Help choosing a tourer

[fox]

So following our recent (and sore) trip to Wales, me and the missus have decided that we need a dedicated tourer as going two up on an R6 just doesn't cut the mustard for any kind of two up distance riding.
The thing is, I don't have clue where to start with looking for a suitable tourer.
The bike would need to be comfy enough for two people, upright, large tank capacity and part faired at least if possible. It also needs to be big enough to carry the kitchen sink, as let's face it, women never travel light.
I quite like the look of adventure bikes.

Our budget could probably stretch to £2000-£2500.

Any advice would be appreciated
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Sold: 2003 satin black Yamaha R6
Current rides: 2006 blue Triumph Sprint ST 1050, 2003 Yamaha WR450F

[P.]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=270332

[Enduro Numpty]

A bit over your budget but maybe worth considering. One of the best sport touring bikes ever. I've got a 2009 bike which is very little changed from this model. If you want to do great distances loaded up with a passenger and still have fun then this is the bike.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-Yamaha-FJR1300-touring-SPECIALISTS-GOOD-BAD-CREDIT-FINANCE-/360641807114?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item53f7ed430a

[Matt B]

You should be able to pick up a 2000ish Pan European for around £2.5k, would be the ST1100 but they are super comfy reliable touring bikes.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[fox]

Alot of bike for your money with those recommendations. I will definitely check them out.
Is the Suzuki V strom much cop?
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Sold: 2003 satin black Yamaha R6
Current rides: 2006 blue Triumph Sprint ST 1050, 2003 Yamaha WR450F

[P.]

[fox]

[Kradmelder]

[fox]

[RidersRest]

I run a bike accommodation and touring business here in France, my main bike is an 01 FJR1300 with more than 100,000 miles on the clock and it is a peach, I do about 200 miles a day 5 to 6 days a week for about 6 months of the year and have no comfort issues with this bike, love is so much I have a second FJR1300 on a 54 plate. I reccon you can pick up a 2001/02 bike for about 2.5k.

many of the adventure bikes are capable tourers but you are going to be paying for them unless it is an old mid range bike, I also have a Guzzi Stelvio which is a hoot great for scratching and perfect for 2 up riding, but because the exhaust is on the upper side it does half the pannier space on one side...

You can pick up some Pan 1100 for a good price or event he mid range Deauville for decent money and they are both fair tourers but not sporty.

there is no real answer though as we each look for diferent things in a bike so go shopping, do some riding on demonstrators and see what you like.

I recommend the FJR though 2 up loaded you cannot beat it for pulling power and sporty mixed touring.. we did Turkey & Back on my 01 back in 2006 check out the report at www.whereistonynow.co.uk/tour2cure.htm
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RidersRest Bikers only B&B in the beautiful Central Massif - France
Touring France not sure where to go? Central Massif on a motorcycle...

[Kradmelder]

[Cheeseybeaner]

[ukdiceman]

How about this:-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-TRIUMPH-SPRINT-ST-SILVER-/230961729136
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FZ6 Fazer

[fox]

Thanks for all the great recommendations guys.
I guess I should get out there and try and get some test rides before I take the plunge on any particular bike.
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Sold: 2003 satin black Yamaha R6
Current rides: 2006 blue Triumph Sprint ST 1050, 2003 Yamaha WR450F

[TheBikerStig]

[Scotsman37]

Here's a selection of all makes between £1,500-2500 on Ebay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Motorcycles-Scooters-/422/i.html?_udlo=1%2C500&_from=R40&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udhi=2%2C540&_nkw=tourer&_pppn=r1&_dcat=422&Capacity%2520%2528cc%2529=675%2520to%2520824%2520cc|825%2520to%2520974%2520cc|975%2520to%25201159%2520cc|1160%2520to%25201334%2520cc|More%2520than%25201335%2520cc|%2521

[yaigi]

A guy at Rivington at the weekend was singing the praises of the BMW for two up touring, certainly sold it to me, if I was after that kind of thing. I think he must have thought I was Mr Yaigis pillion At least I got on my bike whilst he was still watching

Here's one to throw into the mix - would you not be more comfortable with no pillion, ie, get the missus to get her own bike?!
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What would you do in life, if you knew you could not fail?
Currently own - Fazer 600, 2000, Red. (But no riding as baby on board atm)

[spnorm]

I ride two-up all the time nowadays. Mrs of almost four years loves riding pillion, but has no interest in riding herself, so I've gradually switch from a sports tourer (K1200S) to an adventure type (1200GS) to a proper tourer (R1200RT). The RT works brilliantly two-up, even fully loaded with luggage, and is still fun in the twisties.

They're not so much fun one-up as a sports bike, but it's horses for courses.

I couldn't have picked a better rental bike for 16 days in the USA last year

[Kradmelder]

[fox]

After much deliberation, I've decided I am going to sell the r6 to fund a new bike. I decided that I will probably end up getting a trail bike as well as a tourer, to satisfy my urge to off road.
As I am getting rid of my sports bike, I thought a sports tourer would probably be better.
VFR vtec anyone?

Cheers
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Sold: 2003 satin black Yamaha R6
Current rides: 2006 blue Triumph Sprint ST 1050, 2003 Yamaha WR450F

[barrkel]

The VFR is heavy and sluggish to turn - you'll find it a pig compared to the R6. But I expect it's still much better than a full dress tourer.

VFR VTEC seat is fairly hard, despite being thick enough to leave almost no room underneath. Pillion comfort is better than being perched on an R6 I'd expect, but not nearly as comfortable as a proper tourer. But I've never been a pillion on my own bike.

It's a fairly comfy bike for long distances on the motorway. It's a lot less pleasant going through towns.
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Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ

[garth]

ST4? I'll be done with mine by August after my trip, and it will be under the lower end of your budget, with panniers and a top box already.

[c-m]

[motoman]

i've had a vtec for 4 years and am in no rush to change it as it does everything i want from a bike (last bike was a R1). i use it all year round for commuting,scratching ,rallies and touring . build quality and reliability is excellent. i did change the seat for a Sargent seat which is great. 400 miles a day and my ass was fine and ready for next day. panniers , top box and tank bag which doesn't affect handling too much mean i can carry more than enough stuff and the mrs says the pillion perch is fine. mine is an early vtec and when it cuts in at 7000 rpm theres sometimes a wee "jump" but you get used to it.it can be a bit heavy when fully loaded but what bike doesn't , i'm a 5'8"shortie and manage fine.i would deffo recommend a vtec as a do-it-all bike.

some vids here...
https://www.youtube.com/user/motoman1100

[james1988]

Have you thought about a Varadero? I have one and love it. For such a heavy beast it pulls well and handles extremely well (in my opinion, obviously not anywhere near a sportsbike).

It has a huge max weight limit and will happily pull me and my other half with ease. I've been getting roughly 45mpg, 2 up include top box and panniers at national speed limit.

james