| Author | Message | ||
     Leeaw |
Just about to sell my '03 XB9R. Don't have any problems with it but am in search of something more of a sport tourer. Something more comfortablefor longer rides and with hard bags. Aside from my wife's SV650, It's been Buell for the past 8 years. Aside from the ZX14 and Hayabusa, the Sprint ST and VFR are the only appealing choices for me. I want a full fairing, a bit more wind protection and around $10,000; as money is a factor. Not really interested in the XB12X. Just looking for opinions before the XB is gone. Going to look at Suzuki and Honda today. | ||
| Xl1200r |
For Suzuki you can get a Katana 750 and find hardbags for it. You can't get them from the factory and I don't think Suzuki makes any for it, so you'll be looking at Givi or something similar. Suziki has nothing else that's even close to Sport Touring that I'm aware of (aside from the Katana 600). The VFR is a good option, as is the Sprint. Dealer support may be an issue for Triumph depending on where you live. Personally, I like the Sprint better, though I've only ridden a VFR. If you want a little less sport and a little more comfort you can do an Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR or a Kawasaki Concourse. Like I said, I like the Sprint ST best. The seat was basically amazing to sit on. | ||
| Leeaw |
Not really fond of the Katana. I know I can count on the Honda dealer as we got my wife SV there. There is a Sprint dealer but they are farther away. Concours is a bit big and little out of the price range I want to be in. Just got a Hemi Durango last month. I know the Sprint's motor but how well does a VFR run? I assume faster than my XB? I have only ridden twins for the past 12+ years. (Message edited by leeaw on October 01, 2007) | ||
| Djkaplan |
Get a Hayabusa and don't look back. Great aftermarket and parts availability and a proven package. I hear dealers are blowing out 2007 models, too. | ||
| Leeaw |
I am seriously considering the Hayabusa. Dealer called me this morning, and has a 2008 in the floor as of today. From all aspects, it seems hard to beat and I would be more than willing to pick up a leftover. Just not sure if it is too much unnecessary power and how State Farm will tax me for it. I had called them on the ZX14 and they said about $580 a year, which is $40 more than my XB. Doesn't sound plausible even though I know they go by cc's, but I could not get a true quote without a VIN. I also don't know if I want to burn through tires every 4K miles. VFR seems like a nice, all around bike and can have hard bags. But Hayabusa is a bargain for what you get. (Message edited by leeaw on October 01, 2007) | ||
| Terribletim |
VFR? Would that be. . . Virginia Freedom Riders Vertical Flow Reactors Very Frighteningly Red or VERY FAST and RELIABLE  | ||
| Terribletim |
As long as it's not. . . Valve Failure Rate! | ||
| Cycleaddict |
vfr +'s = with staintune pipes , so sexy sounding it will give you a "boner",suspension has a good tight "feel". the motor is super smooth, typical HONDA build & attention to detail . now the -'s with hard bags it is heavy (570- 580 lbs.) the V-TEC sucks big time, it has such a pronounced "hit" at 7 grand that it tends to upset the chassis / traction(in hard corners). valve adjustments (potential nightmare ?) phah !! | ||
| Stinky_finger |
I rode my buddy's new concours 14 last weekend. It was nice and very very fast. It has a "detuned" version of the ZX14 engine. The independent ABS brakes were pretty impressive too. If I was buying a sport tourer, that would be it. (Message edited by stinky_finger on October 02, 2007) | ||
| Bad_karma |
S3/S2 Joe | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
I really like the VFR (especially the gear cam models), but in all honesty I would by a second hand St1100/1300, or a FJR. Much more comfortable. In my view the class leader is the BWM k1200gt, but it is over $20K | ||
| 65460 |
Pose your question to these guys: www.motorcycle-journal.com They seem to tilt more towards Suzuki but do seem to have an open mind when people are asking opinions on subjects such as what your asking. Heck, they even had nice things to say when I told them I owned a Buell  | ||
| Leeaw |
FJR or Concours are not my thing yet. I am not going to be touring the country. Concours looks great on paper but I have not seen one. I do think the VFR is overpriced nowadays though compared to FJR and makes me weary to get a VFR. Maintenance is also a factor. Not huge, but operating costs do matter. Part of the simplicity of owning a Buell. Sat on an '08 Hayabusa yesterday. Feels like a limo compared to the XB, but quite nice. Problem is I know my wife would never drive such a beast. Trying to convince her to get an FZ1 or Bandit 1250S. Sprint ST has always appealed to me. Friend had a Speed Triple about 10 years back. Heard the servicing was expensive though. (Message edited by leeaw on October 02, 2007) | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
I hear the new Bandit is a torque monster. Put a set of givi hard bags on it and you've got an excellent sport tourer/standard at a great price. | ||
| Xl1200r |
You do get a hit at 7 grand with the VFR - I remember that clearly. Otherwise, the motor is nice. Has a good growl to it. It's definatly still a sporty ride, just not as aggressive as a firebolt. As far as maintenance - you need to get comfortable with the fact that you are moving away from the cheapest and simplest bike to maintain. Every option you choose that's not a Buell (or HD) is going to be a maintenance nightmare in comparison. I forgot to mention what Joe already did - Try looking for an S2t or S3T. Plenty of nice ones on CycleTrader almost all the time, expect to pay around $5000-6000 for a nice example. I'm not a fan of the Katana either, so no hard feelings ;) Like I said, I think for what you want to do on a bike, The VFR and Sprint ST are your two best options. I like the Sprint ST better. | ||
| Swordsman |
Hayabusa's are awesome. Aside from my Ss, it's the most comfy sportbike I've ever butt-tested. The only downside is that you'll immediately be lumped in with all the poser "ghetto-stuntas" on first sight. Definitely be needing the hard bags to set yourself apart.  ~SM | ||
| Leeaw |
After checking out a Sprint ST just now, I think I found my answer. $10,000 new and it comes with hard bags. I am feeling the same sort of passion I had when I got my first Buell. | ||
| Strato9r |
Soooooo, IF, the 1125 came in a comfortable, full fairing, pavement devouring version, with full bags, would it have fit the bill? | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Just build your own    | ||
| Leeaw |
If the 1125 was also made as a sport tourer, I would be all over it. It would probably be at least $13,000 though. Nice pics, but I already tried the soft saddle bags and tank bag. I love the XB but just don't find it quite the right highway bike for me. Awesome on back roads though. | ||
| Xb9srider |
I test rode a Y2K VFR yesterday. I forgot how plainly competent it is at everything (I had one before, but sold it after the kids came). The sound that bike makes with the gear driven cams and V4 is awesome (even with the stock pipe). I may pick it up this week if one small item is corrected. It's a good bike for a 42 year old Dad with bad shoulders. The XB is destined to become a track only bike if I buy it. We'll see. Mark  Never Give Up! | ||
| Diablobrian |
You can even get a full fairing on your Buell.....  Just picture it on Steve's Uly-bolt and you have your fully faired sport touring Buell! | ||
| Sleez |
a local friend of mine sold his VFR and bought a sprint, he loves the sprint! and misses the VFR. there are plusses for each, but he is happy with his choice. | ||
| Viper3256 |
Sleez had me post here, even though your a buch of Buell lovers!!  Just kidding guys. So I owed a 2002 VFR for 2+ years and my current 2005 Triumph Sprint ST for 2+ years. I loved me VFR, great bike, one down side. Not enough power for me. The 800cc pumps out 100hp barely. With me and my wife it struggles sometimes when I hit it hard. Now I am a younger guy that loves to nail it hard and want power all the time. The VTEC was fine with me, (alot of people complained about it) felt like the power band was kicking in. But I did not even want to get those Valves checked. I was quoted 800 to 1000 just to do that. Now this was in 02 when it was newer, but I still think maintenace on te VTEC sucks. 05 ST, now the power on this triple is great!! 129hp 77ftlbs of torque, wheelies all day. Great power fully loaded, did a 1300 mile weekend ride to crater lake with the wife. But I have nothing but problems with my transmission (False neutrals, skipping gears) and other quality issues that I never had with my honda. Multiplue recalls, bad hard bags, brake failure, and shitting customer support here in the USA. Having said all that, I have another friend with a ST, he did not have the tranny issues with his, but other small quailty issues. I am now looking to sell my ST also since I just don't ride 2 up anymore and I just don't ride much due to a new family in all. I don't regret getting the ST, just wish it was a solid as the Honda. But if they make a VFR with a 1000cc motor next year, I will have to get it!! Let me know if you have any questions, i will be happy to answer them. | ||
| Raceautobody |
Get one of these and you will never meet yourself on the road. 1993 YAMAHA GTS1000  | ||
| Sleez |
those GTSs are cool | ||
| Sleez |
here is one on ebay, needs some work though; http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-YAMAHA-GTS1000 -GTS-UNDER-19K-MILES_W0QQitemZ290165339870QQihZ019 QQcategoryZ6718QQcmdZViewItem | ||
| Raceautobody |
If you are ever near South Dakota http://www.powerbrokersinc.com/show.aspx?vid=97505 9&stockno=T00357 | ||
| Leeaw |
I remember the Yamaha or a similar model with that front end, on Beyond 2000, about a half-life ago for me. I found info that suggests the VFR1000 will be in Europe but nothing about US. Even the salesman, a former M2 owner himself, said the VFR is one of the greatest bikes he has rode. I just think for nearly $12 grand with hard bags, it is too much for 800cc's. Now you are worrying me about the Sprint. I know all makes have their ups and downs; like my M2 did. The XB has been flawless in 4 years of ownership though. Chatted with a few Triumph owners, one who owns both an ST and a Tiger. They seem to be happy. Was thinking I would just wait for an 08, but then the black and Caspian blue is gone. Hmmm. (Message edited by leeaw on October 03, 2007) | ||
| Billyo |
I was set to buy an 05 Sprint ST, but then I rode a Firebolt and couldn't seem to wipe that silly grin off my face so I bought it! Loved the Triumph, though, great bike. Hey Steve, nice Ulybolt! I'm in the process of doing something similar on mine. I want to make a bracket to bring the fairing up and back about 1 inch each way. It will require cutting down the magnesium fairing mount so I'll pick one up in our classifieds or on Ebay so that if I don't like it or I mess it up I'll still have a good one. |
