That was my thought, too. Trying to make something that's "good" at a bunch of things often leaves it with not being exemplary (or sometimes even acceptable) for any/most of them as part of the process of attempting to be many things it's not.
What is the best all around motorcycle in your opinion?
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That was my thought, too. Trying to make something that's "good" at a bunch of things often leaves it with not being exemplary (or sometimes even acceptable) for any/most of them as part of the process of attempting to be many things it's not.
Another problem is that few people buy motorcycles strictly based upon objective criteria.
When confronted with similar questions (Off-road capability didn't come up, though) it's hard to argue against something like a Honda VFR800. And yet, I would never buy one, because they're sterile, antiseptic, neutered, bland. Instead, I bought something that rips and snorts, and is something of a handful, and is completely impractical and perhaps a wee bit temperamental.
When confronted with similar questions (Off-road capability didn't come up, though) it's hard to argue against something like a Honda VFR800. And yet, I would never buy one, because they're sterile, antiseptic, neutered, bland. Instead, I bought something that rips and snorts, and is something of a handful, and is completely impractical and perhaps a wee bit temperamental.
Seeing as I ride one, I would normally say the same, but more and more I've been wanting something else. Maybe the newest version of the Strom or even lusting after a multistrada or something similar.
if you can believe the reviews of the new 2017/18 with traction control, "better' abs and a redesign , you may be close
Genesis
Well-known member
Genesis
Well-known member
kwtoxman
Well-known member
There's better than the v-strom imo.
Best all around bike depends on what degree of on-road vs off-road capability one wants. For all-around capability and more off-road preference I'd go with a Honda Africa twin. Lovely all-around bike and a huge following on ADV forums. And I'd pick an FJ-09 for the best all-around bike with more on-road preference. Many people ADV and tour with the FJ-09 (even track days), hard bags and lots of accessories and price is crazy good. Plus they are light, powerful and a bit of a hooligan machine. Both bikes are Japanese quality and reliability as well, which is great for high milers and touring.
These bikes really stand out and are at different ends of the all-around spectrum (on-road and off-road combinations).
Best all around bike depends on what degree of on-road vs off-road capability one wants. For all-around capability and more off-road preference I'd go with a Honda Africa twin. Lovely all-around bike and a huge following on ADV forums. And I'd pick an FJ-09 for the best all-around bike with more on-road preference. Many people ADV and tour with the FJ-09 (even track days), hard bags and lots of accessories and price is crazy good. Plus they are light, powerful and a bit of a hooligan machine. Both bikes are Japanese quality and reliability as well, which is great for high milers and touring.
These bikes really stand out and are at different ends of the all-around spectrum (on-road and off-road combinations).
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If you mean the OG (89-03) XRV 750, I'll agree. The CRF1000 is 70 lbs. heavier and a bit more road oriented.
Never ridden one but I think a Versys 300 would meet these needs well.
According to reviews it's comfortable, well capable of highway speed, suspension is acceptable for offroad use and is relatively lightweight compared to the big tourers, very fuel efficient, seat should be better for 2 up than a sport bike.
Dont be mean, its quieter than my lawnmower
Mine sounds more like a sowing machine. If it sounded like a lawnmower, then it would be a Yamaha
wonderings
Well-known member
A second vote for the BMW R1200GS, though personally I would step it up to the GSA. Larger tank and more wind protection.
Very comfortable with electronic suspension that can be adjusted for your needs as you ride. Long range with a large tank. Dirt roads, no problem, they are made for them. Fuel efficient unless you are travelling about 75mph then it goes right down. Plenty of room for 2 and tons of storage place. No slouch, lots of fun in the curves, dirt or slabbing it down the highway. I personally think it is the best all around package for touring with integrated Nav that you can control without your hands leaving the bars, great LED lights, amazing brakes, great suspension, just a wonderfully thought out bike. You pay the price of course, not a cheap bike, but worth it with all the smiles it delivers when you can basically do it all.
IMG_0287 by B P, on FlickrHey, you take that back! jk
I picked a bike with the realization that riding in GTA is exactly what you described the vfr as, sterile, neutered, bland until you get 1.5 hours out.
I decided that for the boring rides that make up at least half my riding, (enroute to more relatively more fun roads, while still boring, we live in the wrong area of North America for riding bliss), I'll get a bike that is comfortable, while not entirely too ugly, and one that sounds the TITS. Being cheap to acquire and insure is just a bonus. Rode 8 hours straight for my first "I'll be back soon babe" ride, and that was a new experience.
I owned what was supposed to be the best gen Vfr 98-01, but there was always something missing .Next bikes I owned were a zx9 and a fz1, all of them were great bikes . However my current bike FZ09 is the only bike that moves that makes me laugh and gives me wood every time I twist the throttle, the thought has never my mind once to replace or upgrade it.
I second this thought and agree with the FZ09 and I have a race prep GSXR1000 ....... and ewww
