To adventure, or to sport tourer EDIT: getting a GSXF

[cdlxxvi]

So, the KLE is now sold (to my big brother, who rode it home 1500 miles - turns out one can even tour on it) and being bikeless is rapidly becoming a pain.

Let's say I have 4k to spend, want to buy <5 years old, because I don't want it to fall apart in a couple of years.

I want the next bike to address the shortcomings of the KLE, in order of nuisance:
- Butt-killing seat
- Not enough poke (I'm not into fast and furious, but after a 500 I want something nippier)
- Not so comfy long distance (wind blast, vibration)

But I also want to keep the good things:
- Fit for a tall guy - 1.87m (or 6'2" in medieval)
- Rock-solid reliability (2 years on KLE, 2 changed lightbulbs and that was it)
- Good economy, cheap insurance and servicing (will use a garage)
- Easy, sensible riding for a guy of average skill who enjoys fresh air and munching miles more than supersonic kneedowns

Being tall I like the upright position and the height of an adventure bike. So the logical choices would be:
- V-Strom - seems best
- Versys - seems also best, but I fancy a change from Kawasaki
- 700/800GS - much more expensive for same age/mileage
- something else?

Then again let's face it, I don't ever leave the tarmac. So how about something faired, but sensible:
- GSX650F - seems to tick all the boxes
- SV - too sporty (read: uncomfortable) riding position?
- XJ6F, ER6F - smallish?
- F800ST - again, comes with BMW tax
- or else?

I will now go and arrange some test rides, but meanwhile all suggestions will be very welcome!

[Eddie Hitler]

inb4 Fireblade

[Skudd]

I like my Varadero.

I do like the look of some of the newer Super Teneres and BMW GS bikes, but my Varadero does what I want it to do.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[Shreeve]

I'm completely biased here but I can't fault my GSX650F. Cheap as chips, fair enough it's on the slow side but certainly fast enough for every day riding.

I'm 6"2 and i've commuted to work for over a year and it's solid.
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Current: Suzuki GSX650F (2010), Suzuki GSXR1000 K7, Suzuki GS250T (1980) currently restoring: Clicky.
Previous: Honda CBF 125 (2011), Suzuki GSXR750 K4

[P.]

Nothing uncomfortable with a J model ZX6R but likely a bit old for you. Not that an old bike will fall apart.

[Polarbear]

Tiger, 1050 or 955i versions are both nice. The 800 is even nicer but not sure if that is in your price range.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[c-m]

If you never leave the tarmac don't bother with the compromise of he v-strom or BMWs (excluding the ST). All are good bikes but there is little point in a 19" wheel for pure road use.

[doggone]

I quite like the look of the Transalps now, know little about them though

[ADSrox0r]

Let me just put this broken record on.....


VFR


/end
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[Supermoto_Fan]

No idea about price, but you haven't mentioned a tiger 800, whether it be the road biased or off-road model. Everyone I have spoken too who has one loves it.

Think the first ones may be coming to 5 years old?
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[chickenstrip]

[Supermoto_Fan]

eBay item numbers:

321402389650

221450741745

181635192861
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[stevo as b4]

[Robster]

Yamaha TDM850/900
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Up the bum no babies.

[Fladdem]

[stinkwheel]

[mentalboy]

[Albigularis]

With 4k to spend, I'd probably buy a 'Busa and just get yourself acclimated to the riding position. If you absolutely need something straight up I'd go R1150GS or V-Strom.
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Biking history so far-
Aprilia RS125 - Kawasaki ZXR400 - Triumph Street Triple R - Suzuki GSXR1000 L3 - BMW R1200GS - Kawasaki Z1000 - Kawasaki ZX10R C1H - Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring - Suzuki Hayabusa

[yen_powell]

[Skudd]

[yen_powell]

[Seb]

If there's one local to you, get a test ride on an April RST 1000 Futura. Lighter, quicker, more comfortable and cheaper than a VFR. They aren't perfect (Look after that rear wheel bearing!) but they were a Japanese badge and sensible RRP away from being a huge seller imo.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Ammoman]

Don't over look the Fazer 8. Just bought a 12 plate for the misses for 4k. Cracking all rounder.
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2013 ZZR1400 & Honda CG125 1986..

[grr666]

I reckon 6'2 is too tall to do long distances on ER6f.
Im 5'11 and 32" inseam and I find it cramped after an hour or so.
Especially with pillion so I can't scooch back a bit when I feel uncomfortable.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[cdlxxvi]

Thanks to everyone for suggestions!

I tried a number of bikes for size and by now definitely want a sports tourer. I still consider the following and am open to suggestions from outside the crossed-out list:

GSX650F - OK for position and size, a (hopefully) decent one can be had for 3-3.5k (example) which kinda even tempts me to splash out and get a brand new one.

VFR - Will sit comfortably providing the pedals can be lowered. Within my budget I can get a 2005-2006 one with 20-30k on the clock.
Apparently this is before some essential V-TEC improvements and the servicing costs are murder - people on the internet say so, so must be true

In general for same age/mileage VFR costs up to twice as much as the GSX. Is it twice as good?


To look out for and try:
- F800ST (same value for money question as with VFR)
- Fazer 8 (will have to almost surely up the budget)


Any other bikes I should consider? So far I crossed out
- All adventures - I want a change of style
- XJ6, ER6, FZ6 - too cramped
- SV, CBR600F, ZX6R - too sporty position