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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.
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.
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?
You really should take a Stelvio for a ride.. All day comfort, borders on Sport bike handling, pretty quick, etc etc
Funny, I figured a 1200 Sport would be a great sport tourer..
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.
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!
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.