Yam XJR1300 or Honda CB1300?

[Big Dave]

Yebbut if it was the 'perfect motorcycle' it would also deal with unsealed/bad roads like a dual sport and carry two large adults with more comfort - for starters.

There is no such animal. Each individual's requirements are different. What is 'perfect' for some is completely unsuitable for others. That's why there is such a diverse range of machines.

[SPman]

XJR1300's and their ilk don't like gravel - typical modern road setup with wide tyres etc - gravel unfriendly - they'll do it, but it ain't fun - unless it's just a hard packed dirt surface, sans stones, before the grader comes through.......

Big bikes don't make you life easy. Bloody heavy to move around. Easy to drop if you get off balance. Expensive on gas. Rego has gone through the roof.

I was surprised how easy they are to move around - XJR feels very light on the move and quite well balanced - more so than the FZ1 - the missus takes it when she feels like a relaxing ride. Old school air cooled does guzzle gas, but it's not to bad now with the mods - 12 hp more and 3 mpg better economy - go figure. Rego - yep, expensive - $225 a year!

[Big Dave]

Yea - You know, I've found that unless you are pushing the vehicle to its limits the size of the front wheel doesn't make much difference on the road any more - IF the bike's geometry is sorted accordingly.

Seriously - I've ridden on 16" to 26" front wheels in the past 12 months. If rake trail and COM are in concert - there is some - but not a great deal - of difference in normal road riding conditions.

On the dirt it makes a BIG difference, same at the track.

[nzspokes]

So I got my Big boy bike. A K1 Bandit. I love it.

Did Coro Loop today, perfect day.

So going from a 250 to a 1200 in just under a year is not such a bad thing.

[Edbear]

So I got my Big boy bike. A K1 Bandit. I love it.

Did Coro Loop today, perfect day.

So going from a 250 to a 1200 in just under a year is not such a bad thing.

You won't be sorry!

[ducatilover]

I am still rather envious.