Comfy tourer?

[Big Dave]

A XB12X is your XR1200 with improved handling, good touring ability and first rate passenger comfort.

[martybabe]

Bloody good choice Dave, I used to ride my Mate's one around the Channel isles but it's way too tall for my three inch legs, I simply wouldn't be able to support me,the Bride and a bunch of luggage on the very tip of one big toe, shame but.

[shafty]

Always considerate Marty, what a Guy, - getting another bike to best suit your Pillion in a Million!

I presume the ST1100 being discounted for "various reasons" is because its a bit boring? Too little maintenance? (Piss take) - but I DO know what you mean. Years ago I tested an ST1100 and found it withou character, so I bought one of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-279631602.htm

Worth a thought - acres of grunt, still styley IMHO, BEARS friendly, good luggage etc......

Or, a bit more sporty....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-283398875.htm

I am very happy with the Pan Euro, - would love it better if it had a Triumph Triple exhaust note, but hey.....

I love the ride the R1150RS provides, but I see it as pretty dated now....

Have fun checking out your options.

[Ocean1]

but it's way too tall for my three inch legs, I simply wouldn't be able to support me,the Bride and a bunch of luggage on the very tip of one big toe, shame but.

XB12XT then. Complete with luggage.

[RiderInBlack]

See ya have had (or have) a GSX1400. I find mine (a K5) totally comfortable for myself and a pillion. Mine has a Pack-Rack that could take a back rest for the pillion. Ya can get them new for less than $14K. Have just come back from over 5000kms South Is touring. Sweet as and laiden with pillion, tent, bedroll, sleepbag & clothes (nearly filled a Falcon Sedan's boot with it when I unloaded not counting the pillion as she was driving the car).

[Big Dave]

Got it - mine has the tall seat and I'd like it taller.

My choice in the Dressers would be the Concours 1400. Price might be a bit high though.

[martybabe]

Always considerate Marty, what a Guy, - getting another bike to best suit your Pillion in a Million!

I presume the ST1100 being discounted for "various reasons" is because its a bit boring? Too little maintenance? (Piss take) - but I DO know what you mean. Years ago I tested an ST1100 and found it withou character, so I bought one of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-279631602.htm

Worth a thought - acres of grunt, still styley IMHO, BEARS friendly, good luggage etc......

Or, a bit more sporty....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-283398875.htm

I am very happy with the Pan Euro, - would love it better if it had a Triumph Triple exhaust note, but hey.....

I love the ride the R1150RS provides, but I see it as pretty dated now....

Have fun checking out your options.

Cheers Shafty, I simply can't go into my feelings on the ST1100 just.....Nah a very competent bike but been there done that, they're two a penny in the UK, cops have used 'em for years, they're just...I dunno, I feel a little bit dirty inside when I get off one I'm writing this and even I don't know what I'm talking about but Nah. just Nah.

Triumphs, do they stack up against the orient express?

XB12XT then. Complete with luggage.

Cripes, I'm gonna have to look that one up, cheers Ocean

[martybabe]

Absolutely no argument with any of that my mate, an awesome ride on all counts and I still marvel at mine every time we hit the road but I want/need something purpose built with fairings n boxes n stuff, something I can just wipe down and sod off to somewhere else whenever I've got the time and largely ignore In-between tiki tours, I couldn't do that to a fourteen, it deserves better, fantastic bike.

[Laava]

very nice, any good on the comfort/long distance thing do you know? I like the adjustable screen for sure, I'm too tall for my shortness or something when it comes to screens, my head always seems to be sat in hurricane Katrina. I know dual purpose bikes had a good rep for all day doings but I'm not sure if that's the case any more, I ain't too clued up on the adventure/dual purpose jobbies. He's got one of these down the road at the shop, might see if I can blag a ride, he's not big on demonstrators though.

Yes, comfortable on the long distance and screen is good if it has a deflector or you replace it with a givi touring screen. They are a good get on and go bike, no chrome to polish no nonsense etc but like anything you need a test ride! I put a chain oiler on mine and apart from extra mess it has done 42000 kms and been adjusted twice.

[Big Dave]

I personally would only consider a bike with a very small windscreen or an Electric one. Every fixed unit I have ever tested has been miserable in a lot of circumstances. Buffeting, noise or pretty ghey looking.

The thing I like about the guys at Godiva Screens is the make replacement minis.

[martybabe]

Yes, comfortable on the long distance and screen is good if it has a deflector or you replace it with a givi touring screen. They are a good get on and go bike, no chrome to polish no nonsense etc but like anything you need a test ride! I put a chain oiler on mine and apart from extra mess it has done 42000 kms and been adjusted twice.

Interesting info, thanks Laava.

I personally would only consider a bike with a very small windscreen or an Electric one. Every fixed unit I have ever tested has been miserable in a lot of circumstances. Buffeting, noise or pretty ghey looking.

.

Yup, I hear ya, that st1100 in particular, under certain conditions, would literally shake my head from side to side. Great for taking in the scenery, got to see everything except where I was going. I tend to cut them down if possible.

[martybabe]

Yes, comfortable on the long distance and screen is good if it has a deflector or you replace it with a givi touring screen. They are a good get on and go bike, no chrome to polish no nonsense etc but like anything you need a test ride! I put a chain oiler on mine and apart from extra mess it has done 42000 kms and been adjusted twice.

Anyone got any info on those pacific coasts PC800, I'm not sure I've ever seen one in the flesh but sure do look like a practical carriage.

[hmmmnz]

my money is on the triumph tiger, i rode a mates for a few weeks when i was last back in scotland,
i bit more balls than a beemer, it would need a taller front wheel to be as good off road, my mrs seemed happy enough on the back,
her being a shorty was a bit of a struggle to get on the back, and i dare say with a top box, she would have really been stuffed,
hmm may be the tiger isnt the best bike,
i know its probably not what your after.. but what about a can-am spyder??

[shah]

i had one (1990-1993). lovely lovely bike. but i think you'll find it boring, considering your current rides.

trust you've googled it? 800cc, made between 1989 and 1998, shaft-drive, plenty of luggage space. yes, very comfy seats. but even in the 90s, bikers regarded it as just a big scooter.

there are a few in NZ. in 2008, there was a beautiful one in white - just like your pic - and that guy was asking for $8,000. earlier this year, i checked on one at takapuna (auckland). the shop asked for $6,500, i believe. 65,000 miles. (note: miles, not km); i didn't rate it highly though.

there is now a cult following for the PC800, hence the relatively high price. there are PC clubs everywhere.

hope that helps.
Shah

[Edbear]

Interesting info, thanks Laava.

Yup, I hear ya, that st1100 in particular, under certain conditions, would literally shake my head from side to side. Great for taking in the scenery, got to see everything except where I was going. I tend to cut them down if possible.

The thing with screens is that the air-flow curls up under the screen causing buffetting. You can place your arm across your chest and feel the wind coming up under your helmet. I fitted the VA lowers to my C50T and the buffeting is minimal as to be of no consequence and I don't need ear plugs when I ride.