What is the most comfortable motorbike to ride - all weathers?

[R-Soul]

I don't often ride in bad weather, though have from time to time, and my K1200R is good. Fine weather long rides I could just keep going...Auckland - Fielding in an afternoon and I reckon I could have ridden back again if I wanted. Mid-winter in Aus doing this route in two days each direction (Syd-Mel), then two days back...quite cold, at time, but again fine.
http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?f=d&so...94&ie=UTF8&z=7

I'm 194cm's.

That looks like an awesome ride!

[Taz]

Had to read almost the whole thread before I got to DR & RS' posts. the BMWs have always had the reputation for being most conmfortable on the long haul. "The only bike on which you can ride 1000K and still feel like dancing".

There are others now, but if comfort was the priority that's where I'd start.

Not my BMW!! But then I've never ridden a bike that I haven't got a sore arse on within 300kms. Must just be my arse.

[spajohn]

That looks like an awesome ride!

Especially down the coast...great fun. The bike was new then too so that just amplified the buzz. Pretty freaky leaving Bega on a foggy morning, having a massive Roo hop out of the mist into the middle of a passing lane where it was merging. One of those clenching moments! LOL

[Dave Lobster]

Isn't any bike comfortable if you've had a big cup of harden the fuck up first?

[spajohn]

Could also be the riding gear. My Tiger Angel Guardian suit is good, though not the warmest, but who doesn't we layers in the cold...look under All Weather:
http://www.tigerangel.com.au/frontpage.html

[R-Soul]

Isn't any bike comfortable if you've had a big cup of harden the fuck up first?

Well thats why I always carry a flask of it with me when out riding the VTR...

[rocketman1]

Good reply BD. Had me stuffed on the XJR too, till I read on.

I took a ST1300 for a spin, nice bike, a bit scooterish, handled better than it looked it would, good protection, but brakes werent up to much.
VFR 800 they go alright a bit wristy after a while.
Havent ridden a BMW but quite like the look of the big K1200RS, heavy beasts, but apparantley very comfortable, and go like hell.
The cruisers seem to get criticised for getting their riders very wet in poor weather.
Why are the most comfortable bikes the most expensive....? I guess you pay for comfort.

There are some hard arses out there that can ride a sportsbike for 1000km and still feel good ...beats the hell out of me!!
Me think theres some bullshit being thrown around on this thread.

[Rogue Rider]

Well, this is an interesting question, it all really depends on the look you want.
Some of the most comfortable bikes there are, are also some of the most ugly as well.... for example if gayness isn't a problem then going for a BMW 1200CL or Goldwing or the like won't be a problem.
If you want something a little cooler in the tourer department then you have the Roadking, softails options in Harley or the Japanese equivalent if budget, economy and maintenance is paramount. They look and are comfy, but mostly handle like rogue bush pigs......
If you like sports, then the SVs half cocked and VTR style riding position isn't the best. Sports bikes are ultimately designed for performance over long term comfort. Although street adapted applications are made with regards to seat, ultimately they are still packaged as a race bike.
It is worth noting that the naked versions do tend to have a more upright riding position which helps in comfort department.
I have at present a speet tripple 1050 which I find probably one of the better street applicated bikes as far as comfort goes. Comfort can always be improved by adding a gel seat, or a portable gel seat patch. These are available easily from usa on ebay.

Lastly there is the 80's inspired bikini fairinged bikes like the fj1200, xj600/900, and bandits. They are pretty ugly but comfy none the less.

In saying that, the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden, would have to be my previous bike, which was an 03 Triumph Speedmaster. It was fitted with a big bore, and had some other mods as well as a gell touring seat. I could ride that baby all day long with no issues, aches or pains, and no need for massages....(Though I claimed them any way lol)

By the time you own around 20-30 bikes you start to get a feel for what you like and don't like.

I didn't mind my SV1000s, it was ok, but lacked the style and comfort for sure.

[peasea]

I ride almost daily, in all weathers, and have done some big-k days on my Wideglide. The worst physical hiccup I've had (and also on the FXR I had before it) would be slightly sore forearms and on a couple of occasions, sore thigh muscles. I did find, however, that if I did a couple of big-k trips in quick succession the soreness disappeared. How comfy you are is largely dependant on fitness and weather as much as the bike.

My W/g will go from tank fill to tank fill without beating me up. That's what they're designed for, long haul comfort and my only restriction is hours in the day really; cruising at 110-130 six/eight hours or more is not an issue.

[shafty]

I loved my R1150R Roadster - but eventually traded it for my "Orient Express" ST1300 ABS. The reason? I went for a ride from Tauranga to Miranda for fish and chips with some Mates - on a perfectly sunny winters day - and froze my butt off. I had all the gear on, but still froze. I decided to finally upgrade to "an old Man's bike" - so I could enjoy year round riding in comfort.

I do miss the BMW suspension/ParaLever/TeleLever set up, but the BM equiv of the Pan Euro at the time was $10K extra. (I tested the FJR also and was impressed)

I do enjoy the lecky screen, 29L tank, Rider seat ( www.trimit.co.nz ) Integral day riding lights, shaft drive, hot grips, excellent luggage, computer and a huge alternator for extra goodies etc etc

Each to his own though, - "it would be a pity if we were all the same" huh?

[Berries]

Went over to Queenstown at the weekend on my SV1000. Only 300km each way but I think all my previous bikes bar one would have been more comfortable. Maybe it is an age thing, or lack of long rides lately. Ten years ago I would do a 700 mile round trip for a long weekend without thinking about it. It hurt after a few hours, always the back of the legs for me, but it was certainly doable. Gonna have to persuade the wife to let me trade the bike if I am going to do the Rusty Nuts next year. If I take the SV I think I will be having a ceremonial burning at the Cape and then walk back. She told me to HTFU.

[LBD]

http://www.rustynuts.co.nz/default.aspx?PageID=450

I reckon this would be a good place to start.....I as I am one of the above, I reckon we are qualified to comment.

Me...I am a stocky vertically challenged (at 5'7") Ducati monster rider....The monster fits me great...I have a gel seat and Rizzoma bars which are about 1.5 inches higher thann std....rear sets which I had set as low as possible but now higher than original....I have ridden 27000km in the 7 weeks I have had the bike in my hands...to me it is comfy and great for long days

[Gremlin]

on pure comfort of the bike, you can't really go past the Bmw, honda full tourers. They are also heavily represented in long distance riding events. As has been said however, the rider makes a big difference. Me? I use a supermoto for my long rides. Love it!

[Snails pace]

My 650 V strom suits me very well with regular rides of 500km plus, either solo or two up. I have a madstad bracket on the screen which loses the buffeting very well. Ride in all weathers no problems as the fairing keeps rain off reasonably. My harley dyna sport tourer, though it is for "touring" just does not compare. The suspension lets it down even though it is fully adjustable. Tried it the other day with the small screen and fairing taken off. The wind pressure on the chest soon had me putting it back on. Naked harley riders I take my hat off to you guys.

[NZsarge]

FJR1300
ZG1400 Concours
Then there is the likes of
Tiger 1050
a FZ1 Fazer with a Sargent seat would be good too I reckon.
My ZX14 with 20mm bar risers is quite comfy too. But for all round big distance bikes I reckon either of my first two picks would be mint.