Test rode a VFR today - just 20 mins but long enough to tell me my back would be dead on a full days riding. (Old and overweight:angry:)
Currently ride an ER6f which has a pretty upright position.
So any larger than midrange - but not too mental - bikes that would be worth checking out? Something to go out at the weekend, can handle a tour and ok in London with filtering.
I think the Verysis / Tiger - look too upright - want something a bit more like a sportsbike/tourer rather than looking like Euan and Charlie.
Sorry to be a pain - but any suggestions greatfully received.
What was wrong with the VFR - too far forward? In which case the CBR11 would be out too huh?
I went the other way, and find the VFR puts less weight on my wrists than the CBR11 did, but i could rest my belly on the tank on the 'Bird and it was comfy.
Most comfy bike i’ve ever ridden (don’t shoot me) was a BMW R1200GS. I kid you not. I would happily have ridden it from dawn til dusk. Never has 100bhp been so comfy and so much fun at the same time.
Original FZS1000 Fazer or if you fancy something a little smaller, then maybe try the Z750 either the naked or the half-faired S model, naked looks better, but the fairing makes a huge difference when it comes to speed &/or distance work.
they are all fast enough if you push them but generally very placid and well behaved compared to sports machines don’t write them off too soon, if you want to do long runs then there are quite a few tourers out there GTR1000, R1100/1150 RT/RS etc even the 1200/1250 bandits are worth a look as well priced and solid machines.
What about a ZRX1100? Bit more docile than the 1200, you can pick them up for a bargain price, engines will go on forever, lovely riding position and look great too! I used one for commuting every day into central London for 4-5 years and never had any problems, although it could be a bit big for some scooter packed bays! Great for getting out on a weekend, either two up or solo.
Well - tried the BMW F800ST today - just not quite enough poke imho.
Also the Sprint 1050 - now that is a seriously lovely bike…just a couple of inches too low on the handle bars - real shame as everything else about that bike screamed “buy me”. 10 years ago…:crazy:
Did convince me though not to be too scared or intimidated by a litre bike. Will try the Yahamhas tomorrow…then maybe a Kwaka or too.
CBF1000 is halfway between a VFR and a Tiger. It has the same engine as a Blade, just tuned differently. It’s supposed to be a riot. Have a go on one of those and tell us what you think. Chiswick Honda have a few in Stock, not sure if they have a demo bike. It’s a smart looking bike or if your a Honda man it’s a very smart looking bike as we have special Honda rose tinted spectacles. There is a 600 version too.
Looks like a fine tourer, can`t imagine they would have gone to the expense of paying a model when they could ship it out and get a local girl to sit on it.
You get to a certain age and all the passion is there, but the ability to follow through diminishes. Stay with me, I am talking motorcycles!
A Big Traillie is he way to go. Give a few a try. Dont just think BMW and Triumph. Try the top of spec. V-Strom (don’t bother with the Transalp) and an Aprilia or two.
O.K. Their not sports bikes, but they don’t half shift and the road holdings pretty decent too.
Blackbirds the way to go, put 1 inch risers on mine £75 made it uber comfy now on short and long hauls no need to change brake lines or anything, and £400 for VFR risers :w00t::hehe: dealers having a bleeding laugh mate, bet it was helicoils or summat they were tyring to flog :)
