Looking for a tourer

[gunrunner]

I find myself doing reasonably long distances on my bike which its not really suited for . What would make a good tourer thats comfortable , economical and has plenty of power

[Bikernereid]

Yamaha Fazer 600. Served us well round Europe and works well for commuting to.

[Nasty]

I did a north island tour on the GPZ500 ... and now own a GSX750F - I would go with either .. depending on personal choice .. but as tourers go they are both fantastic ... (the 750 more than the 500 ... but more trouble )

[Winston001]

This is probably stating the obvious but if you can find a BMW at the right price you'll be happy. Bulletproof. They aren't sprots bikes but will take you long distances comfortably and fast in real world conditions.

[vifferman]

Suzuki GSX750, Bandit 1200/1250 (dunno how economical they are though), Triumph Sprint St, Honda VFR800 or ST1100/1300.

[gunrunner]

Suzuki GSX750, Bandit 1200/1250 (dunno how economical they are though), Triumph Sprint St, Honda VFR800 or ST1100/1300.

Have a mate with a Bandit 1200s and its more uneconomical than my Max

[Big Dave]

If New Bike: Triumph Sprint ST is the outstanding all rounder.

[R1madness]

BMW K1200RS. Great bike, ABS, Fuel injected, often with heated grips, Adjustable ride position. I can usually supply for $11500. One on the way ex japan. Due 21 days.

[chanceyy]

Have a mate with a Bandit 1200s and its more uneconomical than my Max

Depends on how heavy you are with the throttle. As a tourer with good constant speed & the odd throttle to overtake its economic.

Twist that throttle on & keep it on & yup she eats the juice .. but wot a rush

Also on the plus side good riding position, comfy pillion position, easy to toss around the corners, eats the miles no problem, & does not huff when you twist the throttle just instant speed.

[Mystic13]

BMW F800, you can sit on it all day without any problems, it has plenty of power and is a fuel miser. 60+mpg is usual in everyday riding. Not bad for an 800cc bike. Belt drive. The pillion seat is an all day job as well.

Handling is impressive, it's an easy bike to throw around and push hard. There would be few bikes to match it. The ideal tourer. It's also a great round town bike in heavy traffic. It's just one of those bikes that has great balance. Really an impressive all rounder of a bike.

[Winston001]

Have a mate with a Bandit 1200s and its more uneconomical than my Max

Just my opinion but the Bandit is a sports bike. Powerful and fun, but not the ideal long distance machine. My mate is selling his because because he gets a sore back on long distances. He has bought a VStrom 1000 which he says is much more comfortable, especially two up with luggage.

Reviews of the Triumph Sprint are very good. Apart from that I've always thought the Triumph Trophy was a nicely kitted out tourer.

The Honda ST is also a good bike, the only negative being it is also heavy.

However $ for $ BMW lead the tourer class. Utterly reliable and with strong resale. My old R80RT is slow compared with modern bikes but it will still cruise at 140k which is also known as walking pace....if Mr Plod comes along

[avgas]

buy my bike

[sels1]

Reviews of the Triumph Sprint are very good. Apart from that I've always thought the Triumph Trophy was a nicely kitted out tourer.

There is a Triumph Tourer for sale at Wgtn Motorcylce Centre.
The Triumph Tiger is another good touring bike, that is good on the gravel roads as well.
In fact most of the Triumph Triple range make comfortable touring machines

[alanzs]

I have as Bandit 1200 which I have taken on long, multi day trips many times. With elevated bars and a corbin seat, it's an amazingly economical bike. I'd be hard pressed to think of any other bike that gives you as much machine for the price. Not a sports bike, much more a "standard" bike. I've had back issues and this one suits the touring needs pretty well. Its no BMW though...
Good luck on whatever you get; post pics of your ride as well.

[banditrider]

Just my opinion but the Bandit is a sports bike. Powerful and fun, but not the ideal long distance machine. My mate is selling his because because he gets a sore back on long distances. He has bought a VStrom 1000 which he says is much more comfortable, especially two up with luggage.

Reviews of the Triumph Sprint are very good. Apart from that I've always thought the Triumph Trophy was a nicely kitted out tourer.

The Honda ST is also a good bike, the only negative being it is also heavy.

However $ for $ BMW lead the tourer class. Utterly reliable and with strong resale. My old R80RT is slow compared with modern bikes but it will still cruise at 140k which is also known as walking pace....if Mr Plod comes along

Had 2 Bandits - one with full luggage. They make a great cheap tourer. They do go very well and get good economy. They're not designed as a sports bike and do not have to be ridden like one - grunt from no revs.

I now have a Concours 14 which of course is built from the ground up as a fast tourer. Shaft drive, big fairing & screen and great donk all make it an awesome tourer. Ridden sensibly I can get economy to match or better a Bandit so can get 350km+ to a tank at times. Downside compared to a Bandit or V-strom etc is of course cost and physical size & weight.

If you're just starting out touring, I'd recommend you try a Bandit - the Touring version even has luggage. Cheap touring.