My buddy wants to get a new sport touring bike and asked me to help him choose. So, what should I tell him? :dunno:

He's about 6'1" and 230lbs.

What type of rider is he?? Aggressive, speedfreak, non-aggressive....etc? I have really come to like the BlackBird and Busa myself. Both are very comfortable, twisties able and fast bikes. But, they suit me because they are still based soley on crotch rockets. He may not want so much speed and added weight. I would take him to ck some of the top lines out, get him to see which he feels more comfortable on then go from there.:2cents:

 

Re: Re: Best Sport Touring bike???

What type of rider is he?? Aggressive, speedfreak, non-aggressive....etc? I have really come to like the BlackBird and Busa myself. Both are very comfortable, twisties able and fast bikes. But, they suit me because they are still based soley on crotch rockets. He may not want so much speed and added weight. I would take him to ck some of the top lines out, get him to see which he feels more comfortable on then go from there.:2cents:

I've already planned to spend a day with him visiting local shops. What he's really looking for is a bike that will perform like his old bike (a GSXR 750), but won't put him in such an aggressive riding position (sore back and wrists). He wants to be able to spend an entire day hitting the twisties rather than just an hour or two.

 

I've got a 2000 VFR (pre-VTEC) which I love. It's obviously not as fast as a bird or busa (I test drove them all) but I've found it's just as capable in the twisties and more comfortable. It is absolutely bulletproof mechanically. I threw on some Corbin bags and a Throttlemeister so 10-hour 600 mile days are not a problem. It's heavy enough not to be buffeted on the highway but limber enough to drag parts when you want to stretch it out. I'm sure there are lots of opinions on this, but I'd recommend he try both the bird and the Viffer.

 

If I was to get a sport touring bike, It would be a busa. However if he wants the handling of his 750, maybe he should check out the zx12. It might be abit less comfy (never rode one myself)

Also the ZZR600/1200 might be worth checking out.

 

I'll agree with Bonk that it sounds like the VFR would fit perfectly. :2cents:

 

I'll agree with Bonk that it sounds like the VFR would fit perfectly. :2cents:

Scott, I can't believe the day has come (again).... You and I agree!!!

The VFR was my first recommendation. It's a great bike in every way... looks, performance, quality, etc. I want to take him to a dealership and have him sit on it, let the bike sell itself.

 

Scott, I can't believe the day has come (again).... You and I agree!!!

The VFR was my first recommendation. It's a great bike in every way... looks, performance, quality, etc. I want to take him to a dealership and have him sit on it, let the bike sell itself.

I've tried to find a reason to not like it. I'm not sure why, probably because it's not the fastest, etc. All articles I've read about it or owners I've talked to say it is pretty much a perfect bike. It may not be the best in any one category, but it can do pretty much everything well. For those reasons it's on my list of bikes to test ride when we're in the market again. I like it more and more as I look at it.

I will say though that the XX was one fun bike. Power everywhere, regardless of what gear or speed. During the break in period they told me not to go over 6000 rpms.....ok, 6k rpms on that thing in 6th gear had you into triple digits if I recall correctly. At one point during a commute I looked down at an indicated 130 and about shit because it felt like I was going no faster than 60. Wrestling that big sumbitch through the twisties was fun too.

 

One of the issues with the VFR is that it simply doesn't get a lot of press in the U.S. It's not the fastest, sleekest, lightest, etc. However, there's a reason it's the best selling sportbike in Europe, where sport touring is taken seriously. It performs well whether on the highway or in the canyon, it is extremely comfortable, worry-free from a mechanical perspective, and I happen to like the pearl yellow.

I have also come to like the linked brakes (I have no plans to take this on the track). Rather than diving under hard braking, the whole bike seems to hunker down and screech to a stop - these are very reassuring brakes in the rain. I found the VFR to be much more comfortable than the busa after just an hour test ride. This is a bike I don't plan on getting rid of until I am 70 and ready for a Wing!

Now, I don't know how this has changed with the introduction of the V-TEC. Maybe he could find a used VFR for a test ride? Again, since these bikes are not in demand like others, maybe a deal can be had.....

 

This is a bike I don't plan on getting rid of until I am 70 and ready for a Wing!

Oh, Smitty is gonna kick your ass for this one!

Again, since these bikes are not in demand like others, maybe a deal can be had.....

I hope that is true, 'cause I'd love to either get a VFR or a Beemer some day. I think that Veefers may have a dedicated following, however small, and that may mean that prices don't necessarily go down that much.

 

Another VFR owner chiming in.

Awesome bike. I bought it because I wanted a sport bike I could ride all day and not have wrists and lower back killing me, with some weight behind it...plus I fell in love with the exhaust and single-sided swingarm. And not wanting a litre bike, it fit the bill perfect. For what I was looking for, there was nothing really to compare it to....at least anything I liked.

As far as buying them, I bought mine used, locally from the previous owner. I could have grabbed one on ebay for a better price, but didn't want to deal with shipping and buying a bike I can't see. Anyway, seemed like the dealers were asking a ridiculous amount of money for them, but online they're selling very reasonably.

 

Can't beat the Blackbird in my opinion. It created the class, and Honda doesn't make many mistakes (obviously after 8+ years, the Blackbird is not a mistake).

The VFR, again, in my opinion, has more of a cult following. You get a VFR because you've had great experiences with one. I've heard of some extreme stories on maintenance and parts on those, but I don't lend them much credence, as it's been second hand information. FWIW, I've long considered the VFR for my wife's next bike, mostly because how impressed I have always been with Honda's fit and finish.

Hope this helps...

 

The VFR and the SV 1000 were also in the back of my mind as well. But, I really dont think he will be satisfied with the power delivery of those two bikes if he is used to a GSXR 750. I would consider the busa, bird or ZX-12 for a good fit. The ZX-12 is going to handle the best out of the three from what I gather due to shorter overall length. Any of the bikes spoke about on this thread are winners, let him weed them out.:2cents:

 

Another VFR owner chiming in! I went from a full liter bike to the vfr and honestly can say I don't miss the loss in power. I still regularly hang with liter bikes in the twisties and of course have more than enough power to get a speeding ticket in the straights. No, I can't pull wheelies at 80mph and I don't want to either. IMHO the balance of the entire bike, (power, handling, looks, mpg, etc.) is perfect for a one bike owner.
Hope this helps the search!

 

Regarding the VFR,
I recently got back from a 10 day 4,680 mile trip on my 1998 VFR. It ran perfectly the whole time. One of the things I like about it is you can lay on your tank bag if your butt gets tired. Its ergonomics work good in multiple seating positions. Other bikes I sat on and like the ergonomics on are the Yamaha FJ and BMW RT series, Both have an advantage of a bigger windscreen which I would have liked for the long straights. I can't compare the ride but I don't think they handle as good as the VFR when the road gets curvy. The VFR really works great in the curves. It has unbelievable flickability, and this is coming from someone who also rides a MV Agusta F4, considered by many magazines one of the best handling bikes ever made.
After the trip I washed about a zillion bugs off the 7 year old VFR and it looks like it just came off the showroom floor. Honda's paint jobs seem much deeper and shinier than the other manufacturer's.

The only major problem with my VFR was the stock voltage regulator that was undersized and in a bad location. I replaced it, after it killed 3 batteries about 2 years ago, but it was a bad design Honda should have fixed for free but did not. The only other problem with my VFR is you can not fully adjust the brake lever.:2cents: edit: for sizing reference I'm 6'2", 185 lbs

 

my top 5
1) Aprilia Futura- V2 Grunt Great Styling not many out there. Motor is a stump puller.

2) Ducati ST3 or 4 3 for lazy guy 4 for high strung guy

3) Honda VFR - needs more grunt for a big guy, bags are extra and an add-on (V4 Sound MMMM) owned a 95 VFR w/ two bro
Note: only adjustable for preload , not good for a larger guy who will need to adjust the suspension to get the best handling.

4) Honda XX - Great all allrounder, bags are extra

5) BMW 1200 - Great styling, new to market but big $$$

Down the Pay scale

Used of any of the above
Used ST2 - What I have and love it. Can out ride most in the twisties (Bags off & pipes up) but you cant keep up in the straights
Used CBR1000F mid 1990
Used ZX12 or Busa (low on style scale)

 

let me add a couple.

the new triumph sprint st is a great bike. it has the most HP of the class, cool underseat exhaust and a lot of character due to the triple engine. nice riding position but still pretty strong performer on spourty corner carving rides.

the BMW r1100s is also a under-sung touring bike. its a bit viby and doesnt have a ton of HP but a truly reliable shaft driven sporty tourer with good ergos. i rode one in the alps for 10days and really enjoyed it. plus, again, you get to ride something that is a little bit different

 

for the money

as for sport touring I guess I don't really know what you wanna do with it.... I think that if you want power and comfort then the old zx9's like mine are hard to beat. IMO they are much more comfortable than the new sportbikes. It's also got good power around 140hp.

I am 6'2 and weigh 200lbs it fits like a glove.

Oh yeah mine is for sale too!

 

I researched the best sport/touring bikes for a year before I decided on the VFR. The VFR is an excellent sport/touring bike and does everything very well. I have met other sport/touring riders on both extreems of the sport/touring spectrum.
Some sport/tour on a CBR. They are in excellent physical condition, young (17 to 24) and have no physical problems such as back problems. As they grow older they move from the CBR type bike to something more comfortable.
I also know people on the other end who ride Honda ST's. They tend to be older or have back problems or just want more comfort on long rides. They tend to keep their bikes forever, or trade them in for newer models of the same bike.

What you need to ask yourself is how fit are you? Do you want to ride in comfort or do you want to ride in a more agressive posture?

Personally I am planning on buying either a Honda ST or a Yamaha FJ to have for longer trips. I will never sell my VFR and will continue to ride it on trips 500 miles or less. For trips longer than that I would like to have the comfort of an ST.

BTW, The VFR has an excellent reliability record. Another reason those European riders love it.

 

I favor the Triumph Sprint st and the Ducati St3.I have had 2 VFRs and loved em but the V-tec thing has turned me off,its as expensive to get the V-tec adjusted(valves) as a desmo quatto duc(honda allows 8 hrs labor!).my advice go ride some of em,its an eye opener.

 

Triumph Sprint St, or BMW K1200 RS. Oh yeah, the beemer you'll have to find used.

 

a fully faired bandit 1200 is nice upright position and plenty of power and torque good bike for 8 grand.

Joe

 

I have to agree with mainerdr. The 96-97 ZX9r and the YZF1000 are great sport touring bikes that give a lot more fairing protection while still giving a hell of a lot of horsepower stock and even more modified. Not saying they are the "best sport tourer", but worth consideration. I have been looking for a replacement sport tourer and have found nothing that will give me everything that my ZX9R gives me.

Having said that, I have been very interested in a few bikes, one of which is the VFR. My question to those posting here who own one: I have heard the cost to work on the motors is more because access to things is more difficult (I am assuming like for valve clearance work, etc.). Can you please give me an honest opinion on this? I owned a different V Four that had that problem (Yamaha).

Thanks.:thumb:

 

VFR do cost more on the maint. due to the VTec. I have a friend who paid 400 for the valve adjustments. But the engine lasts a long time.

 

in my opinion, the suzuki rf900 or rf600 is a good tourning bike with sport performance, you sit in a much more comfortable upright position than most sport bikes. the only problem is, they're really hard to find in good condition.

 

Having said that, I have been very interested in a few bikes, one of which is the VFR. My question to those posting here who own one: I have heard the cost to work on the motors is more because access to things is more difficult (I am assuming like for valve clearance work, etc.). Can you please give me an honest opinion on this? I owned a different V Four that had that problem (Yamaha).

Thanks.:thumb:

I haven't had mine long enough to do any maint., however I know the scheduled valve adjustment is at 15K miles. Other than that, from what I've researched they're very reliable(Honda), and in comparison, Ducs need valve adjustments every 6-7K miles(?), and are more expensive....so for me the maint. costs weren't a concern.