Best sport touring bikes for long distance | Page 7 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Best sport touring bikes for long distance

My Multistrada doesn't kick off heat anywhere other than off the cat (felt by the right ankle at lower speeds) which is an easy fix. You'll find no MTS owners complaining of engine emitting heat.
The KTM Adventure on the other hand, you'll feel that heat by the tank/seat all the time and there's not much you can do about that. You'll find LOTS of KTM Adventure riders complaining of rear cylinder heat.
That's a deal breaker for me. I get really hot and dehydrated when I ride in the summer even using a hydration knapsack.
I like the VFR's and that is something that has kept me from riding one again.

Any idea if the SuperDuke GT has the same issue?
 
I found it to be sufficient.
The windscreen is the biggest complaint on the various model years, for the buffeting it causes at any height.
Lots of riders go for a taller screen, but those in the know go shorter.
You get more air, but it’s “clean” air without turbulence.

Without lower fairings, your legs are more exposed, but I didn’t find it too bad.

Rob
I try to ride with my shorty screen around town and for my day rides up north. I do find that I really need the taller screen for back to back long days to keep the fatigue down at the end of the day - especially on longer trips.
 
There is zero heat on the superduke, frankly I was surprised considering the amount of power the bike has
Ducati as a brand has a certain reputation with regards to heat, i've ridden 2 ducs so far, the one on the open road(hyperstrada) didnt emit any heat, but that might be because I was constantly moving

The other being the monster 1200, which most def produced noticeable amount of heat around my right leg, even during a very brief traffic stop(in stop and go traffic)

If you're doing city riding in the summer, this would be something to consider
but I imagine in the fall and spring, this would end up being a plus point
 
I try to ride with my shorty screen around town and for my day rides up north. I do find that I really need the taller screen for back to back long days to keep the fatigue down at the end of the day - especially on longer trips.

Just to be clear, the MRA Sport I had on my Tracer wasn't extremely short - not bikini-fairing short. It was just the right size to let the clean air through. Plus on the Tracer you can adjust the screen height - below it is in the lowest position.

IMG_1630.JPEG
 
Just to be clear, the MRA Sport I had on my Tracer wasn't extremely short - not bikini-fairing short. It was just the right size to let the clean air through. Plus on the Tracer you can adjust the screen height - below it is in the lowest position.

View attachment 48260
Thanks. That's actually taller than I ride with right now.

I can see how that rear might not be suited for 3 pieces of full luggage.
Did the 2021 version get a beefier rear subframe to support 3pc luggage?
 
Rear subframe weight restriction. Many riders do it any way, but some have had the subframe crack. And as Yamaha tells you not to, you’re SOL.
Interesting. I got the GIVI rack and top box plate for the GIVI Maxia 52l I'm currently using on my ST vs. using a Yamaha mount and top box. The Yamaha mount seems to hang off the back without any other support. The GIVI rack has additional support arms that attach to an added bracket that attaches to the subframe under the passenger seat. In theory, a passenger could be sitting on the seat at 120 lbs vs. my 20 lbs topbox so I'm not really worried about the subframe cracking.

I wonder if the people that experienced cracking were using a Yamaha rack and top box, packed saddlebags + also carrying a passenger as maximum weight is 395 lbs and all of this is on the subframe I think.

WARNING Hard Saddlebags and Top Case not recommended to be used together due to increased risk of overloading the motorcycle.

I think this warning by Yamaha is not relevant if you're a 200 lb rider with saddlebags, a top box and no passenger.
 
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That's a deal breaker for me. I get really hot and dehydrated when I ride in the summer even using a hydration knapsack.
I like the VFR's and that is something that has kept me from riding one again.

Any idea if the SuperDuke GT has the same issue?
While my 950 Adventure and my 990SMT did get hot around the tank (REALLY hot) I haven't had that experience on my 1090, on or off road.

I don't think the 1090 or 1290 Adventure platforms will be what you're looking for in terms of passenger accommodations though.

Solo riding? WHOO..HOOO.... couldn't be better.
 
other thing is, do you like or need a center stand? Some of those models you listed don't have center stand options.

I find loading the bike, parking it to take up less space, chain maintenance, repairs, and even for security (Up on the stand, wheel turned and locked, bike can't be pushed down), a center stand to be a must.

The tracer's lighting is also really good imo from a visibility standpoint.

SFY7J7P7ANHADLFS7SYH6DGP3U.jpg


2021-yamaha-Tracer-9-GT-Action_11.jpg
 
There is zero heat on the superduke, frankly I was surprised considering the amount of power the bike has
Ducati as a brand has a certain reputation with regards to heat, i've ridden 2 ducs so far, the one on the open road(hyperstrada) didnt emit any heat, but that might be because I was constantly moving

The other being the monster 1200, which most def produced noticeable amount of heat around my right leg, even during a very brief traffic stop(in stop and go traffic)

If you're doing city riding in the summer, this would be something to consider
but I imagine in the fall and spring, this would end up being a plus point
Ducati has a reputation for heat? Umm no. Their older SS bikes with under seat exhaust were warm just like every other SS bike with under seat exhaust but no "reputation" you speak of.
Want to know why you felt heat on your right leg on that Monster 1200? Both exhaust pipes collect at the knee and stick out against your leg. Not shocking you feel heat there as so did I each time I rode one. Hyper has a single pipe tucked in so it wasn't felt and the Multi's pipes are routed away from you so no heat. I'll give the facts on bikes I've owned/ridden instead of making guesses about bikes.
 
Ducati has a reputation for heat? Umm no. Their older SS bikes with under seat exhaust were warm just like every other SS bike with under seat exhaust but no "reputation" you speak of.
Want to know why you felt heat on your right leg on that Monster 1200? Both exhaust pipes collect at the knee and stick out against your leg. Not shocking you feel heat there as so did I each time I rode one. Hyper has a single pipe tucked in so it wasn't felt and the Multi's pipes are routed away from you so no heat. I'll give the facts on bikes I've owned/ridden instead of making guesses about bikes.
calm down it wasnt a personal attack
 
Thanks. That's actually taller than I ride with right now.

I can see how that rear might not be suited for 3 pieces of full luggage.
Did the 2021 version get a beefier rear subframe to support 3pc luggage?
From this article:

Full 3-bag luggage capability: Increased flexibility and versatility
To optimise its versatility and touring capabilities the new model is designed to accommodate a total of three hard luggage cases, enabling Tracer 9 GT to run with any combination of sidecases and a top case. A ‘Floating Stay’ system is used for the side cases to enhance high speed stability and isolate luggage movement on the bike, and a one-piece wraparound grab bar facilitates the fitment of a top case. With its lower weight and increased strength, the all-new chassis can handle a total payload of riders and luggage of 193kg – a 7% increase in load carrying capacity.
 
any reason the Africa Twin, or even Super Tenere are off the list?

The S10, has a driveshaft, more upright, more power, and much more affordable than a GS. I believe more payload capacity too

 
other thing is, do you like or need a center stand? Some of those models you listed don't have center stand options.

I find loading the bike, parking it to take up less space, chain maintenance, repairs, and even for security (Up on the stand, wheel turned and locked, bike can't be pushed down), a center stand to be a must.

The tracer's lighting is also really good imo from a visibility standpoint.

SFY7J7P7ANHADLFS7SYH6DGP3U.jpg


2021-yamaha-Tracer-9-GT-Action_11.jpg
Yes I agree completely - absolutely want a centre stand. I've only owned one bike without one and it makes everything easier.
any reason the Africa Twin, or even Super Tenere are off the list?

The S10, has a driveshaft, more upright, more power, and much more affordable than a GS. I believe more payload capacity too

I'm sure the S10 is a nice bike to ride, but it doesn't do it for me in the looks dept. After a very long time of riding bland looking bikes, I thought I should try something that makes me happy to look at and happy to ride.

I like the Africa Twin, but felt it was a more dirt oriented ride and I would not be making best use of it unless I did some regular off road.

The bikes on my list are defintiely more paved road oriented which is the bulk of my riding anyways. If I lived in the mountains, I would definitely be riding something with a more dirt oriented bias like your T7 or similar.
 
Yes I agree completely - absolutely want a centre stand. I've only owned one bike without one and it makes everything easier.

I'm sure the S10 is a nice bike to ride, but it doesn't do it for me in the looks dept. After a very long time of riding bland looking bikes, I thought I should try something that makes me happy to look at and happy to ride.

I like the Africa Twin, but felt it was a more dirt oriented ride and I would not be making best use of it unless I did some regular off road.

The bikes on my list are defintiely more paved road oriented which is the bulk of my riding anyways. If I lived in the mountains, I would definitely be riding something with a more dirt oriented bias like your T7 or similar.

Ah okay, makes sense, the 21in front wheel for mostly street, even makes getting good touring street tires difficult.

The S10 is a boring looking bike, I agree, doesn't do it for me either. I haven't ridden either though.
 
Shane, you need MT-10 with a side rack and top box, centre stand is a meh option- plus it just interferes with the ground clearance.

 
any reason the Africa Twin, or even Super Tenere are off the list?

The S10, has a driveshaft, more upright, more power, and much more affordable than a GS. I believe more payload capacity too

Can we call them sporty? I wouldn’t.
 
Shane, you need MT-10 with a side rack and top box, centre stand is a meh option- plus it just interferes with the ground clearance.

Doesn’t get nearly the mileage he’s looking for ?
 
Shane, you need MT-10 with a side rack and top box, centre stand is a meh option- plus it just interferes with the ground clearance.

amazing bike, questionable wind protection
Also colloquially known as the 'empty-10' for obvious reasons
 
Shane, you need MT-10 with a side rack and top box, centre stand is a meh option- plus it just interferes with the ground clearance.

How much ground clearance does one need for mainly street touring? One can say hardside luggage interferes with the width and aerodynamics. Having Center stands on the CBX and T7, off-road, none gave any ground clearance issues let alone on the road
 

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