Searching the touring bikes

[BMWST?]

But wait, there's more...

http://www.bikeland.org/story.php?storyID=69812

at least the pipes are reasonably oK on them,Those big jap tourers all look badly proportioned to my eye

[Ocean1]

But wait, there's more...

http://www.bikeland.org/story.php?storyID=69812

Now, I know it's self-propelled an' all, and you'd rarely have to lift it, or even manhandle it through a stream.

But two hundred and eighty nine Kilograms? Man, that's a lota machinery.

[caspernz]

But wait, there's more...

http://www.bikeland.org/story.php?storyID=69812

Damn! That puts the FJR into the number 1 spot again on my list...

I wonder if Mr Honda is gonna update the ST1300 anytime soon, just to make it even harder to decide?

[Hitcher]

But two hundred and eighty nine Kilograms? Man, that's a lota machinery.

It's quite a bit lighter than an ST1300, FWIW.

[Ocean1]

It's quite a bit lighter than an ST1300, FWIW.

It's not worth much.

Ah, I guess like everything else they're becoming more "feature rich" and that's got to eat into the mass budget. Still, well over 100Kg on the Buell...

[Gremlin]

Ah, I guess like everything else they're becoming more "feature rich" and that's got to eat into the mass budget. Still, well over 100Kg on the Buell...

I'm not one to measure grams, a well engineered but heavier bike can still handle better than a lighter one, but yeah, the weight has to be reasonable.

I believe your Buell is in a slightly different category to these full dressed tourers

The R1200RT is lighter than both the ST1300 and FJR1300 by at least 25-30kg

[mossy1200]

I'm not one to measure grams, a well engineered but heavier bike can still handle better than a lighter one, but yeah, the weight has to be reasonable.

I believe your Buell is in a slightly different category to these full dressed tourers

The R1200RT is lighter than both the ST1300 and FJR1300 by at least 25-30kg

Weight is a funny factor.
Light bikes in very tight corners have a huge advantage but as the corners become more sweeping the heavy bikes at speeds feel very planted.

The zx14 is the same weight as my MT but stationary it feels heavier and it also feels long.
Moving over 60kph it feels easier to ride.
I think it may be the MT engine weight is very low down which makes it feel light and easier to move at very slow speeds.

[Ocean1]

I'm not one to measure grams, a well engineered but heavier bike can still handle better than a lighter one, but yeah, the weight has to be reasonable.

I make shit for a living. Well, a sort of living. Anyway, it surprises me how low-tech most bikes remain wrt the materials and some design features. I reckon it's simply a function of the fact that it's more profitable to spend development money on marketing than on design. That, and the fact that most people won't buy anything too different from what their mates think is "teh shizz", and if the new radical design was all that "shizz" then why doesn't the latest (insert fashion statement R1/GSX/GLR/ST3) look like that.

WRT tourers there also seems to be a mass floor, so to speak, where any basic rolling chassis weight savings are used to allow the addition of cutsy toys like cup holders and hand warmers.

I believe your Buell is in a slightly different category to these full dressed tourers

And there's me, using the wrong tool for the job again.

The R1200RT is lighter than both the ST1300 and FJR1300 by at least 25-30kg

Yes, I ride the brother's frequently, it's a good tourer. Interesting it's not marketed, suspended or shod as such.

[Louie]

Kawasaki ZZR 1200

I took one from Vladivostok to London this year. No problem. Eats Black birds 235 Kg sports tourer.

[pnl88]

Hi There. Not sure if this thread is still active, as have been away from this forum for ages.
I would highly recommend the ZX14 for everything. I have one for sale, but don't care if you inquire about mine or not, they are simply superb. More sporty than you would imagine looking at one. They can handle!! Seem to go better with 2 up and have more power than you'll ever need. Keeping the front wheel down with a pillion on can be the only draw-back.
Very roomy compared to other sports bikes, comfortable and just a super capable all rounder.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=535872890
Cheers, Peter

[jafar]

Kawasaki ZZR 1200

I took one from Vladivostok to London this year. No problem. Eats Black birds 235 Kg sports tourer.

would be interesting to see your ride report on that, was one done ???

[FJRider]

WRT tourers there also seems to be a mass floor, so to speak, where any basic rolling chassis weight savings are used to allow the addition of cutsy toys like cup holders and hand warmers.

Most of the listed weights mentioned in bike spec's ... is wet weight. Those with 28 plus litre fuel capacity will have higher weight spec's ... the 10 lb's a gallon formula to work out fuel weight adds to a good portion of the listed weight.

The toys add bugger all to the final weight. But DO add to the price ....

[BMWST?]

Most of the listed weights mentioned in bike spec's ... is wet weight. Those with 28 plus litre fuel capacity will have higher weight spec's ... the 10 lb's a gallon formula to work out fuel weight adds to a good portion of the listed weight.

The toys add bugger all to the final weight. But DO add to the price ....

but a decent fuel capacity adds so much more to the usefukness of the bike.You dont NEED 28 l in NZ but it means you can ad lib your routes and adventures much more than if you have 18 or 20 l

[FJRider]

but a decent fuel capacity adds so much more to the usefukness of the bike.You dont NEED 28 l in NZ but it means you can ad lib your routes and adventures much more than if you have 18 or 20 l

Usefukness ... ??? Hitcher will be after you ...

There are a few motorcyclists that like to ride ... not piss around topping up with fuel every 2 1/2 hours ...

[mossy1200]

Ok

Update

I have ordered a black abs 2012 zx14r

Also ordered yoshi pipes and the ecu is being sent away to be reflashed

Flashing it will

Remove speed limiter
Increase redline 500rpm
Enable mode switching while riding
Return to last used mode rather than traction control max everytime bike is shut off.
Take away the detune in first and second gear when in race mode.

Looking forward to having it when its ready. Might take a month to have it ready for collection as the reflash is done by Guhl in USA and involves sending the ecu away.