AberdeenBikers

Right then, opinions, experiences, comments, options for a bike suitable for riding all day long with a pillion and luggage, basic requirements below:

~Suitable for two up and many miles per day.
~Shaft drive.
~Not a tourer with full size faring, I am really not keen on the size, weight and look of them, ie Big Mans Wanger K1600, R1200RT.
~Not an "Adventure" bike, they are a bit tall for pillions that are not a size 6 and are not as flexible as a ballerina.

So any recommendations ?

To start the list...

Big Mans Wanger R1200RS...I rode on last Saturday. I will ping up a review on a new thread soon.
Honda VFR1200...

KTM 1290 Super Duke GT.



It's fast, flickable, fast, shiny, fast, comfy, fast and sounds ace.

RK6 wrote:KTM 1290 Super Duke GT.



It's fast, comfy, fast and shiny.

Fast = yes
comfy = yes
shiny = that is a temporary feature

BUT, it has a chain, and KTM seem to have a number of recent issues with build quality

Thanks for the idea but for now the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a no from me

The only other options are a big Kawasaki or a big Yamaha.

The new Yam FJR is available with fancy built in cornering headlights which look cool. The Tenere may be an adventure bike but the seating position is actually pretty low.

Dave wrote:
So any recommendations ?
........
To start the list...
.....
Honda VFR1200...

2 up on a VFR is ok as long as lugguage consists of little more than 2 sets of waterproofs, clean underwear and socks, toothbrushes - and a small make-up bag, There is no room for rucksacks if you have a top box (with back rest).

My touring stuff/tent etc goes in a waterproof sack over the pillion seat.

But, it is a fun bike to ride solo.

Other than the R1200RS, I don't think the bike you're after exists. The best compromise would probably be an adventure bike. You've done the GS thing but I reckon the explorer is the better "Road" bike.

The VFR1200 in my opinion is a flawed bike as far as fun is concerned. It has too much power for its chassis to cope with. Not an issue when touring with a loved one but frustrating when riding solo. We both know that when the mood takes you, you're able to nip on enough that I think you would feel frustrated with it. I've also heard owners complain about tank range and seat comfort

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Zzzz wrote:
2 up on a VFR is ok as long as lugguage consists of little more than 2 sets of waterproofs, clean underwear and socks, toothbrushes - and a small make-up bag, There is no room for rucksacks if you have a top box (with back rest).

Oh well. That's the VFR out the window for you Dave.

K1300S?

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Gazza wrote:

Zzzz wrote:
2 up on a VFR is ok as long as lugguage consists of little more than 2 sets of waterproofs, clean underwear and socks, toothbrushes - and a small make-up bag, There is no room for rucksacks if you have a top box (with back rest).

Oh well. That's the VFR out the window for you Dave.

VFR = no

S1000XR sod the height for the pillion

Dave wrote: Big Mans Wanger R1200RS...I rode on last Saturday. I will ping up a review on a new thread soon.

I look forward to it