Which Bike for Europe?
 

I'm in London and looking to buy a bike now that summer has (supposedly) arrived, the problem is choosing which one! Something suitable for sport-touring & general riding, friendly for a pillion, not expensive to buy, insure, or look after, fun to ride, not for the dirt, not for commuting, not for going round the world, not (another) thumper.

Every bike I've checked out has something about it that confuses the choice - the new CBF1000 seemed perfect but just doesn't excite, looks-wise; the SV650S is fun, cheap & sexy but supposedly uncomfortable for a pillion; the old FZ6 Fazer was a top all-rounder but reportedly has poor build quality that's no good for a second-hand bike; the new Fazer has no mid-range; the KTM 950 is rather expensive...

What would be your shortlist? If you're doing weekend rides & longer tours with your girlfriend, blasts for fun with & without your mates, and you like your bike - put in your two cents! :)

Cheers,
James

What sort of budget do you have? Remember to get a quote for insurance prior to buying as having a London postcode can make insurance expensive to say the least.

If you fancy a BMW, give me a call even if you just want a test ride to make your mind up (01865-319070).

http://www.oxfordbmwbikes.co.uk/

Steve

Budget
 

My budget is around £6,000 - could higher but this is what's in my bank a/c at the moment and I don't want to mess around with financing. The BMW F800S / ST is on my maybe list - is it too new to get a testride?

Cheers,
James

In general I would take the "sport" out of "sport touring" so that you are left with just a touring bike. The reason is that a sport touring is neither a fun crotch rocket, nor a touring bike. Very often, the handle bars are placed so low and far front that you will lean a lot on them, making your wrist hurt after only a short perio of riding. Theses bikes really only beomes comfortable at speeds of an exess of 140 km/h, where you can rest your chest on the wind... but then the wind noice and wind chill wears you out.

The sports tourings are also often poorly constructed in terms of carrying both a pillion and luggage well balanced, which often makes itself evident when the pillion sits up straight, leaning against the rear top box, which will make the front of the bike drift some what, especially when accelerating... or even worse, make you wheelie if you really push it. On the other hand, if the pillion rests on your back, you won't make it through five sets of red lights before you are begging to have someone come and chop your wrists off. The Fazer however have a more straight up sitting position with the handlebars raised. I bought the CBR 600 F (the new engine) and allways regretted not buying the fazer (it looked a bit to unusual when it first came out and I was worried about the fazers resale value).

Although I have sworn my next bike will be a one cylindered offroader, this would not be my reccomendation for a bike which will, exept for the very rear occasion, only ride on nicely paved European roads (unless your thing is to go out of your way to find dirt roads).

In my opinion, a sports touring with a 600cc engine is fine for a couple going on a weekend trip, and maybe even a week or two. It is a great daily rider which you cruise arround town on, too and from work, and which you can take out for the occasional short trip every now and then. But, if you plan to buy a bike for the sole purpose of travelling, and a lot of two up, then buy something else. I will never ever again own a sports touring, ever! Riding sport tourings arround at 260 km/h is fun, as is doing 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds (CBR), but not travelling two up for any significant signifiacant distance or speed.

Go for a thorough bread touring or a cruiser.

Insurance
 

Wow, Steve, you were right about insurance. An international license, no NCB, no garage, six months-only in the UK meant I couldn't get a quote for full coverage, only third-party. And it ain't cheap:

£900 for an 2002 FZ1000 Fazer
£538 for a 2001 VFR
£500 for a 2004 FZ6 Fazer

A pre-VTEC VFR looks like probably the best value of the bikes that have what I'm after.

Cheers,
James

Yamaha XJ900S Diversion

I have one and it has taken me and the missus across Europe. Full givi luggage, comfortable pillion position. Have had it for 2 years now and done 30,000 with no problems at all.

Cheap to run and very cheap insurance AND it a shafty so no messy chains

And as far as I recall someone has taken one across Africa...

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/new...ionOffroad.jpg

Give a TDM 900 a test. £6000 or less new.

I'm getting 60 MPG / 200 miles range, even loaded up with camping gear.

It's the most comfortable bike I've ridden. And the valve clearance is at 24k !

MPH / KMH altered at the press of a button is a bonus.

It's a bit lumpy at low revs and the 18" front wheel limits tyre choise

but otherwise it's a good tool.

Yamaha XJ900S Diversion
 

A collegue of me has a Yamaha XJ900S Diversion and he has now 100.000 km on it with nothing but normal maintenance. Just replaced some small thinks like stearinghead bearings and a few other small things.
He is very happy with it. I did a test drive on a XJ900S too and it is very smooth and comfortable.
I like my F650GS more but I can recommend the Diversion for long on-road trips.

Decision Made!
 

Thanks for the input, guys. A 2000 VFR appeared on the autotrader ads this morning, and having checked it out after work I've bought it. £3,000 and very low miles it seems a great deal and one that wouldn't wait - can't wait to start riding her :)

Cheers,
JC

vfr
 

Good luck with your new bike.

CU on the road somewhere.