Sport Touring - Best Bike?

[bostongixxer]

I am looking into getting a "sport" touring bike for long distances. I want power and excellent handling (as much as can be expected two-up with side bags). I've been focused on the Multistrada now that it has the 1098 engine. But what of the BMW K1300S? Any thoughts on either bike, or of other bikes that I should consider? One thought was throwing bags, a touring saddle and back rest (maybe risers...but I'm not ready to admit that I need them to tour) on a Hyper 1100.

Thoughts? Maybe just modify a Gixxah 1000?

[Rada]

I'm rather fond of my FJR...

Although if I was looking for a light solution I would put some bags on a FZ1 or FZ09.

The FJR certainly handles nice and has scads of power.

[Rosco61]

I am looking into getting a "sport" touring bike for long distances. I want power and excellent handling (as much as can be expected two-up with side bags). I've been focused on the Multistrada now that it has the 1098 engine. But what of the BMW K1300S? Any thoughts on either bike, or of other bikes that I should consider? One thought was throwing bags, a touring saddle and back rest (maybe risers...but I'm not ready to admit that I need them to tour) on a Hyper 1100.

Thoughts? Maybe just modify a Gixxah 1000?

Not to be picky but the Mutley now has a 1198 engine.

[Jewcati]

I had a k1300s, best street bike I owned. Bulletproof, great power and handles well. The only knock I have is that you need a least a slipon exhaust that bypasses to butterfly valve to fix a flat spot at around 5-6k.

[AVI8_636]

I don't know much about sport touring bikes, but a buddy of mine recently bought a Triumph Sprint. He let me put a few miles on it and man was it comfortable. Plenty of power, and a very smooth delivery. With bags on it, you could easily ride that thing all day and still have fun.

[Manny]

Wirelessly posted

Multi hands down.

[hawk]

The Multi is the best bike for sure. The other option which was mentioned that I would even suggest because I had one is the FJR, great bike. I always felt it needed another gear but otherwise I like it.
I still havent accepted a check on the Multi, just saying.

[bostongixxer]

The Multi is the best bike for sure. The other option which was mentioned that I would even suggest because I had one is the FJR, great bike. I always felt it needed another gear but otherwise I like it.
I still havent accepted a check on the Multi, just saying.

I thought that was sold?? I'm still not quite able to pull the trigger on anything. Just trying to find the right bike. Multi has been in the lead.

[bostongixxer]

Not to be picky but the Mutley now has a 1198 engine.

Not as ugly as it used to be...I'd never have considered one before they changed up the looks.

[hawk]

He says it is but he hasn't sent me the check yet. I am sending him a bill of sale that his bank needs to cut the check. We'll see.
I just sent you a text too. Can you help me out??

[Paul_E_D]

I have to echo that the multi is the best sport tourer on the market. My test ride of the BASE model went like this. Roll out of the dealer to the first corner where I reached knee down lean angles effortlessly. Then in the second corner I decided to get into the gas and pulled an oh so satisfying crossed up wheelie out of the turn.

All the traction modes worked great. Dirt, stop and go traffic, it handled them all. The seat was all day comfy too.

[Chippertheripper]

I know somebody with an AC multi with bags...

[Not Sure]

The K1300S is an excellent choice based on what you've noted as being of interest to you. It is all day comfortable yet still has sportier ergonomics than a lot of the other bikes that could be considered in this class. Plus the technology and features in the bike are fantastic. I had a K1200S as well, and this newer gen of the K-bike is superior. No flat spot (as someone posted) that I've noticed. It is very fast when you want it to be, and handles really well considering the weight and the longer wheel base. I don't have much trouble keeping up with pure sport bikes, even on the tighter roads.

[reks95]

KTM and Aprilia have bikes that might compete with the Multi now, but I suspect the answer is still Multi.

[nhbubba]

Consider the Ninja 1000. I've seen lots of positive things said about it.

Supposedly there are rumors of Yamaha putting a sport-touring version of the FZ-09 out.

[dankatz]

Many bikes out there that would fit in that category and you need to decide how much sports you want and how upright you want it. I have an older VFR (2007) set up for sport touring. It is plenty sporty and very comfortable for me. Lots of good choices out there....

[Ducatijocki]

Honda's got a new VFR Interceptor coming out this season. You might want to check it out, too.

[DucDave]

I was going to pile on with recommending the Multi...I've had two.

But as a pure 'sport tour' I also had a CBR1100xx set up with Corbin 'Beetle Bags', Heli bar risers, and a Corbin seat.



It was a great Sport Touring ride and I'd think the BMW K1300s would be pretty good.

What makes the Multi a winner for me is that it's a much better 'all around' bike. I took mine on the Trans Lab a few years ago...600 miles of gravel and dirt if you're lucky. Mud, if you're not. It was awesome. (Not sure you'd want to do that on a K1300.) And on the street the Multi is all day comfortable, has a very accessable power band, is more than fast enough for most of us, and handles well enough that a GIXXER rider has to ride really well to leave me behind.

So, the real question is 'what do you mean by a sport tourer'? !!!

[Falko]

Never ridden one, but everything I've heard (both read and talking to real riders) the Multi is tough to beat. I had an FJR, and while it was a great bike, it was too heavy for me to consider a sport tourer. It was a sporty touring bike, yes, but took a lot of input, the suspension was soft, and mine would destroy front tires constantly. I'm not a good rider so take it for what it is worth.
The only issue I have with the multi is the admission cost. And if you want to do more tour than sport, they have less than desired wind protection. The FJR was great about that though, riding through cold misty mornings in Quebec the big windshield was appreciated, but hitting some twisties, I pined for a smaller bike. All about the tradeoffs.

[mojobreakfast]

I have a 2012 Multi S Touring that I bought new, 9k miles on it now. Only issues with it have been the notoriously iffy rear brake (not a big deal) and the equally notorious windscreen buffeting (noise) at higher speeds. That seems to be a problem for some guys, but not others, it might vary with your height and helmet design. I believe from '13 onward the stock windscreen was redesigned. There's always aftermarket options, too, but I haven't tried one yet. I wear plugs. If you test one take it out where you can get over 60-70 and see what you think.

I love the bike and would recommend it to anyone despite the couple of flaws I mentioned. I got rid of my 2009 Triumph Sprint ST for the Multi and it's a huge upgrade in every way. To supplement the factory panniers I added a Givi top case rack that bolts right on and bought the biggest Givi case, it's awesome when you need it. I don't picture myself getting sick of this bike any time soon and I've had it for 2 years.

Wife has ridden a lot of miles 2-up with me on the Multi and has had no major complaints about it either.

[Cheese]

Since you mentioned the Hyper, you could also look at the Multi's lil' brother

[Garandman]

Do you want shaft drive? All the bells and whistles that come with "sport tourers" like electrically adjustable windscreen?

For commuting, or long trips? Are you both small, or of larger stature?

[AimlessMoto]

ZX14 with handlebars and hard-bags ALL DAY.

[Kawi Ken]

ZX14 with handlebars and hard-bags ALL DAY.

[Paul_E_D]

Did we say best land cruise missile?