Sport Tourer - Emphasis on the Sport

[gt_mule]

Greetings.

I have been out of riding for 3 years. I live in the Pacific NW, and am in the market for a bike. I want something sporty that can put lots of miles on comfortably. Wind and (some) weather protection along with bags are critical. I would prefer a shaft drive, but right now I am looking at the Triumph Sprint ST and the Duc ST3. I don't need either in ABS, but with the ST3s you get the tasty Ohlins rear. I've never owned a chain bike; should I be leary of this?

I think the VFR is underpowered (and small - I'm 6'3" 200lbs), and the FJR is more tour oriented. The K12GT looks perfect, but too pricey. Should I consider the K12S? Anything else out there that that I should look at?

Thanks in advance.

[Ninja Geoff]

From what I've heard from a member here, is that the K1200S is REALLY comfortable on the long haul. And fast. Very fast. It comes in shaft drive, and other BMW goodies. Also looks frikken sweet.

[Sev]

I've ridden on the back of the ST1100 and can recomend it from a passengers perspective, that thing can FLY!

[ZooTech]

One of my motorcycle mags just did a shootout with the FJR1300, ST1300, and a Ninja ZX-12R fitted with Kawasaki's aftermarket tall windscreen and hard bags. If you're looking for a sport-touring bike with an emphasis on sport, this is your bike according to the review.

[Sev]

One of my motorcycle mags just did a shootout with the FJR1300, ST1300, and a Ninja ZX-12R fitted with Kawasaki's aftermarket tall windscreen and hard bags. If you're looking for a sport-touring bike with an emphasis on sport, this is your bike according to the review.

Which one?

[ZooTech]

One of my motorcycle mags just did a shootout with the FJR1300, ST1300, and a Ninja ZX-12R fitted with Kawasaki's aftermarket tall windscreen and hard bags. If you're looking for a sport-touring bike with an emphasis on sport, this is your bike according to the review.

Which one?

Okay...it's late...and I misspoke. It was the ZZR-1200, not the ZX-12R. The magazine was either Motorcyclist, Rider, or Cycle World (dunno, I throw them away after I read them).

Here is a similar review, however, if it's any consolation.

[JCS]

www.sport-touring.net.

Go there and say hello and start searching. There are many threads concerning your questions. You'll find info on about anything you want (except much on cruisers and Harleys).

[keysman]

When I was looking for a new bike I looked at the VFR, Aprilia Futura, Ducati ST3/ST4, BMW RT and ST. I ended up with a used 2005 FJR with 945 miles on it that I found on craigslist. I discounted the FJR at first because of being too large, heavy and to tour and not enough sport, like you. The FJR was just too good of a deal to pass up. In addition to showroom looks, the previous owner had added the Heli bar risers, BMW grips and a Givi windshield. I love the FJR and I don't regret my decision. It's a great bike.

[swatter555]

You cant go wrong with the Sprint ST, especially for the price. You might also sit on an R1, which to my suprise I found comfortable. The K1200S is a damn sexy bike also, but 4-5k more than the Sprint ST.

[jstark47]

The Sprint owners I know (from my RAT pack) are rabidly enthusiastic about their bikes. I don't personally care for the current Sprint, riding position is too "sport" for me, but that might be what you're looking for.....

I've never owned a chain bike; should I be leary of this?

If you don't mind doing simple cleaning and maintenance every 500-1000 miles, no, you shouldn't be leery. Once you've been through the procedure a few times, it's no big deal. If any routine maintenance is a no-no for you, then don't get a chain drive bike.