100km without getting my arse off the bike

[FJRider]

I agree there is more to it than just weight in offering a more stable ride in wind but any bike labelled a tourer or suitable for touring is also heavy so weight must be seen as a positive by manufacturers of touring bikes. This same weight of course has a negative effect on hills and tight bends which would see a beginner get into trouble. As they say everything has its trade off.

Even with the known issues that a heavy touring bike has ... I would rather tour on an FJ1200 than say a GN250. And I am dam sure that the FJ would handle the twistys better in the wind than a GN250 would. The only issue I have had on hills was attempting a U-turn uphill in the rain.
Touring bikes will always be better in most touring situations. Some are even dam good in the twisties ... and could show a clean pair of heels to a (some) sport bike(s).
More to do with the rider than the bike.

[Jantar]

.... The only issue I have had on hills was attempting a U-turn uphill in the rain. ....

Knight's Point?

I have toured on bikes of all sizes from 125cc to 1250cc and ranging from street legal MotoX to full dressed tourers. Depending on where you are going some bikes are better than others, but in my experience unfaired bikes are better in cross winds than faired bikes (when comparing like with like).

For real long distance touring I prefer a bike with a large fuel tank, a quiet engine, and one that develops maximum torque at low revs.

[FJRider]

Knight's Point?

I have toured on bikes of all sizes from 125cc to 1250cc and ranging from street legal MotoX to full dressed tourers. Depending on where you are going some bikes are better than others, but in my experience unfaired bikes are better in cross winds than faired bikes (when comparing like with like).

For real long distance touring I prefer a bike with a large fuel tank, a quiet engine, and one that develops maximum torque at low revs.

Yep ....


and the ability to cover the ground pretty quickly ... if the situation is required/desired ...

[bosslady]

... I would rather tour on an FJ1200 than say a GN250. And I am dam sure that the FJ would handle the twistys better in the wind than a GN250 would.

stop hating on the ginny.....


just joking... lol :P

[SNF]

Bosslady and FZR250, are you two keen for a ride some time tomorrow? Nothing too big, but I'm just itching to get these new tyres scrubbed in . I'm only on a 2̶5̶0̶ okay, a 225 so it won't be anything too hardcore.

Excuse the little thread jack - yeah I'm up for a ride sometime. Would like to ride again with Bosslady as well.

[GrayWolf]

Even with the known issues that a heavy touring bike has ... I would rather tour on an FJ1200 than say a GN250. And I am dam sure that the FJ would handle the twistys better in the wind than a GN250 would. The only issue I have had on hills was attempting a U-turn uphill in the rain.
Touring bikes will always be better in most touring situations. Some are even dam good in the twisties ... and could show a clean pair of heels to a (some) sport bike(s).
More to do with the rider than the bike.

Knight's Point?

I have toured on bikes of all sizes from 125cc to 1250cc and ranging from street legal MotoX to full dressed tourers. Depending on where you are going some bikes are better than others, but in my experience unfaired bikes are better in cross winds than faired bikes (when comparing like with like).

For real long distance touring I prefer a bike with a large fuel tank, a quiet engine, and one that develops maximum torque at low revs.

Yep ....


and the ability to cover the ground pretty quickly ... if the situation is required/desired ...

Yup I'd have to agree in most, normal riding situations, a sport tourer (more emphasis on tour than some of the current touted sport tourers) is probably the best overall bike to ride, even at its age the old FJ12 is still a formidable distance weapon, and I'd rather have that as a long distance companion than a 'busa or the earlier ZX14's. or even the ZZR1100 (motor wise, not handling ability) TBH. They'll all out perform and out handle the FJ, but that motor STILL has one of the sweetest 'torque zones' you'll find.
The crop of naked's that were in production GS14, XJR13, CB13, etc are all IMO venerable 2nd place to a sport/tourer for ability.
The current MT produces formidable torque, but has shyte range (220km to reserve) and admittedly doesn't have the top end legs of even the FJ, so realistic high cruising would likely be around 130-40, a good 20-30kph less than the FJ's.

[FJRider]

stop hating on the ginny.....


just joking... lol :P

It is a good bike. But it wasn't made for long distance touring. Having said that .... it has been done on GN's (Mrs Shrek does quite regularly) Learn what you can from it. This does include what to expect riding in the wind. Side winds are hated by all motorcyclists ... regardless of bike type/model.

The "Oliver syndrome" (please sir, can I have more) is common with many bikers ... especially those just starting out.(but not just restricted to learners) Go with what you have and learn how your bike handles in all conditions. On that basis it should leave you prepared for future bikes ... in future times.

All bike models have their own handling traits in various conditions ... and so with each "new" bike ... starts a new learning phase.

I'm picking ... within 3-6 months of the restricted license being ticked off ... you will give serious consideration to getting a bigger bike. The LAM's rules now gives you plenty of good low cost options. (if you haven't looked already)

[bosslady]

But it wasn't made for long distance touring.

Why is it not so good for long distance tours?

The "Oliver syndrome" (please sir, can I have more) is common with many bikers ... especially those just starting out.(but not just restricted to learners).

What do you mean? more of what?

I'm picking ... within 3-6 months of the restricted license being ticked off ... you will give serious consideration to getting a bigger bike. The LAM's rules now gives you plenty of good low cost options. (if you haven't looked already)

Hmmm I've tentatively looked, just browsing on trademe. All my bike and gear will be paid off within the next year and I'll have some more cash money saved by the time that time rolls around... always wanted a sports bike but now I'm not so sure. HEAPPPPPPS of time to decide though...

[FJRider]

Why is it not so good for long distance tours?

They are more subject to weather/road conditions ... due to their weight and limited horsepower. Load gear/luggage on for touring ... more so. That is not to say touring on one is not a load of fun. Just takes a bit longer to get there. But you will get there in the end.

What do you mean? more of what?

More horsepower is usually at the top of the list. More comfort. More powerful lights. More luggage carrying capacity. More room for a passenger. (and THEIR gear) ...

Hmmm I've tentatively looked, just browsing on trademe. All my bike and gear will be paid off within the next year and I'll have some more cash money saved by the time that time rolls around... always wanted a sports bike but now I'm not so sure. HEAPPPPPPS of time to decide though...

Never stop looking ... even if you have no money to buy. That's what bikers do. Look at bikes parked (don't be afraid to ask the owner questions, or ask on this site) ... or as they pass you (in a car or on the bike) and see what looks/sounds good. And even better .. what would suit YOU.

Heaps of time for sure. That is what the learner stage is good for. Don't be afraid to chuck a leg over other bikes ... even just a sit on ... (with the owners permission first) but a short ride can tell you a lot.

"Test sit" a few bikes in motorcycle showrooms ... see what feels good for you.

[The End]

I read this and cringed at the thought of a dropped litre bike

Don't be afraid to chuck a leg over other bikes ... even just a sit on ...

But then I saw this

(with the owners permission first)

Who says KB doesn't give out good advice!?

[The End]

Not sure if this has been posted, but if you have the time, definitely give this a watch. There is something to learn from it for sure, even though it is styled around supersport bikes/track riding, the principles in it are important.

Twist of the Wrist II:

http://www.veoh.com/watch/v20959402F...of+the+Wrist+2

[FJRider]

I read this and cringed at the thought of a dropped litre bike

It has/does happen. But it is better to try bikes you intend/thinking of getting. (and can handle) Even then ... accidents do happen. Permission first ... and BE CAREFUL.

[scumdog]

More horsepower is usually at the top of the list. More comfort. More powerful lights. More luggage carrying capacity. More room for a passenger. (and THEIR gear) ...

.

I don't have much of the first (Got 65 raw horsepower!) but it is comfortable carries a heap of gear when needed and can go from Nelson to Riviera of the South in one hit without me feeling knackered.

Adequate handling, ground-clearnace and brakes it has, enough for me

[FJRider]

I don't have much of the first (Got 65 raw horsepower!) but it is comfortable carries a heap of gear when needed and can go from Nelson to Riviera of the South in one hit without me feeling knackered.

Adequate handling, ground-clearnace and brakes it has, enough for me

There are a select group ... that are quite happy with the bike(s) they own. Or own a selection of bikes/vehicles ... should a change of urge occur.

[unstuck]

I really like my VF. It just feels comfortable to me. Thats why I keep it. And it is 30 this year.