Just what is the best sports tourer?

[sven]

Please read this thread regarding the VTEC service issue (562 replies!):

http://www.hondavfrclub.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=239010#post239010

After all the rumours, most competant mechanics say it only adds about an hour or two onto the service time. Taking the cams out twice to check the clearances is a bit of a design flaw though IMHO.

My local(ish) Triumph/Honda/Aprilia dealer told me the 12K service takes 8 hours on a 955 Triumph - I was whinging to him about the VTEC service issue at the time ("If you think the VTEC is bad be thankful you don't have a Triumph" etc.).

However, I was also told that Honda valves are rarely out at 16K and most dealers don't bother checking them until 32K - quite a few will pretend they've checked them though and charge you for it

 

[Eunuch]

Did you keep the Vtec Sven?

Sven, nice to see you here too

Did you keep the Vtec? I sold mine to get the GS. I love the GS - still getting used to it and a trip to Portugal late next month will test its legs out - but I have pangs of guilt and wish I could have kept the Vtec too. If I can sneak it past her I might just go and get one to keep the GS company.

Daz

 

[BBB61]

Sven,

The 4-5 hour time for the 12k service came from the Triumph dealer where I am buying my next Sprint next month. I can also back this up with my own experience of servicing my own Sprint 955. Its a straightforward bike to work on. Changing the fuel filter is a doddle, especially when compared to doing the same job on a GS.

Bob

 

[Keyframe]

Performance and power comparisons are all a bit academic unless you're at the drag strip or race track, these are all sold as "road bikes". Out of the crate, the 1100RT didn't need any more than a GIVI top box+backrest. You can wind up the rear shock preload and damping in less than a minute using the supplied tool kit and even stuffed full of weighty gubbins and a passenger they handle beautifully and will be a worry to plenty of other bikes you meet on your travels.

Motors don't really loosen up until they've gone past 20,000 and are totally sweet after 40,000 miles.

Touring tank range is an easy 220-240 miles between fill-ups and the saddle is fully adjustable although the lowest setting puts you a tad too close to the pegs.

Always be sure to add "free play" to the clutch when adjusting it. This is a weakpoint but keep an eye on it.

Hot grips and cylinder guards are worthwhile and the comfort seat from the 1150 is worth seeking out. Don't pay extra if it's got a stereo but it's worth having if you're on boring slog up a motorway.

Don't forget to wave as you pass your friends when they're filling up!

 

[sven]

Sven,

The 4-5 hour time for the 12k service came from the Triumph dealer where I am buying my next Sprint next month. I can also back this up with my own experience of servicing my own Sprint 955. Its a straightforward bike to work on. Changing the fuel filter is a doddle, especially when compared to doing the same job on a GS.

Bob

Hmm, interesting - I quite fancy a Speed Triple, but the service quote put me off (as has the Ducati costs). The R1200GS is a little bit too expensive for me at the mo', so I'm looking at upright sporty alternatives. The Aprilia Tuono is top of the list though.

Daz - I swapped the VTEC for a Caponord. Though it would be a cross between a GS and an RSV. It hasn't quite worked out like that

 

[BBB61]

Sven,

Seems the answer is to check around with different dealers and see what they quote. Like with Honda dealers (having gone through the 38 pages in that thread you supplied the link to) their rates and times do vary.

Bob

 

[TST]

If you wanna stick with the blue & white propeller; try an RT or RS. They won't let you down. I've done 10K on my RT. Great bike. Trading it for a 04-Dakar though! Weight is king!

 

[Jimb]

Sven

Ahh, i thought it was at each 8000 interval, takes me about 2 hours to the valves on the GS.

 

[Satnav]

1150 rt

Thanks for all the comments, you lot are a fountain of knowledge.


How does anyone feel about the noise the 1150 rt's servo assisted's make?


I took one for a test and it bothered me in the short time I had it.

 

[paul thompson]

Satnav. You might want to hold fire till sept. Thats when both honda and bmw are showing their new sports tourers. The vtec blackbird should be a blinder and the new bmw k1200s should be tasty. 160-170 bhp, shaft, and luggage fitment plus 220kg wet according to a lad at local dealer. Probably will cost a shitload though..

 

[Satnav]

bmw k1200s should be tasty

Cheers Paul, sounds well tasty, 220kg full sounds astounding, I will do some digging with my local beemer boys.

 

[Arthurwg]

I recently traded my 1999 R1100S for a 1200 GS for exactly the opposite reason: I wanted to sit more upright. I think the 1200 GS is also faster, at least to 100MPH. I much prefer the easy revs of the new motor to the old oilhead, which also gave much more vibration. Gearbox is also MUCH better. The wind protection seems about the same. The new bike is a bit tall for me, but he old bikle was too cramped for sure.

 

[Joe]

touring

Well,the Honda Valk 1520cc did it for me 3000 mile trip around Europe, ploded along at 100mph on the motorways, and took bends well too on the mounting roads. Not a sport bike I know, but I had great fun out of the 3 Valks I had.

Just my 2p's worth!

joe

 

[robeekay67]

sports tourer....getta fazer.......nuff said......

 

[~Stef~]

Triumph Sprint ST gets my vote, if you can fit.
I would have one now, but found it to cramped. Cheaper to insure than a VFR to.

Keep yer GS and buy an old FJ1200, best of both worlds

~Stef~

 

[Abue]

sports tourer....getta fazer.......nuff said......

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Wouldn't like to do 450 miles on a Fazer Thou or otherwise.

Have ridden a BB & had 3 years on a VFR800, but this is by far the best Sports Tourer.
Smooth, very fast, handles surprisingly well, 1 up, 2up or full up, and stops on a sixpence. Comfy and effortless to drive but at the same time engaging.
The only let down is a 180mile tank range. That’s 2 hours between fills and you can’t wait to get back on and get going again.

 

[thauma]

Try a Ducati 996.


Fantastic for the roads when you get there.

Luggage (using Ventura system) is no problem.

Comfort is exceptional . at least when you consider the tank range.

Pillion Seat is for show, believe me you save a fortune on Intercom bills, as there is no way anyone would want to sit that high up, with their kneew even higher.

I'm not joking, I've toured Europe over the last 4 years with no problems, and fantastic fun.

However for use at home the GS gets you away from the old bill, and the even when on tour (on the interesting mountain roads) the GS keeps the Ducati in sight.

Don't compromise - you'll just regret it as you will have 1 bike that claims to do everything well, but in effect manages to do nothing but disappoint

 

[Mycroft]

Re: Just what is the best sports tourer

Sports Tourers covers a real multitude of bikes with varying degrees of handling and touring ability.

I would split into two groups...
Motorway mile munchers (Longer Wheelbase and weightier more of a handful on b-roads and around town)
BM* K1200RS
Honda Super Blackbird
Kawasaki ZZR1200
Suzuki Hayabusa GSXR-1300

Sportier Tourers
(Shorter wheelbase & lighter but comfier than an outright sports bike)
BM* R1100S
Honda VFR 800
Triumph Sprint ST 955i
Kawasaki ZX12R

I Traded my BM* K1200RS for a GSA because I fancied a change, K1200RS was a great fast wide roads bike and motorway mile muncher, they are also very rapid as well.

 

[Mycroft]

Re: Just what is the best Sports Tourer

I agree with paul brilliant Sports Tourer

 

[richie]

Funnily enough with me going on about reliability on another thread the K1200 has a bit of a poor reputation over here in Belgium....

Seems that taking it from 1100 to 1200 has weakened it in some way...