Which Sport Touring bike?

[ROAD DAMAGE]

Alright Ladies and Gentlemen,

Rumor has it that you are the ones with the experience and knowledge .............. and I'd like to tap into that please.

I'm expecting a small windfall in the near future, so I'll soon be in the market for my first sport touring bike.
I'll probably try to buy late model/used if possible ............ so NOT looking to spend $20K.

Here's the deal. I'm about 6'5", # 255 with 39" sleeves. I'm looking for a bike that will "FIT ME" like my GSA does. I'd also like to have a bike with "lots of giddyup" (135-175hp) and a relatively upright riding position.

Bikes I'm thinking about are Kawi C-14, ST1300, FJR, K1200-K1300, etc. etc.
I'm probably NOT going to be interested in a GoldWing, even though it fits me better than the others.

I've sat on all THESE bikes ........... but have NOT ridden any of them. I felt they were all a bit small for me .......... and maybe small enough that different bars, pegs and seats may not have corrected the issue.


So, 2 Questions:
#1 What ST bikes are you larger folks riding that fit you well?

#2 Are there some bikes out there that fit the bill, that I've overlooked or not considered? (Guzzi, Aprilia, Honda, Busa, Duc, ?)

Thanks in advance amigos!

Rob

[Kennon]

Have you considered the Suzuki GSX 1250F my neighbour in Oxford is 6'4'' has the 650 version a thicker seat is the only thing he has done to it and does allot of miles a year to scotland, Isle of Man and back easily and in comfort the 1250 must be allot of oomph as his 650 can keep up acceleration wise with a Gixxer 6.

Kennon

[JerryH]

For someone your size, the only one I can recommend is the Goldwing. It's only issue can be a lack of legroom because the pegs have to be mounted behind the engine. But on the other hand, the C-14, ST1300, etc. will scrunch your legs up underneath you because the pegs are too high and to far back. I'm 6' even with a 34" inseam, and every version of the Goldwing has been a good fit for me. It also has a nice upright riding position that won't kill your wrists, neck, and shoulders.

[eakins]

hey rob, how about a gs adv?

...instead of buying another bike take a few months off and ride Mexico???

[elementalg20]

If none of those fit you well, I think you may have to think a little outside the box. It's easy for me to believe at your size they do feel a little small.

I'd consider a newer more street/sport orientated "adventure" bike. Something like the ducati multi 1200, new 1200 caponord, perhaps a Tiger 1050?

These bikes come up a little short in features compared to the heavy hitters in the ST department, but they do have the power and height to likely fit you better and most likely lighter as well.

[darmst6829]

Sport touring motorcycles suck. Buy a sport “bike” or a touring motorcycle and don’t try a buy a compromise that you will soon hate.

[SR1]

I echo the previous poster's comments. I owned a Sport Touring bike and there's a reason they're out of fashion. What you probably want is a Multistrada S.

[Motard_Menace]

Check out a Triumph Trophy as well. A little pricey since you might have to buy new but might want to add it to your list of possibles.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk.......MM

[Maggot12]

Also consider the Versys 1k or the 1k Strom. Both are large statured bikes.

[Dranrab Luap]

I doubt seriously that the FJR will fit you. You are probably going to have to broaden your horizons beyond purpose built ST mounts. What features are you looking for in a bike?

[cb1313]

You didn't say WHAT type of riding you are going to do??? If you considered the Goldwing you might look at a Yamaha Venture. It has all the stuff you would want ( am/fm radio.Cb. cruise, bages, ajustable front and rear shocks) and is pretty much bullet proof.
You can cruise all day and still be able to walk after riding. I have been riidng one for a few years, I also have had BMW and a Goldwing , But due to to poor health I have to sell mine. I have been riding for 45years and really love the comfort of this bike.

cb

[BalancePoint]

It appears from your post that you already have a GSA?

You won't find anything that fits better size-wise. All you're likely to get from the replies to your post is a lot of half-informed opinions on why the bike the responder rides is better than other sport tourers they probably haven't ridden. I'll chime in:

The ST1300 is the best option listed because the other ones suck.

Seriously, though. The GSA has everything going for it as a sport touring bike. Great fuel capacity, great storage capacity, great handling, comfortable ergonomics, plenty of power, shaft drive, big alternator.

If you're just looking for a change, that's cool. But if you've sat on the other bikes and they feel small, respect that impression. It's true. It won't be altered very much by peg lowering or seat at the highest setting. 6'5" isn't huge, but it boils down to how it feels to you.

[JM]

Throw some fast street tires on your GSA and continue to ride an excellent sport touring bike.

[oldtouring B]

A late model RT would fit you and be different enough to make sense.

[rider33]

I went thru a similar search a few years back. I tried nearly all of the ST's and they just never gave me the room I needed (I'm 6'2"). Then I tried the Honda ST1300, a bike I had not really given much consideration to. Compared to a FJR or C14 it feels much larger, more upright, more room to move around, sort of like BMW's were before the designer got a hold of them. I bought one & made some simple mods -bars up, pegs down, seat raising block, highways blades:

http://www.motorcyclelarry.com/index...fdcpni2ru5mts1

and it now is the most comfortable long distance bike I've ever owned (I average about 20 ,000 miles a year). It also never breaks, has a HUGE dealer network, and carries 7.7 gallons of fuel. Its not the designer-ST of the moment but if you are tall I think it may be one of the best options, at least it has been for me.

For what its worth I've always liked Wings but have never been that comfortable on them no matter what mods I tried (set back seat, mic-o-pegs etc). If you go that way try the new F6B. The base Wing seems sized for someone around 5'10". The F6B appears to have added a few inches to that via the removal of the passenger throne. For what its worth Road Kings can also be quite comfortable for the long of leg. I took one cross-country many times when it was my principle distance bike. The ST1300 is big compared to a FJR but small vs a Wing or King. Its also a lot of fun to ride, I sort like straddeling a cruise missle.