Haven't been excited by a bike in a while

[keithaba]

Since I nearly killed the FJR, I've been thinking about what bike I want next, and it has been really hard to get excited about anything.

There have been exciting bikes and developments, but nothing that I really want, since I have to have a sports tourer for my riding needs.

The B-King is kinda cool but certainly not going to cut it for touring duties.

All the new litre bikes are looking nice, and are putting out impressive numbers. Certainly would be fun to have one, but after riding the

blackbird a lot, I definately don't want something in a more aggressive position.

The Versys is cool, but with a seat like a schwinn, it certainly isn't going to cut it either.

I've done the cruiser thing, and while they would handle the touring abilities, but I need something sportier....

The C-14 was probably the thing that excited me the most when it was coming out because I expected a ZX-14 with bags and a better ergos, but it didn't excatly turn out that way.

The BMW F800st is a nice bike with pretty good reviews, however, the comparos have shown that the VFR has it bested in every department.

An updated VFR is what I want most, but I think everyone knows about how likely that is.

Which basically brings me right back to an FJR!!!! Sheesh, even when I want another bike, i can't convince myself to find a bike I like more!!!

Am I missing any bikes here?

 

[Scab]

Something different: clickage

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

Here ya go! :lol:

Or, you could resurrect your FJR as a muscular hooligan bike!

 

[beerme]

...or this.

 

[Fred W]

Some interesting possibilities:

Ducati Multistrada or a Suzuki Vstrom 1000 (w/ hard bags) is what I'd probably buy tomorrow if I could.

Or, if you have to have the sport touring crouch, what about a Moto Guzzi Norge? Or maybe find a lightly used K1200RS?

What the heck, a brand new '08 'busa only lists for ~$12k.

[edit] +1 on Scab's suggestion of a Trumpet. It's the closest thing to a VFR 1000 that I can think of.

 

[ionbeam]

...or this.

Or, if you have to have the sport touring crouch, what about a Moto Guzzi Norge?

I'm old enough that when somebody recommends a Norge this is what I think of:

 

[user 6393]

Trumph Sprint ST?

1050cc triple, with hard bags. Only 476lbs and ABS standard?

...could be fun, dunno

:blink:

 

[rushes]

I thought about something like what this guy did before I came to my senses.

st-zx14

 

[spklbuk]

I certainly wouldn't buy a Versys before an FJR, but there are a couple of aftermarket seats available or soon to be. Corbin has one now and Sargent is on the way post hastily. Cee Bailey will rebuild an OEM and there is the Spencer seat mod guy in Fla who also rebuilds OEM seats.

Nor would I let the seat stand between me and buying a Versys if that is what I wanted.

It is one capable lil mochine that just simply ROCKS!...but an FJR or speed triple it is not.

375 miles is doable on your Blackbird so, bring yourself up and try mine and I'm confident that you will agree. Of course I really want ya to head this way is so I can try out the Blackbird :yahoo:

 

[keithaba]

Scab: Not a bad idea. I need to see if the Triumph dealer will let me test ride it. I heard they made the ergos slightly less aggressive on the 07 and up. Trying to make it a bit more touring friendly.

Rushes: The ZX-14 in tour mode would be fun. Actually a reasonable option, considering that you can pick up a used zx-14 for a very affordable price. The aftermarket accessories would certainly raise the price considerably though. I'm still not sure it would be much different ergos than my blackbird though. I'd like to find someone who has a zx-14 with risers to see what the ergos are like.

Beerme: I'm not sure if there is a moto guzzi dealer around here. With an MSRP of $15590.00, I feel like it's a bit steep....

Ionbeem: I already have an extra beer fridge in the garage, but good suggestion! That puppy would certainly cost less than 15590, and the looks are comprable!

Spklbuk: 400 miles slab on the blackbird does not sound like fun. (unless your warchild, then it's just a warmup) Now if I could get a long weekend and take 2 days to get out there avoiding highway, maybe we can work something out!

 

[ngarider]

The Guzzi is an air cooled V-twin, needs premium gas, and makes half the power the FJR does (or so, according to RiderMagazine). Oh, and its 540# dry. And it's more $$$ than the FJR. Someone mentioned a used 06 FJR in your other thread.

The Triumph was on my short list, but I really like shaft drive. Having been on sportbikes, I HATE screwing with the chain. Personal preference for sure. If you're looking for something different, yet, acceptable, I'd look at the KGT (WAY spendy! $$$$), the Triumph that Scab mentioned. Roll your own ST would be neat, but if you're looking to save cash and have a great ST bike, well....

 

[Checkswrecks]

There's still some of these on showroom floors and being sold used. A bit more sporty than the FJR but very capable of touring.

ST Clicky

 

[juniorfjr]

Was up north a few weeks ago, and chatted with a guy on a new Sprint ST. Little more agressive ergos than the fjr, but a sweet looking package. They were riding two up and covering a lot of miles before their destination. Good luck on your search, and don't crash it.

 

[AdrianNKY]

Spklbuk: 400 miles slab on the blackbird does not sound like fun. (unless your warchild, then it's just a warmup) Now if I could get a long weekend and take 2 days to get out there avoiding highway, maybe we can work something out!

Stop being a puss. Take some Advil and get'er done. Hell, I'll go with you and you can ride my 06 out there so as not to cause any discomfort to your delicate backside.

 

[JRO]

I would avoid the Norge. I have a pal who sells them, and although they are very comfortable, they're really lacking in the 'sport' dept.. They've had some real issues with the things, also. Then, there's the price.

I love the Triumphs. You might look at the new model Tiger. You can get a 3-case luggage system with one, and ABS. The Sprint would be great, also. Triumph triples keep you happy, the whole time you ride them. The downside is limited dealer network, and although they're dependable, they do have more problems than a Yamaha.

Everyone has the itch for something different, but you know, there's really nothing wrong with getting another FJR.

 

[spklbuk]

Spklbuk: 400 miles slab on the blackbird does not sound like fun. (unless your warchild, then it's just a warmup) Now if I could get a long weekend and take 2 days to get out there avoiding highway, maybe we can work something out!

Stop being a puss. Take some Advil and get'er done. Hell, I'll go with you and you can ride my 06 out there so as not to cause any discomfort to your delicate backside.

Well 'ere ya go!

 

[beerme]

There's always the venerable clicky.