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Which touring bike?

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ChestnutTom
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Joined: 07 Mar 2013
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PostPosted: 16:00 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Which touring bike? Reply with quote
I'm looking for a good touring bike and wanting to weigh up my options and get some advice.

I'm 26, soon to be married - so we'll be two-up the majority of the time and it's only going to be used at weekends and trips away as we both have cars for work.

I'd love to have a BMW 1150gs, although I do know they can be expensive when things go wrong.

What else should I be looking at?

Budget's £3500, ideally with full luggage and sat nav.
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Polarbear
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PostPosted: 16:42 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Budget end of the touring market......

XJ900 with full Givi gear
Deauville

I've personally owned the XJ900 and toured Europe with a bloke on a Deauville and can't fault either of them. They do touring with aplomb and you can get really good ones with that sort of money.

Something like...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-XJ-900-Diversion-Low-mileage-fantastic-condition-full-luggage-/140922945946?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item20cfa9819a

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-NT-650-V-5-Deauville-/300874658162?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item460d86f172
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Rob1970
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PostPosted: 16:52 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
I'm no expert but I reckon I'd have a Bandit 1250 GT for that money
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Polarbear
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PostPosted: 16:57 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Rob1970 wrote:
I'm no expert but I reckon I'd have a Bandit 1250 GT for that money


I like them but they aren't shaft drive.

Wait till your missus gets off at the end of the day to find oil on her nice leathers/textiles. Or you walk into the hotel with your pannier with chain oil on the underside.
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map
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PostPosted: 16:58 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
For £3500 you should be able to get a tidy, looked after old ST1100.
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ChestnutTom
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PostPosted: 17:00 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
I was talking to a chap this morning who owns an XJ900, he said it had done 89,000 miles and sounded as good as the day he bought it.

The Honda's lovely, would 650 be alright for two-up and full panniers?
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ChestnutTom
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PostPosted: 17:17 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
map wrote:
For £3500 you should be able to get a tidy, looked after old ST1100.


I do like the Pans, this one has to be the best colour... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/st-1100-honda-pan-european-/281076634340?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item41717912e4
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WULFSTAN
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PostPosted: 17:44 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
ChestnutTom wrote:
I was talking to a chap this morning who owns an XJ900, he said it had done 89,000 miles and sounded as good as the day he bought it.

The Honda's lovely, would 650 be alright for two-up and full panniers?
There fine 2 up mate strange thing about them is they ride the same 2 up as 1 up. Love mine warning though they anit the fastest bike in the world.
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Last edited by WULFSTAN on 17:51 - 14 Mar 2013; edited 1 time in total
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Shaft
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PostPosted: 17:48 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
ChestnutTom wrote:


I do like the Pans, this one has to be the best colour... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/st-1100-honda-pan-european-/281076634340?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item41717912e4


Have you not answered your own question?
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ChestnutTom
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PostPosted: 19:56 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Shaft wrote:
ChestnutTom wrote:


I do like the Pans, this one has to be the best colour... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/st-1100-honda-pan-european-/281076634340?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item41717912e4


Have you not answered your own question?


It's another option, I'll have to have a ride of one.

You get a hell of a lot more for your money not going BMW, they aren't particularly liked on a lot of forums, are they just over-hyped?
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map
Mr Calendar



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PostPosted: 20:09 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
ChestnutTom wrote:
...You get a hell of a lot more for your money not going BMW, they aren't particularly liked on a lot of forums, are they just over-hyped?

Chatted to a friend who's had BMWs since I've known him (8+ years). His opinion is he buys BMWs with his heart, not his head. He acknowledges there is better kit out there but once you get into BMW it's difficult to get out. They do hold their value rather well and the dealers do good trade in/upgrades.

FWIW I own a Pan. It's worth it but make sure it's had a new or stainless exhaust collector box (they rot). Downpipes are stainless as standard. Also make sure swingarm is not rusted through. Other than that it's just the usual consumables.
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Kradmelder
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PostPosted: 20:14 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
im happy with my bmw 1200. Great long distance bike, and great for a pillion

The triumph looks like a real competitor, but guess it is new so you wont get it in your price range.

the older bmw 1150. plenty here and still going strong. You get your money back on them.
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Enduro Numpty
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PostPosted: 20:54 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
FJR1300, should be able to get an older one within your budget. Great bikes.
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yen_powell
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PostPosted: 21:17 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Honda/XL1000V-VARADERO/2008/_/R-NXGN-3046293
This advert says they are selling it at this price because of the high mileage. That's barely run in for the engine.

Those boxes on the side are 'orrible though.
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james1988
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PostPosted: 22:16 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
yen_powell wrote:
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Honda/XL1000V-VARADERO/2008/_/R-NXGN-3046293
This advert says they are selling it at this price because of the high mileage. That's barely run in for the engine.

Those boxes on the side are 'orrible though.


I have a varadero and love it. Great for being two up. It's a tough tall for me but I slide my arse off the seat when it comes to stopping (I'm 5ft 7) and they do weigh a tonne.

Fuel economy is cracking on it!

I paid £3200 for mine ('07 12k ish miles on the clock) with full pannier set because it was cat D'd. The owners wife knocked it over and cracked the front fairing. There are deals to be had so keep an eye out.

The aren't the fastest bikes but they do have a lot of low down torque which is ideal for a fully loaded bike.

James
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Polarbear
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PostPosted: 22:23 - 14 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
yen_powell wrote:
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes-for-sale/searchresults/detail/Honda/XL1000V-VARADERO/2008/_/R-NXGN-3046293
This advert says they are selling it at this price because of the high mileage. That's barely run in for the engine.

Those boxes on the side are 'orrible though.


Nice bikes. As are most adventure bikes for touring. I loved the 955i Tiger I had, but it was chain drive and I really would recommend a shaftie.
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parkmoy
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PostPosted: 08:53 - 15 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
ChestnutTom wrote:
................
The Honda's lovely, would 650 be alright for two-up and full panniers?


It would be OK I suppose but I'd suggest the NT700 with the wide panniers for 2 up touring, you know how women pack Very Happy All day comfort and economical too. You'd get a nice low mileage 2006/7 possibly 2008 for that money but don't be put off by a higher mileage. The motor is unburstable and will go round the clock no bother.
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DrSnoosnoo
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PostPosted: 09:07 - 15 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Has anybody mentioned a ZZR? the 1100s (IIRC) have been in some magazines recently about bikes you can buy under £1500. Obv with twice that budget you might be able to get a newer model/with luggage?
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map
Mr Calendar



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PostPosted: 10:50 - 15 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
parkmoy wrote:
ChestnutTom wrote:
................
The Honda's lovely, would 650 be alright for two-up and full panniers?
It would be OK I suppose but I'd suggest the NT700 with the wide panniers for 2 up touring...

FWIW you can get the larger pannier lids for the older 650 too. The panniers do not detach but you can swap the lids for more/less storage. I gather a taller screen is the norm also. IIRC the 650 Deauville does not have a fuel gauge. A bit of an omission on a touring bike (but shows the heritage/evolution from the NTV600). I believe this was corrected for the 700.

As said 2 up touring no hassle. I was thinking of getting one as a commuter so I did a little bit of research.
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radicalrabit
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PostPosted: 11:20 - 15 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
map wrote:
For £3500 you should be able to get a tidy, looked after old ST1100.


+1

BMW are a bitch I had a r1200rt AND GLAD WHEN i GOT RID THERE WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING WRONG WITH IT
oop sorry
R1150RT were in many respects better bikes,and less prone to stupid things like fuel pump controllers failing or clutch going after only 14,000 miles or wheel bearings going at 6000 miles.

BMW dealers will have you over a barrel every time you find a fault.
I have never yet heard of a Pan European Owner who wasn't Thrilled to bits with it

150,000 MILES + for a pan isnt heavy going Good ones are available for £2000+ and for two up riding effortlessly and in comport your Wife girlfriend will only be a problem when she falls asleep on the back

What ever else you get it wont be as good. If you get Ride Magazine look at the tables for the best in class. 2nd only to the big BMW s

Make sure the collector box and swing arm have been replaced if you get an older one . Many have stainless systems on ...

Get anything else and in time you will wish you had got the pan
The ST1100 were and still are better bikes than the newer 1300 versions.

Try and buy one privately as a dealer will be charging you £1000 more than he got if for in trade in ....
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ChestnutTom
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PostPosted: 13:36 - 15 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Wow, thanks for all the recommendations and advice! I need to get out there and test some of them now. I plan on buying within the next 5/6 weeks.

I'll keep you informed Cool
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hondapants
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PostPosted: 14:22 - 15 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
I would recommend the suzuki 1250 bandit or a cbf1000 both good reliable tourers and within the £3500 range

Ive went for the 1250sa k8 I paid £3000 for an 08 plate with 10k miles in mint condition (only a top box though and its half faired) its the cheaper end of the tourers market but ticks all the boxes the only downfall the wind deflection when going over 90mph is not brilliant....
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motobiker
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PostPosted: 14:35 - 15 Mar 2013    Post subject: Reply with quote
Not the 1150... its older brother - the 1100.

£2000 - £2500 will buy a minter with very likely uprated suspenders and remus. But.. you'll have to hunt - these bikes are in demand - particularly good ones.

https://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w40/motobiker/Photo34.jpg

https://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w40/motobiker/Photo4.jpg
Mine is NOT for sale.

My key to happy ownership - keep it serviced to schedule - find a local independent mechanic and use him for stuff you cant diy and NEVER go near a BMW dealership.
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