What is the most comfortable motorbike to ride - all weathers?

**wysper** · 11th May 2010, 19:43

What? No ones gone for the Goldwing - classic motor-car-cycle.

But seriously, as others have said, there is probably no bike that is all things to all conditions.

My choice would be either a cruiser or something like a GSX1400 if I was going long distances lots. But I like naked bikes.
Others would go for fully faired BMW's and the like.

So really only you can answer that question. Because everyone else will have a different answer.

**98tls** · 11th May 2010, 19:51

Originally Posted by dipshit

I reckon when I get too old and decrepit for a sports bike and still want to do big miles... I'll have me one of these...

(a ST sprint 1050)

Bullshit,you live in Palmerston,next upgrade for you is a Cortina.

**PirateJafa** · 11th May 2010, 19:54

I've done down to Wellington and back to Auckland in a night on my old VFR400R, and was pretty much fine afterwards.

Depends more on the rider than the bike I reckon.

**firefighter** · 11th May 2010, 20:04

Originally Posted by 98tls

Really,i rode a 1800 Honda once,i was fucked after just lifting it off the sidestand let alone riding it all day.

lol. Yeah was thinking more along the lines of a Speedmaster. The old man has one which I always commandeer when I go and see them. Comfy as hell.....yet still fun. The saddle bags kinda suit it too so plenty of really convenient space.....If I was after a comfy bike for long distances it's a good mix of reasonable handling, the right amount of power and good wind-protection, and yes comfy, and would be on the short-list of course. Obviously all the mods he's done would be a must.

**Stylo** · 11th May 2010, 20:05

Originally Posted by marty

Hayabusa, Blackbird, Bandit, GSX14, CB13, XJR13 etc. Any big-bore eats miles with ease.

My pick though would be a VFR800. It will probably be my next bike - the pre-underseat pipe model though

Hayabusa is not a good Bike to spend hours and hours on .....Cockpit is a little cramped , try one of the above or go for a 14 , from Kawasaki ...my 5 cents....

**banditrider** · 11th May 2010, 20:12

I'm not biased in the least...

Click image for larger version.

Name: kawasaki-concours.jpg
Views: 23
Size: 34.6 KB
ID: 207444

**dipshit** · 11th May 2010, 20:15

Originally Posted by 98tls

Bullshit,you live in Palmerston,next upgrade for you is a Cortina.

Yeah, and I'm going to marry my long lost sister as well.

**marty** · 11th May 2010, 20:18

dunno - i'm 6'1 and never thought twice about 5-600km days on mine. just pre-flight it, gas it up and go

**Big Dave** · 11th May 2010, 20:29

For a big/tall guy

Marty's list:
Hayabusa - No
Blackbird - No
Bandit - Fair
GSX14 - Good
CB13 - Good
FJR13 - Very good.
VFR800. - No.

TL - No
ZX14 - almost.

My best (in no particular order)

Connie 14
FJR1300
Victory Vision
Harley Ultra or any Touring Chassis Hog.
R3 Tourer (Sans Screen)

One of the most tiring things I find on touring motorcycles is a fixed height windsceen. The noise and turbulence they generate is far more wearing than dealing to the mass of the bike.
It's why the Triumph Tiger, Goldwing, Norge, Varadero, Vee Strom and several others aren't on my personal list.
Those on my favoured list have small enough bodywork not to disturb the air hitting my melon - or they are electric and can be adjusted to suit the prevailing conditions.

Ed - there are no cruisers on my list. The style of the bike means that they have limited rear suspension travel. It's doable as you know - but if we are talking efficiency - they actually aren't that well suited for the described task by nature of the design. When compared to machines with 6" of travel - on NZ roads.

**Edbear** · 11th May 2010, 20:40

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Ed - there are no cruisers on my list. The style of the bike means that they have limited rear suspension travel. It's doable - but they actually aren't that well suited for the described task by nature of the design. When compared to machines with 6" of travel - on NZ roads.

I agree BD at times it can jar a bit. I've got the shock on max, but to be honest even two up with all our gear, for most roads, and we've been over most of the upper NI from Rotorua to Opononi, it's fine for us. Jill wants a more comfy perch but the stock seat is fine for me.

No buffetting issues since fitting the VA lowers and even around the Coro it's not disgraced when in company with the likes of the GSX1400 and Bandit 1200S. My mate on the 1400 was convinced it was a thou! When assured it was only 805cc he asked if I'd hotted it up!

**zahria** · 11th May 2010, 20:57

Well, I have a firestorm, and I've done a capital cruise (1000kms in 12 hours) and most of a TT2000(1350kms in 2 days) and was pretty much ok. Nothing beer and pizza dosen't fix.

**98tls** · 11th May 2010, 21:02

Dear oh dear,ive possibly (sadly) got one of the largest collections of motorcycle mags dating back to the early 70s still tucked away in the shed,when out there mucking about i sometimes reach into one of the early piles (pre waving/Ducatis actually sounded sweet/motorcycling had nothing to do with fashion/nobody gave a fuck what lane you crossed/cruiser meant a lowered 65 Impala not one minus 2 wheels to to gain a bit of perspective.Back then a bike was a bike,how i would love to have a certain Z1000 today.

**Maha** · 11th May 2010, 21:04

@ Big Dave....
Why the XJR over the GSX/CB?
Is it the fit?

**Big Dave** · 11th May 2010, 21:09

>>Why the XJR over the GSX/CB?<<

Doh - I meant FJR.

The fit / ergos - and the integrated luggage. FJR has an outstanding system and the bodywork worked for me.