Sport Touring

[Wanderlusty]

Ok, not a great fit for Expedition Motorcycles, as most that fit that thread of thought are dual sport or more rugged...

But just seeing what peoples thoughts are on these kind of bikes, like the Honda ST1300, BMW's R 1200 RT, etc.....

My first and only bike so far was a Suzuki 800 cc Volusia (cruiser) which I customized, then soon after completing that, sold....because I became a daddy and I just thought it was the right thing to do, and it was the right decision for the time.

So now the kid is 1,:wings:
...and I am without bike.:(

Too many time and financial commitments make it unrealistic to expect to get another bike for a few years yet (4 years is probably realistic) but....

But I am dreaming....and while dual sports do interest me, I guess I plan on having the Taco for the dirt. Sport touring bikes really are what I have been interested in a lot lately.

Are there others out there that wanna swing a leg over an ST bike? I don't care for outright sport bikes...and don't want or need to go all that fast, but I want something that I can comfortably travel long distances on (both 2 lane or superslab) and occasionally get a little sporty in the twisties. The ST bikes seem like the ticket.

So who else out there is a closet sport touring fan?

[mountainpete]

Sort of...

I have one of these (but mine is copper in color) - a BMW R1200C:

http://www.goobike.com/catalog/detail/photo/3090031_00_2004_01.jpg

However, I have to admit that I would trade it for a GS in a heartbeat.

Pete

[Wanderlusty]

Just for point of reference, this is the old cruiser I had. Before and after...

[HenryJ]

I really like the Honda ST1100. I might own one some day. I have the predecessor-
1984 Honda VF1100S , V65 Sabre

http://www.s-10crewcab.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10006/sabre.jpg

First vehicle I bought new. On the throttle and around town I get 42-45 mpg. On the highway I can do as good as 53 mpg.
At the time it was a pretty good investment. $2800 and traded in my CB 550 twin.
It really is paying off now with the high fuel prices.

It is comfortable enough for a long ride. 1500 miles is the longest trip I have taken.
It is still light enough for riding in town.

[Kermit]

I always liked the Honda Superhawk....throw some side bags on there, and you are good to go.

The V-Twin makes an amazing sound, and is quite fun to ride. a lot of bang for the buck, you can pick up a used one quite cheap.


http://www.beige.org/~gltweasl/pics/motorcycle/Superhawk_large_01.jpg

A buddy of mine has one of these triumph Sprints.
http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Triumph_sprint_ST.jpg

The Honda Interceptor and the Yamaha FZ1 are on the list, of the Sport Tourers I would own.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/010603vfrbagstop.jpg

Below is my old Honda 919....not a touring bike I know, But I did do some 2-3 day trips on it. Made me realize fairings are a good thing. That bike was a total blast, but, the wind really wore me out on long days. But, I am the type that will ride for 12 hours with barely a break.

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/1341/2403285130093498191S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2403285130093498191tHQmFa)

[Flounder]

The Yamaha FJR1300 ( I think that's it ) looks like a great time. Personally, my next bike will be a BMW GS bike. Not really 'sporty' but they are such great bikes.

[Blair G]

The Yamaha FJR1300 ( I think that's it ) looks like a great time. Personally, my next bike will be a BMW GS bike. Not really 'sporty' but they are such great bikes.

Cool thing about a GS or GSA is that it can do all the things a sport bike can do (except 200mph) and more. I love mine, thats for sure.

Blair

[wesel123]

I had an 05 GS1200 and absoluty loved it. You don't have to take it off road. I also had 06 ST1300 witch was totally awsome.

The BMW matinance is expensive!!!!!!!

The Honda is virtually matinance free. And provides A LOT mor wind protection.

[DesertBound]

So who else out there is a closet sport touring fan?

:wavey:

I've loved motorcycles since I was a teenager, and was very close to buying an Interceptor a few years back (they were just called VFRs back then). We went so far as to rent one for a couple of weeks, but found that it wasn't really suited for 2-up riding, at least not for a rider of my size. So, we held off on the purchase, and I started ogling Honda ST1100's and FJR1300's...and then our daughter was conceived. We now have two kids, and a bike is not in the cards for the foreseeable future. Helmet and jacket are still hanging in the closet, mocking me...

If I were in the market, though, I think an FJR1300 would fit the bill nicely. :bike_rider: I like the BMW RT a lot, but couldn't justify the extra expense of purchase and maintenance when it isn't clearly better than the Japanese offerings.

[Kermit]

You always go with a Duck, too

A Ducati, Multistrada....more upright riding position...probably really comfortable and fun....if you can live with the looks. I can't decide if I love it or hate it. Need to ride one to find out. ;)

http://www.cimt.it/images/multistrada_avanti.jpg

[Wanderlusty]

:wavey:

We now have two kids, and a bike is not in the cards for the foreseeable future. Helmet and jacket are still hanging in the closet, mocking me...



Yep....still have my helmet and riding jacket too...silently mocking me every time I get into the coat closet for something. Mocking me...and waiting....




I had an 05 GS1200 and absoluty loved it. You don't have to take it off road. I also had 06 ST1300 witch was totally awsome.

The BMW matinance is expensive!!!!!!!

The Honda is virtually matinance free. And provides A LOT mor wind protection.



Yeah....low maintenance cost (and PURCHASE cost) will be big factors when it is time to start shopping.

I do like the Beemers, but betting there is a Honda in my future....

Way in the future.....

Is it wrong to daydream about something for 4-5 years? Or longer?

[Wanderlusty]

..my old Honda 919....not a touring bike I know, But I did do some 2-3 day trips on it. Made me realize fairings are a good thing. That bike was a total blast, but, the wind really wore me out on long days. But, I am the type that will ride for 12 hours with barely a break.



Yeah, always liked the look of the Nekkid bikes. From riding my cruiser, I can identify with the wind issue too...part of why my next bike I want to have pretty good wind protection on.

I ride until I hurt enough to stop, which on the stock seat was only about an hour or so before taking a break. I replaced it with the Suzuki jel seat and could go 2-3 hours between stops. But I often did not need that long of a stop. Just enough to stretch the legs and relax the (|) a bit before getting back on.

One thing I never got to do that I really wanted to do was a multi-day ride. I have just a couple of days where I spent 'most' of the day riding, but that is it.

I want an ST bike so I can load up a change of clothes or two and make the rounds.

One dream ride of mine is to ride Scenic Hwy 7 here in AR from just above Harrison, almost to Missouri, down to where it (sort of) ends near the Louisiana border. Would be at most a 2 day ride, but some awesome twisties and beautiful scenery a lot of the way.

[Wanderlusty]

You always go with a Duck, too

A Ducati, Multistrada....more upright riding position...probably really comfortable and fun....if you can live with the looks. I can't decide if I love it or hate it. Need to ride one to find out. ;)

http://www.cimt.it/images/multistrada_avanti.jpg

I dig the more upright riding position. One thing I don't care about on the outright 'sport bikes' is the 'hump the gas tank' feel I get sitting on them.

Wouldn't mind a bit more fairing for wind protection though.

Save for 'too little' of a fairing, I have seen uglier bikes.

[Flounder]

I've owned three Ducatis. I did a bit of "touring" on my 916 when I lived amidst the twisty roads of France, but when I came back to the states, touring on a duck wasn't so great. I also think they're too needy to make a good touring rig. You have to give them constant TLC. They do sound amazing.

[Kermit]

Is it wrong to daydream about something for 4-5 years? Or longer?

No way!

The more day dreams you have, the more you have to pick from. :D

I have a slew of dreams I have conquered over the years...have to keep them coming, so I have something to set goals for.

The Superhawk offers a fair amount of protection, especially if you are doing quick day trips. It may not look like it, but, the riding position is fairly upright. You can always get a higher rise bar too.

[ricardo]

Yeah, always liked the look of the Nekkid bikes. From riding my cruiser, I can identify with the wind issue too...part of why my next bike I want to have pretty good wind protection on.

Noice and wind will make you really tyred in the long term, but also remenber wind protection those not need to equal a Barn door in front of the bike, remenber the whole issue of frontal area and gas consumtion ...




I ride until I hurt enough to stop, which on the stock seat was only about an hour or so before taking a break. I replaced it with the Suzuki jel seat and could go 2-3 hours between stops. But I often did not need that long of a stop. Just enough to stretch the legs and relax the (|) a bit before getting back on.

CRuisers will never do the trick no matter how much crome the have or how big and fluffy the seat are, for one simple reason, the ERgonomics of the bike force you to place a 100% of your body mass on the seat, when on a proper motorcycle the mass is spread in between the footpegs (your feet & legs) the handlebars and also the wind (the airflow holds your body from falling forward (No muscle energy spend) and a big porcentage on the seat, but at least this seats let you move around, they are not the "Tractor type"

You also want the angle of your knees, shoulder, elbow, hips, etc, and the most important the bend of your back (Lordoxic curv) to be very relax so the nerves and arteries are flowing with out interuptions, On one end the sport bike posture generates really accute angles specially at the knees that is going to restrict blood flow and on the other hand the cruisers force you limps to be far more stress than the need to be (for example your Hip rotator and your hyper extended knee.

the basic idea is to have your footpegs more or less under your BUtt, anything farder back (race replica) or much farder forward is going to make it impossible to stand up and get the blood flow going or even preper for a Jolt on the road, so you need to trust that Big old seat to mitigate the impacts


Distance....
currentlly is very comun to see more than one thousend miles on one day, my personal record is 1280 miles in 22 hours, but the real hard core iron butt riders are achiving 1800 or so miles in less than 24 hours, many of them on multi day challenges, one of my clients has the record for the Iron butt rally touching the fardest corners on the USA in less than 8 days, personally I think those guys are Nuts, but is also nice to know that it can be done. Oh all of them ride somehow "up-right" bikes like the Honda ST11 & ST 13, BMW RT's, BMW K bikes, and a few even if much less efficient in terms of gas and miliange do to the extra expose area ride the BMW GS do to the exelent ergonomics and comfort they provide, specially after they being modified with a few tricks to fit the rider bodys and needs to perfection.


One thing I never got to do that I really wanted to do was a multi-day ride. I have just a couple of days where I spent 'most' of the day riding, but that is it.
well if you can not go for many days, maybe you don't need to carry so much, ergo you don't need such a heavy massive bike..

Being realist about you needs is one of th best things you can ever do on a bike since they are not like cars that you can keep loading and loading on a bike every extra once count.

Even a "Little" Suzuki SV650 is capable of 800miles per day with out much trouble and they go pretty cheap (from about $2800 to $3500 for the older ones) and they are ultra reliable and easy to mantain...



I want an ST bike so I can load up a change of clothes or two and make the rounds.



don't fall for the same "Gadget" tricks that you do on the trucks, since on a motorcycle every piece of unecesary crap makes a diference, specially at parking lot speeds, what I'm trying to say is to be realistic and don't carry more that you really require or wait for years to get a bike you can not afford will all the ameniest and shinny crome as opose to get a "work Horse" bike Today that you can ride into the sunset...

little funny side note,...

Is very comun on the hard core riding comunity for people to pack a lot of old useless clothes, that are wear for "One last time" and then used as rags that very night to clean the bike and lube the chain since you dispose of them and by the end of the trip you are traveling a lot lighter..

My self I travel with really high end fabrics design for mountaniering and back packing that can dry very fast plus they are also very compact and light weigh, and yes I do cut my toothbrush in half to safe weight and space.

On my way to Canada for my yearly two week long bicycle ride in wistler.
http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/1600116-L.jpg

[Wanderlusty]

No way!

The more day dreams you have, the more you have to pick from. :D

I have a slew of dreams I have conquered over the years...have to keep them coming, so I have something to set goals for.


Start thread hijack:

Thanks for letting me know I am not alone. My wife often seems frustrated when I reveal another dream I have to her. She doesn't like that there is always another goal to move towards, another accomplishment to check off...

But that is what propels me forward in life. And it is not that if I accomplish any said dream that I am then done with that...but if for instance I finish (well, never really finish, I know) my truck mods, then I will want to start looking at bikes. If I get a bike...then maybe it is time to get a boat, or a camper, or.....

And not to say that these are all material things, either.....experiences too.

Right now, we have almost every large trip we will be taking in the next 5 years (yes- 5 years) in some level of planning. Don't be surprised if more gets added to that list.

I don't care who dies with the most toys, but I sure want to see as much of this world as I can before sliding across the finish line...

Next 5 years:

2 trips this year -

WRT in Moab, along with several other excursions on the way out and back (most notably the San Juans and Chaco Canyon)

ExPo TROPHY :wings:

2008:

10th Anniversary trip. This time, heading East to Williamsburg, VA Beach, etc..

2009:

Clean slate at this point

2010:

Parents 45th anny. Sis wants the whole family to celebrate by taking the entire Clan to Scotland

2011:

Clean slate

2012:

3+ week excursion going from AR to Seattle via Yellowstone, Glacier, etc to catch an Alaskan cruise ship, and return via Yosimite, Redwoods, DV...

Like I said, surely we will probably add to this....

And while I am a dreamer....the plans that are 3+ years out are less to do with having a goal and more to do with financial and work (ie time off) planning as they are not 'spur of the moment' ventures....

But yes, in my heart, I know it is good to dream, and I will never stop...

End thread hijack

[Kermit]

I just dropped my Tacoma off to get the rear differential rebuilt....so....I am driving the '73 Westie to go get coffee, with my girlfriend....yet another dream pops in my head...

"Ya know what we should do?"

Alice looking worried...

"We should drive the Orange Death Hippie Bus up the coast of California so I can learn how to surf."

Alice..."So is this before or after we ride motorcycles across New Zealand?"

:D "I'll start looking at boards when we get home..."

[Wanderlusty]

Noise and wind will make you really tired in the long term, but also remember wind protection those not need to equal a Barn door in front of the bike, remember the whole issue of frontal area and gas consumption...

Cruisers will never do the trick no matter how much chrome the have or how big and fluffy the seat are, for one simple reason, the Ergonomics of the bike force you to place a 100% of your body mass on the seat, when on a proper motorcycle the mass is spread in between the foot pegs (your feet & legs) the handlebars and also the wind (the airflow holds your body from falling forward (No muscle energy spend) and a big percentage on the seat, but at least this seats let you move around, they are not the "Tractor type"

You also want the angle of your knees, shoulder, elbow, hips, etc, and the most important the bend of your back (Lordoxic curve) to be very relax so the nerves and arteries are flowing with out interruptions, On one end the sport bike posture generates really acute angles specially at the knees that is going to restrict blood flow and on the other hand the cruisers force you limps to be far more stress than the need to be (for example your Hip rotator and your hyper extended knee.

the basic idea is to have your foot pegs more or less under your Butt, anything farder back (race replica) or much farder forward is going to make it impossible to stand up and get the blood flow going or even preper for a Jolt on the road, so you need to trust that Big old seat to mitigate the impacts

Lotsa good info there. Thanks a bunch. Interesting of the unspoken hierarchy of bike riders. The metric cruiser guys ding the Harley guys because so many Harley riders barely put 2K a year on their bikes, while many metric riders will put thousands per year on. The Touring and Sport Touring guys have a good laugh at the Metric cruiser guys….as they ride that many more miles. It all comes down to ergonomics in the end, I think.



Distance....
currentlly is very comun to see more than one thousend miles on one day, my personal record is 1280 miles in 22 hours, but the real hard core iron butt riders are achiving 1800 or so miles in less than 24 hours, many of them on multi day challenges, one of my clients has the record for the Iron butt rally touching the fardest corners on the USA in less than 8 days, personally I think those guys are Nuts, but is also nice to know that it can be done. Oh all of them ride somehow "up-right" bikes like the Honda ST11 & ST 13, BMW RT's, BMW K bikes, and a few even if much less efficient in terms of gas and miliange do to the extra expose area ride the BMW GS do to the exelent ergonomics and comfort they provide, specially after they being modified with a few tricks to fit the rider bodys and needs to perfection. well if you can not go for many days, maybe you don't need to carry so much, ergo you don't need such a heavy massive bike..

Being realist about you needs is one of th best things you can ever do on a bike since they are not like cars that you can keep loading and loading on a bike every extra once count.

Even a "Little" Suzuki SV650 is capable of 800miles per day with out much trouble and they go pretty cheap (from about $2800 to $3500 for the older ones) and they are ultra reliable and easy to mantain...



I hope to one day attempt an Iron Butt ride. Another dream of mine…

Family and work obligations usually are the limiting factors on how long I can go riding for. But with enough planning, I can probably clear both schedules enough to get in a multi-day ride. I had the Suzuki for such a short time, nearly half of that it was disassembled in my garage… I never even got a good chance to even ask to take it out for that long, really….

As for what bike to get, I consider the full tourers like the ‘Wings to be more than I want to bite off, but the Honda ST’s, BMW RT’s etc….are up the alley of what I am looking at for a couple of reasons.

Primarily because I DO want to be able to have the capability to ride long distances, and, in all honesty, because I am a big guy. A lot of the load capacity of some of these bikes will be ate up by my fat (|) before I ever even pack a bag… and I am tall from the waist up, so I picture myself on some smaller bikes and the clown show at a circus comes to mind….



don't fall for the same "Gadget" tricks that you do on the trucks, since on a motorcycle every piece of unecesary crap makes a diference, specially at parking lot speeds, what I'm trying to say is to be realistic and don't carry more that you really require or wait for years to get a bike you can not afford will all the ameniest and shinny crome as opose to get a "work Horse" bike Today that you can ride into the sunset...


And as for the time frame and the finances, it’s all the same to me. Without getting into a lot of unneccessary detail, we have a lot of obligations ‘winding down’ so to speak that pretty much would prevent me affording all but the cheapest bikes between now and then (tho I may keep my eyes open for something REALLY cheap…to buzz around on) so adding any more obligations before that time frame is a no-no, but adding the obligation for, say, a bike payment…after that point…is all good….so…..4 years…..




little funny side note,...

Is very comun on the hard core riding comunity for people to pack a lot of old useless clothes, that are wear for "One last time" and then used as rags that very night to clean the bike and lube the chain since you dispose of them and by the end of the trip you are traveling a lot lighter..

My self I travel with really high end fabrics design for mountaniering and back packing that can dry very fast plus they are also very compact and light weigh, and yes I do cut my toothbrush in half to safe weight and space.



Good tip on the ‘Rags to Rags’ deal. Not sure how I will go, though I like the idea of some of the stuff that wicks sweat away for at least an undershirt.

I am a light packer, generally speaking, so I think I could outfit myself pretty well for a few days long ride.

Recent camping trip (in the truck) the other campers showed up with at least 1 suitcase and a backpack, and one guy even had 2 suitcases and a backpack. Mind you, this was for a “1 NIGHT!” camping trip! Me….I had a change of clothes (which I did not even end up using) and my toiletries that were stuffed into a small Wal-Mart bag and shoved behind the rear seat of my truck.

I imagine for having a couple hard bags, one side fits my wally mart bag, the other a 1 person compact tent and a blanket/small bag….and a roll of coins to wash what I have at a laundro-mat if necessary.

I remember reading a really excellent article, I think perhaps in Motorcycle Cruiser, that essentially said what you did, that really any bike can be made into a touring bike if you pack light enough, and that on average, most people pack too much…that all you need is a change of clothes, some toiletries, and minimal gear besides that. I needa see if I can dig that one up…

[Wanderlusty]

I just dropped my Tacoma off to get the rear differential rebuilt....so....I am driving the '73 Westie to go get coffee, with my girlfriend....yet another dream pops in my head...

"Ya know what we should do?"

Alice looking worried...

"We should drive the Orange Death Hippie Bus up the coast of California so I can learn how to surf."

Alice..."So is this before or after we ride motorcycles across New Zealand?"

:D "I'll start looking at boards when we get home..."

We should start a separate Dreams thread....

I find myself having to preface conversations with my wife with "If it won't stress you out too much, I would like to talk about this trip" or "Don't call me crazy since we are already planning this, but...I had the coolest idea for..."

Here is a list of some of mine that I may or may not ever achieve:

Hiking the Appalacian Trail from end to end. - So far, the farthest I have got is standing at the sign for one of the trailheads...

Iron Butt ride..well, need a bike for that one.

Travelling to all 50 states...not too far off on this one...in mid- 30's and counting..

Learning to fly - took lessons when I was a teen. The instructor was in a wreck with another student, lived to tell...but stopped instructing....and I stopped learning...

A month (or longer) on the road - or plain LIVING on the road...

Learn one, or several, new languages....

And that is just getting rolling....

[Spenser]

David-hang in there, you are no different than the rest of us that hang out here. I keep "the list" on my desk, add ideas and trips as they come up and tic them off and modify as necessary. Like you, I sometimes get hung up in the "material things" issues but toys are toys, provided you use them. Doesnt matter how often, just so they get used and you visit them late at night with a glass of scotch, milk or whatever the food or beverage of choice may be. You are getting out, planning, dreaming and scheming, and if like me, that is what gets you up every day. The rest of the stuff just pays the bills and keeps you sane. :rockon:

[Spenser]

Baja-I live in the Adirondacks so that will be a haul
Kayak Vancouver and Pacific NW
Drive the coast up to Nova Scotia
Do the "Blues Tour" through Mississippi, ending in N.O.

Not kill myself on my dirt bike
Build the barn that I am sure that I need in my back yard
Play my guitar well in public
Achieve true financial independence sooner rather than later
Figure out "whats next"

The road and list goes on forever! And that doesnt include the mods that need done to my jeep, truck, dirt bike, mtn bike, fly rods...etc..

[Wanderlusty]

David-hang in there, you are no different than the rest of us that hang out here. I keep "the list" on my desk, add ideas and trips as they come up and tic them off and modify as necessary. Like you, I sometimes get hung up in the "material things" issues but toys are toys, provided you use them. Doesnt matter how often, just so they get used and you visit them late at night with a glass of scotch, milk or whatever the food or beverage of choice may be. You are getting out, planning, dreaming and scheming, and if like me, that is what gets you up every day. The rest of the stuff just pays the bills and keeps you sane. :rockon:

A list on the desk....yea, I like that....

Oh, I am comfortable in my status as a dreamer....

Biggest thing I run up against is that my wife comes from a family that did one of two things. Work or go to church. Very little exists outside of that for her family.

I honestly don't think that they really grasp the meaning of 'hobbies' and 'dreams' though I have brough her a long way as she now thoroughly enjoys travelling.

Even her parents...whom we took on a trip to the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches...are starting to realize that there is indeed more to see in this world.

But the concept of just doing enjoyable things because you enjoy them is still a pretty foreign concept to them. They see it as frivolous. And, well, it is....but what is the problem with that....

If we were really meant to do nothing more than work and little else, then we woulda born slaves. Me, I was born free. Any 'slavery' that exists now is self-imposed.

[Spenser]

Ah, I have the same in-laws! My wife has broken free of their grasp and does her own thing. They arent sure what to make of me (or her now)! They plan and wait and rarely leave the house. Cant uderstand how we do what we doe. She will come around, sounds like you will continue to be a good influence on her!

[Kermit]

We should start a separate Dreams thread....
.

That would be never ending...and damn well should be.

My girlfriend is starting and artistic book about her life, she purposely didn't put a back cover on it. That would have to be done after she has passed on.

So with that thought...my dreams won't end, until I do...

Example of her works..."The Desert" is my favorite.

http://www.alicevinson.com/index.html

[Wanderlusty]

Cool stuff, Kermit.

So as usual, we have veered wildly off course from the original topic....and it has been delightful.

It's why I love this place...

[robert]

I've been looking very seriously at the Suzuki 650 V-Strom. It seems to get favorible reviews including on adventurerider.com. There is a whole forum for them too http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/

[ricardo]

I've been looking very seriously at the Suzuki 650 V-Strom. It seems to get favorible reviews including on adventurerider.com. There is a whole forum for them too http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/


Those are great Little bikes, actually I (many) like them better than the 1000CC version, not exactlly a Dual sport. do to the low ground clearance but very capable of multi hundred mille days rain or shine

[robert]

I went and test rode one (650 V-Strom) today :roost: (I didn't actually do that on it of course).

If I don't end up going to China this summer, I'm going to buy one (ABS version). I was very impressed with how it actually felt- it's lighter and not as top heavy as it looks. Realistically, while I would love to buy a KLR650 and tour the world, my actual riding would be ninety something percent road riding with a smattering of forestry service roads (the V has a Forestry Service approved spark arrestor).

[goodtimes]

I just dropped my Tacoma off to get the rear differential rebuilt....so....I am driving the '73 Westie to go get coffee, with my girlfriend....yet another dream pops in my head...

"Ya know what we should do?"

Alice looking worried...

"We should drive the Orange Death Hippie Bus up the coast of California so I can learn how to surf."

Alice..."So is this before or after we ride motorcycles across New Zealand?"

:D "I'll start looking at boards when we get home..."

:xxrotflma

Did she have "the face" when she looked across from the passenger seat?

...that's just friggin funny.

[Kermit]

:xxrotflma

Did she have "the face" when she looked across from the passenger seat?

...that's just friggin funny.

Kinda slacked jawed and a wee bit of an eye roll.....(I could read her mind....like "Here we go again...")

[goodtimes]

Kinda slacked jawed and a wee bit of an eye roll.....(I could read her mind....like "Here we go again...")

Yup. That is the one. I think women are taught that in school.

[njtaco]

Yup. That is the one. I think women are taught that in school.

Nope, it is genetic...adds to the "adorable factor" when properly displayed with a sense of humor...

[Wanderlusty]

I remember reading a really excellent article, I think perhaps in Motorcycle Cruiser, that essentially said what you did, that really any bike can be made into a touring bike if you pack light enough, and that on average, most people pack too much…that all you need is a change of clothes, some toiletries, and minimal gear besides that. I needa see if I can dig that one up…

Found it:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/rideanddest/motorcycle_travel_safety_tips/

Specifically item #3.

[805gregg]

In reality once a bike tops 500 lbs although it's billed as an adventure bike going off road is just about out of the question, sure you can do it on dirt, fire etc. but then almost any bike could do the same. Most long distance trips are 90+% on road even if it is and adventure ride. I have an ST1300 and V-Strom 1000, the V is better on dirt but a friend of mine rode his ST to Alaska with no problems. I think the ST1300 is about as good of a Sport Touring bike as they come, get one.

[ricardo]

In reality once a bike tops 500 lbs although it's billed as an adventure bike going off road is just about out of the question, sure you can do it on dirt, fire etc. but then almost any bike could do the same.
http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/1299005-L.jpghttp://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/1299007-L.jpg

http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/1300504-L.jpg


Most long distance trips are 90+% on road even if it is and adventure ride. I have an ST1300 and V-Strom 1000, the V is better on dirt but a friend of mine rode his ST to Alaska with no problems. I think the ST1300 is about as good of a Sport Touring bike as they come, get one.


In the Summer anybody can ride ANY bike to alaska, I have even see some "full dressers" harleys going upthere...


But You are totally right the ST 13 are incredible machines, totally bulletproof, stable and very easy to up keep, but their predecesor the ST 11 still more than suficient for any type of travel specially if you are in some kind of budget constrain.