F.st or GS?

[Ogmios]

IF i ever sell this effin' Triumph...

i've looked and wondered and searched various sites and done all the research i can think of but i still dont know;

will a 650 'cut the mustard' or do i really need a BFO GS?
it would have to be an airhead - aint got the budget for anything newer.
So, the main worry is;
will a 650 carry me and SWMBO and panniers and topbox across say...France in comfort for example? i know it will do all the other jobs i need it to.
me= tall and skinny.
SWMBO = er,...the opposite (how polite is that? *L*)

i see lots of 650's for sale especially the ST- you seem to get a lot of bike for your money. but the lure of sheer size of bike and more c.c's cant be ignored...or can it?
i'm posting here for a more balanced view - i fear if posted on another board, the natural bias will point me to whichever that board is set for.
persuade me. please.
T.I.A.

eM.
still a wannabe - but for an "F" / st etc..or an R80/100GS?

 

[Spout]

Difficult question to answer.
I've toured Europe on the old 80G/S a couple of times. Nice and smooth, a bit cramped two up.
The GS is bigger, and feels it on the road. One of these would probably be the one to go for. The 100GS giving extra oomph for leisurely touring.
The singles are fully capable, and have similar power outputs (to the 80). But I remember when I first got mine that it didn't "feel" like a long distance bike, but it proved otherwise. They're perfectly happy at 80mph (650 GS) but don't feel as solid(?). A 650 is going to be newer than an oilhead. The earlier Funduro and ST are built in Italy but there's nowt wrong with that.

Whatever you go for, enjoy your ride..............

 

[Ogmios]

Thanks for that. you confirm my own thoughts. especially;

when I first got mine that it didn't "feel" like a long distance bike, but it proved otherwise

i had the pleasure (?) of riding a 20 year old Kwack 550LTD from Dublin to Pori in Finland, two up, a couple of years ago.
it was suprisingly good, though wallowed its way through most bends!
if i can cope with that - surely the better engineered F650 will be a joy by comparison?

Now...nitty gritty bits;
that seat on the F looks short - well, i _think_ it would be with a topbox, me- all elbows and knees and SWMBO too?

please tell me i'm wrong

Thanks for the input!
eM

 

[kirre777]

Remember that the seat height of the ST is lower than a regular funduro. If you´re tall, as you say, you might end up in a rather cramped position. If your passenger is ehm... not skinny it's difficult to change your position on the seat while you ride.

I've had an ST for 3,5 years now (recently traded it in for an 1150 GS). I've been on holiday on my own two times (250-300 miles/7-8 days on both occations) and the ST worked very well.

I wouldn't recommend two on a holiday trip on an ST. It's just too small.

//Christian

 

[Madmountainman]

That comedian Wallly at CW's keeps giving me an ST as a loaner whilst mine's serviced. Dog slow, too small, slow, small, gutless and slow. There's no way i'd go through France, two up or solo, it's too small, oh... and slow. I'm 6'5".

 

[Ogmios]

Hmmm.....
in a nutshell / if i understand correctly;

its o.k - solo.
(actually MORE than o.k )

and did someone mention they're ...slow? - might have got that bit wrong though

Thanks a lot folks. you've been Very Helpful.
now....if i could just shift this effin triumph

(it would help if i advertised it i suppose)
eM

 

[timmy]

It's a change of mind.

I toured Europe on sports fours, singles, twins and last year my GS1150.
You cant deny the 1150 is big and supremely comfy, but speed for me is not an issue. I seem to end up touring at a slow pace because i want to see the countryside.

This year i'm riding Europe on my GS650 dakar. It's as comfy solo, not cramped, quick up to 90mph, cruises, it's surprisingly smooth for a single, no vibes through the bars, seat or pegs, it will go round corners too.
I appreciate the lighter 650, and am happy that i can move it around. And i cant wait to take it off road in Spain where it's relative lack of weight will be more confidence boosting.

I looks lovely - from certain angles, dont they all? - and...... ......... i'm not missing the 1150.

timmy