Sport Touring - Best Bike?

[fr333zy]

I've done about 700 miles in the saddle on a Concourse 14 and can recommend it with no hesitation. ZX14 power, super comfy, surprisingly nimble on tight roads, good range, electronic retractable wind screen, smoooooooth power, hella fast, quiet except when you go WOT, and not very expensive comparatively.
I loved it. Power wise its like a 1k cc sportbike but its very comfortable and I rode the 700 miles in one day (delivered the bike to a friend).
The standout moments from that ride was riding towards sunset on the islands after the Lake Champlain ferry crossing on deserted roads, and separately riding on the highway and a cbr 600 hotshot tried to blow by and I dusted him thoroughly....then let him pass and gave him a big shrug.

[Stromper]

There is another factor

If you think around here sport touring is the better 2 lane numbered roads then there are the standard sport touring that are good fjr Ninga BMW

If around here you like to find the smaller even paved roads then adventure bike which the MULTI is good at along with KTM adventure, BMW GS and at a discount a Vstrom
all will soak up the real world poor pavement and maybe see some dirt road and keep going

[Rosco61]

I've done about 700 miles in the saddle on a Concourse 14 and can recommend it with no hesitation. ZX14 power, super comfy, surprisingly nimble on tight roads, good range, electronic retractable wind screen, smoooooooth power, hella fast, quiet except when you go WOT, and not very expensive comparatively.
I loved it. Power wise its like a 1k cc sportbike but its very comfortable and I rode the 700 miles in one day (delivered the bike to a friend).
The standout moments from that ride was riding towards sunset on the islands after the Lake Champlain ferry crossing on deserted roads, and separately riding on the highway and a cbr 600 hotshot tried to blow by and I dusted him thoroughly....then let him pass and gave him a big shrug.

I owned one for 4 years and your right about everything. It's hugely powerful but It's heavy as hell though and that's why we parted company.

[dontpanic]

I'm really pleased with almost everything about my 2012 Ninja... and then for 2014 Kawasaki went and fixed everything I didn't like.
It's light, powerful, and has a great riding position.

[Manny]

Wirelessly posted

Scott will drag knee routinely on the street even though he knows better. He doesn't want a 6-700 pound beast.

[sveesix]

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?

I'll sell you a Multi for a great price

[bostongixxer]

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

Attachment 38230

I have considered the Hyperstrada...but concluded it's too small. I'm 6'1" and would like a bit more room for touring

[bostongixxer]

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.

Interesting...I didn't think of that.

[bostongixxer]

Wirelessly posted

Scott will drag knee routinely on the street even though he knows better. He doesn't want a 6-700 pound beast.

Manny is correct...I need something nimble...which is why the K1300S may be out of the picture. Interestingly, I did come across what might be a good deal on a used BUSA...

- - - Updated - - -

I'll sell you a Multi for a great price

...and I've spoken with Jim. That may still be on the table.

[jhawley]

Honda VFR1200

I have one. its awesome. all day comfortable, stupid power, I like the looks (I grows on you). and they can be had for cheap money,

I found a left over 2010 model last june with 186 miles on it. it came with the OEM side cases, center stand, and windscreen extension. All that is somewhere north of 17.5K

I paid 9K otd.

its a steal.

[nhbubba]

Careful with the wheels. I hear they scratch.

[jhawley]

Wirelessly posted

Also. I have dragged knee with the v12. Although my sparky knee pucks sent sparks at the OEM bags which has the most amazing paint.

[me109g4]

ZZR1200??? not a common bike, but I love mine,, stupid amounts of power, with a set of the Corbin Beetle bags it will do the job.

[nt650hawk]

mmmmmmmm.... So in other workds a new ST1300. a true sport tourer (1/2 Gold wing 1/2 CBR1000rr) .1400 miles in 3 days thru desert and 4" of snow. Oh and btw the electricaly controlled windshield was the BOMB..

2015 Honda V6ST
04/01/13 Torrance, CA. American Honda announced today and new high end touring class motorcycle to be introduced as a 2015 model in early 2014. In keeping with recent nomenclature for high end models (e.g. F6B – flat 6 bagger) the new model has been designated the V6ST. It is widely speculated to be the long awaited replacement for Honda’s aging ST1300. Limited details have been released but here’s what we know so far:
· Compact 1500cc 60o V6 engine configuration
· Direct injection
· Variable valve timing and selective cylinder shut down
o Engine operates as a twin, four or six depending on riding conditions
· Optional dual clutch automatic transmission with 6 speeds
In spite of the larger displacement engine and additional cylinders, Honda claims that the compact 60 degree cylinder banks provide perfect primary balance for the V6 engine so runs smoothly enough to eliminate the need for the secondary balancer shaft and drive mechanism. This means the engine is similar in weight and size to the outgoing 1300cc V4.
As per practice in the outgoing ST1300 the engine is mounted longitudinally in the frame as a direct stressed member. A shaft final drive provides quiet, maintenance free power from the 6-speed (DCT or manual) transmission to the rear wheel.
Other features expected:
· Throttle by wire
· Selectable drive modes
· Cruise control
· Optional electronically adjustable suspension (available with airbag package)
· Heated grips
· Pre-wired for optional GPS / Com system. (Whether there will be factory options here or not was not clear at this time).
· Electronically adjustable windscreen
· Three way adjustable ergonomics
· Removable hard saddlebags
· Optional removable top box
· Third generation combined ABS - TCS
· Price TBA

[jasnmar]

Date of announcement has me suspicious...

[nt650hawk]

Date of announcement has me suspicious...

[bostongixxer]

Well...here it is. 2013 Anniversary edition. Came loaded with full Akra exhaust. Got a very good deal out of GBM. This bike is a rocket...handles better than I expected.

[Rosco61]

Well...here it is. 2013 Anniversary edition. Came loaded with full Akra exhaust. Got a very good deal out of GBM. This bike is a rocket...handles better than I expected.

That is Awesome! Congrats!

[hawk]

Nice bike. When do I get to ride it??

[01xj]

, I like the looks (I grows on you).

Hasn't grown on me yet.



I don't anticipate that changing this season either but I"ll still ride with you on our weekday rides.

[Not Sure]

I have a 13' too. You won't regret it. Based on what you're looking for I see it as a great fit. Enjoy it.

[Garandman]

Manny is correct...I need something nimble...which is why the K1300S may be out of the picture. Interestingly, I did come across what might be a good deal on a used BUSA...

- - - Updated - - -


...and I've spoken with Jim. That may still be on the table.

Big question IMHO is if you want shaft drive or not.

There are now quite a few bikes with power, range, riding position, and luggage.


"Simplify, then add lightness."
Colin Chapman

[dankatz]

Great looking bike! Should be quite the weapon for high speed tarmac gobbling...

[bostongixxer]

I have a 13' too. You won't regret it. Based on what you're looking for I see it as a great fit. Enjoy it.

Having now logged 160 miles on it, I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it handles. Of course, it's more work getting into a corner and shifting around, but it's solid and stable...and not nearly as much work as I expected. What I'm impressed with is how BMW really put time/capital into making a very nice machine. It's quality from top to bottom. Throttle response and shifting is about as good as you can ask...and I've owned a lot of bikes. This has the best sorted throttle and shifting of anything.

- - - Updated - - -

Great looking bike! Should be quite the weapon for high speed tarmac gobbling...

It is insanely fast...

- - - Updated - - -

Nice bike. When do I get to ride it??

Ha...we'll see.

[scottieducati]

Niiice pickup Scott