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

**bosslady** · 10th March 2013, 10:30

Can't afford me a new bike for quite some time but no harm in researching or asking questions I guess? I like the look of sports bikes but I feel that I will be using it predominantly for touring. Would want to be getting a good amount of ks out of a tank and for the times where I am stuck in Auckland traffic for 1-2 hours (going slower than 1st gear for a lot of that time!) and don't want to lane split, it would need to not shit itself and overheat. I am thinking I will want another bike other than Ginny before I get my full, she's not too bad for the touring we've done so far. But is there such a thing? 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

**Katman** · 10th March 2013, 10:33

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

**bosslady** · 10th March 2013, 10:36

Originally Posted by Katman

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

When I crash it do I have to pay to fix it? lol. I am in your area on Thursday night until Sunday but the thought of riding a bike that isn't mine is nerve wrecking lol

**Drew** · 10th March 2013, 10:37

Sure is. K1/2 Gixxer thou is one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever toured on.

Both islands, twisties or boring bits. Just fantastic.

**sil3nt** · 10th March 2013, 10:38

VFR 800
RF 900
Anything ZZR (250, 400, 600, 1000)
I hear even the ZX7R and ZX9R and quite comfortable.

I am guessing you want LAMs approval though so:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-568926542.htm

**Katman** · 10th March 2013, 10:39

Originally Posted by bosslady

When I crash it do I have to pay to fix it? lol.

The simple answer to that is, don't crash it.

In an environment where you have no pressure from other traffic I can't see any reason for it to end badly.

**bosslady** · 10th March 2013, 10:39

Originally Posted by Drew

Sure is. K1/2 Gixxer thou is one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever toured on.

Both islands, twisties or boring bits. Just fantastic.

what's that? sounds like something out of my licence restrictions and skill level lol

**Scouse** · 10th March 2013, 10:42

Yes
1/ Speed Triple
2/ KTM RC8
3/ Kawasaki ZRX1200R
4/ I dont know where you would put your bags on the first two though

**bosslady** · 10th March 2013, 10:55

Originally Posted by sil3nt

VFR 800
RF 900
Anything ZZR (250, 400, 600, 1000)
I hear even the ZX7R and ZX9R and quite comfortable.

I am guessing you want LAMs approval though so:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-568926542.htm

Is that old though? no problems with over heating? What would be the top speed for a bike like that?

**Milts** · 10th March 2013, 11:04

I've been wondering the same thing - after selling my street triple I'd like to track down a sports bike which is somwhat comfortable and can take pillions.

It seems to me the sacrifice from making a full on superbike and adding a comfortable pillion seat and reasonable ride position can't be that huge, but they seem hard to find.

From what I've looked up, I now have my eyes on a ZX9R or a 2002/2003 Honda Fireblade. Some of the later Honda CBR600Fs seem nice as well. Would be very interested to hear people's thoughts on this.

**FJRider** · 10th March 2013, 11:04

There are some that are called Sport tourers ... but most tend to be more Sport Cruisers ...

Sport tourers tend to have more sporty riding position. Not always the full "Racing crouch" position ... but sustained for a days riding ... can be hard on the body. (if you are not used to it)

A good tourer should have a screen/fairing to keep weather and wind off your body. Both of which can make a day ride a real chore in adverse conditions. And have the ability to carry gear. Lots of gear (read weight).

**The End** · 10th March 2013, 11:13

Originally Posted by bosslady

what's that? sounds like something out of my licence restrictions and skill level lol

K1/2 refers to the year (ie: 2001/2002) GSXR 1000.

**McFatty1000** · 10th March 2013, 11:14

Something like gpz500 might work too, comfortable to ride but still reasonably sporty. Age may be an issue though

**FJRider** · 10th March 2013, 12:11

Originally Posted by bosslady

Is that old though? no problems with over heating? What would be the top speed for a bike like that?

Water/oil cooled bikes are (should be) quite reliable. If they've spent their lives at the top end of the rev range ... they may not be so ...

The ZX400 would be looking at 200 km's + I would think ...