What Would You Do?

John In NC

Joined
Jun 25, 2006
Messages
12
Location
New Bern, NC
Bike
2005 ST 1300
I have owned 2 Honda V4's. A v65 sabre from 1985 until 2006. I road it about 200kmi. I purchased a 2005 ST1300 in 06. It has about 75kmi. on its clock. The ST was purchased due to needing 2 up riding. My wife now has her own bike. I am ready for a change. The ST has been real nice. But as I mentioned, change is needed/wanted. I am considering a zx1400 and a 1000 versy. The 1400 will cost more and need some mods for commuting and touring. The Versy is ready from the start. The 1400 is heaver, but goes like a BOOH (bat out ..). The Versy is quick enough and a bit lighter. I am not really an adventure bike guy (I have a heavily moded yz250 and a mostly stock TW200 for that). So what would you do in my place? Am I missing another choice?
 
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I know what you mean John. I have the itch too. I've been looking at the new Tigers and those sexy Italian chicas. Maybe a Moto Guzzi Stelvio? I'm going to the Aim Expo to ride everything I can get my hands on to see if something makes me all giddy.
 
John In NC said:
I I am ready for a change. The ST has been real nice. But as I mentioned, change is needed/wanted. I am considering a zx1400 and a 1000 versy.<SNIP> Am I missing another choice?
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If you're wanting a relatively lightweight sport touring bike have a look at the Suzuki GSX1250FA. It has a proven, reliable as a hammer engine that has been around since 2007... AND because it is tuned to have torque available at normal rpm ranges, it goes like stink! I owned it's cousin, the GSF1250SA Bandit and loved it. The engine on that bike was a thing to behold.

There is at least one person who owns an FA on STO who you can throw questions to. See THIS post with his evaluation of the FA.
 
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I'm not an Adventure Bike guy either---never go off-road. But, my Triumph Explorer 1200 is singularly the best motorcycle I've ever owned. The ADV riding position is very agreeable to my ever-aging body, and the thing flicks left & right with telepathic ease. The big triple engine is simply sublime...and yet just a bit naughty too!

You also get cruise control, ride-by-wire, traction control, ABS, a back wheel that comes off in less than 30 seconds (single-sided swingarm), and more.

Triumph is very agreeable to test rides. Go test ride a couple before spending any money. What have you got to lose?
 
It is a shame nobody can say a Honda to buy. I bought a Triumph Tiger 800XCX last month. I love it! I still have my 07 1300 and a DR650. I like all three bikes for different reasons.
I'm just glad to see so many choices out there. Buy what works for you. Ask yourself what options you want on your bike.
 
How's about a New 2012 ST1300..they are still around and I picked mine up for $11,999 :D
 
I have ridden the new VFR and man is that bike smooth deceptively quick and when it hits Vtech just gets smoother .
 
Al st1100 said:
need a shaft drive ..BMW or SUPER TENEREE
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I took a test ride on a 2015 Super Tenere ES. That is one fine machine! I bought the Tiger because I wanted a bike a little smaller than the Tenere. I wanted to be able to load it by myself in my truck if I want to haul it on my 7 days off. I hope I did not buy the wrong bike. Time will tell. So far I am very pleased.
 
Just look around and ride all you can something will grab you and you can't let go.
Like several others, I have three bikes for three different reasons. of course the wife can't understand 3 bikes.
I made the mistake of saying something about how many different pairs of shoes she has, Don't want to get into that one again. Lol
Find what you like and ride!!!
 
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