Looking for a tourer

[gunrunner]

I find myself doing reasonably long distances on my bike which its not really suited for . What would make a good tourer thats comfortable , economical and has plenty of power

[Bikernereid]

Yamaha Fazer 600. Served us well round Europe and works well for commuting to.

[Nasty]

I did a north island tour on the GPZ500 ... and now own a GSX750F - I would go with either .. depending on personal choice .. but as tourers go they are both fantastic ... (the 750 more than the 500 ... but more trouble;) )

[Winston001]

This is probably stating the obvious but if you can find a BMW at the right price you'll be happy. Bulletproof. They aren't sprots bikes but will take you long distances comfortably and fast in real world conditions.

[vifferman]

Suzuki GSX750, Bandit 1200/1250 (dunno how economical they are though), Triumph Sprint St, Honda VFR800 or ST1100/1300.

[gunrunner]

Suzuki GSX750, Bandit 1200/1250 (dunno how economical they are though), Triumph Sprint St, Honda VFR800 or ST1100/1300.

Have a mate with a Bandit 1200s and its more uneconomical than my Max

[Big Dave]

If New Bike: Triumph Sprint ST is the outstanding all rounder.

[R1madness]

BMW K1200RS. Great bike, ABS, Fuel injected, often with heated grips, Adjustable ride position. I can usually supply for $11500. One on the way ex japan. Due 21 days.

[chanceyy]

Have a mate with a Bandit 1200s and its more uneconomical than my Max

Depends on how heavy you are with the throttle. As a tourer with good constant speed & the odd throttle to overtake its economic.

Twist that throttle on & keep it on & yup she eats the juice .. but wot a rush :whistle:

Also on the plus side good riding position, comfy pillion position, easy to toss around the corners, eats the miles no problem, & does not huff when you twist the throttle just instant speed.

[Mystic13]

BMW F800, you can sit on it all day without any problems, it has plenty of power and is a fuel miser. 60+mpg is usual in everyday riding. Not bad for an 800cc bike. Belt drive. The pillion seat is an all day job as well.

Handling is impressive, it's an easy bike to throw around and push hard. There would be few bikes to match it. The ideal tourer. It's also a great round town bike in heavy traffic. It's just one of those bikes that has great balance. Really an impressive all rounder of a bike.

[Winston001]

Have a mate with a Bandit 1200s and its more uneconomical than my Max

Just my opinion but the Bandit is a sports bike. Powerful and fun, but not the ideal long distance machine. My mate is selling his because because he gets a sore back on long distances. He has bought a VStrom 1000 which he says is much more comfortable, especially two up with luggage.

Reviews of the Triumph Sprint are very good. Apart from that I've always thought the Triumph Trophy was a nicely kitted out tourer.

The Honda ST is also a good bike, the only negative being it is also heavy.

However $ for $ BMW lead the tourer class. Utterly reliable and with strong resale. My old R80RT is slow compared with modern bikes but it will still cruise at 140k which is also known as walking pace....if Mr Plod comes along :D

[avgas]

buy my bike

[sels1]

Reviews of the Triumph Sprint are very good. Apart from that I've always thought the Triumph Trophy was a nicely kitted out tourer.
There is a Triumph Tourer for sale at Wgtn Motorcylce Centre.
The Triumph Tiger is another good touring bike, that is good on the gravel roads as well.
In fact most of the Triumph Triple range make comfortable touring machines

[alanzs]

I have as Bandit 1200 which I have taken on long, multi day trips many times. With elevated bars and a corbin seat, it's an amazingly economical bike. I'd be hard pressed to think of any other bike that gives you as much machine for the price. Not a sports bike, much more a "standard" bike. I've had back issues and this one suits the touring needs pretty well. Its no BMW though...
Good luck on whatever you get; post pics of your ride as well.

[banditrider]

Just my opinion but the Bandit is a sports bike. Powerful and fun, but not the ideal long distance machine. My mate is selling his because because he gets a sore back on long distances. He has bought a VStrom 1000 which he says is much more comfortable, especially two up with luggage.

Reviews of the Triumph Sprint are very good. Apart from that I've always thought the Triumph Trophy was a nicely kitted out tourer.

The Honda ST is also a good bike, the only negative being it is also heavy.

However $ for $ BMW lead the tourer class. Utterly reliable and with strong resale. My old R80RT is slow compared with modern bikes but it will still cruise at 140k which is also known as walking pace....if Mr Plod comes along :D

Had 2 Bandits - one with full luggage. They make a great cheap tourer. They do go very well and get good economy. They're not designed as a sports bike and do not have to be ridden like one - grunt from no revs.

I now have a Concours 14 which of course is built from the ground up as a fast tourer. Shaft drive, big fairing & screen and great donk all make it an awesome tourer. Ridden sensibly I can get economy to match or better a Bandit so can get 350km+ to a tank at times. Downside compared to a Bandit or V-strom etc is of course cost and physical size & weight.

If you're just starting out touring, I'd recommend you try a Bandit - the Touring version even has luggage. Cheap touring.

[yod]

Concours or FJR are good options

[KoroJ]

ST certainly suits me. 30Kg of luggage & 'lectric screen make touring a breeze and 29Ltrs in the tank is great if you don't like stopping and have got a big bladder. I can get 550+ Kms on a tank taking it easy and 450Km thrashing it. (Which doesn't happen very often 'cos I'm just a nana)

[Edbear]

Ahem... If I could make a suggestion...:rolleyes:

[sels1]

Which doesn't happen very often 'cos I'm just a nana

Ha - sometimes maybe....but not always...:msn-wink:

[jamiey]

I find myself doing reasonably long distances on my bike which its not really suited for . What would make a good tourer thats comfortable , economical and has plenty of power

A VFR800, comfortable will plenty of ooomph if needed

[banditrider]

Ha - sometimes maybe....but not always...:msn-wink:

Ahh, you know him too...

[gunrunner]

Had 2 Bandits - one with full luggage. They make a great cheap tourer. They do go very well and get good economy. They're not designed as a sports bike and do not have to be ridden like one - grunt from no revs.

I now have a Concours 14 which of course is built from the ground up as a fast tourer. Shaft drive, big fairing & screen and great donk all make it an awesome tourer. Ridden sensibly I can get economy to match or better a Bandit so can get 350km+ to a tank at times. Downside compared to a Bandit or V-strom etc is of course cost and physical size & weight.

If you're just starting out touring, I'd recommend you try a Bandit - the Touring version even has luggage. Cheap touring.

Have a mate that has a 98 Bandit and he is filling up around 170km mark:Oops:

[Winston001]

Had 2 Bandits - one with full luggage. They make a great cheap tourer. They do go very well and get good economy. They're not designed as a sports bike and do not have to be ridden like one - grunt from no revs.

If you're just starting out touring, I'd recommend you try a Bandit - the Touring version even has luggage. Cheap touring.

Yeah no disrespect to the Bandit, its a good bike. Interesting, my first comment after riding my mates one was that it needed higher bars. Very much a sports position on his 2001 model. Pretty much the same acceleration as my ST4.

The VFR 800 has a good reputation too but perhaps lacks power. Worth trying out.

[DIN PELENDA]

Honda ST1100 or ST1300!!!!!!!!!!

[shafty]

Whats your budget MAte?

[Moki]

BMW R1150

Bandit 12 is also fantastic, but a bit more thirsty (as are most other 4s compared to twins). A XJ900s is a great, comfortable tourer as well, but also drinks quite a bit if cruising over 100kmh.

[Jerry74]

Ducati ST2 or ST4 are good

[fergie]

speaking with my rose tinted glasses on ,, BMW RT1150

[portokiwi]

I had a Yamaha FZX750 in Portugal did Spain and France on it. Had all the power I needed.
Was a great bike. Wish I still had it.

[FJRider]

Honda ST1100 or ST1300!!!!!!!!!!

The Honda ST1100 would be a good choice. About $9000 for a half decent one. If you can find one for sale.

[Jantar]

Have a mate that has a 98 Bandit and he is filling up around 170km mark:Oops:

Then there is something seriously wrong with his bike. 350 - 420 kms per tank would be more like it.

[FJRider]

Touring needs a screen, even a small one. Makes touring easier on the body...:rockon:

[FJRider]

Then there is something seriously wrong with his bike. 350 - 420 kms per tank would be more like it.

Throttle position has a lot to do with it. Or is filling before he needs to. He may not know just how far he can get on a tank.

[banditrider]

Then there is something seriously wrong with his bike. 350 - 420 kms per tank would be more like it.

I could usually count on 300km with a max of around 330. Put 19.8L in the 20L tank once.

K2 average economy over 44,555km was 5.69L/100km
K6 average over 20,500km was 5.97L/100km

Concours over just under 21,000km is 5.88L/100km

[gunrunner]

Throttle position has a lot to do with it. Or is filling before he needs to. He may not know just how far he can get on a tank.

That could be it as he doesnt abuse it at all :confused:

[Southern man]

I have a k5 1200 bandit just clocked over 53000k and cant speak highly enough of it. Great value for money. Comfortable all day riding and quick when required. Cheap on maintanance and parts.:2thumbsup

[Divot]

Touring. Every one here has mentioned all sorts of bikes for this role. If you want to do long distance and be as fress as you started then get a bike that is designed for the job. Not sports bike that have been converted at the factory and call sport tourers. Here we go, wait for the flack.

Harley Davidson has been for years producing touring bikes that are designed for the job. True they cost more than alot of other bikes out there but they are true tourers. The wife and I can go to Wellington for a weekend or cruise to Whangamata for lunch and feel just as fresh as we did when we left.

I once took a Ultra Classic on a ride to run it in for the dealer, Auckland, Kopu, Waihi, Tauranga, Te Puke, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Otorahanga, Pirongia, Whatawhata, Rangiriri, Auckland. Twelve hours Auckland to Auckland and feel good on getting home, a bit tied but no sore bone or muscles.

With the ultra you get cruise control, Stereo (with MP3), Intercom and CB Radio, comfortable seats and mine has ABS brakes.
If you done want to go for the Ultra Classic like I have then there are other choices for a person to make. Street Glide and the Standard Ultra at a lower cost.

Auckland to Wellington and back trip 1352 km's and 75 litres of fuel, 76.83 MPG, 27.19 Km per litre, 3.7 litre per 100Km, not tooo bad for a 1583cc bike two up with luggage.

[banditrider]

Auckland to Wellington and back trip 1352 km's and 75 litres of fuel, 76.83 MPG, 27.19 Km per litre, 3.7 litre per 100Km, not tooo bad for a 1583cc bike two up with luggage.

18km/l, 5.6l/100km...pretty good. (Concours can get that at 100km/h, the trouble is the rider at the end of the throttle...)

Different strokes for different folks. The Connie is a purpose built-tourer and I"m gonna have it for ever - even if they bring out a 200hp version tomorrow. It does everything I want from a tourer effortlessly.

[FROSTY]

we currently have two possible options coming available for you
A 1996 XJ900 diversion. 4 cylinder inline four shaft drive. $we have $4999 on it
We are also getting in a FJR1300 2005 --I think its going to be around $14000

[Drew]

There is always this option, I'm selling my '05 hornet for $5500. Done something like 50,000ks.

Has wider bars, XB-s Buell headlights, and a tidy wee muffler tucked underneath instead of the underseat items.

[dutchman49]

Ive had my 08 bandit 1250 for 4 months now and love it. Have been over 300kms on 19l tank. However like any vehicle you wind the throttle and you use more fuel. Seating is great front and back. have ridden tank to tank on many occassions. At 13 grand it is real value for money.

[gunrunner]

Touring. Every one here has mentioned all sorts of bikes for this role. If you want to do long distance and be as fress as you started then get a bike that is designed for the job. Not sports bike that have been converted at the factory and call sport tourers. Here we go, wait for the flack.

Harley Davidson has been for years producing touring bikes that are designed for the job. True they cost more than alot of other bikes out there but they are true tourers. The wife and I can go to Wellington for a weekend or cruise to Whangamata for lunch and feel just as fresh as we did when we left.

I once took a Ultra Classic on a ride to run it in for the dealer, Auckland, Kopu, Waihi, Tauranga, Te Puke, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Otorahanga, Pirongia, Whatawhata, Rangiriri, Auckland. Twelve hours Auckland to Auckland and feel good on getting home, a bit tied but no sore bone or muscles.

With the ultra you get cruise control, Stereo (with MP3), Intercom and CB Radio, comfortable seats and mine has ABS brakes.
If you done want to go for the Ultra Classic like I have then there are other choices for a person to make. Street Glide and the Standard Ultra at a lower cost.

Auckland to Wellington and back trip 1352 km's and 75 litres of fuel, 76.83 MPG, 27.19 Km per litre, 3.7 litre per 100Km, not tooo bad for a 1583cc bike two up with luggage.

76 mpg cant say i have ever heard of economy of a bike of that size before , and you say its not to bad

[gunrunner]

Touring. Every one here has mentioned all sorts of bikes for this role. If you want to do long distance and be as fress as you started then get a bike that is designed for the job. Not sports bike that have been converted at the factory and call sport tourers. Here we go, wait for the flack.

Harley Davidson has been for years producing touring bikes that are designed for the job. True they cost more than alot of other bikes out there but they are true tourers. The wife and I can go to Wellington for a weekend or cruise to Whangamata for lunch and feel just as fresh as we did when we left.

I once took a Ultra Classic on a ride to run it in for the dealer, Auckland, Kopu, Waihi, Tauranga, Te Puke, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Otorahanga, Pirongia, Whatawhata, Rangiriri, Auckland. Twelve hours Auckland to Auckland and feel good on getting home, a bit tied but no sore bone or muscles.

With the ultra you get cruise control, Stereo (with MP3), Intercom and CB Radio, comfortable seats and mine has ABS brakes.
If you done want to go for the Ultra Classic like I have then there are other choices for a person to make. Street Glide and the Standard Ultra at a lower cost.

Auckland to Wellington and back trip 1352 km's and 75 litres of fuel, 76.83 MPG, 27.19 Km per litre, 3.7 litre per 100Km, not tooo bad for a 1583cc bike two up with luggage.

I forgot to mention i know of a guy that dropped 50K on a new Screaming Eagle Vrod and only gets 100 mile from a tank cant tour on that :argh:

[shafty]

Touring. at the factory and call sport tourers. Here we go, wait for the flack.


Auckland to Wellington and back trip 1352 km's and 75 litres of fuel, 76.83 MPG, 27.19 Km per litre, 3.7 litre per 100Km, not tooo bad for a 1583cc bike two up with luggage.

I stand to be corrected but assuming your base figures are correct (1352km's and 75 Litres), I make it 18 km per litre, not 27km/litre, making it closer to 50 mpg................................

.................................which is still pretty good mileage

[Moki]

Touring. Every one here has mentioned all sorts of bikes for this role. If you want to do long distance and be as fress as you started then get a bike that is designed for the job. Not sports bike that have been converted at the factory and call sport tourers. Here we go, wait for the flack.

Harley Davidson has been for years producing touring bikes that are designed for the job. True they cost more than alot of other bikes out there but they are true tourers. The wife and I can go to Wellington for a weekend or cruise to Whangamata for lunch and feel just as fresh as we did when we left.

I once took a Ultra Classic on a ride to run it in for the dealer, Auckland, Kopu, Waihi, Tauranga, Te Puke, Rotorua, Taupo, Turangi, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Otorahanga, Pirongia, Whatawhata, Rangiriri, Auckland. Twelve hours Auckland to Auckland and feel good on getting home, a bit tied but no sore bone or muscles.

With the ultra you get cruise control, Stereo (with MP3), Intercom and CB Radio, comfortable seats and mine has ABS brakes.
If you done want to go for the Ultra Classic like I have then there are other choices for a person to make. Street Glide and the Standard Ultra at a lower cost.

Auckland to Wellington and back trip 1352 km's and 75 litres of fuel, 76.83 MPG, 27.19 Km per litre, 3.7 litre per 100Km, not tooo bad for a 1583cc bike two up with luggage.

I have to say that I always thought that an R1150GS Adventure was a reasonably capable tourer. But I guess the lack of CB, cruise control and stereo smashes this illusion. In a tourer, I look for certain things like...being able to remove wheels unassisted to fix a flat, maintenance free shaft drive, standard auto light bulbs and fuses,,,etc. Of course, having multiple auxillary power sockets (hey! for iPods), 30litre tank returning ~600km, integrated waterproof panniers...etc is just a bonus.
Though not a "real" tourer like a Harley big twin, it gets the job done without needing to pursuede someone it's something it's not. :jerry:

[sinned]

76 mpg cant say i have ever heard of economy of a bike of that size before , and you say its not to bad
Nor have I heard of such outstanding economy.
When I had the SV1000s and riding with friend on his HD Fatboy at fills of around 10 litres the Fatboy was taking an extra litre. We ride together at 100 - 115k/hr. The SV was burning around 6.5l/100ks. My current Speedtriple is more economical by about 10%. If I believed a big fat HD was that economical I could be tempted to buy one.

[MotoKuzzi]

I stand to be corrected but assuming your base figures are correct (1352km's and 75 Litres), I make it 18 km per litre, not 27km/litre, making it closer to 50 mpg................................

.................................which is still pretty good mileage

I calculate the same, and it's still pretty good. About the same as I'm getting from my 1100cc California.

[gunrunner]

I calculate the same, and it's still pretty good. About the same as I'm getting from my 1100cc California.

I get bout 16kpl on my Vmax and thats bout the best im gonna get .
On the plus side - hang on when you open it up .
On the negative side - need i say it .
:headbang:

[CookMySock]

You can laugh, but I love touring on my GT650R. It does 66MPG (4.3L/100km) 17L tank, 15L does about 350km. The suspension isn't flash, but two-up it smoothes out quite nicely, and it will crackle along at whatever speed you like. Its easy to ride coz as long as you're over 3,500rpm (90k ish) you just leave it in top gear. And its shiney and new looking with low k's and was only 6 grand.

Steve

[Divot]

Just had a look at the fuel calculator that I used. It requires Miles and Liters.

So converting km to mile I get 51.22 MPG.

Sorry about the confusion guys.

[Jerry74]

Ducati ST2 or ST4

[Hitcher]

I find myself doing reasonably long distances on my bike which its not really suited for . What would make a good tourer thats comfortable , economical and has plenty of power

Would you like to buy a 2005 Yamaha FJR1300T?

[gunrunner]

BMW K1200RS. Great bike, ABS, Fuel injected, often with heated grips, Adjustable ride position. I can usually supply for $11500. One on the way ex japan. Due 21 days.

What year , grade and kms ?

[GrayWolf]

Ok I coiuld be called biased to FJ's but if this is real its a 'new bike' for ridiculously low money and a brilliant 'tourer'

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=174906961

if this is that good you cant go wrong :niceone:

[bizepeople]

I bought my old Kwaka GTR1000 specifically to do a 3 week tour earlier this year. (I was actually looking for a BMW K) When ready to go, it owed me $3000 and I intended to sell it when done as I found it a bit heavy as a daily ride. Having done that trip and grown used to it, I now can't part with it and ride it most days. (and it has a 28 litre tank)
You cant beat a heavier bike for the long, laden trips and there are quite a few touring bikes worthy of consideration depending on your budget.
Good luck.
Ian.

[banditrider]

Hooray for Connies! Wish the 14 still had a 28L tank.

[martybabe]

Ok I coiuld be called biased to FJ's but if this is real its a 'new bike' for ridiculously low money and a brilliant 'tourer'

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=174906961

if this is that good you cant go wrong :niceone:

That is a brilliant find, simply one of the best bikes ever made, comfy, long legged, powerful, that baby would tour the world 8 times never mind NZ. If that's a genuine as new bike, for under $9k , it's a bloomin bargain.