Light Sport tourer

[Yasko]

I'm in the market for light sport tourer. I'm looking for a bike that's easy on insurance and gas. Looking for a bike that will get 45mpg city and 50+ on the highway. My price range will be $7,500 cash. On top of the list is the Honda NT700V, and the 09+ Ninja 650r. I think the 08+SV650s is a nice bike, if it can be had for song. I like the ER 6N but not sure if I can do 1200 miles round trip on it. I wish the VFR was better on gas, but the NT is as close as I can get.

If you know of any other bikes that might work for me, or if you have input on the NT or the Ninja, I'd like to get all the help I can on the bikes. I plan to buy any time after Dec. 1st. Now is the time for me to do my homework, and find a great bike. It wil be my second bike. I now ride a Ninja 250, and have 2 years and 13k under my belt. I need for my next bike to be as fun as the lil Ninjette. The goal is to have a bike that will go from Ft Worth to Gulfport (1200 miles round trip) with ease.

Thanks for you help.

[aggie81]

I assume from your post that you want to be able to ride 600 miles in one day. Any bike will do that. Only a handful will do it without sending you to a chiropractor.

The Suzuki V-Strom looks like a reasonable choice. It has an excellent reputation, and very importantly, decent wind protection. It also doesn't force you to endure hour after hour crouched into the boy-racer position. Luggage? You'll want that too.

If you can spring for a fully integrated package, perhaps a BMW F800ST could fit the bill. Once you've experienced heated handgrips, you'll never go back.

[YoDoc]

C14. It ain't light, not by a long shot, but that's why you keep the ninjette.

[Keith]

Alot of "correct" answers will depend on your build more than the bikes.

Case in point, if you're north of 250 and 6'1", then you'll be disappointed in a Ninja 650R. However, if you're under 200 and 5'11", then the bike might be perfect for you.

Personally, I'd MUCH prefer a four to a twin for long distance riding. That would take the 650R and the SV650 off the table from the get go. Without additional input I'd go with the VFR and ignore the gas mileage concerns.

[tshelfer]

If you're emphasizing the "touring" part of "tourer", I'd think the NT700V would be a better bike. The handlebars, windshield, saddle, and overall seating position are all designed to make it long-haul comfortable and quiet. Plus, your luggage needs have already been taken care of at purchase.

[Andrew T]

Kaw Versys, if it fits you, does everything you want.

[Dave.TX]

Going off the OP my first thoughts were the Honda NT700V and the BMW F800ST. Both parallel twins and both getting better than 45mpg on trips. The Honda has built in saddle bags that can't be removed and of course the BMW ST is a sport touring design with bags. The both have fairings and a decent windshield.

Of course you can sport tour on just about anything from an FZ1 to a Bandit 1250. The 650 Wee Strom is popular too.

My used 2008 K12GT has cruise control, something I don't think I can do without anymore. Once you try it you'll never go back.

[Maintainer]

You didn't say if you were male or female, short or tall,small or large or exactly why you preferred a lightweight ST. I personally have no use for smallish bikes but this is about you and your wants so.................... I'd have to agree with the former post and say go for a preowned VFR, they're only 800 cc's with decent mpg's, good looks, bulletproof proven Honda reliability, and is a very comfortable and travel accomodating ST.

[bobkee]

Maybe this would fit the bill:

http://www.destinationcycle.com/new_...56&pov=2789627

[tojo92]

I recommend a nice used VFR800. Great bikes, usually you can find well cared for examples and they are very comfortable.

Not sure if it fits "light", but I always felt they were somewhat nimble.

I had over 60K miles on my 1998 model.

A quick search found these.

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3139749013.html RWB model, very nice

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcd/3164881241.html earlier model (like my old one)

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3158777747.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/3180962535.html with luggage

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcd/3179670896.html black beauty

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/3171627807.html

[Yasko]

Thanks very good info. I'm 5'10" 180lbs. I didn't think the BMW F800ST could be had for under $8k, but I was wrong. The VFR is a Great bike but my insurance would be much more on that vs. a sport tourer.

I have to look long and hard at the BMW. Wow, never taught about having a BMW. That would be so kool if I could make that work for me...

[tojo92]

Originally Posted by Yasko

The VFR is a Great bike but my insurance would be much more on that vs. a sport tourer.

The VFR is a sport tourer, and you may be surprised on insurance.

Good luck with whatever you choose, the BMW is very nice.

[YoDoc]

If you get the bmw, remember to budget for the $80 light bulbs.

[Texas T]

Originally Posted by YoDoc

If you get the bmw, remember to budget for the $80 light bulbs.

+1
Unless you do all your own work you need to factor in the maintenance costs and replacement costs if something is out of warranty, as well as the lack of dealers across the country compared to the Japanese bikes.

[veriest1]

It may be to big/heavy but 1200gs' (non-adventure) are getting cheap. It's reported to be a great sport tourer and would be my choice. But as it stands I'll probably never get rid of my 1150gsa.

[KenH]

Suzuki GSX650F. Yamaha FZ750. Both great bikes. Both fast enough to get the rider arrested on any highway in America. Both have decent wind protection. Both sporty standards that can take luggage to become excellent small sport-tourers. Unfortunately, too many American men are anatomically challenged to appreciate such fine motorcycles. This is good for the rest of us because neither bike generates much demand, as evidence by the low prices they command.

If you like to tinker, the SOHC 500, 550, and 650 Honda fours can be retrofitted with electronic ignition, o-ring chain, AGM battery, and synthetic oil to deliver 3000 mile maintenance intervals. Once practiced, maintenance takes about an hour. Rebuild the carbs with rubber resistant to ethanol and no reason these classics can't run well over 100,000 miles trouble free. Progressive makes upgrading the suspensions easy. You'll want mag wheels with modern tires if you ride a lot, plenty available, some fit the stock brakes, or improvements up to triple discs. Millions of farkles available in scrap yards--you'll become close to your rechromer. If you do your own work and salvage well you can have two top-notch resto-rod classic sport tourers and stay in your budget.

[Yasko]

Originally Posted by Texas T

+1
Unless you do all your own work you need to factor in the maintenance costs and replacement costs if something is out of warranty, as well as the lack of dealers across the country compared to the Japanese bikes.

Great point.

"The VFR is a sport tourer, and you may be surprised on insurance"

For some reason I don't get the VFR sport touer price. I get the sportbike VFR price.

"It may be to big/heavy but 1200gs' (non-adventure) are getting cheap. It's reported to be a great sport tourer and would be my choice."

I would love to have a 08 FJR, or Connie 14, but I'm comming off a 250(2ys 14k miles) as my first bike. I hope to build my skills for a 600lbs bike. Not sure if I can do that right now.

I'm so glad I made this post. I need all the help I can get. The budget is to stay under $8k.

[YoDoc]

I had a C10, and have ridden a C14 a few times. At speed, you'd never know they are so heavy.

[Morgan Buchanan]

The C14 Concours doesn't really fit the bill for budget, unless you find the cheapest one out there. But you can pick up a NICE 2006 Concours 10 for 4-5k. I don't know how they do for mileage.

I love my C14. And it moves nice. But I'd never suggest it's a light ST. And it doesn't get that kind of mileage. I'm lucky when I get 40.

[veriest1]

Originally Posted by Yasko

Great point.

"The VFR is a sport tourer, and you may be surprised on insurance"

For some reason I don't get the VFR sport touer price. I get the sportbike VFR price.

"It may be to big/heavy but 1200gs' (non-adventure) are getting cheap. It's reported to be a great sport tourer and would be my choice."

I would love to have a 08 FJR, or Connie 14, but I'm comming off a 250(2ys 14k miles) as my first bike. I hope to build my skills for a 600lbs bike. Not sure if I can do that right now.

I'm so glad I made this post. I need all the help I can get. The budget is to stay under $8k.

I see your point. The 1200GS would weigh over 600 with luggage but you should be able to handle that. Although the sheer size might turn you off. The BMW boxer might be worth looking at if you can find one to test ride.

If you decide on the 800 don't forget the 800gs. That'll get you a chain drive instead of belt drive.