What bike next...

[leevtr]

+ 1 on the Blackbird.

What about a Ducati ST4 ?? Or has that been said already. Not a fan of Italian motors I must admit, but most people have more patience than me.

[AMCQ46]

Just to show i'm not totally biased.

Honda CBF1000
Kawasaki Z1000SX
2000-2005 Yam Fazer1000
Triumph tiger 1050
Ducati multistrada
BMW R1200ST (mega fugly but good at the job)
Suzuki GSXR1000 (yes they can do it all too)
Kawasaki ZZR1400
Suzuki Hayabusa
HONDA Blackbird
KTM smt

thats a good list, I have always liked the look of the Z1000SX, the Tiger 1050, the Multi and the SMT.

might be worth a look at the smaller BMW GS or the new tiger 800, but the latter is only new so might be out of the price range.

Also Chris, you might need to consider the "short butt" factor , as you dont want someting too high as it will be a nightmare when fully loaded and you can only touch down with tiptoes

[BigVeeGrin]

my list would have to have bikes that blend character, comfort, economy, reliability, be light enough for some fun but long enough in the legs to munch miles. Not picky me

KTM SMT
BMW F800 in ST/GT guise
The triumph st - loads around and looks the biz, and supposedly is a good ride
VFR800 - still cuts it i believe
maybe the new'ish Z1000SX, although not sure about the character
and I think I ought to lob the FZ1 in here

be interesting to hear how you go on this

[Styler4077]

BMW K1200LT
NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT
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If you thrash it the front tire will last less than 2,000 miles
The best of a Pan, FJ and others. Best handling and comfort.
50mpg 90mph all day and 800 mile days no problem.
I personally will sell all my other bikes before this one
(VTR, Harley Glide, and the other 8 bikes)

That's me a Julie on the Beamer.
Only mod was a new custom Wilber rear shock.
£4,000 for a early model, great value.

Down side :-( Fcuking heavy 500kg or more loaded.

[Styler4077]

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Did not come up as I expected it too.


Stephen

[Virt]

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Did not come up as I expected it too.


Stephen

[youtube][/youtube]

You need to use the full, standard URL

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[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV6Wif_9CNY[/youtube]

[Redthunder]

I went to see the white one on below site, absolute minter. Only reason didn't buy is cos decided to get the Ktm instead. Never seen this shop sell anything lesshttp://www.billlomasmotorcycles.co.uk/14004/stock.htm

[seb421]

Get a VFR

[Ckennedy]

Well today has been another interesting day on the bike. We tried to load the panniers further back yesterday and it didn't work. Today they sat further back which helped the missus sit that all important inch further back which meant I could sit further back made riding a lot easier for both us the bike must have got wind that she was on the for sale section. She has been remarkable again today. Popping and burbeling, easy to throw round the roads in the Alpes and just so well behaved. Still have a slight issue with my knee and between my shoulder blades. The missus has only really struggled with numb elbow today. Only been 200miles but a vast improvement. Maybe a set of Harris rear sets, renthel flat bars and a new shaped seat may work? With a top box for next time?

[Stratman]

I may change my TDM900 (which I got for touring for similar reasons) for a Suzuki GSX1250F. They are cheap, fully loaded with luggage, have a good tank range, large seat for pillion and rider and are very torquey.

The trouble with the large tourers like the FJ1300 is the sheer weight of the damn things. My mate has one and I leave him for dead in the twisty bits on my TDM as I can brake later and flick into the corner quicker, so bear that in mind. 280 kilos plus luggage and pillion is a lot to stop coming down an Alpine hairpin!

[chric]

the harris rear sets have cured my numb hand problem for some reason
But need adjusting as i have a dodgey left hip had last 23 years since being ten

[Ckennedy]

I have just looked on ebay and could not see any shall keep my eye out. Going to see how the bike is tomorrow with the 300miles to Paris. If it is the same as today then I'll keep it. Then spend the money on restarts, seat and maybe a top yoke conversion. Also got my eye on some luggage racks iv just spotted on eBay. Just waiting for a reply to see what panniers fit on them.

[adyf]

sounds like you are having a great time ,putting some miles in aswell ,must admit mines better since I fitted the rearsets and lifted the bars a bit (bloody Alistair and his yellow storm) be a shame to sell what is one of the smartest storms I have seen mate ,just alter it a bit and get a corbin seat will make all the difference and a flip screen like I sold to al that was good.hope you keep it buddy ,if not my money would buy a blackbird lovely bike and a Honda ,say no more ,ride safe.ady.

[Ckennedy]

I was thinking about of one those screens Al has with the flip front today while being battered by the wind. I am hoping that the hard luggage rack I have seen on eBay will sit the panniers in the right place so the missus stays comfy. Seen some pannier boxes and top boxes on there too so it might have solved 1 big problem with touring, luggage space. Going to give the old girl another try and try to get some luggage sorted even if just a top box, get the seat re done by the bloke who did AP's seat, a set of Harris rear sets, a flip screen like you suggest ady and if needs be a top yoke conversion. Only another 800ish quid to spend

[AMCQ46]

Chris, you are on holiday, stop wasting time on the forum