Sport-Touring type bike as my follow up to the GS500?

[shep_bannister]

The GS500 is my first bike, and I've only been riding it for ~4000 miles and 8 months, so I'm not looking to upgrade any time soon.  

However, I can't help but constantly shop for new motorcycles.  Lately, I've been thinking about some sort of Sport Touring bike as my next bike.  Mostly this is because all of the riding I do is either tiny little commutes or 150+ mile rides.  In fact, I end up cutting many days shorter than I want to simply because of how uncomfortable the GS500 is after more than a couple hours.

My problem is that it seems as if all decent sport bikes that are made for long distance riding are 1000cc and higher.  Honda makes the VFR, which is only 800cc and currently my top choice for next bike.  Doesn't anyone else make something that might fit my needs?

I'm looking primarily for a fully faired sport bike.  I'm not very interested in off road capability, but I am interested in riding twisty canyon roads as well as long stretches on the highway.  Any advice?

[pantablo]

if you've got the cash-Multistrada.

If not-yzf600, kawasaki concourse (sp?) and the vfr is probably the ultimate ST bike.


but what do I know...

[shep_bannister]

if you've got the cash-Multistrada

I certainly don't now, and probably won't then.

The Kawasaki is definitely worth consideration, but damn is that thing ugly.  The YZF looks like fun, but I seriously doubt it's long distance viability.  It looks like it's seating position is farther forward than the GS, putting even more weight on my wrists.  I doubt if I could do 400 mile days on it.  

I guess I just have to hope that one of these companies comes up with something for 2005.[/list]

[glenn9171]

I have heard nothing but good things about the V-Strom.  It's classified as an "adventure tourer", but it is supposed to handle twisties quite well even with the stock tires.  The price is pretty good, too.

[glenn9171]

I have heard nothing but good things about the V-Strom.  It's classified as an "adventure tourer", but it is supposed to handle twisties quite well even with the stock tires.  The price is pretty good, too.

http://www.sportbikeworld.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19478

[70 Cam Guy]

what about bikes like the Kawi ZX6-d (now called the ZZR600), or the Katana 600?  They are supposed to be excellent longer distance bikes and have manageable horsepower

I agree that the VFR is a sick bike.  The V4 sounds AWESOME with a pipe and the single sided swingarm is something to drool over.  Some people like the new Vtec and some don't.  
http://www.cybersportbike.com/_sounds/raw3/vfr1.mp3
http://www.cybersportbike.com/_sounds/raw3/vfr-dd1.mp3
The VFR sounds way better in person with the pipes but these give you a good idea.  Very unique!
The only problem I have with the VFR is how expensive they are brand new.  Pictures don't do the pre-02's justice IMO

[C.J.]

Well it may be a bit expensive but you can always go English.  Triumph makes a few really cool bikes that are sport touring like the Sprint ST or the Speed Triple.  I have a RS (sportier ver. of ST) but slap on some $100 bar risers and you have a kick-ass tourer.

Check-em out:

http://www.triumph.co.uk

[mrslush50]

a ridding buddy of mine has a ZZR600.  It's a very cool bike, but his brother rode it with us on a 350 mile ride.  He was hurting pretty good at the end.  Maybe with some bar risers and a new seat.  If you want to go sport-"touring" the ZZR1200 is the way to go.  there are only two production motorcycle on the planet that will outperform it in the 1/4mile.  (Gixxer1000 and R1)  but if you've ever sat on one, you know it's fairly comfortable and with a pair of aftermarket sadle bags you've got your self a very capable touring rocket.

[Bird]

I think the Honda VFR800 is a very good choice.  Its what I'm looking at for my next bike.  It's very comfortable and quite stylish.  The only drawback is the price... $14k for a new one here.  But I think that its worth looking at.

[bbanjo]

Now with ABS.

[Delta88]

Well, I'll try to ignore that crack about my Concours being ugly. Okay, it's not a sexy bike but it's got to be the best value out there in terms of real world sporty type or long distance touring vs. the amount of cash that must be extracted from one's bank account. That being said, I believe you were looking for something below the litre class? The ZZR600 has already been mentioned and that bike could be modded to make a decent ST mount. I think a better choice would be just about any year CBR600. The riding position doesn't seem to be quite as extreme and there are lots of aftermarket accessories like bar risers, peg lowerers, Ventura kits, etc. available. Just my $.02

[gs5oh]

next year i am going to look for a vfr 750. my friend has one with a corbin seat and it is the most comfortable bike with great lines.  mid 90's models usually go anywhere from 3000 to 8000.  if you got the cheese go with a bmw

[JamesG]

The YZF600R is an excellent medium sport tourer. They are marketed in Europe as one.  The seat is wide and very comfortable. The clipon to seat to footpegs are the most relaxed of any 600 on the market.  Its faster than you need on the street and the fairings are very effective.  The best thing about the bike is the suspension and brakes. Fully adjustable front and rear and it has the same brakes as the R6.
So far I've done a 400+ mile day on mine without being the least bit sore. And I'm sure its capable of doing Iron Butts easily.
The only down side I've seen is an unforgiving transmission (but it teaches you proper shifting technique) and a thin aftermarket here in the US (but its pretty big in Europe).

[Pam G]

There is a similar discussion on another forum.  Read the thread for possibly more suggestions.

http://www.localriders.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1747&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

BTW, a used VFR was a top 50 used buy in a recent issue of Motorcyclist magazine.