Your favourite bike for munching the miles?

[Fallout]

I'm in a situation where I need to get a new bike that can easily munch through a lot of miles but retain the fun factor, so would love to get some opinions. We're talking a large amount of motorway and A roads with some B roads you want to enjoy at either end. It could be brand new or a few years old.

I test rode a Sprint GT last week and while it was a decent bike, the lack of a tall screen let it down on the motorway, plus I don't actually fit on it since I'm super lanky and the fairings slice my knees off. So bikes for the taller rider preferred! I'm testing riding a Tiger 1050 on Wednesday, and also looking at KTM 990 SMTs as not only do they look awesome, but you can get tall screen and luggage options to make them practical.

Anyway, I've been looking at loads of bikes and asking people their opinions, but thought it'd be good to get the opinion of the ORG to see if I can refine my short list. All thoughts appreciated.

[yorkie_chris]

Fjr1300

[Luckypants]

I know everyone is gonna go with their current bike, but I will say the Honda VFR 800 VTEC. I am on my second and have covered about 40K miles on my two machines. I have done 4 European tours and 500 mile days are a breeze, yet when you get to where you are going you can still chuck it it about. The VTEC air-box roar is addictive and with a set of cans on it sounds awesome.

Evidence of fun fully loaded below

Pros: All day comfy, fast, stable, reliable, well built, sounds great, lots of pampered ones out there.

Cons: it is a bit heavy, rear tyre only lasts 6k miles, 16K valve service expensive, needs a taller screen.

Fuel economy is 55+mpg at motorway speeds and 45-50mpg in mixed riding. Cane it and enjoy the VTEC, expect low 30s mpg

Remember that Triumphs have an alternative touring screen. I am 6'2'' and even that is not high enough.I have yet to find an upright sitting bike with a screen that gives my helmet area decent protection,they all seem to have buffeting.
The sports tourers,VFR,Ducati, 1050Sprint and such still all depend on forward lean for protection--------------what about BMW.

[Pete7]

Had a BMW R1100RT for a while commuting up and down the A3. Very comfy like sitting in a big arm chair, hot air heating blown onto your hands, radio, easy to adjust seat height. Electric adjustable screen to play with whilst riding and a nice big tank reducing fuel stops. Later 1150RT has link ABS so only fingers to apply both brakes. Running costs including tires suprisingly cheap although nothing big went wrong and no chain to faff around with.

Did a couple of ride outs with BMW Owners, those guys can really hustle a bike through the twisties which was quite a shock, me I just hid at the back of the pack trying not to fall behind too much.

Pete

[Fallout]

I like the FJR and the VFR. They both look really solid, though like the extra horses in the FJR. It's just the screen situation that would be the biggest issue. Since test riding the Sprint GT I'm definitely convinced I need a larger screen for the motorway (doesn't matter on any other roads really), even if that lets down the styling. That's one reason why I like the Tiger 1050 and 950 SMT as they seem to be able to pull it off pretty well.

BMW are definitely the first choice of most people after the multistada, but we're talking big bucks for the multistrada and everyone bangs on about the GS etc. I sat on a r1300rt yesterday and it was comfy, but it's pretty huge (even though apparently handles really well). Still leaning towards something which keeps a bit of nimbleness about it.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Fallout

I like the FJR and the VFR. They both look really solid, though like the extra horses in the FJR. It's just the screen situation that would be the biggest issue. Since test riding the Sprint GT I'm definitely convinced I need a larger screen for the motorway (doesn't matter on any other roads really), even if that lets down the styling. That's one reason why I like the Tiger 1050 and 950 SMT as they seem to be able to pull it off pretty well.

Not much difference in real world speed. The FJR is a lovely lazy motor though, pulls from about 3rpm.

[JamesMio]

Can't imagine what this might be for...

I suspect you've already been subjected to the RT1200 hard sell, so I'll spare you from that!

I'll run you through the ones that've made it onto my short list (albeit I'm too skint/tight to be able to afford most of them) - in no particular order:

Sprint ST (1050)
Tiger 1050
Explorer 1200
FJR1300
GS / GS Adventure
VFR800
ZZR1100 / ZZR600 (600 was surprisingly nippier & comfier than I'd expected)
Bandit 1250
Fazer (600/1000)

No doubt something else will jump out at me when I'm out looking, but that lot might give you a starting point?

[Littlepeahead]

Stu has the KTM 990 Adventure S which is super tall as he's lanky too, has a tall screen option, luggage and you can get a lowered seat which is more comfortable than the standard orange plank. He hasn't done loads of miles on it yet as he hasn't had it that long but the previous owner only used it for long treks - 25k of miles to places like Monaco, Tunisia and the like.

But it is a disgusting orange colour - oh hang on, you like that sort of thing don't you.

Stu also has the XJR1300, another super comfy bike for the long distances. Also has touring screen option. Doesn't come with hard pannier options but depends how much you need to carry as Rentec do a dedicated rack and tail pack.

[Fallout]

Originally Posted by JamesMio

Can't imagine what this might be for...

I suspect you've already been subjected to the RT1200 hard sell, so I'll spare you from that!

I was made to sit on one. Can definitely see the merits but it didn't feel like 'me'. Felt like it was missing that subtle touch of hooligan that I feel all bikes need to have. Practicality tops the list and it needs to be sensible, but I want to get off it and think it's looking at me funny, like it's hatching a devious plan. My gixxer does that brilliant by threatening to fall apart at any moment, hence why I can't have the tight/skint attitude and need another bike.

Cheers for the list mate. More food for thought.