

Loved that bike, did a lot of kms in a shortish time. Am realising now how tiring it is to not have proper wind/weather protection when on the longer rides.
BMW already do this on their website.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

[Ulsterkiwi]

BMW already do this on their website.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

I didn't realise we were getting all spendy :innocent:

[Gremlin]

Loved that bike, did a lot of kms in a shortish time. Am realising now how tiring it is to not have proper wind/weather protection when on the longer rides.
There are quite a few little things you can tweak. The 990SM had a reasonably stiff throttle spring, the BMW has a softer one. For hours of riding, it's a hell of a lot easier holding the BMW throttle than the KTM :msn-wink:

[AllanB]

I didn't realise we were getting all spendy :innocent:

He started with a unlimited budget then concluded a Suzuki FA would be the best bike. Figure there is a good $10-15k to play with in change :sunny:

[nzspokes]

Stop being a tire kicker and buy one - the bikes are on sale presently - the difference will upgrade your suspension then it's only a bit of coin to suit bags, bars etc that you desire.

You'll be on the road for f-all. Maybe that's why is a 1250FA bawahahahahhahaha

Bang for buck it's a winner.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1023647177.htm

This one is a better deal, let some other mug take the depreciation hit.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1122874796

[nzspokes]

He started with a unlimited budget then concluded a Suzuki FA would be the best bike. Figure there is a good $10-15k to play with in change :sunny:

Well then you could buy heaps of farkels or a track bike.....

[AllanB]

This one is a better deal, let some other mug take the depreciation hit.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1122874796



Ouch. But good buying for someone. A lot of bike for the coin.

[AllanB]

Well then you could buy heaps of farkels or a track bike.....



Which raises a interesting question - on the unlimited budget you had lets say up to $30k for the ultimate sports tourer. But if say buying the used, kitted suzuki for 10, you have 20 or less for another bike - maybe you buy a sport bike? but then you may as well buy a tourer and a sport bike not a sports tourer and a sport bike ...... or a .....

[nzspokes]

Which raises a interesting question - on the unlimited budget you had lets say up to $30k for the ultimate sports tourer. But if say buying the used, kitted suzuki for 10, you have 20 or less for another bike - maybe you buy a sport bike? but then you may as well buy a tourer and a sport bike not a sports tourer and a sport bike ...... or a .....

Track bike is a whole new thread...

But if I was heading down that path it would be a Gixxer 750, new as possible for 8 to 9k. Np more than that in case you throw it down the track.

[nzspokes]

Ouch. But good buying for someone. A lot of bike for the coin.

I reckon its a stunning deal.

[Gremlin]

Which raises a interesting question - on the unlimited budget you had lets say up to $30k for the ultimate sports tourer.
You're not talking any sense man! :eek:

That Sook has a handy thing, the plate is mbike... just in case you forgot?

[Ulsterkiwi]

I reckon its a stunning deal.

It is pretty good. Given the year it has done damn all kms. It would have taken me 5 months max to run up those kms. I do wonder about vehicles in general that have spent a lot of time sitting in a garage. I had a '98 BMW that I bought in 2013 with 11000kms ish on the clock. Ran great for about 4 or 5 months and then it seemed to spend more time in the workshop or with me swearing at it on the side of the road.
Fairly typical of the NZ motorcycle scene though, high $$ bikes that sit in the garage.

On the subject of taking a depreciation hit, I reckon that is just a decision you make about WHEN you spend money, its never about IF.

I have the first brand new vehicle I have ever had in my life with this Aprilia, yeah I will probably get raped when its eventually sold on/traded. However I will have had tremendous satisfaction and fun from it, as well getting to my place of employment in a stress free manner.
I bought a 4 month old FA, spent another $6k on it (not including maintenance/servicing/tyres) and sold it taking a hit of $3.5k on the original purchase price. So really the bike cost me almost $10k over a couple of years. Supposedly the big hit had already happened with depreciation, yeah right. And before you argue I didn't have to spend the money on it, the only reason I was able to command the sale price I did was BECAUSE I had spent the money on it.

Vehicles cost money, a lot of it, you either pay the money by drip feed or in big hits, its all the same at the end.

Anyway, we all go out in the same size box and we don't take anything with us so who gives a rat's arse. :banana::banana::headbang:

what was the question?

[nzspokes]

You're not talking any sense man! :eek:

That Sook has a handy thing, the plate is mbike... just in case you forgot?

Yeah not sure what the deal is with that. :mellow:

Why would you buy that as a personal plate?:facepalm:

Odd.

[nzspokes]

I bought a 4 month old FA, spent another $6k on it (not including maintenance/servicing/tyres)



How did you spend 6k on it? Did you get it gold plated or something?:crazy:

[Ulsterkiwi]

Wasn't your money was it?
A bit over $3k with Mr Taylor. Full Givi luggage, screens, heated grips, radiator guard, fender extender, mirror extenders, light guard, hand guards, tanklock system and bags, power system for tank bag, custom seat with McDonalds, upgrade lights, Scott oiler, bar risers...etc
I am not a mechanic and paid for the fitting of a lot of the stuff. I am lucky that I am able to and it doesn't do the bike industry any harm.
I had fun doing it all and the bike was far superior to what Mr Suzuki offered from the factory in terms of performance and ergonomics.
No gold plating no.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nzspokes]

Wasn't your money was it?
A bit over $3k with Mr Taylor. Full Givi luggage, screens, heated grips, radiator guard, fender extender, mirror extenders, light guard, hand guards, tanklock system and bags, power system for tank bag, custom seat with McDonalds, upgrade lights, Scott oiler, bar risers...etc
I am not a mechanic and paid for the fitting of a lot of the stuff. I am lucky that I am able to and it doesn't do the bike industry any harm.
I had fun doing it all and the bike was far superior to what Mr Suzuki offered from the factory in terms of performance and ergonomics.
No gold plating no.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What did you do to upgrade the lights?

[Ulsterkiwi]

Mucked about with LEDs but locating the heat sinks was an issue. HID seemed a lot of $$ for something that would have to be taken out come WOF time. Ended up just using high performance halogen bulbs. Better but they were not exactly blowing me away. Bought spotlights for it, never got around to fitting them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Banditbandit]

A basic tune the 1250 has about 30% more torque than a Hornet which will show a lot on the road.

yeah ... it does ... mates with Hornets love them - but they can't live with a big bandit ..

[nzspokes]

Mucked about with LEDs but locating the heat sinks was an issue. HID seemed a lot of $$ for something that would have to be taken out come WOF time. Ended up just using high performance halogen bulbs. Better but they were not exactly blowing me away. Bought spotlights for it, never got around to fitting them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Got any bits left over?

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

[Banditbandit]

Buy one with luggage. $1500 will sort suspension and $500 on motor.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

I only have a Ventura bag.

On tour I need clothes to ride in - leathers

Clothes to wear at night .. jeans.

Underwear, etc all goes in the Ventura Bag.

You all must carry a LOT of shit if you need full sets.

I've gone 10 days on the road with what I can get in a Ventura Bag plus a sleeping bag strapped on the seat ..

[Ulsterkiwi]

I only have a Ventura bag.

On tour I need clothes to ride in - leathers

Clothes to wear at night .. jeans.

Underwear, etc all goes in the Ventura Bag.

You all must carry a LOT of shit if you need full sets.

I've gone 10 days on the road with what I can get in a Ventura Bag plus a sleeping bag strapped on the seat ..

Sleeping bag and change of footwear go in one pannier, clothes and toiletries in the other. Both sides will have a bit of room left. I like to wash and change after a day on the road, call me strange.
Top box I usually leave room for my helmet so I can lock it away during stops, the rest of the space is usually taken up with camer gear and waterproofs. I like to take photos and often bring my DLSR and a change of lens or two....

[Ulsterkiwi]

Got any bits left over?

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk

I still have the tankbag and power hub, its listed on TM at the minute. I also found a set of levers the other day in the shed and there are a couple of bulbs, but not the performance ones, they went with the bike.

[Gremlin]

You all must carry a LOT of shit if you need full sets.

I've gone 10 days on the road with what I can get in a Ventura Bag plus a sleeping bag strapped on the seat ..
No idea how you do that...

Left pannier is tools and associated items (tape, flash light etc), usually a change of shoes, spare gloves, balaclava, wet weather gear and so on. Right pannier is oil, cloths, clothes and electrical gear (got a packing cell for chargers, card readers, power cables etc).

Top is either backpack with stuff like laptop, water bottles, wallet, cases for GPS, if no top box, maybe a tail pack, laptop is relocated to right pannier, and still stuff like water, mobile, wallet etc goes into the tail pack.

[Ulsterkiwi]

this is where you will get a roasting about the BMW needing you to bring tools along all the time. I guess it depends on where you tour and how close you are to help and how keen you are to be self sufficient.

On anything more than a day trip I will pack my mini compressor, the puncture repair kit lives permanently under the seat. Anything more than that and I am calling the AA. I have a ziplock that lived in my tank bag which had spare fuses, PVC tape, cable ties and a couple of bulbs. I have only ever opened that bag to help other people fix their own bikes.

I dislike tied on tank bags, so I got a tanklock, the filler on my Aprilia is not compatible with the Givi system and the tank is plastic so I no longer use a tankbag, that was good, I had to rethink the shit I was carrying and never using, ever.

One of the things I like about touring on the bike is being minimal with my packing, but a minimal way of fulfilling what I perceive to be my needs. Banditbandit hasnt told us the size of his Ventura pack, maybe its 150 litres :cool:

[Gremlin]

this is where you will get a roasting about the BMW needing you to bring tools along all the time. I guess it depends on where you tour and how close you are to help and how keen you are to be self sufficient.
Haha, yeah, thought afterwards.

It stems out of adventure riding, so yes, reasonably self sufficient, but also carrying a good range of tools, not just my own bike specific ones. Puncture repair and air compressor stuff are always on the bike in a handy lock box. I'm still realistic however there is plenty to go wrong and the only answer is a tow to "my nearest authorised workshop"

I don't use a tank bag much as I don't like the glare from the top when the sun is at certain angles, it restricts my movement adv riding and mostly just gets in the way. I do however use it, as sometimes the media rack is on the bike for camera guys, and covering events like Ironman, we're out for 12 hrs, and the top box isn't enough for all the gear we carry.

[Ocean1]

No idea how you do that...

Left pannier is tools and associated items (tape, flash light etc), usually a change of shoes, spare gloves, balaclava, wet weather gear and so on. Right pannier is oil, cloths, clothes and electrical gear (got a packing cell for chargers, card readers, power cables etc).

Top is either backpack with stuff like laptop, water bottles, wallet, cases for GPS, if no top box, maybe a tail pack, laptop is relocated to right pannier, and still stuff like water, mobile, wallet etc goes into the tail pack.

Well, you can get almost as much in a Ventura bag as you can in two moderate panniers. More in some of the alternative rack mounted bags like R-Jays.

I'd still go with panniers, all things being equal, but they're not, it's a couple of hundred for a pack-rack and a couple of thousand for panniers.

And that's very close to my favourite rant about arsehole distributors flogging new toruiers minus the luggage, and selling it separately to all them poor destitute bikers. The cunts. So I'll say no more.

[nzspokes]

Well, you can get almost as much in a Ventura bag as you can in two moderate panniers. More in some of the alternative rack mounted bags like R-Jays.

I'd still go with panniers, all things being equal, but they're not, it's a couple of hundred for a pack-rack and a couple of thousand for panniers.

And that's very close to my favourite rant about arsehole distributors flogging new toruiers minus the luggage, and selling it separately to all them poor destitute bikers. The cunts. So I'll say no more.

The KTM 1290 GT, panniers are $1700. All the promo photos show the panniers fitted. The BMW S1000xr panniers are $1100 a side! For a bloody plastic box. Yes, cunts.

But I would have hard luggage over soft anyday.

[Duncan74]

The KTM 1290 GT, panniers are $1700. All the promo photos show the panniers fitted. The BMW S1000xr panniers are $1100 a side! For a bloody plastic box. Yes, cunts.



Ahh, but you could get Givi panniers for a mere $700 a pair. Admittedly you can get them in a lovely hi-vis yellow that fades so quickly you can actually see it changing colour if you do something stupid. Like take the panniers outside of a lightproof garage.

Unfortunately you then need another $400 for the mounting bracket.... Actually cost me $599 for the top box, and $430 for the mounting plate for the scooter.

[nzspokes]

Ahh, but you could get Givi panniers for a mere $700 a pair. Admittedly you can get them in a lovely hi-vis yellow that fades so quickly you can actually see it changing colour if you do something stupid. Like take the panniers outside of a lightproof garage.

Unfortunately you then need another $400 for the mounting bracket.... Actually cost me $599 for the top box, and $430 for the mounting plate for the scooter.

Which is why you try to buy a bike with them already fitted. :niceone:

[buggerit]

Couple of shots from our last trip south, great bike , does all I want well, still gives me the grin.

[nzspokes]

Couple of shots from our last trip south, great bike , does all I want well, still gives me the grin.

Nice. :Punk:

[Maha]

Couple of shots from our last trip south, great bike , does all I want well, still gives me the grin.

There are a number of bikes Steve that will do that whole 'two up packed to the hilt do all you want and in reasonable comfort'. The CB was exceptional at this.

I got rid of the FA because of work restraints and the CB because of a brain fart moment.

Sold that 2013 FA for $10K. it had 4800 ks on clock.

[Banditbandit]

The KTM 1290 GT, panniers are $1700. All the promo photos show the panniers fitted. The BMW S1000xr panniers are $1100 a side! For a bloody plastic box. Yes, cunts.

But I would have hard luggage over soft anyday.

I had Krauser panniers on my BMW GS ... sides and top box

I hardly ever rode with the top box on (upset the handling) and I don't ever remember filling the panniers - even on a very long trip ..

[oldiebutagoody]

Damn you all to purgatory!

All of you are just a bunch of "enablers" feigning helpfulness.

Just shook hands on a Bandit 1200 with full hard luggage for a February SI trip.

What to do with the 600 now? Huh, HUH?

Helpful suggestions welcomed. lol.

[GrayWolf]

Sport Touring is a bollocks label IMO.

The medias obsession to label a bike is becoming increasingly irrelevant with the pile of new 'do-it-all' on the road bikes.

Back in the 80's what we now call 'sport touring' was taking your GSX, Z, etc and bolting on a bikini fairing and pack rack - add some soft throw-over bags and instant sport touring. If you wanted it sportier a set of rear Street Stroker or Koni shocks, heavier weight fork oil and preload the front a bit with a stack of coins .......

The essence of what people refer to as Sport-touring now is not really different - a bloody good motorcycle that will do you and your partner fine for a full days travel. It's just that we have a bike from every brand to reference now. My idea of the best one will be different from yours and other posters - test ride and buy.


Yes I agree about what we did in the 1980's to go touring. Problem is, back then the UJM was still plentiful, but the Gpz900a was really the 'herald' of the 'sprotbike' of today.. Bikes {sprotties}have become more and more 'sport focussed' than an everyday ride. My current bike {CB1300s} is as close as you can get to a 1970/80's UJM {along with the GS1400 etc}.
I would hazard that the European riders are where 'sport touring' originally hailed from. With a group of friends, I used to do regular 1000 miles 'blasts' from the UK to Spain for a 'long weekend'. We needed speed, 'enough' luggage capacity, decent fuel range and comfortable riding position/cockpit.
BMW tourers were comfortable, but, not 'fast enough' , the UJM needed luggage, and a fairing for serious European motorway riding.
I'd place the FJ1200 as the first 'Eurotourer'. Yamaha modified the fairing slightly and I believe tweaked the torque/cams from the 1100's settings. That bike is still regarded as a 'bloody good touring mount'.

'sport tourers' can be IMO categorised by a less sporting riding position, decent seat, good fuel economy when ridden smoothly, softer suspension to cope with 'average' road surfaces, large fuel tanks usually a fair bit heftier than a 'sprotty' but often a lot bloody faster ...
The forerunner of the modern 'uber tourer' was the ZZR1100... fits all the above criteria, fast, comfortable, good range. Euro-touring needs a mix of motorway speeds and 'carving' ability. That bike and it's followers ZZR1200, ZXR1400, busa etc are all intercontinental 'missiles' that can consume big distances, FAST!
By definition a 'sport tourer'.

[nzspokes]

Ouch. But good buying for someone. A lot of bike for the coin.

Turns out it was to good to miss. Sitting outside now. :shifty:

The mods have started. :eek:

[AllanB]

Turns out it was to good to miss. Sitting outside now. :shifty:

The mods have started. :eek:

Good man. A lot of bike for the money. Reckon you'll be puling a extra 15 hp out of it in no time!

[nzspokes]

Good man. A lot of bike for the money. Reckon you'll be puling a extra 15 hp out of it in no time!

20hp and 10 torques at least.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Turns out it was to good to miss. Sitting outside now. :shifty:

The mods have started. :eek:

Good man! health to enjoy :niceone:

BTW, the tankbags and levers are still on the go on TM if you are interested. I use the same moniker on there.

[AllanB]

If you are looking for a slip-on try these guys - Mivv do a very nice pipe - Euro to NZ is high and their shipping is decent and quick. The cheapest one you'll land for about $360 NZ

http://www.carpimoto.it/en-NZ/Bike_Suzuki_Bandit-GSF-1250-07-12/Specific/Search.aspx

[nzspokes]

If you are looking for a slip-on try these guys - Mivv do a very nice pipe - Euro to NZ is high and their shipping is decent and quick. The cheapest one you'll land for about $360 NZ

http://www.carpimoto.it/en-NZ/Bike_Suzuki_Bandit-GSF-1250-07-12/Specific/Search.aspx

It came with a carbon Yoshi. Real nice one. Apart from the ride home was very quiet. Now the DB killer fell out it sounds like it should.

[nzspokes]

Good man! health to enjoy :niceone:

BTW, the tankbags and levers are still on the go on TM if you are interested. I use the same moniker on there.

Cheers but it came with a tankloc bag and I already have the bigger one.

Just doing a quick turn throttle and Ultralows has made a huge difference. Also done springs in the forks but no re-valve yet.

[oldiebutagoody]

Well at the lower end of the Bandit scale, I spent the first day working on the new to me older bandit. Last 2 weeks saw new chain, new front tire, two new mirrors.

today repacked the 2 bros can, found the handlebar height that works for me, replaced manky brake lever with new, degreased about an inch of crud, only another half inch to do.....Tested resistance on th throttle position sensor but real close to perfect settings. fixed loose indicators mounts on the monokey rack.

Straightened up the twisted forks/triples. Cleaned filter, removed snorkel, change fork oil for heavier grade and nipped up the loose head bearings and.........uh oh!

Big mother f%#^&ng notch. Ah well new tapered rollers going in next playday. I dunno what it is with me, I always seem to get the bikes owned previously by mono merchants. Every bike over the years has had steering bearings replaced by me......I thought tapered rollers would have been standard equipment by 1996, or it shoulda had them done before now..........

Oh and chased down and found and fixed a pin hole fuel leak under tank. But thats hole other story.

Still having fun

[Kiwi Bandit]

Couple of shots from our last trip south, great bike , does all I want well, still gives me the grin.


:yes: Great pictures, awesome bike!!!
Here's a link to my YouTube channel I've just finished uploading videos from our trip in May 2017. Got soft Oxford panniers and an R-Jay pack on a Ventura rack to carry the kitchen sink - literally!!! The bike powered up the hills effortlessly. The only negative is the hard seat which we improved with some homemade sheepskin covers tied on with velcro to remove easily if it rains. I notice you've got Air Hawk seat cushion; is it worth getting one?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgEadq-0t4RCLDVsOAz9PVQ

[buggerit]

:yes: Great pictures, awesome bike!!!
Here's a link to my YouTube channel I've just finished uploading videos from our trip in May 2017. Got soft Oxford panniers and an R-Jay pack on a Ventura rack to carry the kitchen sink - literally!!! The bike powered up the hills effortlessly. The only negative is the hard seat which we improved with some homemade sheepskin covers tied on with velcro to remove easily if it rains. I notice you've got Air Hawk seat cushion; is it worth getting one?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgEadq-0t4RCLDVsOAz9PVQ

Air Hawk made a HUGE IMPROVMENT, tried sheepskin, fitting Suzuki OEM gel seat without much increase in comfort.
The trick is with the Air Hawk is to put in just enough air so your butt doesn't touch the original seat.
Just did 1800km last weekend and no butt pain , bought one for my sons R3 for the trip and he was amazed.
My pillion said after the SI trip that she would rather loose the Sena than the Airhawk.

[Kiwi Bandit]

Air Hawk made a HUGE IMPROVMENT, tried sheepskin, fitting Suzuki OEM gel seat without much increase in comfort.
The trick is with the Air Hawk is to put in just enough air so your butt doesn't touch the original seat.
Just did 1800km last weekend and no butt pain , bought one for my sons R3 for the trip and he was amazed.
My pillion said after the SI trip that she would rather loose the Sena than the Airhawk.

Thanks for the response. Sounds great, I'll definitely look into getting one :niceone:

[Blackbird]

Air Hawk made a HUGE IMPROVMENT, tried sheepskin, fitting Suzuki OEM gel seat without much increase in comfort.
The trick is with the Air Hawk is to put in just enough air so your butt doesn't touch the original seat.
Just did 1800km last weekend and no butt pain , bought one for my sons R3 for the trip and he was amazed.
My pillion said after the SI trip that she would rather loose the Sena than the Airhawk.

+1 on all counts. Did a 1600 km in under 24 hours endurance ride with one on my Street Triple. Sheer heaven on my arse :clap:

[Ocean1]

+1 on all counts. Did a 1600 km in under 24 hours endurance ride with one on my Street Triple. Sheer heaven on my arse :clap:

Can't stand the bloody things. Feels like you shat yer nappies an hour ago and are sliding around the seat in it.