Which first tourer? (Bike for that matter)

[Runt]

Hi all first time post so go easy on me
Ok quick history, I rode a KMX 125 a few years ago as a commuter and before that an Armstrong whilst in the forces (Big green thing). My mate was the instructor so i got some time to play with it on the airfield.
Never took my test back then as I was a bit of a looney in my car and didnt want to die.His idea of fun was trying to get the pegs down at roundabouts, not mine.!!!
Now my mate has gone out and bought a Pan and is giving me a hard time about getting off my butt and doing my full test.

So my question is this (finally i hear you say)
Would the Deauville suit as a first time tourer capable of 2 up over any distance?
The missus will have to be comfy so I may get a different seat if thats required.
Thx in advance.

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

My dad has one and although it isnt fast it serves him well.

Nice and comfy on the back and you dont have to hold on at all when he accelerates at full blast. Mainly because it's a bit slow, but also because the seat has a lip at the back. I have found it a bit akward getting on and off as a pillion having the panniers there but ave got used to it. Once your going along it's very comfy, for rider and pillion. It will do the job perfectly well and according to my old man handles reasonably well.

It will never be the fastest thing out there or particularly exciting. It is shaft drive and very fuel efficient make it good though. And it's got the NTV engine so very unlikley to go wrong.

Should be fine, however if you want some exctiement you will probably get bored of it fairly quickly.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Runt]

Great news, thx for the fast response
I only want it for a spot of touring and rides around the New forest(40mph limit mainly) where I live, so speed is not an issue really as long as I get where I'm going.

[lumphammer]

Hi Runt & welcome.

Looks like you're going down the same route as me. Soon as I get the DAS sorted I will be looking at a Deauville. Would like a Pan but I've heard they are a bit on the heavy side for a newbie so perhaps a couple of years on the Deauville and then move up a bit. I not too interested in speed but, in my advancing years, I do like comfort.

[map]

From what I've been told the Deauville will be ok as a tourer. I looked at one myself as a commuter so have done a little research.

For touring recommend you'll need the extended (larger) pannier lids for increased capacity. It also doesn't have the acceleration of the ST1100 but then the engine is half the size and half the cylinders. There's no fuel guage, which according to those who care, is a big omission on a tourer. However, cope with resetting the odometer on each fuel fill-up (so you know when the next one will be) and you should be ok. You'll also have to try one for size but it seems the larger (taller) screen is also favoured for touring. Other than that ok bikes for the job.

The other name for tourers is of course BMW. If you want to think BMW then this site (click link) maybe has R850s for £3500 that'd do the job.

HTH
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[bidman]

The zzr's are also good touring bikes you can get them in 250cc, 400, 600, 1100, 1200 and of course the new 1400 many tourering riders swear by them for being comfortable 2 up and extremely reliable, check one out before you make a decision , Dan
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Don't ride it, RAG IT!!

[Runt]

Wow lots of good advice in here thanks all.
As for the fuel gauge I was thinking of looking into fitting one myself ... IF... I can't be bothered to reset the odo all the time.
Cant be too hard to strip one from another older bike and modify it......can it?
I did consider a Pan as well seeing as my friend has just bought one but I also thought it may be a bit on the large size for a starter bike.

Guess he can always give me a tow if he wants to go faster

The ZZR is a sports bike/ sports tourer isnt it:-
More expensive to insure
Less MPG
Less chance of the missus sitting on it !!

[Zen Dog]

I got a VFR750 with basically the same motivations as yourself, except both me and my dad thought the deauville was gutless as well as ugly.

The VFR on the other hand is all-day comfy, looks gorgeous (to me anyway), does 160mph, and already has a fuel gauge, dashboard clock, nice white dials.....

Only downside is that they are getting a bit old now, although the (newer) pre-VTEC VFR800 is supposed to be quite nice.

Just an alternative suggestion, although the deauville does sound like just the thing for your needs. Just dont be surprised when you hear your bike referred to as a "dullville". Everyone seems to call them that.

Zen Dog
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Current - '94 VFR750FR (Dead), '00 VFR800FI, '11 600 Hornet - Previous - '11 CBF125, '10 Street Triple R, '92 MZ ETZ301, '05 TTR250, NSR125R, KMX125, "Honda" Win
My bike trip around S.E. Asia 2010/2011

[Runt]

If it was'nt the Dullsville then it would be a Varadero or similar, if I could get the Missus to climb on the back of it that is.
Hmmm could always let her run behind
Nah!
But as far as the VFR goes I just dont want or need the speed side of it, I drive a subaru thats fast enough.(ok so its a forester not and Impreza)

[lumphammer]