Ideas for touring bikes please

[Mike101]

I'm thinking of getting a newish tourer..maybe 6 years old to replace my 1150RT.

On the list to look at are the following:-

R1200RT
K1200GT
K1300GT
ZZr1400GT
FJR1300
ST1300

It must have big luggage, comfy for two and do all that big bikes like this can do easily.

I welcome your thoughts on the above.

Mike

[92kk k100lt 193214]

I'm thinking of getting a newish tourer..maybe 6 years old to replace my 1150RT.

On the list to look at are the following:-

R1200RT
K1200GT
K1300GT
ZZr1400GT
FJR1300
ST1300

It must have big luggage, comfy for two and do all that big bikes like this can do easily.

I welcome your thoughts on the above.

Mike

I am biased.....

I swear by the K100.....like the RT because its lighter than the K100LT. I know its not o your list but it seems older machines are proving more reliable.

Quite a few friends moved from K100 to K1100LT and swear by them for 2 up travel....

One friend has a K100 with clutch issue and is using FJR1300 for 2 up and also finds it great.
K1200 and K1300 do it too but too heavy for me. I also find the K1100 too heavy.
ST1300 was on my list until I rode a K100. Never actually rode one but it was swing arm and exhaust issues put me in favour of the K. However I haven't met an unhappy ST owner.

For touring RT or LT or similar fairing is a must. I also figure the more upright handlebar position is important- it is for me.

[Mike101]

I've still got my K100LT...the Mrs hates it on the back..she feels sat too high and very exposed.

Plus I can't get breakdown cover on a bike that old..and I don't have the time to sit and wait for parts to be delivered to me.

Weight is not an issue for me but comfort and a good screen are...also a big tank as I like to do big miles between each stop.

Mike

[HarveyCamm]

I've had my ST1300 from new in 2005 (90k miles now) and it's never missed a beat and has only cost tyres, fuel and servicing really plus a couple of rounds of fork seals at about 70k miles but it still pulls like a train and will easily do over 300 miles on a tankful of petrol. I'm hesitant to buy a newer one as they've not done anything to update the model as far as I can see but the price has gone up over the years.
I'll tall so a set of heli-bars and a taller screen with a vent at the bottom sorted out positioning and aerodynamics for me and any pillion I've ever carried has likened the ride to having an arm-chair in traffic

Harv

[Peirre]

Plus I can't get breakdown cover on a bike that old..

The ADAC will cover older bikes

[AndyB]

I've always been told that the best touring bike is the one you've got and are using.

I'm loading up my KTM ready to go tonight and it's going to have to be perfect for the job because it's what I'm using.

[johnnyboxer]

I'm thinking of getting a newish tourer..maybe 6 years old to replace my 1150RT.

On the list to look at are the following:-

R1200RT
K1200GT
K1300GT
ZZr1400GT
FJR1300
ST1300

It must have big luggage, comfy for two and do all that big bikes like this can do easily.

I welcome your thoughts on the above.

Mike

I am biased.....

I swear by the K100.....like the RT because its lighter than the K100LT. I know its not o your list but it seems older machines are proving more reliable.

Quite a few friends moved from K100 to K1100LT and swear by them for 2 up travel....

One friend has a K100 with clutch issue and is using FJR1300 for 2 up and also finds it great.
K1200 and K1300 do it too but too heavy for me. I also find the K1100 too heavy.
ST1300 was on my list until I rode a K100. Never actually rode one but it was swing arm and exhaust issues put me in favour of the K. However I haven't met an unhappy ST owner.

For touring RT or LT or similar fairing is a must. I also figure the more upright handlebar position is important- it is for me.

They are very dull though

[Mike101]

Yes I totally agree but it's comfort and luggage space that is important here.

Mike

[92kk k100lt 193214]

I've still got my K100LT...the Mrs hates it on the back..she feels sat too high and very exposed.

Plus I can't get breakdown cover on a bike that old..and I don't have the time to sit and wait for parts to be delivered to me.

Weight is not an issue for me but comfort and a good screen are...also a big tank as I like to do big miles between each stop.

Mike

That highlights the fact that you must do a test ride 2 up, the issue of the comfort of the rear of the seat and footrest height is very important. But that also highlights that many more sporty bikes leave the pillion sitting higher than the rider and more exposed. Sounds like you are headed for R1200RT, ST1300 Pan or K1200/1300LT or FJR. They all seem to have a riding position that suits long distance 2 up riding. Of course there is always the Gold Wing, its not to be dismissed even in its earlier versions.

I use Carole Nash for insurance and breakdown cover and they don't have an age limit on their breakdown cover but most other insurers do, something you have commented on.

A lot in terms of parts depends on where you travel to. You will get any K part in west of Ireland much faster than anything for more recent bikes because their parts have to be ordered in. A good network of owners always around to help someone out. More recent bikes will be more difficult although possibly less likely to be in need. I know if I need anything around the country a few calls will locate anything that could possibly be needed.

[robson]

no Triumph Trophy included in the list? (thumbs)