Best sports tourier

[Mamba]

Hi you all

What would u rate a best sports tourier between 400 to 650cc?

I wana get one, but i'm wondering which one to get?

Thanks for any imput

[Grub]

Well Mamba, I asked the same thing a month ago and was told the Honda CBR600 was one of the all-round classic/great sports tourers. That was cool coz I was looking at one on Trademe at the time. Bought it. LOVE it.

Now as I start reading reviews and articles it is one of those bikes that is thought not to be "exciting" enough because it does everything well and has no vices. The same guy at work who told me that a CBR was too boring for him also mentioned that when they go touring at racing speeds, the two guys in his group with CBR600's leave him and the rest of the group in a shower of dust and small stones ... making him and his Yamaha 1100 look a bit silly.

I rode a lot of bikes looking and the riding position on this bike is just too perfect. No sore back, no sore hands and the weight on the bars is so light as to not be noticeable. That's hard to match in any sports/tourer. I've only had it for a month, haven't been seriously riding for a couple of decades and I am scraping pegs and frightening myself but the bike just keeps forgiving me my transgressions and lets me know that I'm nowhere near the limit of what its capable of. Maybe Saturday on the Coast to Coast ....

Brett

[scracha]

Well Mamba, I asked the same thing a month ago and was told the Honda CBR600 was one of the all-round classic/great sports tourers. That was cool coz I was looking at one on Trademe at the time.
Erm...it's a "supersports" sportsbike? You know, designed for going around racetracks and stuff.

[TLDV8]

Hi you all

What would u rate a best sports tourier between 400 to 650cc?

I wana get one, but i'm wondering which one to get?

Thanks for any imput

You might want to narrow it down to what kind of bike You like.

Single,Twin,Multi cylinder...... Naked,small fairing,full fairing.

[dawnrazor]

CBR600F not CBR600RR, very important distingtion I feel. Of course for an extra 150cc you'll have the VFR750 if you can find one the best sports tourer ever, possibly.....

The 'tourer' part of the 'sports tourer', kinda implies a bigger engine then a 400cc/600cc to be honest

just a thought, a thundercat or thunderace will do the trick as well, or for that matter a RF600.

[Grub]

Erm...it's a "supersports" sportsbike? You know, designed for going around racetracks and stuff.

Well there ya go ... I told ya I'd been away from bikes for a while :)

Nevertheless (this week's Big Word) this baby tours just beautifully. It's a pretty old one I guess but with only 29,000k its got plenty to go and we're having fun. 3,000k in 4 weeks and I still can't get enuff. Rode 100km commuting home today ... it's only 30k from work to home :)

Brett

[madandy]

Never rode a CBR but I hear they are great machines. The YZF600R-Thundercat and Suzuki RF600 are terrific bikes. Good weather protection, fuel economy and handle two up no probs...

[Ixion]

Mr Hitcher, Mr Hitcher. The set's complete. crusier, sprotsbike, tourier.

[dawnrazor]

Mr Hitcher, Mr Hitcher. The set's complete. crusier, sprotsbike, tourier.

You forgot,
'streets-sports' eg a tuono
'streets sports tourer' eg the new tiger1050
''street tourers' eg a bikin faired bandit
'off-road street sports' eg BMWs new XMOTO

making none of them up either

their kinda sub atomic particles

ah remember when bikes where bikes and rideing gear was a trench coat and googles and a sensible hat.

[Ixion]

My reference was to the new addition to the KB lexicon. Tourier.

[Maha]

This is the Thundercat i owned, if you can get one, you will be doing ok...:Punk:

[ceebie13]

You forgot,
'streets-sports' eg a tuono
'streets sports tourer' eg the new tiger1050
''street tourers' eg a bikin faired bandit
'off-road street sports' eg BMWs new XMOTO
.

Methinks you haven't got the joke, DR.

[dawnrazor]

My reference was to the new addition to the KB lexicon. Tourier.


Methinks you haven't got the joke, DR.

well I was going to comment on that but the last time I picked someone up on their spelling I was red repped from a great height and told to leave such things to Mr Hitcher.....so you can't win can ya.....should have guessed though, Mr Ixion is not one to forget his education LOL

[scracha]

Never rode a CBR but I hear they are great machines. The YZF600R-Thundercat and Suzuki RF600 are terrific bikes. Good weather protection, fuel economy and handle two up no probs...

I guess when the speed limit is just 100Kmph then a 400 (like say a ZZR) could be regarded as a sports tourer. Depends on your physical size too. For the long legged most of the 600's are a waste of time. Thundercat's are seriously under-rated tho. Tall screen, decent seat to peg distance, non-plank-like seat, reasonable fuel economy and wideish highish bars are my definition of a sports tourer.

One man's sportsbike is another's sports tourer I guess. In all likelyhood we'll see GSXR1000's with full luggage and pillion being piloted by ulyssis members in about 5 years!

[T.I.E]

One man's sportsbike is another's sports tourer I guess. In all likelyhood we'll see GSXR1000's with full luggage and pillion being piloted by ulyssis members in about 5 years!

very very true......
what about zzr600's very good tourers id say one of the best in that sports tourer range.
and depends on how much this guys wants to spend.
gtr hyosong :sick: got to say dnt look to bad. naked or full.
and sv's look to have a little pep and fun also can cruise if needed. but thats all second hand advice.

[Mamba]

You might want to narrow it down to what kind of bike You like.

Single,Twin,Multi cylinder...... Naked,small fairing,full fairing.

That would be full fairing mate. I am mostly interested in the reliability of the bike, and the comfort when riding longer distances. As well as the ocasional performance fast ride

[Mamba]

This is the Thundercat i owned, if you can get one, you will be doing ok...:Punk:

hats a mighty looking bike mate. if its as comfortable as it looks, I wouldn't mind gettin one

[Biff]

Half a Blackbird?

[Hillbilly]

Nobody's mentioned the *cough* Hyosung GT650S. There's always the Suzuki GS500F. Nowhere near as good a CBR, but a good all rounder and very affordable.

[Pwalo]

Nobody's mentioned the *cough* Hyosung GT650S. There's always the Suzuki GS500F. Nowhere near as good a CBR, but a good all rounder and very affordable.

Yep if depends what you're looking for cost wise as well. Most of the bikes suggested would be fine for touring, but I can get 70mpg (sorry what's this metric stuff) from the GS on the open road, and it's surprisingly comfortable with just a Givi screen. Servicing and tyre costs are a lot less that a 600 four as well.

Mind you you can tour on a 50cc Vespa, or a Gixxer 1000 if you want, so just pick what you like and ride it anyway - it's all about the image.

[Squeak the Rat]

The same guy at work who told me that a CBR was too boring for him also mentioned that when they go touring at racing speeds, the two guys in his group with CBR600's leave him and the rest of the group in a shower of dust and small stones ... making him and his Yamaha 1100 look a bit silly.

This guy at your work sounds like he knows what he's talking about..... :wacko:

[Bend-it]

Why limit yourself to 650? The VFR750, VFR800 and RF900, IMO, are the best all round sport-tourers around. I picked the RF 'coz it's the cheaper than the VFR800 and newer than most VFR750s around. Also, I actually like the styling!

Jump on one and try it out. It's NOT scary to ride at all, even with all the power available, it's all under the control of your right wrist. :)

[vifferman]

How about one of them Kwakasaki 500 thingos? ER or summat?

[vifferman]

Why limit yourself to 650? The VFR750, VFR800 and RF900, IMO, are the best all round sport-tourers around.
While it's true that the VFR800 does have some round bits, it also has quite a few angular bits to it. Especially the VTEC model. :yes:

But it's a Honda, and everyone knows Honda's are boring. Best to stick to something with worse ergonomics and the excitement of less reliability. :whocares:

[Hillbilly]

Here are my picks in order for a mid-size "Sports Tourer", with pics, and of course all Japanese.

1: Honda CBR600F

2: Kawasaki ER6F

3: Yamaha FZ6S (Fazer)

4: Suzuki Bandit GSF600S/650S

5: Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

6: Suzuki GS500F

[Hitcher]

What would u rate a best sports tourier between 400 to 650cc?

"Sports tourier" between 400 and 650cc? I thought 900cc would be a minimum for anything to qualify for such a "category". The only thing that would even come close would be a Honda Deauville.

And I am liking "tourier". It has potential. One could name one's tourier "Tariana"...

[MD]

And I am liking "tourier". ...

That's because your tourier is coolier than the rest.

[Edbear]

hats a mighty looking bike mate. if its as comfortable as it looks, I wouldn't mind gettin one


And you wouldn't regret it either, they're a good bike. I find my bike very comfortable and certainly quick enough. The CBR600F4 is one of the best you can get, too, probably got the edge over the YZF, but not much in it.

Just have to try riding a few to see which one fits you best, I guess.

[scracha]

And you wouldn't regret it either, they're a good bike. I find my bike very comfortable and certainly quick enough. The CBR600F4 is one of the best you can get, too, probably got the edge over the YZF, but not much in it.

Just have to try riding a few to see which one fits you best, I guess.

I forgot the suzuki teapot GSX750. A hell of a lot of bike for the money and one that seems to meet all your requirements. Much torquier than the 600's too so better for the 2's up touring. Shame it's a Suzuki though as bits are bound to fall off it :-)

GS500's aren't that well built or reliable (we used them in a training school many moons ago), the Kwak ER5, Honda CB500 (nice handling) or Diversion 600 (did they import them here?) are a better bet. Also the Fazer 600 (never seen one here) and CB600S Hornet (thirsty tho') but again I found them physically too small.

Regards to servicing costs etc, the later VFR's are supposedly a nightmare. Multi valve 4 potters aren't much harder to service than 2 potters. Extra carbs (unless injected) to balance and valves to check but to be honest, getting past fairings, radiators & rocker covers takes longer. The more of this you can do yourself the easier your life will be. You're best speaking to a mechanic about servicing times and reliability as they're the ones who get their hands dirty dealing with them.

I'll probably get a bollocking for this but if you warm the bike up nicely before riding, keep changing the oil and don't screw the arse off it (you know...tour instead of scratch) you can get away with adding a few thousand k's between servicing.

[Lord Derosso]

The GSX750F is a great alrounder per many reports. I have the older 600F Katana(meaning 86HP as opposed to 79HP) and love it because of the following reasons:

Shes great around town and extremely light to steer meaning you can dodge potholes and change lanes very quickly and smoothly. Great brakes. Took me a while to learn to stop nearly coming off because of them.

Great on petrol. Beleive its around the 45 mpg or 70 Km p gallon?

Small CC yet reasonable HP and insurance rates a lot cheaper, especially if you are an old fart like me, sole rider, off road parking etc etc. $18 fortnight

Cruises perfectly fine at 120 kmh with heaps of gas to go. Sure shes not a super sports but makes up for this with the handling through winding roads.

Engine is oil cooled and solid as. Check out Trade me and you will see them with huge mileages and only two or three owners because they have kept them for years they are so reliable. A number of riders have commented to me on the engine. I believe its basically the same as the Bandit.

One thing though. I have owned numerous bikes and one of my fravourite was the Honda 750 VF as they are wonderful touring bikes with the V four engines. No changing down to pass at any time. I would also recommend nothing less than a 600cc and more like a 750cc. Mine pillions fine but the extra 150cc does make for a more comfortable long distance ride for both pillion and rider. Do go for a 600cc if you will be sole riding as they are fun to ride and good on insurance and gas etc.

[Edbear]

Shame it's a Suzuki though as bits are bound to fall off it :-)



Oi!! I heard that!!:angry:

[Mamba]

Here are my picks in order for a mid-size "Sports Tourer", with pics, and of course all Japanese.

1: Honda CBR600F

2: Kawasaki ER6F

3: Yamaha FZ6S (Fazer)

4: Suzuki Bandit GSF600S/650S

5: Kawasaki ZZ-R 600

6: Suzuki GS500F

Thanks 4 that mate

I like ur first and the last option especially. :rockon:

What r they like economicly?

[Hillbilly]

Well, to be honest, you get what you pay for. The GS500F is imported fully built up from Spain. When commentators/reviewers say it's "built to a price", they're right. It's a very good bike, a great workhorse, a tad uncomfortable (for me). The instruments are the same as the naked version, and there's only one light for both indicators. The GS500F also has an oil cooler. It comes shod (here at least) with H-rated Bridgestone Battlax BT-45's. It's an affordable good all-rounder that's a great commuter, has OK handling, but certainly not anything awe inspiring.

The CBR 600F is the darling! Apparently they're not going to be imported into Aussie any more, which is a shame. For the same money as a GS500F you could get an older CBR600F. If you really want a new bike with a 2 year warranty and don't want to spend more than $10k, then get a GS500F. However, if you can afford one, get a CBR600F. I've attached a pic of the GS500F instruments as well as a CBR600F(2) and for comparison with the '06 CBR600f, the CBR600RR. You won't be sorry. Now, 3 guesses as to what my next bike will be....

[kneescraper]

I would go with the CBR600 F3 -F4 or the VFR800 pre VTEC model...infact I know where one is for sale. Great looking bikes with plenty of comfort. After all they are Honda's...so you know it will last.

[skelstar]

Maybe haven't read very carefully, but is pillioning a issue/prerequisite?

[gav]

More importantly, how much money are you looking at spending?

[Grub]

Thanks 4 that mate
I like ur first and the last option especially. :rockon:
What r they like economicly?
I can answer for the CBR600 as I've been keeping records. Pick your formula result

5.05 litres/100K
19.85 kms/litre
56.1 Miles per Gallon

This is commuting 60km each day and touring rides on the weekends. My commuting in nicer than most, I go from Porirua to Paraparaumu against the traffic but constrained mostly by 70kmh roadworks. Have been forced <g> now to use Paekakariki Hill Rd now that it's opened and can manage a good clip along there ... except you have to be super careful around the tight stuff as there's wankers in work vans and utes all over the sodding road, my side and theirs, trying to peel tyres off rims.

BTW ... my bike cost me $3,200 on trademe and its a very good one. One with 180,000km which I rode was also a minter (but the mileage worried me) and a guy turned up with $2,000 folding and the seller took it.

That help?
Brett

[kneescraper]

One with 180,000km which I rode was also a minter (but the mileage worried me) and a guy turned up with $2,000 folding and the seller took it.

Dam thats a huge amount of KMs but its also very cheap....Doesnt Honda test their engines by sitting them near the limiter for a set time period and if it fails for any reason its back to the drawing board?

[Mamba]

I can answer for the CBR600 as I've been keeping records. Pick your formula result

5.05 litres/100K
19.85 kms/litre
56.1 Miles per Gallon

This is commuting 60km each day and touring rides on the weekends. My commuting in nicer than most, I go from Porirua to Paraparaumu against the traffic but constrained mostly by 70kmh roadworks. Have been forced <g> now to use Paekakariki Hill Rd now that it's opened and can manage a good clip along there ... except you have to be super careful around the tight stuff as there's wankers in work vans and utes all over the sodding road, my side and theirs, trying to peel tyres off rims.

BTW ... my bike cost me $3,200 on trademe and its a very good one. One with 180,000km which I rode was also a minter (but the mileage worried me) and a guy turned up with $2,000 folding and the seller took it.

That help?
Brett

That halps heaps guys. thanks 4 the poasts.

I can aford around $7500. not 2 much more than thet, s I hope I'll find something in the price range

[Grub]

I can aford around $7500. not 2 much more than thet, s I hope I'll find something in the price range

Oops I need to correct the mileage on that bike it was 118,000 not 180 <_<

I personally wouldn't spenmd that much on a bike ... you can't be having as much fun as me at half th price :) Oh yep and if you're going the CBR way and since you're talking about sports/tourer, someone said the 2001 was the last comfortable CBR made. I'm not sure if the RR is less of a tourer but I would imagine so since its a race bike in disguise.

Brett

[steved]

That halps heaps guys. thanks 4 the poasts.

I can aford around $7500. not 2 much more than thet, s I hope I'll find something in the price range
You should be able to get a CBR600F3 (1995-1998) easily for that money, probably even a F4(1999-2001). Don't forget the VFR's though.

[steved]

Oh yep and if you're going the CBR way and since you're talking about sports/tourer, someone said the 2001 was the last comfortable CBR made. I'm not sure if the RR is less of a tourer but I would imagine so since its a race bike in disguise.

Brett
Yep. They talk about the F4i being the last of the comfortable sports 600s. The R6 changed the segment (far more track focused) and Honda and Kawasaki followed.

[scracha]

Yep. They talk about the F4i being the last of the comfortable sports 600s. The R6 changed the segment (far more track focused) and Honda and Kawasaki followed.


"comfortable sports 600s". That's like comparing the comfort of a lamborghini with a ferrari. They're not built for comfort, they're built for tracks and the occasional blast. Compare going two's up on a CBR600 with a ZR750 (did they have them here), GSX750F, or even a thunderarse (7 grand is thunderarse money) or ZX9. Out of the "sporty" 600's the only one's that I could even pretend to be comfortable on were the ZZR600 or the thundercat.

Think 7 grand also gets you some of the big triumphs and ZZR1100's but they're not so cheap to run.

Sports 600's are great if you're under 5ft 8 and only taking the pillion once in a blue moon though.

[steved]

"comfortable sports 600s". That's like comparing the comfort of a lamborghini with a ferrari. They're not built for comfort, they're built for tracks and the occasional blast. Compare going two's up on a CBR600 with a ZR750 (did they have them here), GSX750F, or even a thunderarse (7 grand is thunderarse money) or ZX9. Out of the "sporty" 600's the only one's that I could even pretend to be comfortable on were the ZZR600 or the thundercat.

Think 7 grand also gets you some of the big triumphs and ZZR1100's but they're not so cheap to run.

Sports 600's are great if you're under 5ft 8 and only taking the pillion once in a blue moon though.
Compare the ergonomics of an F3 with a CBR600RR. One is a hell of a lot more comfortable than the other.