Who has moved on to a Sport Tourer from your 919?

[brickonwheels]

The idea has cropped up that I might like a sport-tourer more so than my 919. I'm doing quite a bit of riding to see my gf in another city (about 2 hours away), on top of a few weekend trips with her on back. While the 919 is rather versatile, it is far from being perfect for me in terms of comfort for these types of trips. The idea of a sport-touring style bike seems nice, as I wouldn't be losing to much of the "fun" factor, while gaining a little weight, comfort, and options when it comes to travel.

Who has made the jump? What did you pick up? My budget wouldn't extend much beyond $3,500, so that is an extremely limiting factor.

[andrewebay1]

Why not invest in a Corbin/Sargeant seat? And aftermarket (cheaper) sissy bar for the lady. Problem solved!

[brickonwheels]

Originally Posted by andrewebay1

Why not invest in a Corbin/Sargeant seat? And aftermarket (cheaper) sissy bar for the lady. Problem solved!

I've thought of that as well. I do have a top case that she leans against, as it has a pad on it for her. The seat needs to change. That being said, I feel like these are all steps to make the 919 into something it isn't.

[cmurphy84]

To me, it seems like your biggest gripe in your original post was the comfort. Making changes to make the bike more comfortable is (in my opinion) not making it something it isn't.

Make it comfortable first, then the miles can be put on much easier. I actually find the stock setup quite comfortable. I've been on several 250 mile days and one nearly 350 mile days on my 919.

Now, if you truly need travel options, take a serious look at how much you need to carry and how often you will need the luggage attached.

Obviously the 919 is not a Goldwing or FJR1300, but it is peppy and can be made comfortable for a reasonable price.

[brickonwheels]

Originally Posted by cmurphy84

To me, it seems like your biggest gripe in your original post was the comfort. Making changes to make the bike more comfortable is (in my opinion) not making it something it isn't.

Make it comfortable first, then the miles can be put on much easier. I actually find the stock setup quite comfortable. I've been on several 250 mile days and one nearly 350 mile days on my 919.

Now, if you truly need travel options, take a serious look at how much you need to carry and how often you will need the luggage attached.

Obviously the 919 is not a Goldwing or FJR1300, but it is peppy and can be made comfortable for a reasonable price.

Excellent point. A good idea would be to send my seat off this winter then reevaluate how I feel about the bike after that.

[cmurphy84]

Don't forget to adjust your bars and controls. I found myself quite uncomfortable on mine at first, then realized that it was because the controls were up to high and it was making me cock my wrists back.

Sometimes it's the small stuff. Something as simple as rotating the controls to a comfortable position did it for me.

[brickonwheels]

Originally Posted by cmurphy84

Don't forget to adjust your bars and controls. I found myself quite uncomfortable on mine at first, then realized that it was because the controls were up to high and it was making me cock my wrists back.

Sometimes it's the small stuff. Something as simple as rotating the controls to a comfortable position did it for me.

All good suggestions. I've knocked out most of the vibes and wrist fatigue, it is more so the ass on fire feeling that comes after 120 miles at a time with the girl on back

[PAULIBIKER]

$3500 should get you a V Strom 650 or a 1st Gen Concours.

I would lean towards the V Strom.

Not much to look at, but man do they eat the miles.

Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Forums - Powered by vBulletin

[sml2727]

I say get a new seat first, if you dont like the seat it can always be sold. Another option is dont worry if the gf is comfy or not, why sell something you love to make someone else happier.

[jeff1250]

I switched to a Bandit 1250.
It is ( almost ) as fun as the 919, but more comfortable on a longer ride.
Mine has the luggage. It's nice to able to carry some stuff.

Jeff

[amchev]

I thought I wanted a sport tourer and bought and FJR. That's a big ole powerful bike that is ideal for two people but it's not in the same league as the 919 in fun factor. I wound up with a Triumph Sprint ST which is somewhere between and FJR and 919 but it's closer to the 919. You'll have a hard time getting one for your budget though.

Having just gone through this not long ago I'd say get the seat (either new or Spencer's mod) and make the 919 what you want it to be unless you just need an excuse for a new bike Also check your posture, check THIS POST. It's amazing how much difference it made for me. Granted the 919 is not as leaned over as the Sprint, but two hours on the 919 made my shoulders hurt and I'm certain it's because of my posture.

[hoosier919]

I have the Corbin seat on my 9'er and I have rode it to California. I am looking at adding a sport tourer in the next year though. I want some wind protection for the interstate trips.

[bwoso]

I have not, but I would probably go with the FZ1 or a Triumph (Either Sprint ST or Tiger SE). As far as price range goes, idk . . . look for a good deal? When moving from the 919 to a ST bike you will probably want to stay above 1k cc to keep the excitement level up, but that is just my opinion.

Sport Touring Motorcycles Comparison - Best Sport Touring Motorcycle - Popular Mechanics

[Farab]

IMO, the limiting factor for 2up riding, is the rear suspension. It bottom's out very easily with a pillion (no, she aint fat!). As said on WT ad nauseum, the 9'ners rear suspension is a budget unit they slapped on to get the bike out the factory door at a certain price.
It barely copes with one person on it, with 2 people and the bike is dragging its arse. Your girlfriend will most probably be quite unconfortable to in terms of shock going through her spine, transmitted from the road due to this poor rear unit(she may think this is normal if she hasn't been on other bikes).

Get yourself a secondhand Ohlins, WP or Penske unit.

This with something like a Sargeant seat, etc. and the bike should be good for 2 up.

Or ask someone like:

http://www.wristtwisters.com/members...n423-1251.html

He seems to do a lot of 2 up riding with his missus. (I think he spends quite some time on www.TnAdvRiders.com)

If you really want something different, how much do Gen I Busa's go for in the States? Worth a look, IMO.

[97af]

I skipped the sport tourer all together and went straight to a Goldwing.
Once Traxxion worked their magic on the forks and supplied a new Penske rear shock......I'm never looking back.

[Ken]

I've gone back and forth from naked and standards (FZ1, 919, Bandit 1250) to a sport tourer (ST1300) to a full blown touring machine (GL1800). You can probably get yourself into an '03 or '04 ST1300 for close to your budget amount. It's a good bike, bulletproof and comfortable, but also heavy and not as peppy as the FJR let alone the 919.

Depending on what you need from a sport tourer - more protection, more torque, more electrical power for accessories, built-in luggage - you could make the switch. But at that price point, you'll be getting into an older machine with 20% more weight, and 20% less zip. Make a list of the pro's and con's of the 919 and the sport touring rig, and go from there. You may well find that a new seat, some soft luggage, and maybe a shield will get what you need without sacrificing so much fun factor.

[curiousmike]

I keep a Triumph Trophy 1200 in the garage with my 919.

Both are inexpensive used. I paid $3500 for the Trophy (excellent condition) and $3000 for the 919 (supreme condition.)

IMO, it's the best of both worlds -- the big girl for miles or two-up, and the 919 for solo fun.

Substitute Trophy for older gen Concours, or ST1100, or whatever your budget is.

[Lemonhead]

I'm making the same considerations in the direction of an fjr. But wisconsin wants to hammer your insurance over 1000 cc's.

Gonna try a screen, tharbars, and an airhawk this xmas and see how 600 miles feels then. If it's good, then luggage. If not. Save some more dough.

[andrewebay1]

Originally Posted by brickonwheels

That being said, I feel like these are all steps to make the 919 into something it isn't.

That's the best part about the 9er, she'll be whatever you want her to be!

[brickonwheels]

Originally Posted by andrewebay1

That's the best part about the 9er, she'll be whatever you want her to be!

Like Mystique is in bed?

[andrewebay1]

Hahaha, just the reply I was fishing for.

[Ripper]

Nobody mentioned a VFR? For that budget you can pick up a 5th gen VFR with as much or more power (depends on who you ask) than the 919 and at those prices you can keep the 919. The sixth gens I feel lean more toward the Sport than the Sport Touring but I've found that I am quite comfortable on mine, even for extended periods of time. Heli-bars added to mine and I'll be good for extreme Long travel trips.

[brickonwheels]

I love the look and sound of the VFRs, but my damn insurance seems to think they are sport bikes and charges me accordingly.

[Ripper]

Originally Posted by brickonwheels

I love the look and sound of the VFRs, but my damn insurance seems to think they are sport bikes and charges me accordingly.

My insurance was about $150 less than the 919. Check with State Farm or other companies. Most of them charge by CC's and Class of bike.

[xraso]

All good reply's so far and I have used my 919 as a ST machine (2700 miles in 7 days) and it did more than fine on it.

For the burning ass problem I combined sheepsking + gel + foam seat cover with Anti Monkey Butt Powder and my butt was just fine even through the Nevada desert in august

That being said. I have started a little bike fund to see if I can save up enough for one of these:

BMW F800ST

I don't know why, but when I sat on one of these at a local dealer it just felt "right"

As far as the VFR goes - the VFR800 is supposed to compare quite well with the f800st - there are a couple of "shootouts" on the web comparing the two.

[97af]

This is a steal in my book. And its in your backyard......
2002 BMW K1200LT Touring, Only 16,800 mi., Loaded

[brickonwheels]

Thoughts on the YZF600R? I have an offer for what would be a straight up trade for 2003 mostly stock Thundercat with 18k on the clock. I've been reading that is makes a pretty solid sport tourer.

[xraso]

Originally Posted by 97af

This is a steal in my book. And its in your backyard......
2002 BMW K1200LT Touring, Only 16,800 mi., Loaded

I'd have to agree that seems to be a really good deal. But, With the smaller f800st I don't have to completely give up the twisty fun of the 919 That is just a little bit more of a bike than I want to have.

The wife won't let me have more than one bike (or she would get jealous since she only has one ). So I need more of an all-arounder (ST, commuting, day trips and twisties).

Right now I am happy with the 919, just looking a year or more into the future for want I might move to.

[touring919]

I went to an adv touring bike. It was great the one day I took it off road but on the street I was very disapointed. No where near as fast. Handling was relativly crappy. Its comfort, roomyness, and lugage was awsome. I miss that last one the most.

I recomend making the 919 more comfortable for you (and your gf). If a seat and some hard bags don't make you happy sell the extras and buy a bike specific for two up distance comfort.

And if you go that route. Make sure you take your gf with you to test ride or you may have two bikes she doesn't want to ride on. maybe during the shoping process you may find she doesn't like riding pilon anyway. saves you the money of buying a 2nd bike. Or maybe the fun of buying that 2nd bike for her. Nija 250s and 500s are dirt cheap and great for a new rider.

[mambomonster]

Originally Posted by brickonwheels

Thoughts on the YZF600R? I have an offer for what would be a straight up trade for 2003 mostly stock Thundercat with 18k on the clock. I've been reading that is makes a pretty solid sport tourer.

The YZF600R was my first street bike. I wrecked one, then bought another one. I even did some track days on it. It at one time won CW's best middleweight street bike award or some such. Having said that, it's a small carbeureted engine that's way down on power compared to the 919. I can't imagine going back to it. A Givi trunk and windshield transforms the 919 into quite the traveler and there's no way the little YZF will compare. This time around I almost bought a 600 for the mpg but ended up with the 919 which worked out better. I didn't want to lose the torque. Had it been a 600, it would have been the FZ6 or a Versys (but I couldn't deal with the Versys clyclops/Alf look). Both those 600s make good travelers.

[ST-DocLizard1]

We also have the best of both worlds. An '03 919 and an '04 ST1300A. Both have been to California and back. The ST sits while the 919 gets most of the attention for day trips. It's just more fun and easier to manage. If you want to eat up miles of slab, ride two-up, and have some decent handling characteristics; I'm partial to the ST.

Doc

[brickonwheels]

Originally Posted by mambomonster

The YZF600R was my first street bike. I wrecked one, then bought another one. I even did some track days on it. It at one time won CW's best middleweight street bike award or some such. Having said that, it's a small carbeureted engine that's way down on power compared to the 919. I can't imagine going back to it.

That is my worry. I'm going to go test ride the bike tomorrow morning to get a feel for it. I've never been on a 600, really.


Too bad this guy isn't looking for a 919
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/1926055262.html

[Sniper]

One of you move closer.

Put 919 on back of pickemup truck.

Blackbird.

If none of those 3 work, simply Stand Up and ride. Not as much fun as throwing money at a problem, but extremely effective.

[Ripper]

Honda VFR750 Interceptor VFR

I'd be happy to check it out for you, heck if I had the extra money I'd own it!

[FJ1200]

Here is my $2500.00 Sport Touring Machine -



1989 Yamaha FJ1200

Fun, this bike is a whole lot of fun. It does not wheelie as easily as my old 919, but twist the throttle, it rockets forward with little to no drama, it hauls ass.

Air cooled, all maintenance is a cake walk.

Look how easy the valves are the access



It might be too "old school" for some.

I'm liking it - a lot.







That tank bag did make it hard to see the gauges. Sure packed a lot though.

[rickard919]

Personally I am with Sniper, I would go for an old Blackbird. Why did Honda ever drop that line? Stupid!

[brickonwheels]

Originally Posted by FJ1200

I know exactly where this picture was taken. You were not 15 minutes from my house!

[brokerecord]

Brick, I went with your name sake! "Brick on wheels" is another nickname for the BMW K bike. I got a 2000 K1200RS. A real "War Horse" as named. 130 hp and 86 lbs, it has nearly identical performance as the Hornet, except, after you pass 130mph and over, the helmet isn't trying to pull off your head. You notice the wind noise has quieted down. and You feel alot more stable.
With someone else riding the top end is 155mph.
Lil Red and War Horse share the stable, and they seem to get along good.

Sorry for the interruption. The damn kids next door were in the back yard smoking and flipped a cig over our fence and caught the pinestraw and the wooden fence on fire. Nearly reached our house, melted some of their shingles, and now their bulldog will be running loose. Man, I wished they'd join the Army.

[Farab]

As other's have said; have a look at the Blackbird. I had a proper look at a parked one other day and was really impressed by the fit and finish, a very classy and from all accounts, capable bike.

[curiousmike]

Originally Posted by FJ1200

Here is my $2500.00 Sport Touring Machine -


1989 Yamaha FJ1200

Fun, this bike is a whole lot of fun. It does not wheelie as easily as my old 919, but twist the throttle, it rockets forward with little to no drama, it hauls ass.

Air cooled, all maintenance is a cake walk.

Excepting the Kerkers, that is an awesome choice for a sport-tourer.

My suspicion is that if someone be on a bike and not know what what the make was... and compare it to other, current bikes... something like the FJ was stand up rather well.