Unfortunately, I can't put my finger on the link anymore, but awhile ago I posted on here a report of the types of bikes registered in different parts of the country, and there were some dramatic differences. In parts of the Midwest the registered bikes are up to 80% cruisers, in the Northeast not as much but still like 60-70%+, but in California and some of the West Coast you get a lot more sport bikes. Around here I think it is probably 70-80% cruisers, and then a fair number of sport bikes, some dual sports, and then once in a Blue Moon I see a big sport tourer.
I am here. Picked this up a couple of weeks ago and promptly rode it from my home in Florida to Asheville and back (with some mountain riding for a few days in between). Did my first service in Asheville at Eurosport (really great dealership). Very happy with the bike, but it's too miserably hot in FL to do much riding now, for my taste anyway. Come on October!
Holy crap, that bike is beautiful...and a wonderful ride. My local dealership affords me the opportunity to read their demo bikes pretty much whenever I want and I spent a fair amount of time on the GT. I loved the bike but even though they knocked a lot of bucks off the sticker, I couldn't justify the cost and bought the FJR instead. But I never begrudge a man who can afford it treating themselves. Enjoy!
Thanks! I had a 2007 FJR and enjoyed it quite a bit (my first ST), and later traded it for a 2008 K1200GT, even better. I can honestly say that this one is head and shoulders above all the rest (and I have ridden them all). I'm not a rich man, but I did have two bikes to trade, so the financial bite wasn't that hard to bear. No regrets.
Don't know if you have the time, but you should leave at night and ride that K1600 GT north and ride around New England for the summer. We've had some hot days in the 90s, but morning start out in the 60s, and they're predicting 50s in the mornings next week. That bike is a mile muncher and perfect for the trip.
You're right. I have a friend who has a summer house in Maine (rich guy). He has invited me to stay any time and I would love to make that trip. Maybe later this summer. If I can't do that (I'm involved in a project that may impact my summer), I'll head west and south this winter. Never been to Austin, TX and that would be a cool trip as well.
I just bought a new-to-me bike that I consider the epitome of what a sport-touring bike is all about. I know that it officially falls into the "Adventure" bike category, but this thing is 99% streetbike, and that makes it a S/T in my book. It's also big-time fun, fast as hell, and handles well enough to keep my former roadracer self very happy.
Rode my Sprint ST (minus it's panniers) this week along with a guy on a V-Strom . The DL 650 did quite well in the zillion or so twisties we played in. Sport touring comes in many flavors
Congrats! I'm almost sure that will be my next bike in a couple years (torn between that and a Ninja 1000). I agree that it is a true ST bike. Then again, many of the new ADV bikes are used for touring, go figure. Let us know how you like it.
Here was mine. Plenty quick. Reliable as an axe. Decent handler. And with proper panniers or other bags, fully capable of touring with the best of them.
I was looking to sell my K75 a couple months ago in order to buy a mid weight sport tourer (was thinking VFR or similar). A guy offered up a DL1000 in trade and a couple days later the deal was done. It definitely works as a sports tourer, but truth be told, I wish it was a little more sport than tourer. Comfy ergos though. I'm still messing with the suspension, but I'm not sure I am going to get it where I want it. A VFR, F800, Sprint, etc may be in my future in a couple seasons, but I still haven't given the DL a fair shot. I have a feeling once I take it on a long trip the comfort is going to add to its appeal. We'll see, but it is certainly checking the sport tourer box for now.
Thanks Steve. I live near Bailey so these are among my local favorites. We also did Brook Forest Road ...a ride I discovered in your book. Great resource Tom
My European style sport-tourer collection: My '95 Triumph Trident 900 triple, 6.6 gallon tank, Targa Blast Shield, GIVI bags, Corbin seat. 25+ states on this one. Great bike, Triumph's first year back in the U.S., over-built to reestablish their reputation. 2006 Ducati Multistrada 620 (bought new in 2011) with matching sport-touring saddle-bags. Haven't toured too much on this one yet, but very comfy for a Ducati! 2005 BMW K1200s, uber sport-tourer. Set up for long distance touring. Been to 20 plus states on this one. I feel indestructible/omnipotent on this thing! Its THAT capable!! American style sport-tourer: 1997 Honda Valkyrie Tourer, handles better than it has any right to . Been to 30+ states on this one, ultra-reliable of course, its a Honda!! Japanese style sport-tourer: Last, but not least, is my '83 Kawasaki KZ750 L3, bought new. I have a complete set of soft luggage (tank-bag, saddle-bags, and seat-bag) for it, made by BagMan by Vetter. Anybody remember that company? OMG, I'm old!! lol
Cool bikes, all. But I know exactly what you mean about this one. The K/S is just an amazing bike. It's been criticized by many for being a bike with no real purpose: too heavy to be a sport bike, too sporty for a tourer, and too fast for any real-world scenario. But it all makes perfect sense after you've spent some time aboard one. Superb all-around motorcycle. Leaving Monday morning for Colorado on mine....
I totally agree!! I test rode both a BMW K1600GLT and a BMW S1000rr this past year. The BMW K1200/1300s is a perfect balance between these 2 capable/great, but narrowly focused, bikes!! The test rides made me realize how special my K1200s is. I'll invest in some comfort/touring amenities to make it even more capable! Good luck, and safe travels, to Colorado!! We're headed to all 5 Great Lakes, cooler up there I hope, in a couple of weeks ourselves!! Now, I have to decide which sport-tourer to ride!! Decisions-decisions LOL.
Thanks very much for the safe travel wishes, and same to you, brother. I hope you find your cooler weather! That's what I'm in search of, too. I have a k1300s, and I've added a Sargent seat and Pro-Grip (719's, I think) grips, but haven't made any other comfort mods. Unless you count the crash protectors, which I've been know to use briefly for highway pegs.... Love to hear of any mods you end up doing that you recommend. Aside from thinking a little more legroom would be nice every once in awhile, I love the riding position. At speed, the forward lean is just enough to counter wind blast, isn't it? Great bike. Love that blue on yours, too. In fact, I actually like the lines of the K1200S better than the 13. I had a silver\yellow k12S, traded it off during a bout of temporary insanity, and missed it so much I bought my k13 last year with 2200 miles on the clock. Won't be making the trade mistake again! Enjoy the lakes. That's beautiful country.