Sport Touring suggestions for 2-up riding

[BackBone]

Ok, here's the situation. My wife hasn't rode her ninja 250 all year yet and I've been looking around to possibly sell both my 6r and her bike and just get something a little bigger that will be somewhat comfortable for her to ride 2-up with me for short weekend getaways. I've seen FJR1300's but they are a little too big and pricey for what I'm looking for. Is there something between the FZ6R and the FJR1300 in size, say maybe 750cc-900cc? I have looked online, but it seems all I can find is the 1300 size. I'm trying to keep the look of my current bike (FZ6R), since I love the ride, look, and everything about it. We need something to can hold both of our weights, 430-450 lbs, (not knowing true wife's weight, so making sure that it will still be safe to ride). I've seen in manual that my bike can handle 390lbs or so, but fear it will not be enough. Any suggestions? I want to stay with Yamaha if at all possible, but may stray to another brand if it will work out. I'm not really into the cruiser style look either. Thanks guys for any help you could offer my way!

 

[Perdurable]

FZ1+Faring kit???
maybe a gsx1250 lots of cc's but not that heavy

orrrrrr!!!!

Honda NT700V =)
Triumph Tiger 800
And their sprint GT's look nice but ya

 

[sammy56]

Ok, here's the situation. My wife hasn't rode her ninja 250 all year yet and I've been looking around to possibly sell both my 6r and her bike and just get something a little bigger that will be somewhat comfortable for her to ride 2-up with me for short weekend getaways. I've seen FJR1300's but they are a little too big and pricey for what I'm looking for. Is there something between the FZ6R and the FJR1300 in size, say maybe 750cc-900cc? I have looked online, but it seems all I can find is the 1300 size. I'm trying to keep the look of my current bike (FZ6R), since I love the ride, look, and everything about it. We need something to can hold both of our weights, 430-450 lbs, (not knowing true wife's weight, so making sure that it will still be safe to ride). I've seen in manual that my bike can handle 390lbs or so, but fear it will not be enough. Any suggestions? I want to stay with Yamaha if at all possible, but may stray to another brand if it will work out. I'm not really into the cruiser style look either. Thanks guys for any help you could offer my way!

I would suggest the FJR.
Are you opposed to cruisers? Certainly a diiferent ride, but comfy.
I am considering a Road Star or dare I say....an HD Switchback or Road King.
Just my 2¢.

LB

 

[wtnotch]

At the risk of sounding un-Yamaha and being booted from the club ... The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 with hard bags would pretty much meet your requirements. Not quite 1300cc and about 100lbs less than a FJR.

Another option would be the Triumph Sprint GT.

I looked at all 3 (FJR, Ninja and Triumph) for a while when I thought I might be commuting 200 miles a day a couple days a week.

Russ

 

[Rabbitman109]

Three letters.....


F.....Z.....1

But seriously, the FZ1 is right in the area that you are thinking. Keeps on on a Yamaha, and they really are fantastic bikes...I have completely fallen in love with it. The price is right too....

 

[Marthy]

Agree with FZwhite. You can pick up a used FZ1 at ridiculous price if you look around. And some comes with goodies already!!! Put some bags and invest in a good saddle and you're all set. That's what I should have done from the beginning. The FJR is a great ride also... If I had 15K I would go pick one up tomorrow and keep the 6R to beat around town and daily commute. So many bikes...

But if you want more like a small cruiser, check out the Honda NT700. There nice bike I think. I never tried one but they look sharp, and it's a Honda...

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/honda/2011-honda-nt700v-ar113472.html

Sport Touring on a budget... that's a good pick!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Other-HONDA-NT700VAA-NT700-ABS-MINT-CONDITION-WARRANTY-LOW-MILES-/140784708348?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item20c76c2afc

That was the first one I saw on Ebay. Dirt cheap!

 

[Brock Kickass]

I have to agree with FZWhite. I am completely smitten with my FZ1, and my wife and I both agree it's way better for 2 up.

 

[Rabbitman109]

Agree with FZwhite. You can pick up a used FZ1 at ridiculous price if you look around.

Yes, and some of us are on the FZ1-forum.....and there always seems to be one for sale there...

 

[Marthy]

Yes, and some of us are on the FZ1-forum.....and there always seems to be one for sale there...

I'm over there too... Other than us, the people on the FZ1 Forum are some of the coolest guys. Not mentioning other forum that are a little less friendly (Just from a few member... most of them are nice)

 

[BackBone]

Thanks everyone for the quick response. I'll check into those suggestions and try to locate a few bikes locally to try them out. I knew I could count on you guys.

 

[See red]

Tiger 1050 was my choice, the triple is unreal, comes with luggage, 50 mpg, 2 up AAAaaaaalllllllllll.............. day! I can also say the passenger seat is better than the fz1, sorry, but so true.

 

[Rabbitman109]

I'm over there too...

I sent you a friend request.

 

[MichaelInVenice]

Tiger 1050 was my choice, the triple is unreal, comes with luggage, 50 mpg, 2 up AAAaaaaalllllllllll.............. day! I can also say the passenger seat is better than the fz1, sorry, but so true.

And if you don't care for the "adventure" aspect of the bike, a Sprint GT has the same engine with more of a sport touring setup.

Surprised nobody mentioned a VFR800. Obviously not available new, but I see plenty of them around just a few years old.

 

[CtrlAltDl]

And if you don't care for the "adventure" aspect of the bike, a Sprint GT has the same engine with more of a sport touring setup.

Surprised nobody mentioned a VFR800. Obviously not available new, but I see plenty of them around just a few years old.

Those are two great tourers, except you lean forward a bit too much on the VFR.

I converted from the clamp-on's to a dirt bike handlebar, but other wise the VFR is a great sporty touring machine, even the stock seat is pretty damn comfy.

 

[Marthy]

I almost did get the VFR800 instead of the 6R. The VFR was just a bit too much $$$ at the time... It was a brand new 25th Edition... I'm still having nightmare about this... lol I should have went for it anyway!

 

[Chucker]

FZ1, all the way. Get bags and a trunk and then you can remove them when you don't need them and you've got a pretty kick ass sport bike.

 

[vkamnev]

bmw f800gs, good tourer and can also go away from highways. but anyway, why do you want to leave your wife without a bike? isn't it better to ride together? may be buying her something bigger than ninja 250 instead of having only one bike?

 

[Jay S.]

Ok, here's the situation. My wife hasn't rode her ninja 250 all year yet and I've been looking around to possibly sell both my 6r and her bike and just get something a little bigger that will be somewhat comfortable for her to ride 2-up with me for short weekend getaways. I've seen FJR1300's but they are a little too big and pricey for what I'm looking for. Is there something between the FZ6R and the FJR1300 in size, say maybe 750cc-900cc? I have looked online, but it seems all I can find is the 1300 size. I'm trying to keep the look of my current bike (FZ6R), since I love the ride, look, and everything about it. We need something to can hold both of our weights, 430-450 lbs, (not knowing true wife's weight, so making sure that it will still be safe to ride). I've seen in manual that my bike can handle 390lbs or so, but fear it will not be enough. Any suggestions? I want to stay with Yamaha if at all possible, but may stray to another brand if it will work out. I'm not really into the cruiser style look either. Thanks guys for any help you could offer my way!

Not to blaspheme on a Yamaha forum, but the VFR800 is a great sport-touring bike, in my opinion. Go read some of the reviews at Sport-touring.net. Good stuff. Great for one or two-up and will run forever if you take care of it.

 

[Jay S.]

And if you don't care for the "adventure" aspect of the bike, a Sprint GT has the same engine with more of a sport touring setup.

Surprised nobody mentioned a VFR800. Obviously not available new, but I see plenty of them around just a few years old.

Yeah, I gotta read more before I post.



I too was planning on buying the VFR but they quit making them and I really wanted a new bike...then came the 6R. I've not regretted it once, but I only ride solo.

 

[Marthy]

I had to go get a battery for the Boss Vespa, so I went to the bike shop. Battery will be in middle of next week... I walk by the showroom on the way out. I looked at the ST1300. Awesome bike... and the ZX1400... after 10 minutes sitting on it I had to walk out... quite comfy for a sports bike. I bet it will look great with a touring package... already have a huge saddle... But I was getting stupid just sitting on it! Might not be the best bike for me...