Post by: florence on March 25, 2024, 04:30:49 PM
Post by: Lynx on March 25, 2024, 04:56:25 PM
Sent from my HTC Desire 20 Pro using Tapatalk
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on March 25, 2024, 05:29:28 PM
Plenty of grunt/torque with twin discs at the front single at the rear. That said the VFR's seem very capable of achieving high mileages.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202403237893115?advertising-location=at_bikes
Post by: K2-K6 on March 25, 2024, 07:13:15 PM
Something of similar ilk to 500 could be from Honda hornet 600 range ... likewise Yamaha Fazer 600, Suzuki Bandit 600, plenty out there at variable cost with pretty decent power vs the 500 Four, so not slacking in pace and pull for two up touring.
Bikes like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256395213659 with a touring orientated spec possibly.
I like the Triumph you've mentioned, but possibly more fickle and potentially less supported through general dealerships than Japanese manufacturers while out and about.
Fairing top half around bars etc are very effective too for relaxed "wind calming" riding, more than the sum of their parts.
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on March 25, 2024, 07:24:33 PM
The Sprint is big, comfy and very grunty (Spellcheck changed that to “grungy
)The VFR800 was more modern and generally reckoned to be the best sports tourer ever made.
Ultimately though, I sold the VFR after trying a Sprint 955 which I loved.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Green1 on March 25, 2024, 07:49:14 PM
That's the last time I mention an Italian bike on the forum as I plan to dig out the 750 soon I hope. Even though anymore than 40 mile I want to get off it.
Post by: taysidedragon on March 25, 2024, 08:31:45 PM
If you want one check the starter works properly.
Have a look at Bandits and Fazers but check for corrosion, paintwork and plating not the best.
Post by: Green1 on March 25, 2024, 08:49:29 PM
Post by: taysidedragon on March 25, 2024, 09:59:58 PM
The sprag clutch only fails if you regularly turn the bike over with a weak battery. My dad's 1200 trophy was fine with over 85k on the clock. I had one fail on the Aprilia after I neglected the battery. So I've learnt my lesson and never attempt to start a bike that's stood for awhile without giving it a quick top-up
Trouble is, buying one now you don't know what the previous owners have done with it. That's why you need to have a good check of the starter.
Post by: Laverdaroo on March 26, 2024, 12:35:57 AM
Also as an add I’ve an 09 plate one for sale in dark graphite grey with a few bits n bobs on it should you decide to go that route but don’t want to spend a fortune. Go ride some bikes, you’ll soon know what you like and what fits you.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: davidcumbria on March 26, 2024, 07:44:51 AM
Post by: Green1 on March 26, 2024, 08:12:22 AM
Post by: Orcade-Ian on March 26, 2024, 08:31:15 AM
I've watched this particular thread with great interest having ridden a great variety of bikes for touring and know that asking a question like that could produce as many different replies as there are bikes. BUT, I fully agree with Davidcumbria regarding pillion comfort - that is so important and his idea of a Pan would give you that (as would a 1500 'Wing - but I'm biased!). For us, another very important feature, not bike choice related would be a decent intercom - we've used them for over 30 years, firstly wired, now wireless and you can link most to phones and sat-nav.
Integrated luggage is another consideration (with removable bags) - our 1500 'Wing was 2 inches narrower than my mate's BMW K100 RT.
Ian
Post by: Laverda Dave on March 26, 2024, 08:32:29 AM
Post by: Green1 on March 26, 2024, 08:41:16 AM
Also I know a couple that tour Europe on a cb500x and love it
Post by: florence on March 26, 2024, 09:52:21 AM
It's 29 years since I bought a bike and that was in boxes. Do people allow potential buyers to test ride or is it considered a no no?
Post by: Laverdaroo on March 26, 2024, 09:54:03 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Laverda Dave on March 26, 2024, 10:12:37 AM
Thanks all, great advice as always. I am now on the horns of a dilemma between, Triumph Trident 900 and VFR800. Will see if I can find some to try.
It's 29 years since I bought a bike and that was in boxes. Do people allow potential buyers to test ride or is it considered a no no?
Most dealers will allow test rides, take your licence with you but private sellers normally only allow a test ride if you give them all the money on cash first (in case you drop it or ride off) and if you provide proof of insurance that you can ride any motorcycle. If a private seller arranges to meet you in a car park to carry out a sale run a mile because it's probably stolen!
Post by: Johnny4428 on March 26, 2024, 11:26:37 AM
😳😳 Good advice Dave! Although I did chuckle a little.Thanks all, great advice as always. I am now on the horns of a dilemma between, Triumph Trident 900 and VFR800. Will see if I can find some to try.
It's 29 years since I bought a bike and that was in boxes. Do people allow potential buyers to test ride or is it considered a no no?
Most dealers will allow test rides, take your licence with you but private sellers normally only allow a test ride if you give them all the money on cash first (in case you drop it or ride off) and if you provide proof of insurance that you can ride any motorcycle. If a private seller arranges to meet you in a car park to carry out a sale run a mile because it's probably stolen!
Post by: florence on March 26, 2024, 12:59:32 PM
Post by: andy120t on March 26, 2024, 01:03:29 PM
Having said that, whilst I haven't ever ridden a VFR they've always been in my mind as top of the list for a ride all day sports tourer. There are a surprising number of MK1 750's too so you can still buy a classic!
Post by: florence on March 26, 2024, 01:07:53 PM
Post by: andy120t on March 26, 2024, 01:10:38 PM
It's like a dream garage of bikes that used to be sports bikes!
Post by: Laverdaroo on March 26, 2024, 01:10:56 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: florence on March 26, 2024, 01:14:14 PM
Post by: andy120t on March 26, 2024, 01:16:14 PM
Max mileage will help too as some if them are pretty high!
Post by: Laverdaroo on March 26, 2024, 01:17:27 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Laverda Dave on March 26, 2024, 01:27:29 PM
If it’s high, don’t worry if it’s a Honda and been serviced. Pretty much unbreakable engines
Very true especially the VFR with cam gear drive, no long cam chain thrashing around. Lots of the late model VFR750’s around at sub £2k in decent condition. These bikes have got to start increasing in value, an undervalued classic for sure.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Laverdaroo on March 26, 2024, 01:29:57 PM
I’d have an FP model, tomorrow. Awesome bikesIf it’s high, don’t worry if it’s a Honda and been serviced. Pretty much unbreakable engines
Very true especially the VFR with cam gear drive, no long cam chain thrashing around. Lots of the late model VFR750’s around at sub £2k in decent condition. These bikes have got to start increasing in value, an undervalued classic for sure.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: andy120t on March 26, 2024, 01:45:50 PM
Post by: ST1100 on March 26, 2024, 03:19:29 PM
St1100 pan European. Superb tourers and your wife will love you for the pillion comfort. Weight disappears when moving and with two of you ok to manage shoving around car parks.I concur, whilst my GF is quite happy with her NT700VA, less grunt though, but fine for one up...
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on March 26, 2024, 03:31:53 PM
budget is a bit woeful really, I can only really afford about £2k, £3k if I sell the 500.
I think you will find quite a few nice used bikes in that price band, there are a lot of decent low mileage bikes around from born again bikers who have finally given up on two wheels that have pampered & garaged them.
It's a bit of a buyers market as the days of bikes holding their value as they used to have long gone imho.
Post by: Cb750r on March 26, 2024, 04:14:55 PM
Have a friend with a sprint it’s a great long distance machine but it hasn’t weathered the test of time in the cosmetic department.
Post by: flatfour on March 26, 2024, 06:02:04 PM
My current K1300 GT (July 2010) has 54,000 miles on it, has had one change of brake pads (no discs needed) and, except for an annual service, has wanted for nothing else of significance. In terms of running cost, both of my BMW's have needed far less spent on them than my Kawasaki 1400 GTR, Versys 1000 or Ducati ST, all of which were bought new. Tyres are lasting 10,000 miles or more on the BMW's and less than half of that on the Kawasaki's or Ducati.
As a further benefit, my GT still has a BMW warranty on it, including European - wide recovery and other benefits. This can be renewed annually or paid for on a rolling monthly basis.
Post by: Laverdaroo on March 26, 2024, 06:09:58 PM
I’ve lusted after a vfr800i pre Vtec bike for a long time. It should be noted the Vtec models are supposedly expensive to service hence my desire for a 98-01 model. I owned a 93 VFR750 for a few years and it was just such a good bike. Heavy to transition but stable as a rock.Only if you’re doing valves in a business work shop as the engines gotta come out, everything else is not too bad really. In 20 years, I’ve only replaced the thermostat and swapped a head due to mechanical fuckwittery when it went into a shop. I just keep putting tyres on it, brakes and fuel in the tank. Oh, and an exhaust recently but that’s after the old one went through at 160k.
Have a friend with a sprint it’s a great long distance machine but it hasn’t weathered the test of time in the cosmetic department.
Yes the engines are sod to take out but it’s a V4 but once you pluck courage up and dig in, it’s rather cool to work on. Two up or on your own it’s a mega bike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Cb750r on March 26, 2024, 06:49:19 PM
And Laverdaroo, good to hear regarding the Vtec models. If you’re handy it’s not too bad for service costs it sounds.
Choices choices…
Post by: Bryanj on March 26, 2024, 07:37:00 PM
Post by: andy120t on April 30, 2024, 07:29:06 AM
http://www.tbrmotorcycles.com/used-motorbikes-for-sale.htm
Post by: Laverdaroo on May 01, 2024, 02:16:45 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: florence on May 02, 2024, 09:48:41 AM
Did you ever find a tourer? I was idly surfing and saw TBR Motorcycles in Notts have both a VFR800 and a Sprint, both with hard luggage. Might be one you could compare if not too far away ( but aren't you in Somerset..!).. (Nb they advertise a Hornet for 2.5k but it's about 1.3k on eBay, so could have flexibility on pricing.
http://www.tbrmotorcycles.com/used-motorbikes-for-sale.htm
I have found a very low mileage Triumph Daytona but I need to sell my 500/4 to be able to afford it. Luckily the owner is not in a hurry to sell. Just need to raise 1500 and then good to go. I've had my bike since 1995, I bought it for cheap motorcycle holidays, feel ready for a change.
Post by: Laverdaroo on May 02, 2024, 05:46:47 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk