Is there such a thing as a sports bike that's comfortable for touring?

[bosslady]

I must say my arse and lower back don't get as sore after riding for ages on my gn like it did when I first started riding

[ducatilover]

Sport touring on LAMS? Yup, can be done
ZZR400, two models you can get, a K model (pre '93) and the N model, post '93. They're a ZZR600 with a smaller motor, they're comfy and the N models are still new enough

RF400, good little bikes too, or the Katana Katman mentioned because they look fucking bad-ass

GS500, goes without saying
ER-5, EX5, EX400 etc Kawasakis are also comfy bikes.
XJR400 Yamahahahahahaha are a cool unit too

Heaps of choice out there

[sinfull]

I would be wanting to get up to a minimum top speed of 140km ish with a fully laden bike I.e. my fat arse, bags and all that. Must be LAMS approved

You're welcome to try out the 400 Katana next time you're in town.

Whoaaaaaaaaa !
Double standards much !

[bosslady]

Whoaaaaaaaaa !
Double standards much !

I don't understand

[sinfull]

I don't understand

Sorry for quoting you then !

[Tigadee]

Have you ridden sports bikes long distance or for a commute over an extended period of time?

I was more referring in-town [start-stop traffic and no lane-splitting], not long distance or over extended period of time... I've sat on a few sports and can't fit comfortably on them so can't imagine being on one in heavy city traffic [which is what OP mentioned as one criteria, the other being touring for which any bike can do].

I'm a bit frightened of lane splitting, was open to it before, then I clipped a car, I may have still been a little open to it if for not all the abuse in that thread and someone wishing a car would cripple me. Lane splitting just seems very scary... I do wish I could do it though... twice in the past week I've taken an extra 1 - 1 1/2 hours to get where I'm going.

You probably attempted it too soon, I only started doing it round about the time I'd gotten my Restricted. Londoners learn to do it from Day One, but then they have an instructor too.

Come to SASS more and work on the slow-speed skills, and then you can split confidently.

[FJRider]

I was more referring in-town [start-stop traffic and no lane-splitting], not long distance or over extended period of time... I've sat on a few sports and can't fit comfortably on them so can't imagine being on one in heavy city traffic [which is what OP mentioned as one criteria, the other being touring for which any bike can do].

Sports/Tourers (loaded to the hilt or not) ... are not city sane. They are a total pain in the wrists ...

Under 10 km/hr they are just hard work.

[ducatilover]

Sports/Tourers (loaded to the hilt or not) ... are not city sane. They are a total pain in the wrists ...

Under 10 km/hr they are just hard work.

My ZZR600 was excellent in town. Only thing that was dumb was a slightly manly clutch.

[FJRider]

I must say my arse and lower back don't get as sore after riding for ages on my gn like it did when I first started riding

It's called being Ride-fit. It takes a while to get there ... 6000 km's on an L plate does wonders ...

I think your NOOB days are numbered ...

[bosslady]

It's called being Ride-fit. It takes a while to get there ... 6000 km's on an L plate does wonders ...

I think your NOOB days are numbered ...

nah not even... only just beginning

[FJRider]

nah not even... only just beginning

Keep looking at the 400 to 600 cc bikes on Trademe. The dreams do become reality ... but you have to dream a little first.

[tigertim20]

I was more referring in-town [start-stop traffic and no lane-splitting], not long distance or over extended period of time... I've sat on a few sports and can't fit comfortably on them so can't imagine being on one in heavy city traffic [which is what OP mentioned as one criteria, the other being touring for which any bike can do].



.

ah, you need to use one daily for a week or two then!, you may be surprised! I commute on an R1 and a GSXR 1000, both quite comfy, and with pack racks on I can do a weeks grocery shopping on the way home for me and the wife quite easily!

[Tigadee]

ah, you need to use one daily for a week or two then!, you may be surprised! I commute on an R1 and a GSXR 1000, both quite comfy, and with pack racks on I can do a weeks grocery shopping on the way home for me and the wife quite easily!

You sure you're not a motorcycle salesman?

Maybe I need to try litre sports bikes, you're saying? Will do, some day...

...but you have to dream a little first.

Just not while ridng! LOL

[tigertim20]

haha maybe Ive missed my calling . .
I think everyone should try litre sports bikes at least once!

then, I think people should try every style of bike at least once, you dunno what you're missing till you've tried them all

[Milts]

The ZX9 is capable-ish, but heavy and not great. I've toured on one of those too.

The Blade is heavier on the wrists to sit on for longer periods.

Yeah I'd heard the ZX9s are a little on the heavy side, and the fireblade does seem quite sporty. Most reviewers seem to think it has more pillion space/comfort than most other true sports bikes though?

I can imagine the ZZR600's would be a nice comfy mostly-sporty bike, but not exactly madly sports oriented. More tourer. Whereas something like this looks nice and a bit sportier... http://encarsglobe.com/photo/im/honda-cbr-600-f-r/11/