The time has come......
 

Right, after hardly riding my bike this year, and spending a lot of money on it recently, then taking it to the Alps & Vosges, I've decided to sell the 'Blade....

I don't ride it like I should, I'm definitely faster & more confident on a 600 sports bike, but most of all, I want something other than a sports machine (God, did I really admit that ?).

Comfortable though the 'Blade is, my knees need less bend, and I want something on which the wife will go pillion. Also, my biking tends to be more and more tour orientated rather than a Sunday blast down the twisty back lanes.

So, I've put a short list together, but any input from those in the know would be welcome:

Fazer Thou' (the later model)
Speed Triple (not the latest one, the last before the current shape)
Street Triple (not sure really, but it's has to be worth a test ride)
New Tiger (will have to have a low seat though)
VFR800 (will still be suitable for the odd Sunday blast, and they sound ace)

Ideally it will have a "dual seat" with not too much lift on the pillion, a rider seat height of less than 820mm (I'm a shorty...) and potentially have some form of wind protection.

Rumours of a new Hornet 1000 are rife, which also interests me..... I'd love an '07 CBR600RR, but that's putting me back in the same vein of the 'Blade, so I know I'd love the bike but not use it.

Any other opinions (No BMW's or "old man" type tourers thank you).

Re: The time has come......
 

Goldwing ;)

Somebody had too suggest it.
Triumph Sprint, althought I think you may have tested one and not liked it if my memeory serves me?

Re: The time has come......
 

Why not?

Re: The time has come......
 

I tried a R1200GS and found it to be a really nice bike to ride. Dont knock BMW's until you try them!

Dan

Re: The time has come......
 

VFR800 is an awesome bike. But for touring the VTEC can be a bit awkward. Id go for the non V-TEC one.

Re: The time has come......
 

Aren't the triples a bit lacking in wind protection?

My bike instructor has a faired fazer thou (I guess it wasn't the current model, must be a couple of years old) and he was very happy with it. He said it was very comfy (he does loads of miles), great for pillions and quick enough to have lots of fun.

Re: The time has come......
 

Bmw Fs800?

Re: The time has come......
 

I have, and don't like them.... I'm not knocking them, lovely bikes if you can get on with them, I can't....

The older Fazer Thou' does not have fuel injection, which really notices in the Alps (where I enjoy my touring). Anything over about 1200 Metres and you notice the power loss, I've spoken to friends and other riders who all confirm this, which is why I want a later bike.

Re: The time has come......
 

You might want to look at the 'unpopular' Fazer,the s1 I think - not the latest one but the model before that was slated by the press. Went out on my sisters FZ6 a couple of weekends ago and was very impressed how easy it was to ride. Everything was very light, easy to turn and generally an easy bike to ride. My only complaint was the wind protection but I think that is because it has an aftermarket screen that is the wrong height for me! I would reccomend a test ride as you can pick them up for bargain prices since the new model has been released. If the thou is as good it would make a good touring bike.

Re: The time has come......
 

Have you tried more than one type though?

Regard the '06 Fz1, I tried it and found it to be the lumpiest pile of crap I've ever ridden. Smooth riding was impossible. Although I believe I may have had a friday afternoon special, it certainly put me off. Worth a test ride I s'pose though.