suggestions for 600-1000cc sport tourer?

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Upright, cadillac comfortable, rugged, 955i Daytona motor (tuned for torque = 105hp, 68 ft/lbs), heated grips, heated GT seat, removeable hard luggage...

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The only motorcycle of the dozen or so I've owned that I truly regret selling. Triumph hasn't improved on it one single bit.

(ps, midgets, walk away.)
 
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vrus said:
are you sure about that ?
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definitely sure.... as I don't believe there's much touring in that package... though it looks fun.
 
gqelements said:
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.
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Doesn't it redline at like 6k or something like that and power starts to taper off over 4k? I hear a lot of complains about the suspension as well, just like the 650R (which I've heard have been fixed since 2012). Other than the electrical do-dads which can always be easily added aftermarket, ABS (which the new 650Rs have) and a little more power, what else makes it better? It costs almost double (used at least), gets slightly better fuel economy but takes premium fuel so that kind of negates that, costs quite a bit more to insure, and parts are about 4x the price. I guess maybe it's got better build quality or something?
 
Triple said:
definitely sure.... as I don't believe there's much touring in that package... though it looks fun.
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same options as the 955, minus the heated seat!

I do believe the 1200, which just came out is the true successor.
 
unL33T said:
Doesn't it redline at like 6k or something like that and power starts to taper off over 4k? I hear a lot of complains about the suspension as well, just like the 650R (which I've heard have been fixed since 2012). Other than the electrical do-dads which can always be easily added aftermarket, ABS (which the new 650Rs have) and a little more power, what else makes it better? It costs almost double (used at least), gets slightly better fuel economy but takes premium fuel so that kind of negates that, costs quite a bit more to insure, and parts are about 4x the price. I guess maybe it's got better build quality or something?
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Hahahaha. No, redline isn't stratospheric but the will get to 8500-9500. And getting there isn't boring. Have had mine for 4 years now (F800S), tracked it 10 times and had absolutely no problem staying at the front of the intermediate group on my OEM Metzeler M1 tires. (I have since obviously turned to dedicated race bikes.) Turns very well and with more stability (read: confidence) than my GSXR600.

Suspension is definitely soft for the track but I've never had a problem with it on the street, even riding 2-up with my wife.

What I love about this bike is that it is very controllable in the lower RPMs, say cruising below 4K, but from 5K and up it shows its alter ego. I haven't noticed any flat spots in the powerband and it kicks you in the *** as soon as you crack the throttle. Have never had any problem staying at the front during group rides (have since stopped wanting to), but honestly I don't think that's a good measure of anyone's bike, just your willingness to take risks. The track definitely chills you out and now I ride to enjoy the scenery.

And I like where my turn signals are just fine, thank you very ******* much.

OP, don't get the F800S. It's discontinued meaning it'll probably hold its value well into the future. It's unique meaning there aren't a million out there and no one will want to steal it from your underground condo garage. It's cheaper to insure because it is classified as a sport tourer, thanks to its ST model sibling. It's build quality is good enough that in the future your kids will wonder why you still keep it lingering around the past twenty years.

Gee, don't know why anyone would want to put themselves through something like that.
 
I was in the same boat a few yrs ago looking for a mid-weight sport tourer and was seriously considering a VFR. However I ended up buying a 2003 Kawasaki ZX-9R with low mileage during the off season for a good price. It's very comfortable for me (5'7") and the handling is amazing. City driving I get ~ 220km to a tank. Highway mileage is 250ish.

There isn't a lot of touring accessories for the 2003 model, but I did get a Ventura rack for it. Plus I pack light. For a 1 week trip, I didn't even bring saddle bags. The key is to do laundry 1/2-way through, but I digress. I believe in the 2002 and earlier models you can get a Givi topcase mount. Also, it's a bit tall for me, but I have a shortish inseam. My wife can flatfoot it no problem.

The motor is amazing. Lots of torque down low, and it pulls hard in the high rev's. I ride ~ 20K km's per year (bike now has > 90K) with no issues. The high maintenance costs for the VFR was an issue for me.
 
i'm happy with my fz6. its been keeping up with liter bikes in corners.
 
I'll have to throw in my biased opinion because its all I know. I'm on a 01 YZF600R with a corbin seat as a previous owner must have installed. It was a good coice for me especially what they sell for.

My $.02
 
sash said:
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!
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If I was lookin for a sport tourer ...Sprint would be it
 
GRAYZ said:
Hahahaha. No, redline isn't stratospheric but the will get to 8500-9500. And getting there isn't boring. Have had mine for 4 years now (F800S), tracked it 10 times and had absolutely no problem staying at the front of the intermediate group on my OEM Metzeler M1 tires. (I have since obviously turned to dedicated race bikes.) Turns very well and with more stability (read: confidence) than my GSXR600.

Suspension is definitely soft for the track but I've never had a problem with it on the street, even riding 2-up with my wife.

What I love about this bike is that it is very controllable in the lower RPMs, say cruising below 4K, but from 5K and up it shows its alter ego. I haven't noticed any flat spots in the powerband and it kicks you in the *** as soon as you crack the throttle. Have never had any problem staying at the front during group rides (have since stopped wanting to), but honestly I don't think that's a good measure of anyone's bike, just your willingness to take risks. The track definitely chills you out and now I ride to enjoy the scenery.

And I like where my turn signals are just fine, thank you very ******* much.

OP, don't get the F800S. It's discontinued meaning it'll probably hold its value well into the future. It's unique meaning there aren't a million out there and no one will want to steal it from your underground condo garage. It's cheaper to insure because it is classified as a sport tourer, thanks to its ST model sibling. It's build quality is good enough that in the future your kids will wonder why you still keep it lingering around the past twenty years.

Gee, don't know why anyone would want to put themselves through something like that.
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Good review. The only thing I'll add is that over the last 40k i havent EVER used premium gas and havent even glanced at the belt. Serviced the bike at Rosey Toes and she's as happy as a kitten (i.e. the whole expensive gas and service thing is a myth)
 
PhoenixFZ, you sent me a pm but your inbox is full, clear out your inbox so I can reply to you
 
Boooya - I can't believe you haven't sold it yet. Very nice bike and set up you got going on.
 
00ninja said:
Boooya - I can't believe you haven't sold it yet. Very nice bike and set up you got going on.
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I've had some offers but nothing that motivated me enough to part with her.
Not sure I even want to sell it, she's been good to me and frankly can't think of another bike that can do everything well like this one can.
Plus I have way to much invested, financially and emotionally in this bike.
 
boooya said:
I've had some offers but nothing that motivated me enough to part with her.
Not sure I even want to sell it, she's been good to me and frankly can't think of another bike that can do everything well like this one can.
Plus I have way to much invested, financially and emotionally in this bike.
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I understand. I have the same attachment to my bike as it's my first bike. I've been thinking about buying another bike for some time (going sport-tourer). Besides the money for another bike I'm having a hard time parting with it since it's in fantastic shape and costs me next to nothing to run.

OP - Sorry for the threadjack.
 
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