Looking for new Motorbike, your thoughts.

[chunkolini]

My 1996 BMW R1100RS has had a series of niggling faults, small things but annoying, it has 55000 miles on the clock. So I think it is time to chop it on something a bit newer. Lovely bike to ride though.

I confess to being an old fart, so am not interested in sports bikes. I am not looking for monster power or pose value.
I need something reliable that can lug me and Mrs C on the odd long trip, and cope with commuting occasionally.

The Beemer has given me a taste for large grunty slow revving motors and shaft drive.

What does anybody reccomend, all I can think of is the Honda Pan European, seems a bit overkillish but there is a shortage of alternatives. I have considered the Deauvile, but reckon that might be a bit sluggish.

I have (or hope to have) a budget of around three grand including chopping in the BM. So no BMW GS. This does of course depend on me getting a decent job in over the enxt two months.

Your opinions gratefully recieved.

Chunko'.

 

[overload]

Okay not shaft drive, but how about a Honda VFR750? Should find a decent one for the money and normally looked after well although I suspect most are high mileage for your sort of budget.

 

[chunkolini]

I just had a look at VFR's, sme amazing bargains out there, 37000mile 800 for £2k.
Iwould be scared of the long term servicing costs on bikes like this.
I did ponder them but servicing costs, no centre stand and MrsC's situpon is a bit oversized.

I have thought about 1200 bandit's but dont fancy chain drive.

Chunko'

 

[overload]

Yeah servicing is a bit awkward when doing it yourself on the VFR. They haven't exactly thought about the mechanic when designing the VFR. By the way, they do have centre stands.

 

[pedrobedro]

Don't look at the Slowville if you liked the grunt of the BMW. The VFR 800 is chain drive same as Bandit but single sided swing arm. 900 Diversion is shaft but old tech now. There are a few cruiser style shaft drive bikes like Yamaha's Virago available up to 1100cc.

 

[Scamp]

Hi Chunko,

Have you looked at the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog? Bit Marmite with the looks but owners I have spoken to really rate them - very very comfy. Plenty of torque, lazy V twin motor and shaft drive. Oh, and not very popular so the prices are good too.

In standard trim they are a bit asmatic but a mate at the local Yamaha dealership says they pep up with aftermarket cans and getting rid of the carb restrictors.

 

[overload]

Insisting on shaft drive is a major limiting factor when it comes to choice.
Moto Guzzi could be worth a look or just up grade to a newer B'M.

 

[xboxjoner]

I know its not shaft drive but the Kawazaki zzr range have center stands, reliable, easyish to work on and are so comfortable its like sitting on the sofa.

 

[tigler]

A Guzzi would be my advice. Lots of bike for the money !

 

[chunkolini]

I did wonder about a Guzzi, I have always wanted a LeMans as a plaything.
I am after cold boring efficiency not soul, and something for wifey to perch on.
Crusiers? over my dead body. I have always fancied a chop as another plaything.
ZZR? too fast.
The Bulldog did cross my radar. Shall look into it closer.
Looked at the Bulldog, not enough seat and weather protection. (and hideous).

 

[tigler]

M8 of mine has had a few Guzzi's over recent years and has been chuffed with them, and thats as a previous BMW owner.

 

[chunkolini]

Had a look at prices, later ones are outside my price bracket.
Cheap and Italian usually means well dodgy.

 

[Ink fabs]

this might just be way out there but what about a 2 stroke?

 

[ajlelectronics]

Surprised that nobody has suggested the "bleedin' obvious"......

You like shaft drive, you like a touring bike and the comforts. So you have just specified a BMW K1200LT.

 

[johnny max]

Hi Mate
The Pan is a great bike but if it were me it would be a VMAX
Shaft drive
Loads of torque
Grand yoke to cruise about on
Easy maintance
Johnny

 

[busastars]

If its more about reliable all rounder then I would go with the VFR range, gear driven cams, typical Honda reliability, good 2up.

The ZZR range is also another option, the ZZR1200 is a great all rounder.

The best all rounder I had was the Hayabusa, never once felt fast, always felt controlled, great for the short legged person like me and also it was the best 2up bike so the misses said, I could never feel anyone on the back when riding.

depends on funds aswell.

 

[chunkolini]

I have always loved the VMAX, but I think it would be wasted on this old fool.
I do like to see a nutter maxing one out.
Have looked at K1200's and they do seem to come up just in my budget. Being dependant on part exchanging the bimmer does make things a bit more complicated.
Chunko'.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Well I can give you more info about the K1200LT if you want it. I have had mine for a few years now and have had R100RT, K1100LT and Hondas previously. If I could choose any bike in the world, it would be another K1200LT. Fitted with all the toys and mods, it wants for nothing. Good forum here....

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11

 

[Robotstar5]

What about a Yamaha XJ900 Diversion, I had one for about 10 years, comfortable, economical well suited for touring and commuting. Went OK 2 up as well.

 

[tigler]

Don't be concerned with Guzzi reliability these days, they are a totally different animal from what they were. Whats your budget ? Used Guzzi's can be had for very good prices.