Business class on economy tourer

[Henk]

bloody good. (750 kat that is)

[george formby]

Yeah I've had a sit on an 88 FJR1200. It just felt a little big and heavy to me. Would be similar to a Concours in size and weight too I would imagine. I'll be one-up so I think something a little lighter might be more suitable. Had a sit on a 1200 Bandit and that felt better to me - a bit more compact i think.

Thanks for the feedback - any more ideas? I like the TDM 850's and hear they make pretty good tourers.

I have to agree, got two. You need to sort out your own luggage, one has Oxford soft panniers the other full givi luggage. If your over 6ft, higher bars are more comfortable. 260-300ks on a tank, more with new emulsion tubes. They are quick, comfy & handle really well but unfortunately are rare as hens teeth. I did 5000 miles in 10 days no problem, through europe. Regularly do 600+k's here.

[CRM]

I have to agree, got two. You need to sort out your own luggage, one has Oxford soft panniers the other full givi luggage. If your over 6ft, higher bars are more comfortable. 260-300ks on a tank, more with new emulsion tubes. They are quick, comfy & handle really well but unfortunately are rare as hens teeth. I did 5000 miles in 10 days no problem, through europe. Regularly do 600+k's here.

So why do you need 2?

I'm watching one here: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=239252046. Sounds like quite a lot of $ for the age but I guess that's what they go for. I saw a nice red one on the way to work this morning - much newer - looked real nice. . Also had a sit on a new 1250 Bandit with full touring setup - very nice!

[hospitalfood]

you want a proper tourer, test ride one and you will agree.
my advice, skip the sports tourer and get a tourer, you wont look back.
you should be able to get a good old BMW K100RT/LT. great bikes.

[CRM]

I've put my XR600 on TM - anyone interested in swapping for something with fairings and panniers? Just needs to be reliable and fun to ride - not necessarily fast as I've trying to lose my demerit collection (all obtained in car incidentally).

[Spyke]

Gs1200ss can get a good as one for 6k

[grbaker]

Don't buy too old or you'll spend your time and money on repairs.

THat Bandit may do the trick... look at the older 1200's or 600's and you should save some dollars (but stay in the year 2000+). I would also be on the lookout for a Yamaha FZR, XJ or XJR.
The BMW tourers mentioned would be good if you can find one for half of the original list price (unlikley).

[CRM]

Well I decided to keep the XR (nobody would give me a decent price anyway) mod it up and do the trip on that... Put in the big tank, upgraded the headlight to a halogen (35w - don't laugh - but it's better than the stock one - from pitiful to passable), added a sheepskin, soft panniers for the fix-it stuff and the projector and laptop, rackbag etc... Done 1100km since yesterday morning now in Masterton, planning on doing the West Coast over the weekend if it's fine, across to Chch for 3 days work there then home for the Labour weekend. She's a fine machine that wee XR!