Opinions for a sport tourer pls

[Kev m]

There are many factors that contribute to stability.  Of course! 
Perhaps I should have said 'much lighter'.  My around town bike is a KTM350 (~250 lbs), which is just frightening above about 65 mph.  I guess the knobbies and height don't really contribute to a planted feel at that speed, eh? 
The difference I was thinking was between something like my wife's Breva750 and my Eldorado.  The Breva is just a lot easier to drive and I prefer it in town.  The Breva is really nice on the highway as well but I rather like the heavier Eldo for long distance. 
Anyhow, I believe we are in agreement here.

Ah, yeah, I got ya.... I'm probably just being pedantic again! 

[boatdetective]

All interesting discussion. I should point out the range of machines noted as well as the fact that folks here as a rule seem pretty open minded. Asa thought, I test rode a friend's Ducati Multi DS1000. Cornered very easily, but felt too tall, too light, and the dash rattled.  I jumped back on my 1200 S right afterwards and the difference was remarkable. The Guzzi certainly felt more composed. I'm sure weight had something to do with it- yet not all.  The concept of a light, yet stable bike at speed (as Kev mentioned with the 696) must take some careful engimaneering.

[Doppelgaenger]

I'm sure a big part of that composure has to do with the longitudinal crank. I rode the monster 1200S and my very first impression of it was that it was MUCH harder to tip into turns than the guzzi because the gyro effect of the engine resists it so much.

As for options, I think the triumph and the BMW are among the best options out there. I'd personally go with the triumph just for the smoothness of the triple. Not that I could get a foot down easily on either of those bikes in stock form... and the BMW has a rotax engine and no paralever so it might actually be reliable!

[WitchCityGuzzi]

You really should take a Stelvio for a ride.. All day comfort, borders on Sport bike handling, pretty quick, etc etc

[jas67]

I'm not sure I accept this premise.

I will admit that I think it's EASIER to make a heavier bike feel stable on the highway as it seems to be a factor, just like center of gravity and wheelbase.

But our 696 is extremely stable on the highway and it is a very light, short wheelbase bike without a particularly low center of gravity.

I think therefore that there must be other, more important factors in stability.

I would guess that quality of suspension, along with frame/steering architecture, and possibly even tire size/type/compounds play more important roles.

 :1: on the Monster, I have a Monster 796, definitely very stable.

The F800GT is only 460 lbs. and is also very stable.

Also, while the subject of the F800GT, if it wasn't mentioned before, the fuel tank is under the seat, and the air box, above the engine where a fuel tank would normally be.  This helps keep the center of gravity low, making the bike feel even lighter when stopped, or pushing it around the garage, lifting it off the side stand, etc.

[jas67]

There are many factors that contribute to stability.  Of course! 
Perhaps I should have said 'much lighter'.  My around town bike is a KTM350 (~250 lbs), which is just frightening above about 65 mph.  I guess the knobbies and height don't really contribute to a planted feel at that speed, eh? 

Knobbies at speed on the road can be downright squirrely.    I've got a Honda NX250 with Bridgestone Trailwing tires on it, which an 80/20 (80% road) mostly road oriented tire that does well on gravel and easy dirt roads, and Yamaha WR250R with DOT knobbies on it.    The Honda is very stable at 70-75 MPH, where the Yamaha is very squirmy at that speed, and has a disconcerting "drop-in" going into turns on asphalt.  But, those same knobbies are great in the dirt.

Both bikes weigh about the same, but the Yamaha is about 5 inches taller.

[lucydad]

You know I rode the Triumph 675 STRX today.  All it needs to be a sport tourer:  add larger tank ring bag and the rear soft bags from SW Mo-Tech.  Otherwise it is a beauty:  comfortable and smooth.  Tends to eat gas on spirited rides, but incredible handling, and light.  Not sure if I could pack enough for camping though, but there might be option to add items above the front fender?  Pondering that concept.  Too damn hot for any longish riding right now in Texas, at least for this fellah. 

[boatdetective]

You really should take a Stelvio for a ride.. All day comfort, borders on Sport bike handling, pretty quick, etc etc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU

I could have expected as much from you- thanks a lot, Doug!

[Nic in Western NYS]

Boat comes from Marblehead MA but I don't know if his riding is more city or rural.  If city riding is a big part of the day, then performance in stop and go traffic matters.  For that, I would ideally want a water cooled bike with a more upright seating position.  My RT was great in traffic except when it was hot, and then I needed to pull over and let it cool off.  My 97 was air cooled but if you're ok with an inline 4, a Bandit 1250 would make a great platform for a sport tourer that would be good in traffic as well as the open road.

[Aaron D.]

Funny, I figured a 1200 Sport would be a great sport tourer..

[Nic in Western NYS]

Funny, I figured a 1200 Sport would be a great sport tourer..

I bet it is.  Haven't heard much about Guzzis overheating in traffic.

[Lesman]

Late model Connies are good deals. The CTX 1300 can be had on the affordable side. Some people say the CTX  is soul less.
My theory is sometimes after riding soulful bikes. It's ok to transition toward some normalcy. The Connies may have too much horsepower if you been out of the horsepower power games for a while.

[Vagrant]

A bike that seems to get overlooked is the relatively new Kawasaki Versys 1000.  IThey seem to have been aiming for a cross between and ADV bike and standard.  Comes with luggage and priced very reasonably at about $12k. I test rode one recently and although I didn't buy it (got an FJR) it would seem to meet your criteria very well.  The most outstanding thing about it was that it had loads of power and torque and felt lighter than a 650.  It carries its weight as well as any bike I have ridden making it a great all around be machine.  It only narrowly lost out to the FJR, but my criteria are maybe different that yours.

a year ago I bought one of the 1000 Versys after selling the 2010 Stelvio I so loved. at the time I still had (and still do) a 2001 EV. might be my all time favorite ride out of 10 Guzzi's and 30 other bikes. last week I sold the 2012 Gold wing. great bike but not perfect either. But, too heavy! the Versys is as good as they get and is a great deal. I also bought a 2015 V7 this Feb. I have 8000 miles on it and keep it in Az. It's like a trimmed down Ev with more power per pound. I might buy another one for Ga. next spring to keep the Versys company. I did a 10 day 3000 mile New Mexico / Colorado run with it in June and it's great up to 300 miles a day. Versys 400 a day. go ride one. bags are standard and 5.5 gallon tank with 48-555 Mpg.   

[tazio]

Ah, Vagrant ! Was hoping/waiting for you to post on the Kawasaki.
I knew you crunched miles and awaited your input on this subject.
p.s. Lisa STILL gives me grief for letting your old Stelvio go,
 the Griso accommodations suck for her.

[motrhead]

I'm trying to find a mid sized sport tourer that will be planted on the highway with some windscreen- yet nimble enough around town. It has to be able to mount hard cases. I'm not sold on the gigantic ADV bikes. Seems a bit much to me.   I am OK with working on my own bikes- but I really don't want to go through another Guzzi "re engineer 12 things so the bike works the way it should have originally from the factory" experience.  I would like to have nice suspension over high horsepower (the suspension is what I miss most about the Griso).

Yes- I know about the Norge - and it's not on the list.  I've narrowed things down to the latest version of the Honda VFR 800 and the BMW F800GT.  Seems like the BMW ergos may be easier around town.  The Aprilia 1200 caponord is much larger- but certainly seems capable.

Anyone have experience with the VFR or F800?  Any thoughts on other candidates?

Thanks!

 I got a decent ride on a VFR800 last year, to see what all the hype was about,  and it really did not impress. Not fast...actually quite boring. The FJ-09 was light years faster and better. Never ridden the Beemer.
 I am curious as to why the Norge is not on your list? I just went from a Stelvio to a Norge. The Norge is very light and good handling, eats up the miles, and my girlfriend enjoys riding on the back. After having ridden a lot of other highly rated touring bikes, I find the Norge to be a real sleeper. It is deceptively fast and easy to live with. My other candidate is the FJ-09. It is a whole lot of bike for the money.

[Navy Boy]

I'm not sure what the availability is like your way but I'd give a big vote for the Triumph Sprint GT.  I've owned both the 955ST and 1050ST before this and they were cracking bikes but IMHO the GT is the most complete of the lot.  Plenty of power, good luggage and a good fuel range as well as having that lovely triple sound and character.  This last point is of course enhanced if you replace the rather-too-large standard silencer too.

Consumption-wise I get 50-55 Mpg (UK gallons to boot) from mine which, given the 20 litre tank will give you a good 200 miles before you're looking to top up.

[Vagrant]

Ah, Vagrant ! Was hoping/waiting for you to post on the Kawasaki.
I knew you crunched miles and awaited your input on this subject.
p.s. Lisa STILL gives me grief for letting your old Stelvio go,
 the Griso accommodations suck for her.

not hard to find a new one.

[Noguzznoglory]

You're the second poster to praise the versys 1000 which I wa already taking a serious look at. Are you using the stock seat?