Just get yourself an old KLR and be done with it. I too had a GL650, but I thought it lacked power. That said the KLR is no powerhouse but the torque makes up for it.
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Thinking of buying a big boy bike
- Thread starter jeff96
- Start date
I was looking for a KLR when I came across the GL. I don't think the GL is a slouch in the power department. I don't need more power, I just want it.
I had to regretfully take the Magna off the list when I considered that most years I commute in to work at least once every month of the year. That big ugly fairing has a place in the motorcycling world, especially for a year round commuter.
My logic is often flawed, but hear me out. If zeroto60times.com can be believed, a GL1100 has a similar quarter mile time to a 2019 Mustang GT. That's kinda cool. Not that I'm into drag racing, I just want to have that oomph on tap.
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I had to regretfully take the Magna off the list when I considered that most years I commute in to work at least once every month of the year. That big ugly fairing has a place in the motorcycling world, especially for a year round commuter.
My logic is often flawed, but hear me out. If zeroto60times.com can be believed, a GL1100 has a similar quarter mile time to a 2019 Mustang GT. That's kinda cool. Not that I'm into drag racing, I just want to have that oomph on tap.
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I haven't taken many contenders off the list but I've opened up lots of possibilities by expanding the budget a bit (under$5000) The GL1100 regretfully had to come off the list because of its age. I'll keep the GL650 for tinkering. Also, getting some quotes on insurance hasn't been a deal breaker with surprisingly little variation between bikes. A 1000cc Kawasaki Concours costs $20 a year less to insure than the newer 1400cc Concours. The 1400 might actually be too much bike, but there's some really good deals out there. The ST1300 would cost $7 a year more than the 1400 even though it sounds like a much tamer bike. I suspect the only way to pick one over the other is to actually go and see them.
Here's the short list which changes frequently, but gives you an idea of where my head is at.
2005 Kawasaki Concours 1000cc
2008 Kawasaki Concours 1400cc
2000 Honda ST1100
2005 Honda ST1300
2003 FJR 1300
Obviously a GTR1400 is going to have a lot more grunt than an ST1100, but I don't think any of the above bikes will be disappointing. I go through a lot of gas in a year, so the bikes that run on 87 get points. They all have a reputation for reliability. I'm wondering if the ST1100 is more friendly to a driveway mechanic like myself. I should also mention I'm 6'2 200lbs if that changes the suitability of any of them.
Here's the short list which changes frequently, but gives you an idea of where my head is at.
2005 Kawasaki Concours 1000cc
2008 Kawasaki Concours 1400cc
2000 Honda ST1100
2005 Honda ST1300
2003 FJR 1300
Obviously a GTR1400 is going to have a lot more grunt than an ST1100, but I don't think any of the above bikes will be disappointing. I go through a lot of gas in a year, so the bikes that run on 87 get points. They all have a reputation for reliability. I'm wondering if the ST1100 is more friendly to a driveway mechanic like myself. I should also mention I'm 6'2 200lbs if that changes the suitability of any of them.
This is my comparison sheet. Would anyone add any specs for comparison?
docs.google.com
Sport Tourer Comparison
Mad Mike
Well-known member
I've had the pleasure of riding all 5, my fave is the FJR (that's why I have one). I have ridden all 3 gens and could not tell a difference between them.
My experience, and the experience of my FJR owning friends is they are easiest of the big STs to work on for 2 reasons - 1) You never need to work on them, 2) they are the simplest to peel open for routine service.
Next would be the ST1300, I personally wouldn't touch a Connie (there are reasons you don't see to many of them around)
ST1300 compared to the FJR:
Comfort, Element Protection: ST1300 - bigger fairing and more hand protection are good in the rain. More upright ergos add comfort (FJR's need risers). If you tip an ST, the built in sliders save damage
Fuel economy and range: ST1300, bigger tank and slightly better MPG
Performance: FJR - by a sizable margin
Maintenance: FJR - easier to service, cheaper to service, tires last longer.
Weight: FJR is 137lbs lighter (582lbs vs 719 dry, or 24% heavier) - they are a bear to move around by hand.
ST1300 has a few other naggs:
1) They are HOT - unbearably hot in urban riding. I thought a GEN 1 FJR was warm, AN ST1300 is a rolling BBQ
2) Tires: They eat tires! Odd size 120/70ZR - 18 front tires can be hard to find. Changing the rear requires dropping the rear fender, and both mufflers.
3) Pan weave (ot an issuer below 160kmh.) -- trust me, it happens and it's "**** your pants scary".
My ST riding buddy sums it up nicely: The biggest problem I have with my ST1300 is the FJR.
My experience, and the experience of my FJR owning friends is they are easiest of the big STs to work on for 2 reasons - 1) You never need to work on them, 2) they are the simplest to peel open for routine service.
Next would be the ST1300, I personally wouldn't touch a Connie (there are reasons you don't see to many of them around)
ST1300 compared to the FJR:
Comfort, Element Protection: ST1300 - bigger fairing and more hand protection are good in the rain. More upright ergos add comfort (FJR's need risers). If you tip an ST, the built in sliders save damage
Fuel economy and range: ST1300, bigger tank and slightly better MPG
Performance: FJR - by a sizable margin
Maintenance: FJR - easier to service, cheaper to service, tires last longer.
Weight: FJR is 137lbs lighter (582lbs vs 719 dry, or 24% heavier) - they are a bear to move around by hand.
ST1300 has a few other naggs:
1) They are HOT - unbearably hot in urban riding. I thought a GEN 1 FJR was warm, AN ST1300 is a rolling BBQ
2) Tires: They eat tires! Odd size 120/70ZR - 18 front tires can be hard to find. Changing the rear requires dropping the rear fender, and both mufflers.
3) Pan weave (ot an issuer below 160kmh.) -- trust me, it happens and it's "**** your pants scary".
My ST riding buddy sums it up nicely: The biggest problem I have with my ST1300 is the FJR.
Mad Mike
Well-known member
I think you have some weights wrong, ST1300 is 720 dry WITHOUT BAGS, the FJR is 582lbs with bags.This is my comparison sheet. Would anyone add any specs for comparison?
Sport Tourer Comparison
ST1300 0-60 3.5, 1/4m 11.4, FRJ 2.7/10.7
Yup, I've lost track of where I got the info because it was from different sources, but yes, chart is updated: the FJR is lighter and the ST1300 heavier than I originally thought. The ST has a slightly larger fuel capacity which would account for a small amount of the difference.
I haven't read much negative stuff about the connies. What's wrong with them?
I haven't read much negative stuff about the connies. What's wrong with them?
GVWR. Use that, your weight and the wet weight to see how much you can carry with you.This is my comparison sheet. Would anyone add any specs for comparison?
Sport Tourer Comparison
Some sport tourers have large enough bags that you can easily overweight them.
I thought that was restricted to the PanEuropean ( ST1100 ) ...have not heard of it in the ST1300.
The cops in Australia switched from 1100s to 1300s.
It does mention the weave over 170 on the ST1300 here.
2002-2012 HONDA ST1300
HONDA ST1300 Honda’s ST1300 had big boots to fill when it took over ‘Big Red’s’ magnum sports-tourer role from the ST1100. But it was well up to the task.
amcn.com.au
As for barbecue ...yep...the ST1100 can cook you in traffic...but it's still the quietest bike I've ridden at 150 kph
sniff ....miss the beast at times.. Glove pockets were handy, decent seat, marginal factory luggage and the bike looked weird with it off.
Have to throw in the CBF1000 here for the OP....lighter than the others, brilliant brakes and lots of hustle.
Take off the luggage and you have a go fast machine with a ton of torque and low weight. 490 lb dry, 19 L tank.
Informative review here
Bike News - Carole Nash
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yeah yeah I like red bikes. ?
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Did you actually go down the entire length of the trans taiga on a cbr250 or just took a picture at the beginning?
I would recommend a vstrom 650 for you. If you're used to bikes with 125 and 250cc, you will be disappointed with the fuel economy of big bikes like the FJR. A vstrom 650 will get over 60 mpg and is better suited for gravel/dirt.
I would recommend a vstrom 650 for you. If you're used to bikes with 125 and 250cc, you will be disappointed with the fuel economy of big bikes like the FJR. A vstrom 650 will get over 60 mpg and is better suited for gravel/dirt.
Mad Mike
Well-known member
I have both FJR and Vstrom (DL650). I second the Vstrom recommendation -- turned into my goto bike after I bought it.
try 45-50 mpg
but yep good off pavement and lots of fun in the twists.
Suzuki DL650 V-Strom MPG - Actual MPG from 451 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom owners
The most accurate Suzuki DL650 V-Strom MPG estimates based on real world results of 3.7 million miles driven in 451 Suzuki DL650 V-Stroms
www.fuelly.com
J_F
Guest
OP wants a big boy bike
why you guys trying to sell him a midsize lawnmower?
prolly more used FJR's around than there are ST's and Connies combined
several to choose from kijiji in your 5K price range, OP
I like this one
2009 with 33K on the clock for 5 grand
a few scuffs, but that's nothing to worry about
it's an AE though - no manual clutch
www.kijiji.ca
why you guys trying to sell him a midsize lawnmower?
prolly more used FJR's around than there are ST's and Connies combined
several to choose from kijiji in your 5K price range, OP
I like this one
2009 with 33K on the clock for 5 grand
a few scuffs, but that's nothing to worry about
it's an AE though - no manual clutch
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That was a poser shot. But pictures of traveling the North Road, out to Chisasaibi, Long Point and Wemindji are the real deal. I could barely move when I got home. The GL 650 isn't particularly fuel efficient, especially the way I ride it. I'm not expecting 250 fuel economy, but it shouldn't be worse than my Kia either.
There's been a few bikes like the Vstrom that I've been tempted by. My main concern is that I now have a fairing I can get my knees behind. With the GL, that made a huge difference in all weather commuting
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Mad Mike
Well-known member
Both these bikes have a wide range of fuel economies depending on how you ride them. I can get 66MPG (imp) running >100KM between Toronto and Ottawa along HWY 7, or 51MPG running like a banshee thru the Algonquin Highlands (or all city).
On my FJR those numbers are 54MPG and 46MPG.
That's real world mileage for me with the averages at the lower end.
The SPG on the bigger bikes are way better than anything you'll get from a 250 -- worth the extra few bucks a year in fuel costs.
Mad Mike
Well-known member
DL650 is dependably 5L/100, FJR 5.4/L100 with spirited riding.
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