Jump to content

Need Help Deciding On A New Bike


wantahertzdonut

Recommended Posts

I'm looking at mixing up the stable a bit as my riding needs have changed.  I'm looking for a bike good for longer 2-up riding and sell at least my 05 SV, possibly my 02 or my Tuono, but not both.

 

I'm not brand specific but I'm thinking a sport tourer or light-to-medium cruiser with good suspension, brakes, and tire options would be up my alley.  It needs to be nimble enough to navigate SoCal rush hour traffic (we're talking lane sharing here) but still have room that my girlfriend won't complain about spending several hours on the highway either.  And it's gotta have boxes for luggage.  No scooters.

 

Ligher is better in this case.  I'm not a fan of huge heavy bikes.

 

I haven't settled on a budget and don't know if I want new or used.  Just looking for ideas right now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lane splitting will limit the size ST, but the larger STs are considerably more comfortable for 2 up riding. The vfr 800 seems to fit the smaller ST bill. Also, Honda is clearing out the vfr1200 at really low prices. If a larger ST fits the bill, you can't go wrong with a Concours 14 or FJR. If money is not a big consideration, the BMW k1600 is very nice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

long-term comfort two-up is going to require a pretty serious ST bike, IMHO.

 

VFR1200 and Concourse  would be places to start.  Maybe Ninja 1000 as well? A passenger back-rest makes a less touring-oriented passenger seat more livable though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm a big fan of the FJR,but any of the sport-tourers would probably due the trick for you.

 

I wouldn't be afraid to lane split with an FJR...I did it for several months in the Bay area and never had a problem...and that's coming from a seo hillbilly.The first time or two is a little unsettling,but once you get the hang of it,it's the only way to go.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Triumph Trophy has had issues...

 Other than 513 manufactured from September 2012 through March 2013

for the fuel tank, and 416 which were built from June 1, 2012 through Feb. 28, 2013

for the center stand, what else have you heard on these new 1200's?

 

.

Edited by JackFlash
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I've asked around about the vfr800's and heard some complaints about the VTEC models having annoying engine characteristics. Anyone have personal experience with this?

Bad324, yeah, I'd happily do a swap day with you if I were still local.

I'll look into the FJRs too. I know very little about them. Or the Trophy. It sounds interesting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Personally I think people complaining about the vtec are just looking for something to complain about. You just learn real quick how to operate it to avoid said annoyances differently than an I4. I feel like that's the bit problem is people used to the I4 then hopping on the VFR once and being annoyed because it's different.

I have a pciii on mine with a tune that smooths out the vtec kick which helped solve the so called annoyance of it

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Personally I think people complaining about the vtec are just looking for something to complain about. You just learn real quick how to operate it to avoid said annoyances differently than an I4. I feel like that's the bit problem is people used to the I4 then hopping on the VFR once and being annoyed because it's different.

I have a pciii on mine with a tune that smooths out the vtec kick which helped solve the so called annoyance of it

 

I haven't ridden one, but I'm not sure I agree...  If you're saying you can eliminate the perceived problem by modifying your riding habits, then that's one thing.  If you're claiming that "the surge in power shouldn't be annoying once you know it's coming," then I'm less inclined to agree.    Knowing to expect a poor engine characteristic doesn't make the characteristic any less poor...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't ridden one, but I'm not sure I agree... If you're saying you can eliminate the perceived problem by modifying your riding habits, then that's one thing. If you're claiming that "the surge in power shouldn't be annoying once you know it's coming," then I'm less inclined to agree. Knowing to expect a poor engine characteristic doesn't make the characteristic any less poor...

I meant it in the modifying riding habits way. Frankly I don't find it a poor characteristic but that's just me
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

 Other than 513 manufactured from September 2012 through March 2013

for the fuel tank, and 416 which were built from June 1, 2012 through Feb. 28, 2013

for the center stand, what else have you heard on these new 1200's?

 

.

 

I meant it in the modifying riding habits way. Frankly I don't find it a poor characteristic but that's just me

 

They are not selling well, that tells me all I need to know. I like my Japanese bikes too much, anything European being my only bike is not an option.

Edited by Pokey
Link to comment
Share on other sites

i didnt like the vtec on my vfr...but bad is right, you get used to it and it stops bothering you as much...in a straight line its fun to have, but when youre riding at a casual pace if you dont short shift then the vtec kicks in in an annoying rev range and just makes it unsmooth..... the vtec doesnt work until the engine is properly warmed up, so in the winter time i got to ride my bike with no vtec because it was so cold that my bike never fully heated up...it was so much better....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Interesting points on the VTEC. I should try one to see for myself.

What does a VFR800 weigh?

My brother has a line on an 02 or 03 BMW K1200GT. I rode one of these a couple years ago and remember it being nice. What is ownership like?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Admittedly I am a 5th gen addict, but near all 6th gen guys spend $ and time to get the VTEC less bothersome. I did spend around 1200 miles on a 6th and that cured me from wanting one. The 5th gen powerband is just seamless bottom to top, no modding required out of the box.

- So what do the total VFR crazys do? Install a 5th engine in a 6th gen bike.

 

6th gen weight? Try around 554 lbs wet. ---5th? 517 lbs wet. 

Edited by mello dude
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...