Touring bikes

[.Bishbash.]

A little background first;

Doing a two week tour in Europe in August to the Czech Moto GP and back going through 8 different countries there and back.

So been looking at a few different bikes to buy just for the trip, and have considered a Pan European, Super blackbird, ZZR1100, VFR750 and Bandit 1200S.

Reason being for the slightly sportier version of a tourer is that we will stop by Nurberg ring for a couple of laps.

When it comes to the tourer bikes I am not experienced, any issues in Pan Europeans I should look out for?

I have found a few that I got my eye on but the majority seem to be high mileage, do these run for more than the normal bikes?

Oh say this one and instantly thought this guy is a wanna be copper. Would be a laugh for the trip though.

Anyway any other suggestions on good reliable touring bikes?

Thanks

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Current bike - GSX-R1000 k8

[chillyman0]

Touring 2 up on the viffer in july, will let you know how that handles it (bit late by then I know) but my guess is its gonna munch up the miles like a fat man at pizza hut buffet
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preivious : 2007 Skyjet 125 (died), 1991 gsf400 (problems, rotting in garden)
1996 gsf600n (sold)
current : 1996 VFR750 for sale, PM for info! 2000 E1 ZX-9r

[Marmalade]

My pan euro is on 101,000 miles now and i'd take it anywhere.

If you wanted to you could do czech in 24hrs, I have a few times.

Issues buying a pan euro.

The main one, rear swing arms rust. have a good poke around the front underside which is usually the worst bit.

Get a 96+ model with better alternator, the early ones were 28a and unreliable, damn expensive and a real pain in the arse to change.

Front wheel bearings i'd change before a long trip, I tend to change mine for genuine honda ones every 6 months just to be safe.

Calipers seize up with lots of mileage and need to be kept clean, £30 a caliper for rebuild kit so cheap to do if needed.

rear bevel box, often called the diff can pack up, look for silver coloured oil, also the spider can wear causing the rear wheel to disengage the rear wheel losing drive, can only check this by taking the wheel out, keep it greased.

Genuine cans are made of rusty scrap and rust if you mention water to them. If solid should last ok but if they look a bit suspect they'll fall apart fairly soon.

Don't let this put you off, I do silly mileages, all this stuff has happened to me over several pan europeans over a 18 year period, one bike I had did 60,000 needing only 1 front wheel bearing and the braked rebuilding.
I took it off the road at 86,000 miles after the alternator packed in on the way back from portugal
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Nobby the Bastard: How yo tell the difference between the actual japanese and her just screaming because she's had live fish stuck up her arse? [url=https://www.nicks-shop.co.uk/bcf-goodies-15-c.aspGet BCF stickers and things here[/url] Reflective helmet stickers - Legal requirement in france - Clicky

[.Bishbash.]

Thanks for that, can go look at some with a good bit of knowlege behind me now.

Great stuff thanks!

Any other view more than welcome.
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Current bike - GSX-R1000 k8

[G]

How about an R1, then add a double bubble, some adjustable bars, pegs and gel seat to give comfort for the longer bits and all the 'fun' you could want for the fun bits .

[ms51ves3]

You've got me looking at Pan Euros now Insurance is dirt cheap.

[D O G]

What sort of MPG on a Pan?

[ms51ves3]

28 litre tank and one advert claims 230-280 miles so about 35 - 45 mpg.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

The Ducati SportsTourer2.

Hold on... hold on.

For about 2k you can get a bike with under 30k on the clocks.
Probably with a full service history. Choose the post '98 models and you too get a better charging system like the Pan. 200mile tank range (mine averages 45mpg). Get the hard luggage included if you can..they are 100% waterprooof although not massive.
The post '01 models miss out on fully adjustable Showa front and rear.

Totally underrated bike...kinda slipped through the net.

*BUT....I'd probably buy an old blade or R1..fit some risers and buy a sheepskin....Yeah i know. WTF. But having now ridden them i cannot believe how roomy they are and how practical they can be.
I'd sniggered when i read about RTW on an R1...What a novelty...Not.


*If you're a little on the large side of average then disregard.
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[Marmalade]

I've had 48.6mpg out of one of my current pans, average though for me is 38mpg but i rant the tits off them constantly and still get 200 miles out of a tank.

Ride it like a nun and you'll do 300 miles on a tank

Old git, 9 points, good area would cost me £217 for 2 pans fully comp

I pay more than double that though as i'm one of those dangerous courier type
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Nobby the Bastard: How yo tell the difference between the actual japanese and her just screaming because she's had live fish stuck up her arse? [url=https://www.nicks-shop.co.uk/bcf-goodies-15-c.aspGet BCF stickers and things here[/url] Reflective helmet stickers - Legal requirement in france - Clicky

[.Bishbash.]

[olionel]

personally any uprightish bike is OK for Europe (as long as you're not going offroad). In my opinion something like a Bandit or a Fazer 600 makes a perfect euro bike (+theyre cheapo). I did two weeks in euro last year on a Fazer600, two up.. had givi 40lt topbox and oxford sports panniers and a small tankbag. we had room to bring 4,5 bottles of wine back. Also in Europe you're not gona run out of fuel stations to need a massive tank range...

also not being biased here but the best touring bike is the Africa Twin
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1989 CG125 - Childhood Sweetheart (she got kidnapped by baddies)
1998 ZXR400 - Teenage Love (lasted three years, then she turned lesbian and left me)
2001 XRV750 - Wife Material (still getting to know her but head over heels in love)

[Bendy]

Sprint ST'll do 200+ to a tank and you get that lovely 1050 triple motor...

[ms51ves3]

[Marmalade]

270 miles today and most days.

Mot passed this morning with no notes and it's got 102,000 on the clock

Wouldn't want to use anything else
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Nobby the Bastard: How yo tell the difference between the actual japanese and her just screaming because she's had live fish stuck up her arse? [url=https://www.nicks-shop.co.uk/bcf-goodies-15-c.aspGet BCF stickers and things here[/url] Reflective helmet stickers - Legal requirement in france - Clicky

[Phoenix]

I agree with G in that it doesn't require a change of bike, I can't remember which R1 you have but seem to recall it's the 2004/05 model which IMO is by far the most practical and comfortable of the lot. I do my touring on Fireblades, albeit my new one is somewhat less comfortable than the old one due to it being a bit more compact and sportier.

If you are changing bike anyway though then it makes sense to get something a little more relaxed. I don't think a Blackbird is that much of a step away from sporty, it's still got clipons but is somewhat more comfortable. A Bandit or VFR will be significantly easier on your wrists and back and a pan european is about as close to driving a car as you can get. If you get a pan though I wouldn't buy it off that wannabe copper. The only thing that bothers me about pans is the most simple jobs are a pain in the butt due to the fairings, panniers, exhausts and so on all being in the way.

[Marmalade]

[Peirre oBollox]

[funmonkee]

I've been touring for the last few years now and can confirm the Hayabusa (gen1) is up to the job. I've done Holland, Belgium, France, Portugal Spain, Some of Germany, Switzerland and some of Northern Italy

The busa is confortable. Can carry luggage (although I am the master to travelling light). Is fast enough for the autobahn. Fairly decent fuel economy. Well behaved in cities and can carry a pillion easily (done that twice).

The Hayabusa 1999 is a brilliant all round bike.. that's why I have 3 of these beautiful girls

https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q73/funmonkee/sportugal%201/P06-04-10_101001.jpg
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**** Don't ride faster than your angel can fly Get this Free Space
The democratically elected Mod of the Scottish Section - The Peoples Choice[b]

[Phoenix]

What on earth do you do with 3 Hayabusas? Or do you mean you've had 3 of them?

[funmonkee]