big tourers.

steveh · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Karma :

Well, recently posted about a vstrom 650, and was wondering what other bikes there are like this, not really familiar with big tourers, im asking on behalf of my old man, as he wants one, he currently has a norton commando 850 Interstate but wants a nice tall bike, if anyone could post a list of bikes and personal opinions, that would be great.

cheers Steve
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Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Theres also the Honda Transalp 650, and the Yamaha TDM850.

Both are very tall bikes, and both are twins, and are very reliable.

A member of this forum has just got a transalp too, so I am sure he'll be along in a minute posting what he thinks of his.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I presume you're looking at a newish one?

Most of the manufacturers make a litre class or similar one:
Aprilia Caponord
Cagiva Canyon
Ducati (that weird moving headlight thingy)
Honda Varadero
Suzuki VStorm (Kwasaki aslo sell a copy of this that is the same bike)
Triumph Tiger
BMW GS range
KTM's new adventure thingy

The last two have a hope of getting off road, the rest are pure road bikes. I've probably missed one or two out there.

mr.z · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

Predictable - me?

Depending on what sort of touring he is planing on really.. motorway touring or windey backroads, or both...

Honda deuvalle - is a brilliant small tourer, will handle better than you'd think + shaft driven goodness.

Yamaha divy - Uneventfull, but shaft drive and reliable.

Pan european - Police use them for good reason.

BMW - Pricey but good.

zzr-600/1100 - Fantastic touring bikes, comfy as bmws flaship tourer and you can do a trackday on one. not very tall..

Trans alp - Tall it is! (and tall i'm not) the seat is not great but corbin make an aftermarket one (which i'm planing on) its powerfull enough to scare you sometimes, nothing fazes the suspension, can even be taken off road Very Happy

Brilliant for filtering, easy to controll, and you can see for miles in front!

Africa twin is the one i would have liked, to tall and too pricy.

Triumph tiger - its british!

sure theres loads more..
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synaptyx · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Jul 2004 Karma :

I'd love something I could sit up on for the sake of my back. I have short arms and short legs, so I need a low seat and handlebars I don't have to stretch too far over the tank to get to. My ideal seat height is about 785mm (like my GSX600F). Not sure what to go for next. Confused

flat spot · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Karma :

King of the tourers is the FJ1200. Quiter sporty for their bulk and will sit on the motorway all day long at 100mph without a hiccup.

GRUNT · L Plate Warrior Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Karma :

As a owner of the V-strom 650 i can say without doubt......it's the MUTTS NUTTS.
Cant fault it
Strong, powerfull engine, reliable, comfy, can add lots of add-ons.
Just taken out my "secondaries" today. Got smoother ride at low revs, about another 10 mph at the top. Cut the"Peeshooter" pipe out of the tailpipe and she sounds quite sweet now.
Yep have to say a good all round bike.
Stood it next to a new R1 the other day and it TOWERS over it.
Heres a pic:
[img][/img]

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

panrider · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Karma :

got to say the st1100 aint i Laughing

cos i ride 1 and have done for 6 years .super comfort 64 mpg on a good run .max miles ive done in a day is 700 in total comfort dieppe to andorra.and you can have loads of fun when you get the pegs down .but i still like the blackbird shame i sold the bugger . Crying or Very sad

ISLAND GIRL · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Karma :

kawashima · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2005 Karma :

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

i reckon an old goldwing wd be good for leisurely touring
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tonyyzf · Brolly Dolly Joined: 13 May 2005 Karma :

Have a look at the Cagiva Navigator, its a Canyon with a TL1000 engine, I have one and its fantastic, could ride it all day every day.
My mate had a Yam TDM850 but traded it for a Navi, he's delighted with it, good strong motor, excellent handling.
You can get all the necessary luggage, handguards, higher screen, etc.
Have a look at this ebay item:-
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-CAGIVA-NAVIGATOR-Blue-12000-miles-3000ono_W0QQitemZ4592921132QQcategoryZ424QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem