Best sport tourer on today's market?

[ST Guy]

The OP has an F800ST as I do...belt drive...which is an even better way to go than the shaft my prior BMW had. Don't know of another purpose built ST that has a belt though...not sure why.

But I agree, it's a great one up mount, would be only so so two up...which is why I think he's looking at a heavier weight ST.

Belt drive works OK for lower HP bikes. But unless you run a humungous belt, they can't handle the power of the more powerful bikes. Also, don't ever get a stone between the belt and the pulley on one of those bikes. Shaft drive is still the best for riding and forgetting about the drive train.

 

[ST Guy]

they're both lighter than the ST1300 at 720lbs...

which is what i miss about the RT...

i believe the 07 is when bmw made the RT lighter and little bit more punchier from the 06...

Weight isn't everything. What counts for a LOT, is how it's carried. The ST's, while on the heavier end of the spectrum, seem to magically shed 100 lbs or more once you get them above parking lot speed. It's really quite remarkable. 'Has to do with center of gravity and suspension geometry. For instance, on Honda's ST's, the vast majority of the fuel is carried under the seat just behind the engine.

 

[ST Guy]

You've just described a touring bike.

No, actually, that describes a sport tourer. A touring bike is a Goldwing or any of a dozen Harleys. A bike where it's most comfortable just droning along on the interstate or freeway. I think you'd be surprised at how well the ST's, the FJR's, the Concours, and the various BMW's do in the tight mountain twisties.

 

[GAJ]

Belt drive works OK for lower HP bikes. But unless you run a humungous belt, they can't handle the power of the more powerful bikes. Also, don't ever get a stone between the belt and the pulley on one of those bikes. Shaft drive is still the best for riding and forgetting about the drive train.

Did I mention the shaft failed on my K75S that I had for 20 years?

It was within the first year and the shaft "spun" inside the shock reducing rubber thingamyjimmy or some such...covered under warranty.

The Buell 1125 ran a belt with 130rwhp and 71lb/ft so I'm not sure I buy the "can't handle the power part."

They certainly deliver power more efficiently than heavier shafts with none of the possible negative jacking side effects.

But, after the initial failure, the K75S was indeed trouble free despite bumping the hp by 15% courtesy of San Jose BMW.

No pebble problems with the drive belt (and none that I can recall reported on the F800Forum) but I might be concerned if I lived down a long gravel driveway.

Having a bike with hard bags is hard to beat no matter which one you choose...and there are many good ones out there.

 

[Motech]

Weight isn't everything. What counts for a LOT, is how it's carried. The ST's, while on the heavier end of the spectrum, seem to magically shed 100 lbs or more once you get them above parking lot speed. It's really quite remarkable. 'Has to do with center of gravity and suspension geometry. For instance, on Honda's ST's, the vast majority of the fuel is carried under the seat just behind the engine.

True. Also, the gyroscopic effect of the longitudinal crankshafts on the ST, the Guzzi Norge and the BMW R bikes dramatically enhances side-to-side transitioning. They are lighter to turn in than they have a right to be.

Though I missed a few pages, I'm surprised I have not seen BMW R1200GS mentioned. On the open road with a confident pilot, solo or two-up, this adventure bike outperforms just about any ST on the market, especially with ESA option.

 

[JO EBRMC]

Belt drive works OK for lower HP bikes. But unless you run a humungous belt, they can't handle the power of the more powerful bikes. Also, don't ever get a stone between the belt and the pulley on one of those bikes. Shaft drive is still the best for riding and forgetting about the drive train.

I have a belt on my 130HP bike. Works fine and is only a couple inches wide.

 

[ob1ventura]

Belt drive works OK Also, don't ever get a stone between the belt and the pulley on one of those bikes.

fwiw, I don't have a guard under the belt and picked up a rock over 80 due to the construction and still tacky surface. The rock got stuck in the pulley and took small chunks out of the belt on a regular pattern. Belt has approx 100k mi on it. About 10k after the rock did it's thing.

edit: the shaft drive on my bmw on the other hand extended my "vacation" on summer in Nev.

 

[Motech]

I have a belt on my 130HP bike. Works fine and is only a couple inches wide.

That's because Willy wouldn't let Erik use a chain.

 

[revnort]

Though I missed a few pages, I'm surprised I have not seen BMW R1200GS mentioned.

I said it, along with a few other Adv type bikes. Although somebody was trying to decide between a big ST or an enduro.

Even throwing out the ability to take it off pavement many of the adv bikes are great long distance sporty bikes. Tons of options to customize it to your liking as well.

 

[JO EBRMC]

That's because Willy wouldn't let Erik use a chain.

Definitely. that said, I'm pretty happy with it and given the choice wouldn't change it.

 

[Motech]

Definitely. that said, I'm pretty happy with it and given the choice wouldn't change it.

I really wanted one bad. I love my Rotax V-twin, and were it not for a priority change in life, 1125CR was on my short list of next bike.

 

[Brown81]

Maybe west of the Sierras. Get east of the Rockies though, Beemers are the rarity, Harleys and GoldWings rule.

I believe that. But doubt that it is all BMW's and Goldwings TT said.

 

[Cycle61]

Worth noting, when I'm on a really long tour, and 200 miles from nowhere town, I've noticed there are only 2 kind of bikes you see on a regular basis: Goldwings and BMW's.

I may see the odd Harley here and there, but I have yet to see a FJR's, ST's or C14's that far out. I think most people who own those bikes tend to be commuters.

Michael

I'm gonna have to disagree with your assessment. Went cross-country last year, and I recall a lot more Harleys out in the middle of nowhere. That said, I would have traded in a hot second for any of the guys on the big BMW GS's or such. This is going to be replaced by an adventure bike at some point in the near future, but for now...

 

[Karmak]

the fjr is a darling motorcycle to own...

great windscreen...although it kinda sucks when ya turn the motor off , it goes back down ..

i like it with the heli bar risers but damn so expensive with all the triple clamp top and blocks...

Disconnect the windshield-Lot's of us do so it stays put.

The FJR is often described as "sports" first, "tour" second when compared with its peers. It won't keep up withthe GSXRs, or cruise with the comfort of A Goldwing, but it fits the middle just fine.

 

[SlideSF]

Perhaps it's just getting too old now, but no one has yet mentioned what I think of as the Sport-tourer par excellence: The Honda CBR1100XX "Super Blackbird". That bike got sport and tour written all over it, chain drive or no.

 

[ohio]

Perhaps it's just getting too old now, but no one has yet mentioned what I think of as the Sport-tourer par excellence: The Honda CBR1100XX "Super Blackbird". That bike got sport and tour written all over it, chain drive or no.

Yeah, that bike rocks. What's sad is that it is better than the new VFR in every imaginable way except paint job (okay, arguably the chain drive too).

 

[Banjoboy]

Yeah, I think MCN was wrong on that one. I have heard reports of curb weight with luggage between 532 and 571, with MCN's 625 way the fock out there.

I'm going to go weigh mine today, full tank with panniers attached. I'll post up the truth when I do.

Yeah well, what does that pig weigh?

How heavy is heavy? My 93 CBR is supposedly 518lbs dry so I feel like riding a newer ST would most likely feel lighter, as my bike is used and abused on shotty suspension and 17 years behind on the newest technologies

You could get a new shock, and have yer forks re-worked at Catalyst Reaction, or one of the other suspension tuners?
Weight don't mean diddly squat, and in most street situations it's a benefit. (Go read that post about "how to ride in the wind.")
When I had a 750, I thought I'd never own a bike more than 500 lbs. Then I owned 4 at different times, and love'd 3 of 'em.
I had an FZ1 and wanted an FJR, but when I looked at the weight of the FJR, I said; "no way!" But now that I have one I love it, and can go about as fast on most twisties as the 130 lbs lighter FZ1. Mostly because the weight is lower. And even though the FZ1 wuz much faster, the FJR has tons of torque so it's easy to ride fast.
I wouldn't worry about weight in an ST bike, but if I were racing for money on a track, lightness would be important.

Disconnect the windshield-Lot's of us do so it stays put.

The FJR is often described as "sports" first, "tour" second when compared with its peers. It won't keep up with the GSXRs, or cruise with the comfort of A Goldwing, but it fits the middle just fine.

P.S., did a 200 mi "ice road" ride Friday, and only saw 1 BMW. (And he was in our group of 3 ) Dun saw about 10 Harleys, 1 CBR 600 (Going up to Lake Hennessy) and a Norton 850 Commando, but none of them were in the gnarly sections; Geysers rd, or 175 from Hopland to Clear Lake.
So maybe Harleys are the best sports tourer?
But, the FJR's best for me, cuz it's a great dirt bike.



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[Motech]

Yeah well, what does that pig weigh?

Stay tuned.