Sport Tourers, etc

[CNF2002]

Been looking at new bikes, want to consider some more long-range comfortable bikes.

The BMW sport tourers look nice (K series) but a little pricey. Looking for something reliable, that will take a hundred thousand miles of use at least. Comfortable and smooth but not bulky like a Goldwing or other larger tourer...small enough to continue the commute with it. Detachable windshield a plus, the less farings the better.

I like the nighthawk 750, and would seem to be a nice tourer with a windshield, but I've only seen one for sale in my area in the past month.

Any recommendations?

[Skier]

The Kawasaki Concours might fit the bill. From what I hear they haven't done many changes with it, it's a somewhat sluggish sport-touring bike, but bulletproof and they are cheap.

[MASHBY]

Suzuki Bandit 1200s.Although I am very biased .Comfy,seriously Torqey and you can get a nice set of hard luggage.Also a taller screen if you need but there a quite a few around.

[flynrider]

I like the nighthawk 750, and would seem to be a nice tourer with a windshield, but I've only seen one for sale in my area in the past month.

Any recommendations?

I was recently looking around for a friend of mine. He wanted a used bike that was something like my Nighthawk, a good commuter, but also suited for the open road. The smoothness of an inline 4 was desirable for minimal vibration on long hauls. He narrowed it down to :

Bandit series
Kaw ZR-7
Yam Fazer

[CNF2002]

Bandit is the same as the SV series right?

I took a look at the VStrom 650, it looked nice and brand new pricing was reasonable. The 1000 was too poor in gas mileage.

Dont really like the look of the concourse, I think its too much plastic up front for my personal taste.

I'll definately be looking into a <=(750)cc., I'm not impressed with the mileage that these big engine bikes get. Anything under 50 isn't very appealing to me.

I've also been really into the Honda 599...it gets relatively decent mileage, anyone know if there is a touring windshield available for it?

[flynrider]

Bandit is the same as the SV series right?

Nope. The SVs are watercooled V-twins. The Bandits (600 and 1200) are air cooled inline 4 cylinders. For 2005 the 600 morphed into a 650.

They're very popular among the sport touring crowd. Their versatitlity has also made it a popular base bike for the streetfighter crowd.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Bandit_Series

The older versions of the 600 and 1200 models are available without the fairing.

[Lion_Lady]

Don't discount the BMW R bikes... Flat twin.

Plenty of go for the highway. Sweet looking.

And my favorite part is that they're pretty simple to do the basic maintenance on yourself - even valve adjustments - cause both cylinders are RIGHT THERE!!

I just did the own 12K service on my R1150R a couple weekends ago.

P

[Seetrout]

I've also been really into the Honda 599...it gets relatively decent mileage, anyone know if there is a touring windshield available for it?

I've got the Honda windscreen. It is acceptable up to about 75mph then you need to tuck in to get out of the turbulence.

I believe there are some aftermarket screens that are a bit taller. I think GIVI makes one. Don't know who else might.

[VermilionX]

try a supersport tourer!

FJR1300AE

[CNF2002]

Looks great V...I like the sport tourers like that, but too much plastic. And a 1300 I bet doesn't get much better mileage than the wifes car