Replacing "Roxanne" (CBR1000FL)

[RiderInBlack]

Thought I better start another thread for this question:

OOOOh, is that your budget? Cool I think there are some good options of $10k. What style of bike are you after Doug? Same as Roxanne or are you keen to try something a little different this time? And what type of riding do you do these days? Has it changed at all lately?

My type of riding hasn't changed too much but am heading more touring than sports now. Yes I still like a good thrash, but long distance is more important for me.
Therefore I have got really picky about riding position.
Like ta be sitting more in the bike than on top of it.
Like the bars more out front of me (slightly up from "Roxanne" would be better but where hers are is OK) than below me. Busas, Blackbirds, ZX14 and VFR800s where too "low" for me (so full sports is right out of the picture). The Honda STs and BMW Tourers where spot on, as was my old VFR750 (Warr has that now).
Legs under me but more relaxed than what "Roxanne" gives me. The STs, BMWs, and VFR (800 and old 750) were sweet. Unit's ZX14 was OK for the legs, but as ya seat is higher than "Roxanne's", I felt I was on top of the bike rather than in it. This also made me feel that the bars where under me more than in front of me, even though side by side the bars looked to be in the same place (go figure).
Blade position on "Roxanne" and My old VFR750 was sweet. Just high enough ta put the wind on ya upper chest and shoulders with riding upright and easy ta tuck behind when ya wanted too. Have had "Roxanne" at some highish speeds without thinking that I need ta tuck in, or feel like I'm being blown off. The Helmet shake at those speeds is go ta remind me that I'm hooning. The Busa, Blackbird and VFR were to low IMHO and had me backing off well before getting close. The blade height was OK on the Bandit1200 (but there were other things that made it not feel right). The ST1100s are a bit high and caused the pillion ta get the "vortex effect". Would look at lowering it on one of those. ST1300s, well adjustable Blade, so what problem. Ya put it where ya want. Change ya mood and ya just push a button.

Have tried the following bikes so far:
1999 Honda Blackbird
2007 Suzuki Hayabusa
2006 Suzuki Bandit
2007 Honda VFR800
?? BMWK1200 RS (or was it a GT?)
?? Triumph Trouphy
2005 Suzuki V-Strom
1994 Honda ST1100
2005 Honda ST1300

Of those the ST1300 has been the best alround fit.

[jrandom]

*obligatory GSX1400 plug goes here*

[RiderInBlack]

Need someone there ta check this ST1100 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-147453999.htm) out in Welly asap please. Would pay if ya know these bikes. Hitcher or someone like that.
Thanks.

[crazybigal]

i would have said blackbird with a higher screen but it sounds like you want something more nana like or goldwing'ish.

[Blue Babe]

i would have said blackbird with a higher screen but it sounds like you want something more nana like or goldwing'ish.

No Not nana or goldwing-ish, but something with a bit of in betweener, fast but touring type. But also he has to think about his Pillion (ME!!).. I like the ST's they are comfortable on the back. Could probably sit & do some txting while riding

[vifferman]

I don't get it. I've owned both a VFR750 and VFR800, and thought there was little difference between them in terms of bar height/reach and screen height. Certainly your criteria sound Eggs Zachary like I find the VFR800 to be - wouldn't have bought it otherwise.

Mebbe the '07 model has worse ergonomics than the '01 model. When I test rode them back-to-back, it didn't include extended open road riding.

[crazybigal]

what about a yamaha? fjr1300? or a fz1

[crazybigal]

what did you think ofd the bmw k1200? i like those bmw 4's not so keen on the R sticky out boxer motor and tractor gearbox

[NZsarge]

Seeing as you considered a V-Strom what about a TDM800, highly underrated motorcycle.
XJR1300.
FJR1300.
CB1300.

[RiderInBlack]

what did you think ofd the bmw k1200? i like those bmw 4's not so keen on the R sticky out boxer motor and tractor gearbox

Was the 4. The one I tried was nice if it wasn't for the shift "bite" on gear changes. Didn't get that with the ST1100 or ST1300. Hope the newer BWMer shifts are better than that or that not all of them are like that.

[RiderInBlack]

Seeing as you considered a V-Strom what about a TDM800, highly underrated motorcycle.
XJR1300.
FJR1300.
CB1300.

The V-Strom was a "what the hell we'll try something different for the hell of it" (hey ya never know, could have liked it), but na. Too "tall" feeling for me. I like the weight down closer ta the ground for me. FJR1300 is not going ta be less than $10,000. The Half-flaired CB1300 and GS1400 might be a go, but I might find those much the same as the Bandit's for me. Not familar with the XJR1300. Will look it up.Aah, naked. Na. Not on the long runs

[Edbear]

No Not nana or goldwing-ish, but something with a bit of in betweener, fast but touring type. But also he has to think about his Pillion (ME!!).. I like the ST's they are comfortable on the back. Could probably sit & do some txting while riding

Had to chuckle! My wife does that on our Boulevard! She's quite relaxed and comfortable behind me and we reckon it's near perfect for us!

I'd say, from what you two describe, that the ST1300 would suit you well. Still too much like a two-wheeled car for us, especially at the relaxed pace we usually ride. Having said that, it doesn't mean slow, but not the kind of speeds the ST would be happy at. We cruise mainly around the 110, I like to avoid tickets.

[RiderInBlack]

Need someone there ta check this ST1100 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-147453999.htm) out in Welly asap please. Would pay if ya know these bikes. Hitcher or someone like that.
Thanks.

Really need someone ta check this bike out for me. Seriously.
I'm not Crusier. Crusiers do not give me the position I like on the long haul or the sweeping twisters. Ya can still throw the ST's about and they aren't that slow.

[NZsarge]

The Half-flaired CB1300 and GS1400 might be a go, but I might find those much the same as the Bandit's for me. Not familar with the XJR1300. Will look it up.

Still don't discount the TDM800 but I hear what you're saying, the problem would be finding one to ride let alone it being 10k or under....hi ho...

Imho between the GSX1400 and the XJR1300 the Yamaha is better finished but there really would'nt be to much between them as motorcycles i'd expect. The Half faired CB1300 would be a nice bike, the fact that they are twin shock rear ends should not put any one off for general motorcycling, apparently they are pretty good, particularly as an allrounder.

[yod]

Good post mate, helpful info - I am also looking along these lines but it sounds perhaps that I am looking a little more towards the sports end of the sports-tourer spectrum.

Have you considered/ridden a Triumph Sprint ST or RS around the 99-03 range? The others I am considering are the ST2/3/4/S, FZ1 or Aprilia RST Futura - any knowledge of these? Everybody else is welcome to chip in with opinions of course...like I really needed to add that