gofastgeezer
Minnesota (for a while)
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I am shopping for a motorcycle - my style is sport touring - the last "really good" bike I owned was a 1989 Kawasaki Ninja - loved that bike but long since over the hill. I am thinking that the current breed of Ninja is probably not appropriate to sport touring - I however can't abide the "touring" bikes - like Concours, Beemers, or Gold Wing. I want to have the fun of a machine that performs. I also plan on riding a lot in Mexico and Central America so that's a consideration. Stance and comfort aren't much of an issue for me - I would rather have fun than be comfortable - within reason. I have a real bias in favor of Kawasaki - just because. I am ready to buy now - and would prefer to buy a bike in the US Southwest. Any thoughts you could give me would be much appreciated.
I am committed to buying a low miles used bike. And gotta have a chain.
(About the geezer part - don't ask!)
* This post was
edited 02/21/08 05:57pm by gofastgeezer *
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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The Triumph Sprint ST's are good sport tourers, and then you always have the Honda VFR Interceptors.
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galja
near Chicago
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I have a Honda F4i With Spiegler Handlebar conversion ,Zero Gravity ST Windshield and a Corbin Seat.
Fast,Fun Superb handling 45 mpg .2000 mile trips without a problem
You could do it with any Kawa that his the clip ons above the triple clamps.
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Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
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gofastgeezer wrote:
(About the geezer part - don't ask!)
Don't have to, I resemble that myself.
Check EBay for a used KZ1000P, retired police Kawasaki, longer wheelbase than standard, higher cap. electrical, and folks put on their seatbelts and move out of your way when you come up behind them.
Plus it will run on regular.
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-Doug Larson
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gofastgeezer
Minnesota (for a while)
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Thanks for the input - modifying in some way a crotch rocket to make it friendlier for the long haul - hadnt thought of that. Triumphs: 22 y/o son is going on an extended trip with me and that is his choice - a Triumph in our future. I'll check out the police Kaw. thanks.
Any opinions on Kaw ZZR 1200 for long distance sport touring?
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stinky41
kings park NY 11754
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Have you tried demo ing a few rides first?
Even though some dealers raise an eyebrow on it.
Some dealers will allow it.
Hit the Ralies. Check tyhe web for Ralys that have demo rides.
Sport touring? Hmmm lets see.
I demod the BMW and hated it. But thats just me. (I ride a vstar)
Howbout hookin a honda CBR and modifying it for sport touring?
Rais the bars, change the seating position and pegs?
I read a colomn on it. Or was it a Kawi? Not sure
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gofastgeezer
Minnesota (for a while)
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Good idea on the rallies - I'll check it out. thnx jd
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Payloader
Denver, Colorado
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Don't count out the BMW sport touring bikes. A friend has one and puts about 20,000 miles a year on it. He does maybe 2 iron butt rides every year, and a 24 in 24. That's 24 mountain passes in 24 hours. He loves his. Personal preference though.
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gofastgeezer
Minnesota (for a while)
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Frankly, one of my problems with the BMW is how much they cost vs. the rice burners. I know they are great machines and they have a dedicated following, but too spendy for my budget. thnx jd
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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If you're willing to swap out the bars, etc, then the F4i's are good candidates. I've also heard good things about the Suzuki Hayabusas and Kawasaki ZZR1200's.
A friend of mine has a ZRX1200 and rides it on very long rides. The only mods he did to it were aftermarket exhaust and a nicer seat. The Suzuki Bandits as well as SV's have nice ergos, too.
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