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

**Big Dave** · 13th May 2010, 08:37

I'll add M109 and C109 to the list. Contrary to previous cruiser statements. Thinking about it properly, I could ride a Thunderbird and a Softail Custom all day, every day without issue too. My first baulk was that I couldn't with the co-pilot on board. There's a difference if a touring partner is to be considered - or a solo affair.

My personal preference is for naked bikes. I agree with Ix about them being tiring for long stints over 130kph. But I don't need lugging the bodywork around for the 99% of the time I'm not doing that. (at the track of course!)

I had a hotted up 1200 Trophy that some of you will recall. I hovered on the brink of losing my licence for a while due to the fact that behind all the plastic 140kph was just cruising nicely.

Had one serious booking when I first got the Buell and haven't been pinged since. 110 on a naked bike feels just as fast and just as much fun. I don't find it any more strenuous at licence keeping speeds. It just needs slightly better riding gear.

**Rogue Rider** · 13th May 2010, 08:55

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I'll add M109 and C109 to the list. Contrary to previous cruiser statements. Thinking about it properly, I could ride a Thunderbird and a Softail Custom all day, every day without issue too. My first baulk was that I couldn't with the co-pilot on board. There's a difference if a touring partner is to be considered - or a solo affair.

My personal preference is for naked bikes. I agree with Ix about them being tiring for long stints over 130kph. But I don't need lugging the bodywork around for the 99% of the time I'm not doing that. (at the track of course!)

I had a hotted up 1200 Trophy that some of you will recall. I hovered on the brink of losing my licence for a while due to the fact that behind all the plastic 140kph was just cruising nicely.

Had one serious booking when I first got the Buell and haven't been pinged since. 110 on a naked bike feels just as fast and just as much fun. I don't find it any more strenuous at licence keeping speeds. It just needs slightly better riding gear.

I love your last statement, thats exactly why I went for a naked bike. It's amazing how much faster you think you are travelling apposed to riding a faired/ screened bike.
I don't ride two up, and I never ride bitch so not really to up to the play with comfort for pillions..... Pillions should either get their own license or stick to cages lol. By being a pillion they miss out on the full experience and freedom of riding, all the while imposing on the rider by unconscious hesitance and concern.
I have no probs with pillions, I would just be uncomfortable putting someone on the back these days with so many cagers intent on taking us out...... especially those bloody Vovlo drivers..... whats with them, they almost always see a bike, and want a go??????

**zeocen** · 13th May 2010, 09:02

Originally Posted by NZsarge

FJR1300
ZG1400 Concours
Then there is the likes of
Tiger 1050
a FZ1 Fazer with a Sargent seat would be good too I reckon.
My ZX14 with 20mm bar risers is quite comfy too. But for all round big distance bikes I reckon either of my first to picks would be mint.

Hey mate, where did you get the bar risers from for your ZX14? Did it comprimise the handling at all?

On topic, I'm yet to feel uncomfortable on the ol' workhorse Hornet!

**Devil** · 13th May 2010, 09:11

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I'll add M109 and C109 to the list. Contrary to previous cruiser statements. Thinking about it properly, I could ride a Thunderbird and a Softail Custom all day, every day without issue too.

I think your size has a lot to do with it. I find the M109R and the like very tiring because the controls are more of a stretch for me, where i'd say your arms and legs would be more relaxed. Effectively i'm just a parachute hanging on to the bars.

The new Rocket III roadster looks like it has a really nice riding position, closer pegs and bars and more upright. Will have to give it a try.

**R1madness** · 13th May 2010, 09:21

well i regularly do 600-800km on my GSXR but lets leave that out of the equation for the moment.

The most comfortasble bike i have ever ridden was a Honda PC800. Not too large, reasonable power (for a 800cc vtwin tourer) brakes up to the task, handles fine (within its design), good weather protection, big storage capacity.

And not expencive these days. you can pick up a tidy low mile (they are mostly in mph speedos as they were for the USA market originaly) one for less than $6000.

**Big Dave** · 13th May 2010, 09:32

Originally Posted by Devil

I think your size has a lot to do with it. I find the M109R and the like very tiring because the controls are more of a stretch for me, where i'd say your arms and legs would be more relaxed. Effectively i'm just a parachute hanging on to the bars.

The new Rocket III roadster looks like it has a really nice riding position, closer pegs and bars and more upright. Will have to give it a try.

Yea - best Rocket yet.
http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.co...ocket-yet.html

I did label everything personal and big/tall guys. Most of my screen 'issues' would be solved with a call to the guys at Godiva or a jig-saw and bit of emery paper. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

**NZsarge** · 13th May 2010, 10:28

Originally Posted by zeocen

Hey mate, where did you get the bar risers from for your ZX14? Did it comprimise the handling at all?

I'll PM ya.

**Bren** · 13th May 2010, 14:10

Horses for Courses...But for me I am still leaning towards a beemer as a next bike...I rack up 500-700km per week...

...but, I am also slowly being seduced by the XR1200....so question for BD...How is the XR for long distance???

**Big Dave** · 13th May 2010, 15:32

XR1200 is a good utility bike - does most things well except carry a passenger. Touring 'officianados' would po-po its peanut tank range. Seat is somewhat on the sporty side too. But I rode one all day for several in a row without much complaint - knees were a bit tender is all.

**Bren** · 13th May 2010, 15:37

Originally Posted by Big Dave

XR1200 is a good utility bike -. Touring 'officianados' would po-po it's peanut tank range..

well, I guess with 24 hr gas stations all over the place it is not an issue, unless you are in the back of beyond...its still a seductress to me...have yet to ride one, but will do once I am ready to buy....dont want to fall in love

with something I cant afford at the moment....