Best Sport Tourer in Mid 500 lb Range

[ninepeaks9]

Hey there inmates,

What would be your choice of a ST bike in mid-500 lb range? The bike should accomodate either factory or aftermarket hard side panniers. This is an ideal weight for a bike for me, which is not too light so as to be unstable at side wind and not too heavy to be cumbersome at parking lot speed. At this weight if you drop it alone in a remote area, you can still pick it up all by yourself. Bikes in this weight range also seem to fit my physical attributes as well. I'm 5'9" with 30" inseam.

[oldtouring B]

Take a look at the BMW GS with the factory lowered suspension..

[Fudge]

I just picked up an R1200R for exactly this purpose. I wanted a lighter bike for touring and I am also 5'9 with a 30" inseam. Another good option may be an F800ST, even lighter than the R bike. The R is naked, but there are lots of screen options available.

[Unstable Rider]

You just described my overloaded KLR with Pelican storms on most days... I wont tell you how far into the 500 lb range she goes.... and it does not care. A glutton for punishment.

Oh, you said MOTORCYCLES and not farm machinery, sorry, apologies... where are my overalls.

[omnivore]

Bandit 1250?

[Cos]

Originally Posted by omnivore

Bandit 1250?

Aprilia Futura

[MookieBlaylock]

triumph sprint
130 hp/80tq

[Lager Meister]

R1200RT.

I'm 5'9" with a 32" inseam and can easily flat foot my 2012 RT with the standard seat. Lots of creature comforts available... electrically adjustable windshield, electronic cruise, audio system with iPod integration and Sirius XM, heated grips/seat, factory hard luggage, ESA, ASC, TPM, etc, etc.

[Dust_]

I'd say look at the new kawasaki Versys 1000, loads of power, bags of torque, 239kg wet weight, good wind protection and it looks dam good!!!

[ninepeaks9]

Originally Posted by Lager Meister

R1200RT.

I'm 5'9" with a 32" inseam and can easily flat foot my 2012 RT with the standard seat. Lots of creature comforts available... electrically adjustable windshield, electronic cruise, audio system with iPod integration and Sirius XM, heated grips/seat, factory hard luggage, ESA, ASC, TPM, etc, etc.

I used to have '04 R1150RT. I'm not sure how 2012 RT compares but 1150RT was just too heavy, top heavy pork of a machine. It did not fit my height at all. Sold it after one riding season.

[Dave.0]

ducati multistrada 1200

[bret312]

+1 for the Multistrada. Not sure about the height because I'm 6'2" but it has the light weight and performance. It's a fun bike when you're not touring as well.

Originally Posted by Dave.0

ducati multistrada 1200

[Lager Meister]

Originally Posted by ninepeaks9

I used to have '04 R1150RT. I'm not sure how 2012 RT compares but 1150RT was just too heavy, top heavy pork of a machine. It did not fit my height at all. Sold it after one riding season.

I don't find my 1200RT to be particularly top heavy, but I guess it depends what you're used to. It definitely falls within the weight range you said you're aiming for. The RT is at the touring/comfort end of the sport touring spectrum, but is still sporty enough (at least for me) to be thoroughly enjoyable when the roads get twisty. The creature comforts really enhance the riding experience for me, especially on longer trips. YMMV.

If you're looking for something more at the sport end of the spectrum, you might want to look for a used or new left-over K1300GT.

Good luck with your search.

[Dust_]

how about the moto guzzi norge? It's a little heavier than your aim, but it makes up with that massive torque!!! and it is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L

[NJ-Brett]

That is a bike you are talking about?
My car does not have all that stuff.

Originally Posted by Lager Meister

R1200RT.

I'm 5'9" with a 32" inseam and can easily flat foot my 2012 RT with the standard seat. Lots of creature comforts available... electrically adjustable windshield, electronic cruise, audio system with iPod integration and Sirius XM, heated grips/seat, factory hard luggage, ESA, ASC, TPM, etc, etc.