Total Motorcycle Community Forums

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.

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.

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

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.

ZooTech wrote: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?

Sevulturus wrote:

ZooTech wrote: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.

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).

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.

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.

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.....

gt_mule wrote: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.