Jelster

Trying to stay on track with the original post:

VFR would be my first port of call. Go try one, try it 2 up as well. I think it's a magnificent bike, it really is one of those "do anything" bikes. Good tank range and comfortable for touring/commuting, ride it fairly hard and it'll keep up with most SS600's.

Triumph ST is a very nice piece of kit but has a few shortcomings (IMHO). Firstly the pillion is set rather high, almost sport bike like, secondly the clocks are not briliant, and on the two I have ridden, the mirrors vibrated badly. Brakes were not great (comparing them to my 'Blade of course).

If you can get on with it, the 1200GS is a great bike - couldn't, I hated it, but that's just me. It is another of those do almost anything bikes, and it's mega comfy.

Honda Blackbird... Does exactly what it says on the packet. I scraped the pegs on the first decent roundabout I took, it was that easy to ride. I very nearly bought one but settled on my 'Blade instead.

If you can handle the size & weight, some of the BMW tourers are great at doing what they do, but they don't come cheap either.

Some of the modern larger sportsbikes are very good long distance bike (500 miles on my Fireblade is not a chore) but they're not great for pillions, so that really rules them out.

Make a list, narrow it down to about 4 bikes and test them all. If only one comes out as an outright winner, try one or two others, just to be sure.

Compare and decide, it's the only way to find out what is good for you.

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