contemplating a new bike.

[OtisBlkR1]

So as my sig reads i already have two bikes, while in my mid 20's the riding position of a rocket didnt bother me so much, and i can still tolerate it for awhile.. but im starting to get the more comfortable bike itch. Im not planning on going out and buying a straight up cruiser, I still like bikes with muscle to them. So im starting to snoop the market for more comfortable bikes that still zip, but can be used for all day cruising or touring.. the FJR's and the BMW's come to mind..

its hard for me to get out of the rocket mindset, when youve spent yur entire motorcycling career on Rockets you become acclimated to the power.

anyone want to sing the praises of something they might want to point me towards ?

 

[lmt]

Try fz-1 yamaha

 

[Mik]

Multistrada 1200, FJR1300, Concours 14 would be good starting points.... Ninja 1000 is another.... VFR1200.....

 

[mrsilv04]

GL1800. Is a flat six enough power?

Don't let anyone tell you that it's an old man's bike...

 

[ammolab]

BMW R1200R

 

[Bandito440]

Originally Posted By: ammolab
BMW R1200R

Absolutely. It's a different beast from the 4-cyl crotch rockets, but I love them. I miss my R bike.

 

[FowVay]

Kawi Concours 14. Plenty of leftover models, excellent bike, and more power than you'll ever use on a public road... and you can ride for days without needing a chiropractor.

 

[FowVay]

Off-Topic: Bandito, are you contemplating a Thruxton 900? I ride with a guy here in Georgia with one of those and I have to say I love that thing. It's no hotrod but it's just a cool bike. Apparently it's pretty comfortable too. This guy rides it to Alabama regularly and has ridden it out to Sturgis from Atlanta and lived to talk about it. I'd like to see more of these things on the road.

 

[Robenstein]

Well the Triumph standards like the Bonneville might be a fun bike. Not the fastest thing in the world...but you can get retro cool but have modern engineering. I love my Speedmaster, but as the one poster mentioned, there are the standard Bonnevilles and there are the Thruxton.

Not sure if they have hit the shores yet, but Norton's new 961 Commando's have gotten really positive reviews in the UK.

 

[Bandito440]

Originally Posted By: FowVay
Off-Topic: Bandito, are you contemplating a Thruxton 900? I ride with a guy here in Georgia with one of those and I have to say I love that thing. It's no hotrod but it's just a cool bike. Apparently it's pretty comfortable too. This guy rides it to Alabama regularly and has ridden it out to Sturgis from Atlanta and lived to talk about it. I'd like to see more of these things on the road.

Yes. I am. Well, if the finances allow.

 

[Mik]

Forgot the Triumph Sprint (former ST or newer GT).

Here is another interesting model:
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/triu/triumph_tiger_1050 sport 13.htm

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
GL1800. Is a flat six enough power?

Don't let anyone tell you that it's an old man's bike...


They certainly are not....that would be a Harley bagger...

 

[DuckRyder]

K1300S

K1600GT

Take plenty of coin.

 

[WANG]

I'm pretty interested in the new Ducati Hyperstrada.

As far as comfortable bikes with a bit of muscle, the first that spring to mind, I'd say the old Bandit 1200 (I'm on my second one), ZRX1200, the new Z1000, SpeedTriple (had a '02 model, test rode the new 1050, it is brilliant), FZ1, Tiger 1050 (almost bought one of these when they came out, like a softened up Speedtriple), and the R1200R would be cool.

 

[beanoil]

ST1300. Eyeball flattening power, all day comfy, reliable enough to get on in California and get off in New York. Super smooth (especially at it's 75 mph sweet spot) with about a 350 mile range per tank.

 

[quarterliter]

Sv650 anyone? Good handling bike they race them, and good torque for the street. Riding position is nice too.

 

[Ausfahrt]

 

[hal2626]

I made the same transition once upon a time on a Triumph Speed Triple. Civilized ergonomics and a torquey motor scooter with lots of attitude...makes my current Triumph seem VERY wimpy!

 

[DuckRyder]

Also the Ducati Diaval if you can get past the looks. It is sort of an Italian V-Rod.

 

[RonH]

I'd get the 2013 FJR1300. Now has cruise control, heated grips, plenty of power and comfort and a few have gone upwards of 200,000 miles in previous years. ST1300 also, but Honda thinks $18,999 or whatever for the price vs $15k for the FJR. I've always been a Kawasaki guy, but don't think the Concours would compare favorably in longevity or comfort, but just my opinion.