Kawasaki Contours?

[jeff_connors]

I'm not quite sure what you are going for: cruiser or a sport-touring bike? Personally I couldn't do a cruiser for distance touring but there are lots of people who can. Both the ST1300 and V-Strom 1000 have lots of power to keep up with the big dogs but are not light-weight by any means. As DivideOverflow stated the Sprint ST (not Japanese but quality just the same), or the VFR (expensive valve adjustments but only every 25K), or the FJR1300 (nice powerfull decent handling bike with shaft drive) would be good choices. The V-Strom 650 is personally what I am looking at adding to the stable, as it is surprisingly powerful and far lighter than the big V-Strom. Given your history with Suzuki I don't think this is an option
Cheers,
High_Side

I have an 06 DL650. Great bike and very versatile. It's a good tourer. Without being on the DL1000, I can say that the 650 is all the bike I would want. It handles two in the SE hills of Ohio very nicely. Maybe the 1000 would do it faster or with less shifting but at a price of more weight and less MPG. I'm still looking for another touring bike ("contours") but only for variety, not to replace the 650. If I had only one bike..the DL650 would be it!

[ElectroKen]

Thank You Mr High_Side,,, Your opnion is very valuable to me. I want a japanese bike thats fast, light, easy to handle and comfortable on long trips,

I only have 8000 miles on my Concours so far (5000 last August alone). It's fast enough and comfortable enough with an aftermarket seat. It is NOT light.