sv1000-touring.

Reading the history I think I would have opted for the same - or maybe the ST Sprint if funds allowed. Look forward to the pics.

Its nice to be treated decently. I received a phone call about the VFR saying there was a very fine crack in one of the grabrails. Must admit i never originally noticed it and i was all over it like a fly around candy Apparently they picked up on it when moving the bike.

They called me to say they were fitting a new set of grabrails on as a safety measure and are giving me a full 12 months MOT with the bike (taxed for 10 months). Chumbawumba thinks i

Already thinking of an alternate spray job...........
OOH Slurp!


At present the lil angel and i (yes she liked the bike as well ) use soft luggage all around. Have many of you taken the step into hard luggage, would you recommend as some of the racks/boxes seem quite pricy? Are they that good for what they are? Been looking on e-bay etc.

Gmonsta, the ST Sprint is a cracking bike and one we seriously considered as one of the lads has one and regularly comes on runs with us (when we actually get away from work). Have ridden it fully loaded and was impressed but just felt the VFR was a trusted workhorse. Like you say, its past history is proof enough.

[mattSV]

3 days on a SV1000 2 up in the west country

We did 600 miles in 3 days around Devon & Cornwall, 2 up with panniers. It was a bit cosy on the bike, but great fun through the twisties on the A39 and across Exmoor

We found that 2 hours was about the maximum we could go without needing a break, which sort of coincided with fuel stops anyway.

I have done a number of European trips, on a number of different bikes, from my curvey SV650S to my '03 'Blade, and the Honda is best by far. However, if I were looking at doing some 2 up journies over a period of a few or more days:

• A big Vee Twin is not the most economical bike out there, but you could look at stopping every 100 miles or so to top it us as a good excuse to stretch your legs.
  
  Get something where the pillion gets decent protection, not sitting above you.
  
  Get something comfortable (sorry people, even with a gel seat, the SV is NOT a comfy bike).
  
  Make sure it has enough get up and go when it's 2 up.
  
  Nothing Italian, you don't want it breaking down and getting it fixed while abroad will take both time and money.

So, If I were to start afresh I would look for a tourer & a sports bike, best of both worlds. Depending on budget and use, a Pan is about the best, but you can get some good deals on the FJR too. Plenty of used examples of both around.

Other than that, the V-Strom "GT" is a very serious contender, it's very comfortable and has good tank range. The new 1200 Bandit "S" thingy is also an option. Believe it or not, other than the Pan, I can't think of a Honda that I'd go for.

However, if you are only going to have 1 bike, then there is only one machine, the Blackbird. Super comfy, 200 miles between stops and it'll get you there pretty quickly too. VFR and Triumphh ST are both alternatives, and a mate of mine tours regularly, 2 up on his 'Busa, which is unbelievingly comfortable.

So, go out this winter and try a few and see what you like, that's the only way.

Just my opinion of course

.