Aprilia Futura! Puts the SPORT in sport touring! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKPwX1Xee5E And of course a proper S/T bike needs to carry a passenger too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdPcE_XqTA4&feature=relmfu
If cost is a big consideration, the GSX 650 F would suit well, I think. They haven't been sold in the US for some time, but are very big in Europe & Australia. Leftovers are still around on the web for very attractive prices, or new ones from Canada with ABS. (much less attractive prices)
I too am considering a "small sport tourer". The FZ6 and the GSX650F are high on my list. There is one of each fo sale by the same owner. Both setup with luggage and 08's in the for sale section. Anyone ride both and can tell which is smoother at highway speeds? I briefly rode the FZ and really liked it and I'd assume the GSX would be similar around town which most of my riding would be. That and the odd day trip or weekend thrown in. I'd love to own a larger ST such as the FJR or C14 but that's way overkill for my 10 minute commute and 55km speed limit.
When I'm touring on my DS bikes the one thing I do miss is shaft drive. Riding rain or shine day after day, ease of service is important. I like the easy oil changes on the FJR, nice shaft drive too. But, for something different I might try a Guzzi one of these days, maybe the standard V7 version with some Givi bags. They list for $10K new and are shaft driven. Or maybe the fancy one if I ever get a real job again: The more I ride the more I like bikes without all the plastic. I've done the Honda ST11 and ST13, the FJR was more fun. I'm a tall guy so I don't fit on Sprint's or the VFR's etc. It sucks being big some days.. The FJR fits me perfect but, its a heavy bike and it shows when the roads get tight. It will probably be a Guzzi or a BMW R1200RT if I get another bike. I've always had a sweet spot for air cooled twins. The RT has great weather protection. My FJR1300 always left me soaked in even light rain. That space just above the dash funnels rain right to your chest. Makes it a cooler bike on hot days though....
I gotz both an FJR and an FZ6. I usually pick the FJR cuz the weight don'y bother me nun, 'n I like the heated grips, adjustable wind screen, integrated side cases, and shaft drive. Butt, the little FZ6 iz also a good platform for a ST/ADV bike. It's comfortable, has a 200 plus mile range, and 26K mi. valve checks. I've added a Cee Bailey wind screen, 'n Airhawk butt pad, heated vest plug, SPOT and GPS mounts. You could install Oxford heated gripz, and now yer good ta go tour'in.
I have never ridden the FZ6 but I own an FZ6R that I've put 15K miles on and I rode a GSX650F for an entire weekend a couple years ago. From what I can remember they both perform almost identically in traffic and commuting. The 650F was a bit more stable on the highway, but that does not mean the 6R is UNstable. I've done a week long, 3K mile trip on my 6R and it is just fine on the highway, 80mph+, for days on end. :) The 6R is just a little buzzier than the 650F at 80-90mph but nothing that is intrusive. I've never thought I needed to change bikes because of that. I did change the front sprocket to a 17 tooth and that brought the RPM's down a little which was helpful. I'm not sure if that info helps but from what I know you would not be dissapointed with a 650F, and I think it is a very underrated bike. There are also a lot of folks who tour on an FZ6 and I've never seen anything negative that stands out. My .02 cents...
FZ6 and FZ6R are two entirely different bikes. The FZ6R is the XJ6 Diversion F with a different name for North America. Steel frame, different motor, heavier. The FZ6 is a great open-road tourer, but makes most of its power above 7k on the tach, so it can be annoying around town. I say this after 23k miles over two years living in downtown minneapolis. The FZ6 also suffers from significantly under-sprung forks. My plan for the winter is racetech .95kg straight rate springs and cartridge emulators. Beyond that, very easy to live with. 27k valve intervals and mine were in spec at the first one. chain, sprockets, tires, oil, filter, air filter.
I agree. When I got into sport-touring I thought it was a natural progression to end up on a big bike such as a Concours, FJR, etc. But after 2 solid years and a few multi-day trips, I will likely stay on a middleweight for a long time. The only thing that may change my mind would be my wife coming along. I even considered the new Ninja 1000 or the GSX1250F, but my 600 just keeps getting the job done. :) Price has kept me away from the F800ST but I would consider an FZ8 if uppers and lowers were available in the future. For now I will ride my 6R until the wheels fall off. Maybe give it to my daughter in a few years. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
I gotta say, my k1200rs has been spoiling me. I have a 55 mile roundtrip commute and usually mix it up between my R1150GS, my Aprilia Futura and my wife's Norge. But the last 6 days, I've ridden nothing but Klaudia (the k1200rs). I forced myself to ride the 1150GS today because it was feeling left-out. that instantaneous roll-on of the k motor at freeway passing speeds has gotten pretty addictive.
I was looking at BMW k75 bikes when looking for a sport tourer but scored a deal on a bandit 1200 that already and givi side and top boxes for half the price. It is a "large" displacement bike but it doesn't feel very large compared to a Connie or fjr. I scored 41 mpg last trip and with the power I have in reserve at 80 mph I consider that pretty damn good -Jake
Just wandered around the south for a few thousand miles. Averaged over 53mpg I keep thinking after these years and so many miles I would end up on a larger displacement bike, but the SV keep making me smile. What a capable a rugged machine.
How about this: R1200R. This one is my old bike. Great ride, smooth as silk and great handling. It is probably the best general purpose bike BMW does not promote. It can carry the same luggage as the RT, and is about 80 pounds lighter. It can tour and chase crotch rockets easily.
Nice 919 - that's about the perfect ST engine. I miss my old one. My Bandit has that addictive roll-on, but the 919 never lacked and was super smooth... ....and yeah, it looks cooler too.