Sport Touring Suggestions

Where did you get that tank bag? I couldn't find a supplier anywhere in North America.

eBay out of France. Was $87 if I remember correctly with the adapter ring.
Waited for months from Givi and Vicious cycle then they told me they couldn't get it.
So found it on eBay, great bag I love it.
 
@ Boooya - Nice bike! I can't believe you haven't sold it yet.
 
eBay out of France. Was $87 if I remember correctly with the adapter ring.
Waited for months from Givi and Vicious cycle then they told me they couldn't get it.
So found it on eBay, great bag I love it.

Do you find it very water resistant?
 
Do you find it very water resistant?
Its not bad but it does come with a rain cover. Also the iphone pocket at the top allows use of the touch screen.
 
I use a small bandit for touring...
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..works well, but a little small for two up.....I don't think you would have that problem with the 1200/1250....
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all that said, I just bought a used ZX14 setup for touring over the winter......
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...now I just need a destination....
 
I started with a Bandit 600 and now have a 2000 VFR.

I really like my bike. I would say that 2-up is an option, but it's not ideal... if you'd like that, go for a next-size-up sport-tourer like a Concours, ST1100, R11/12RT or FJR. (Funny enough, the Bandit was a little more comfty 2-up.) On the other hand, with a Corbin seat, I've done a few 500 - 700km days and it feels great. It's a little more comfty for one 1 than the more upright Bandit - which wasn't bad either.

For VFR's, Some people like the later ('02-on) bikes, some people prefer the earlier ones. I haven't tried a later one but I really like mine. Valve adjustments are harder and more expensive to do on the '02-on bikes. My bike isn't really fast but the front end gets light in 1st gear. With a pipe it sounds mean as hell, and it has a pretty good powerband at lower RPM.

Of course I'd be tempted by a K1200S or a 1050 Sprint ST. (I don't see how you think the Sprint ST is ugly???) If money and insurance weren't an issue, I might have looked for one of those.

I think the Bandit 1200 is compelling. The handling isn't awesome (you can still scratch a bit) but they're comfortable and have a lot of punch. Dirt-cheap, simple, upgradeable, and not a lot to go wrong on them, but a bit more rickety-feeling (at least my 600) and softer-sprung. Owning the 600 made me really want the 1200.
 
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Cbr1100xx blackbird,did a 5 day 5000kms 2 up on it.
Handles better than a Busa IMHO
Mine is for sale with honda oem bags bad riser and touring windshield, corbin seat.
 
When I said more comfort for passenger I meant more than an SS. Even the monster I had before was much better. I'm not planning on doing any 1000km days with a passenger, I'd just like to have that option. I'm not getting a huge tourer like a Concourse or FJR. Not that those are bad bikes but definitely not what I'm after.
 
The zx14 insurance wise might not be as bad as you might think. A buddy of mine just bought one and his insurance was cheaper then his busa. He asked why and it was because it didnt have an "R" in it. If you go with one of the new "zx14r" then you will be paying. In the end it all depends what insurance company you are with.
 
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Throw a set of bags on that and you've got sexy back.

My current ride, exactly this bike. I added a GIVI trunk for storage. I agree this is a great sport-touring bike...for one, not so for 2
Insurance is cheap, less than 800 per year, however I'm old and live on the edge of the GTA
 
VFR. There's a reason why they're considered one of the best sport touring and "all rounder" bikes of all time.

They aren't SS fast...having said that I never have issues keeping up with my buddies on their R6's, ZX6R's, and GSXR750's. (...and I have a Carb'd VFR750)
...and the powerband, not to mention the sound (especially if it has Gear Driven Cams) is like nothing else. a V-Four truley is something special.

I have taken my bike to Deals Gap, over the Blue Ridge Parkway, and other trips around PA and OH. No issues.

During Short rides, my GF feels fine on the back. The grab handles are there but she never uses 'em.

I read articles with the big touring bikes, and yeah they'd be more comfy on long rides....but when the twists come, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
 
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