suggestions for 600-1000cc sport tourer?

Thanks for all the information folks. Some good stuff here. :cheers:

Recomendations are one thing. Just remeber your freind shoudl still go sit on anything hes considering and ride if possible. Also its a good idea to check out specific forums for each bike. He can get an idea of common problem and stuff for each.
 
I've always wondered how insurance on these is. Is the power like a 1000cc SS or more legal-friendly?

I keep considering the F800 series myself but all the reviews I've read seem to say their barely any better than the 650R, especially for the price difference. And the engine is less fun from what I've read due to the F800 revving so low.

I've also grown quite fond of the underslung exhaust on the 650R. Wish more bikes had this style instead of the cannons on the side or the *** heater undertails.

And the VFR800 seems heavy from the specs.

Sorry, I've been looking for a replacement for awhile, too.

put it this way...the insurance is less than a 600cc SS.

i was $1200 for a zx6 with SF and 1050 with jevco for a "Sport tourer" 1000cc

Most ST are a lot slower than their race counterpart...but some are the exception.

this bike is essentially a naked zx9, its crazy quick though. Wheelie's in 1st and 2nd without clutch. Kinda scary sometimes.

the ducati streetfighter, z1000, triumph are all pretty wild machines. Not very tame, but great for the streets due to their tuning

Z's are really rare too...the older ones didnt sell well in ontario...not sure why

the VFR is far too heavy, and also mega mega quiet. i hate that ****ing engine. My buddy has one with a full hindle and it sounds like a mouse...and nothing can me done. all engine design. Mind you its a wicked bike lol, corners on rails, perfect balance between sport and touring.
 
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I wouldn't call VFR MEGA quiet. I don't know what your friend did but depending on the muffler it can get quite loud (if that's what you're looking for).
... And V4 engine delivers a very pleasant tone.
Personally I don't find the inline 4 shrieking appealing, for example.
V-twin growl is my favourite.

Stock - most bikes are fairly silent. Especially sport-touring.
I put a carbon fibre (less heat) Delkevic on mine (price), 14" I think, with a high mount. Not noisy at all but with a good sound.
Which is exactly what I wanted. Too much noise is annoying, especially for longer rides.

As for weight, yeah it is a heavy, taller bike but it still handles great so I guess maybe not recommended for small people but otherwise the weight is not much of a factor.
If anything, gives it a lot of stability in high winds.
I went from an SV to a VFR and don't feel the 100lbs difference at all.

I'm 6ft and 210lbs and feel more comfortable on a larger motorcycle. Ergos really work for me on the VFR.
Not a fan of the stock seat though.
I've seen worse but considering what the MSRP was on these bikes, Honda could've done better.
 
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Actually the 5th gen is one of the sweetest sounding bikes, i still love hearing them at full song.

Compared to an F4i the VFR will feel slightly heavier, not really noticable doing touring speed. Power wise the V-4 has a lot more grunt down low versus the inline 4 of the CBR.
 
was the previous gen vfr...the new one abandoned the vtec.

vtec get quieter after 7000 rpm, or before 7000 rpm...closed valve or something. No full exhaust can compensate. I just thought it was stealth like when he passed me.

nice deep growl at idle though.
 
Very possible.
I never rode the 6th gen although there was a dude at the M2 exit a couple of weeks ago who said his 6th was super loud with dual Two Brothers.
But we didn't discuss it much or he might've mentioned there's a quiet spot at certain RPM.

I think by the "new one" djbordie means the VFR1200 Jayv.
 
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noise aside...its a pretty crazy bike. I love the look of the previous Gen. Not so much of the new one, but apparently the new one is an engineering marvel.

i know some seriously riders who can put those bikes through the ringers. some pretty impressive maneuvers, so no doubt the bikes are capable from stock. and comfortable...
 
Yeah, the VFR1200 looks like a pile of molten plastic.VFR800 is still in production though I think.

I prefer the looks of the 6th gen to 5th (what I have) but the price was an issue and I've seen people complain about the VTEC when riding harder on the twisties. Apparently it kicks in too abruptly at times.

The sound of gear driven cams is great on the 5th gen as well, something that the 6th really missed out on.
 
Katana 750 would be perfect if you are looking for cheap and reliable...

Also, I pay $600/year insurance (over 30 married with a clean record) mine is currently for sale if your buddy is interested...
 
I keep considering the F800 series myself but all the reviews I've read seem to say their barely any better than the 650R, especially for the price difference. And the engine is less fun from what I've read due to the F800 revving so low.

The F800 is definitely more subdued than any i4, but compared to a 650r (which outside being twin w/ two wheels isn't really a comparable bike IMO) would feel somewhat similar engine-wise. If you like the constant shifting and rev-play of a 600cc i4 or excessive yet grossly under-utilised power of the 1000cc i4, F800 isn't for you.

F800 revs lower (I hit the rev limiter a few times in the first 2 weeks with the bike, getting used to it after that) with significant grunt available through the gear range. The ergos, tank capacity, more than enough engine power, haste-free belt drive, heated grips and pre-wired electrical connections were some of the winners for me.
 
Hmmm the VFR is tempting me. How much heavier is it than the F4i? How's the handling compared to F4i?

2000 VFR
210.0 kg (463.0 pounds) (dry)

2005 F4i
167.8 kg (370.0 pounds) (dry)


 
I know its a bit bigger then your looking for, but I will be looking to sell my VFR1200 ... it has 2000km on it and is still under warranty :)
 
For the money it's hard to beat a first gen. FZ1 for sport-touring, IMO.


But I'll admit to being a bit biased... :)


beastc.jpg
 
Seriously? With a Hindle?
I have a Holeshot on mine and it has a nice deep burble. I opened the air box as well which give it a nice howl at WOT.
Whenever I ride my friend's which is totally stock, I can't believe the difference.
It weighs about 505 lbs, wet but you can still make dance if you're willing to work for it. I did the Gap with it and still had a good time despite the so-called "heft".
The bike is overbuilt but it is a sport-tourer after all and is meant to rack up high mileage.
Not sure what other bike I'd get to replace it.

put it this way...the insurance is less than a 600cc SS.

i was $1200 for a zx6 with SF and 1050 with jevco for a "Sport tourer" 1000cc

Most ST are a lot slower than their race counterpart...but some are the exception.

this bike is essentially a naked zx9, its crazy quick though. Wheelie's in 1st and 2nd without clutch. Kinda scary sometimes.

the ducati streetfighter, z1000, triumph are all pretty wild machines. Not very tame, but great for the streets due to their tuning

Z's are really rare too...the older ones didnt sell well in ontario...not sure why

the VFR is far too heavy, and also mega mega quiet. i hate that ****ing engine. My buddy has one with a full hindle and it sounds like a mouse...and nothing can me done. all engine design. Mind you its a wicked bike lol, corners on rails, perfect balance between sport and touring.
 
Wow, so soon!!
Not happy with the bike?
I know I have no interest in it. I think Honda missed the boat with this thing.
All I wanted was a 1000cc gear-driven V4, fully adjustable suspension with upside down front forks, radial-mounted front brake calipers (with or without ABS) and chain driven. Keep the weight around 525 lbs wet and I'm buying right now!

I know its a bit bigger then your looking for, but I will be looking to sell my VFR1200 ... it has 2000km on it and is still under warranty :)
 
I may be biased, but Triumph Sprint ST 1050 is often overlooked. It’s smooth, powerful relatively comfortable and has handles great. As another bonus, it’s British!
6790797476_d37f3fb543_z.jpg
 
I may be biased, but Triumph Sprint ST 1050 is often overlooked. It’s smooth, powerful relatively comfortable and has handles great. As another bonus, it’s British!
6790797476_d37f3fb543_z.jpg

+ 1 on The Sprint...great ST,LUV The smooth ride (Triple) and has plenty of character (sound)
 
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