What's a good sport tour bike these days?

[Banner]

If I can't get the Zed working, I'm gonna need a new bike. Getting older so more comfort is required, but I don't want something like the old connie. Don't want that much luggage.

[ZZ-r]

I have a 14R for sale

[BillDownUnder]

You could always buy ZZ-r's ZX14R.........

[Banner]

honestly, at my age, I think a ZX14R is probably more bike than I'll ever use.

[CHARLIE]

I have also bounced this around in my head. My old Zed is still hanging in there still so I don't need to
make this decision right now, but I have given it some thought. I'm no spring chicken either but if I was to
spring for something I'd have to go with a 14R myself. I know it's a ton of bike but, I have been riding my Zed
for 20+ years and I don't want to go with less performance. Comfort? I still love my old Zed, It's not a Cadillac
but I can still stay on it for a few hundred miles in a stretch. I don't know what you're looking for but in my
eye, I'm thinking 14R. I still love the speed and I like a bike that exceeds my ability and talent. Or lack there of.

[gregness]

I know Mike will chime in on this... he opined years ago that a modified ZX14R is the ultimate ST platform. I took that plunge in 2015 and have been very happy ever since. I will be 65 next month, I am overweight and have some joint issues, though not horrible ones. My mods were bar risers, lowered pegs, and a Sargent seat. For me, the bike is as comfy now as my 2008 Connie was. But the handling and the power are at another level. Do I use the "Ludicrous Speed" capabilities that are there from 8 grand up? Once in a while, just to remember what that is like. Mostly I enjoy the massive torque that lets me ride quietly and quickly between 3 and 6k RPM. BTW, I did the re-flash on my ECU which boosted that mid-range torque a bit...

Final ZX14R quality- Kawi has been building them for 10 years now! Lots of low mile used ones out there, lots of parts available, and you can still find a new one at a dealer. Pretty cool.

G

[philabeg]

Kwak ZX1000sx or a Versys? Yammy MT09 get great reviews. The new Suzuki Tourer? Used VFR, Pan European. FJR? All great bikes as long as you can give up the 'rocket sled' factor!

[slayman]

After a year and only 5000 miles, I'm pleased with my 2021 1000SX. Ergos are a little more relaxed than the ZZR. Wind protection is not as good, as you'd expect. It feels quicker and I'm faster on it. I have yet to do a 400+ mile day or multi day trip. I know it was way more fun on the dragon than the ZZR.PXL_20220619_142459852.jpg

[NotDeadYet]

Im currently on my 3rd ZX14 following the ZZR1200. Im closing in on 70 years old and the 14 makes me feel young every time I throw my leg over the saddle. Do I need the power - no, but do I love having the power at my disposal - yes. Mine is set up for sport-touring duty with detachable Givi v35 luggage, genmar bar risers, Throttlemeister throttle lock, Corbin saddle and backrest and a few other goodies to suit my taste. There isn’t another bike out there I would rather have. For me, the 14 does it all.

[ZZ-r]

I have a 14R for sale

[BIG O]

I think either the SX 1000 or 14 R would be good platforms. I cant speak for the SX as Ive never ridden one. However Im very happy with my 14. I will say that the 14 is a heavier bike and more expensive if buying new. You d probably be happy with either. Good luck.


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[JeffS]

Well if you were closer my C14 is going on the market. Garage queen with all the touring farkles

[Banner]

Well if you were closer my C14 is going on the market. Garage queen with all the touring farkles

What year is it? And you're in Oregon now, right? While I've got the Zed running again, I am curious. It's only a three or four day ride.

[spectreman]

This is a 'forever' question for me as I've been on the search for a proper, lightweight ST for decades. I had the '94 GPZ1100 and that started it all for me. Then that damn '08-09 Triumph Sprint ST called to me- I lusted after that bike for years but never bought one. Almost sold my ZZR1200 for one, which I should have, but that was my mistake.

I eventually bought and loved my '11 Ninja 1000. I had her set up as an ST- Murph's bar risers, throttle lock, Grip Puppies, lowering pegs for the feet, sculpted seat, SW Motech Blaze saddle bags. Plenty of power/performance (for me), relatively lightweight. The newest gen ('20 and up) is even better w/cruise control and a better screen. I'd own another in a heart beat but... it is NOT a 2-up bike, so if you have a riding partner, this is not your bike. That's what eliminates it for me. And I would not consider the N1K as a good long-distance/interstate ride. If you're looking for an all day/weekend bike for 'touring,' yeah, it'll work for that. Would I want to ride to NJ on it? No way. Just not enough comfort for my arthritic, near 62 year old body.

If you want the same basic bike altho more upright, possibly more comfortable overall, then look at the Versys 1000. I'm shopping them now, the '15-18 gen specifically. The '19's and up were updated, have cruise control, bigger fairing, blah, blah, blah but I can't get past their fugliness. The V1K ain't the prettiest bike to begin with. I could learn to live w/the '15-18 gen and some touring-oriented mods.

The new STs from Suzuki and Honda have also caught my attention, the GSX1000 GT+ and NT1100, respectively. I don't think the NT1100 is available in the US yet tho. I really like the new Suzuki and its reportedly built for 2-up duties, but my daughter and I are on the bulky side so I'm thinking it's a no-go too.

The only other real lightweight ST option is the Tracer 900 GT/9 GT. Both bikes are fugly as heck, as far as I'm concerned. Not sure who at Yamaha looked at these bikes and thought they looked good. They look unfinished to me. I've tried talking myself into liking the T900GT but man, I just can't do it. And I know a lot of reports as a sufficient 2-up bike but again, I'm thinking that bike might struggle w/the 2 of us, seeing as its only a 900cc engine.

That brings me to the FJR1300. I had a '16 A model FJR for a few years- awesome bike, offering incredible performance and comfort, possibly the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. The fairing works tremendously well, the electronic screen is a great touch, LOVE the cruise control, heated grips for those rare cooler, SoFla mornings. The ride triangle just fits me perfectly and the FJR has some adjustability in the seat height and handlebars. The bike is just a winner in every category except... its wet weight, which is close to 680 lbs. Under way, you don't feel it but moving it around the garage you do. It was the only thing about the bike that ever concerned me. The only mods I did to my FJR were Grip Puppies, a Sargent seat and a back rest (for my daughter.) It was such an awesome bike my brother just bought an identical model, except he got the ES version. I'm likely to end up on another in short order.

After I sold my FJR about a year back (a mistake I now regret), I bought a Z900RS and turned it into a proper UJM/ST. Added a bikini fairing, Blaze saddlebags, Grip Puppies, a Kaoko throttle lock, sculpted seat and assorted other bits and pieces. Prettiest bike I ever owned, plenty of power/performance for me and I loved it but... after spending almost $2gs on mods, my daughter took her first ride w/me and HATED it. Honestly, it was an awesome 1-up bike and solid for day tours (no more, IMHO) but no good 2-up, ergo my current search for my next ride. Crap, I really, honestly thought that was my last bike. I keep saying that and before I know it, I'm back on the hunt again.

You'll note I didn't mention any of the Euro or American bikes. I'll be polite and say I just trust the Japanese brands far more. Right now I've narrowed my ST choices to the FJR (a '13-15 gen) and the Versys 1000 ('15-18 gen.) I'm leaning heavily towards another FJR and suspect that's what I'll get. No knock against the V1K but I feel like that bike is a compromise in comparison.

And that's my nickel's worth. Good luck!
Lee

[Mark]

I think either the SX 1000 or 14 R would be good platforms. I cant speak for the SX as Ive never ridden one. However Im very happy with my 14. I will say that the 14 is a heavier bike and more expensive if buying new. You d probably be happy with either. Good luck.


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Seems to me the ZX-14 would be a good pick; more power than the ZZR1200 and weighs slightly less.

[CHARLIE]

14R and don't look back. Well, you'll be looking back, because that's where most will be. I wish I had one.
Maybe when the ZZR1200 goes, that's where I'm headed. You can ride most all day, still go from daylight to dark
in 3 hours and 15 minutes, and still putt along like an old fart that has all day. 14R, trick it out like you want/need
and if you don't like it down the road, I might buy from you. There's one for sale on here too.