OK Guys....Here is my short list

[schoeney]

I am shopping and test riding to replace my beloved Nomad. Hope to have it narrowed down to one in a couple days and bought by late next week. Open to both new and used. It was requested I give some feedback on my test rides and decision making process. I will do that after the purchase is made.

Here they are in no particular order;

Kawasaki C14 Concours (because it is a Kawasaki I am hoping Jared gives me a better title than Enthusiest.....like those Victory Turds)

Honda ST1300

Yamaha FJR

BMW K1200/1300LT or GT

Victory Cross Country/Cross Country Tour*

Yamaha Stratoliner*

* I know these are no lighter than the Nomad but sometimes the center of gravity and additional power/ergos can make it feel lighter.

My budget is $12,000 or less. Believe it or not you can find a couple of these bikes brand new for that (i.e. Stratoliner and St1300) if you are willing to take a leftover from previous model years or are willing to travel a ways to get them.

Can't buy a new Victory or BMW for this budget but I have found some decent used ones.

The hunt has been fun so far but I am ready to fill the stall soon.

[blowndodge]

Schoeney your price does narrow your choices somewhat. I know the Tour Vic is off the table as used is almost 20K.

My Cross Country Tour sits so much lower than my Nomad. Not sure what your limiting factors are. ST1300 and the BMW's have a much higher center of gravity but much stronger motors. You've really thrown out a menagerie of bikes. No two alike.

The victory CC used might work out. Are you taking long distances or medium range? Give me more of what type of riding you prefer to do and "must haves" in a bike. For example; I thought hard about a GW but didn't want that large of a barge for my all around bike. But a must have was storage room because my girlfriend and I enjoy taking trips across many states and need the room. I realized that the Cross Country Tour was the only bike that was easy to handle at very slow speeds due to center of gravity yet provide all day comfort and larger storage capacity of a GW.

Give us some more specifics and I'll try to give you my honest opinion. If I wasn't into traveling for weeks at a time and didn't need more stuff than a 3 day weekend the Triumph Thunderbird would have been a major consideration.

[dale55]

I would go with the stratoliner or the FJR. I am considering both as well just sometime in the future. They are both fantastic bikes.


Dale

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

Schoeney your price does narrow your choices somewhat. I know the Tour Vic is off the table as used is almost 20K.

My Cross Country Tour sits so much lower than my Nomad. Not sure what your limiting factors are. ST1300 and the BMW's have a much higher center of gravity but much stronger motors. You've really thrown out a menagerie of bikes. No two alike.

The victory CC used might work out. Are you taking long distances or medium range? Give me more of what type of riding you prefer to do and "must haves" in a bike. For example; I thought hard about a GW but didn't want that large of a barge for my all around bike. But a must have was storage room because my girlfriend and I enjoy taking trips across many states and need the room. I realized that the Cross Country Tour was the only bike that was easy to handle at very slow speeds due to center of gravity yet provide all day comfort and larger storage capacity of a GW.

Give us some more specifics and I'll try to give you my honest opinion. If I wasn't always dreaming of traveling for weeks at a time and didn't need more stuff than a 3 day weekend the Triumph Thunderbird would have been a major consideration.

Hey Magellan, since when do you travel by bike for "weeks at a time"?

[markclark57]

Might want to expand your list to a used (2010-2012) Victory Cross Roads. I've seen several in the 10-12K range. It's very close to the same bike as the Cross Country and Cross Country Tour with fewer factory add ons. The trick is that all of those add ons are available later (new or used) and fit on the Cross Roads. You could turn your CR into a CCT a few pieces at a time.

[Netnorske]

The suspense is killing me...! That is a diverse selection of bike models from which to choose. I can't see you sitting in a forward-leaning position with the family jewels getting the rolling pin treatment, so I'm gonna guess a used XC is in his future. If he rides one, he will own one. Just make sure if you consider a used XC Greg, that the previous owner has taken steps to deal with wind management, as buffeting is an issue with those bikes. The XCT has mitigated nearly all of the buffeting issues by virtue of the hard lowers, a windscreen that is raised a tad off of the fairing to allow airflow up both sides of the shield...and air wings attached to the underside of the fairing. None of that stuff comes on a plain XC, but guys add air wings, hard lowers, or engine guard chaps, depending on what they have for engine guard bars. HHhhmmm....I have an idea....!

[markclark57]

Kris and I posted at almost the same time . . . Maybe same Idea too

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Hey Magellan, since when do you travel by bike for "weeks at a time"?

Is your name Schoeney ass wipe??

[Chili]

The limited knowledge I have of the Sport tourers you listed is that the Connie has the most aggressive riding position which for a taller guy might be an issue, been ages since Honda did anything to the ST so I'd likely lean towards the FJR out of that group.

I test road a BMW K1200LT and loved it although the bike I tested was like an 80's GM econo rattletrap, don't know if it was that bike or a common issue to the model. The Strat I've ridden had a nice engine but it's got a 4.5 Gal tank and likes it's fuel so range can be an issue.

I've only got 20 miles on my Cross Country Tour (picked it up today in 34 degrees and crap weather so didn't ride) but can say the bike just pulls and pulls when you roll it on and it handles so much quicker than the Nomad. And while it's heavier than the Nomad it feels lighter lifting it off the side stand but that still doesn't solve the issue of your bent knee at stops.

Another bike that sits taller and is a few hundred pounds lighter is the BMW R1200RT, not as much performance as the K bikes but sip fuel and would out run a Cruiser any time. I actually tested one of those prior to buying the Victory but Char didn't like the passenger accommodations and with the amount of 2-up we do that was a deal breaker.

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

Schoeney your price does narrow your choices somewhat. I know the Tour Vic is off the table as used is almost 20K.

My Cross Country Tour sits so much lower than my Nomad. Not sure what your limiting factors are. ST1300 and the BMW's have a much higher center of gravity but much stronger motors. You've really thrown out a menagerie of bikes. No two alike.

The victory CC used might work out. Are you taking long distances or medium range? Give me more of what type of riding you prefer to do and "must haves" in a bike. For example; I thought hard about a GW but didn't want that large of a barge for my all around bike. But a must have was storage room because my girlfriend and I enjoy taking trips across many states and need the room. I realized that the Cross Country Tour was the only bike that was easy to handle at very slow speeds due to center of gravity yet provide all day comfort and larger storage capacity of a GW.

Give us some more specifics and I'll try to give you my honest opinion. If I wasn't into traveling for weeks at a time and didn't need more stuff than a 3 day weekend the Triumph Thunderbird would have been a major consideration.

My favorite type of riding is overnight stuff (I just don't have a lot of time for it) 1000-2500 mile trips. Second choice is 200-300 day trips. Not a big fan of local stuff.

Most of my miles come on lonely secondary highways, that is where real America begins. scenery, greasy spoons, ma + pa places, landmarks, interesting terrain. Although most longer rides end up with a last day dash home on the interstate.....which I dislike.

95% of my riding is solo but my wife is starting to ride a bit more and I am hoping to increase her participation to at least a few weekend rides and a leisurely day ride once in awhile.

I enjoy relaxed rides, my "go like a bat out of hell days" are over but I want plenty of power to keep the cagers out of my imaginary bubble (where I visit my imaginary friends) I also don't want to work hard at keeping up when riding with others.

I am not a loud pipe fan (but none on my list are too loud for me) Riding the twisties with confidence is important. The look (not to be confused with the condition) of the bike is not critical .....within reason.

I am not a garage tinkerer, between working and my other hobbies there is just no time for it.

You hit the nail on the head regarding the Gold Wing....great bike .....just too bulky. Maybe some day, but only if my wife gets hooked....doubtful.

You are right about the CCT.... not within the budget but I have found an occasional decent Cross Country and Cross Roads that are within budget.

The knee is an issue but I have found that it does fine with some larger bikes, like the Stratoliner, but not others, like my Nomad. I suspect it is due to the combination of power (to get moving from a stop quicker) and how long it takes to feather the clutch while moving slow (slow uphill turns at stop signs).


Of course all the foo foo stuff is welcome but not a deal breaker. Heated grips, seats, cruise, tall 5th gear or a 6th gear, trunk,etc.

I have been looking at so many bikes, websites, magazines, and reviews that it is starting to be like looking at a dozen houses in a day. They all start to run together and you start forgetting which model has what.

Any input is welcome.

[schoeney]

Originally Posted by Chili

The limited knowledge I have of the Sport tourers you listed is that the Connie has the most aggressive riding position which for a taller guy might be an issue, been ages since Honda did anything to the ST so I'd likely lean towards the FJR out of that group.

I test road a BMW K1200LT and loved it although the bike I tested was like an 80's GM econo rattletrap, don't know if it was that bike or a common issue to the model. The Strat I've ridden had a nice engine but it's got a 4.5 Gal tank and likes it's fuel so range can be an issue.

I've only got 20 miles on my Cross Country Tour (picked it up today in 34 degrees and crap weather so didn't ride) but can say the bike just pulls and pulls when you roll it on and it handles so much quicker than the Nomad. And while it's heavier than the Nomad it feels lighter lifting it off the side stand but that still doesn't solve the issue of your bent knee at stops.

Another bike that sits taller and is a few hundred pounds lighter is the BMW R1200RT, not as much performance as the K bikes but sip fuel and would out run a Cruiser any time. I actually tested one of those prior to buying the Victory but Char didn't like the passenger accommodations and with the amount of 2-up we do that was a deal breaker.

That would drive me nuts. Having a beautiful new bike in the garage and too crappy outside to ride it. Congrats on the new ride!

[Loafer]

You've listed a wide range of ride styles. Sounds like you should be on a sport tourer.
I prefer the ST over the C14 and the FJR, but they are tall to the saddles. i have no
experience with the BMW's. Good Luck with your decision.

[Netnorske]

Greg, I am going to (Vic XC) leave my opinion (Vic XC) out of this (Vic XC) as I know (Vic XC) it is an important (Vic XC) decision for you. I am sure (Vic XC) with your diligence (Vic XC) you will find (Vic XC) just the bike (Vic XC) you are looking for....

[waterman]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

Greg, I am going to (Vic XC) leave my opinion (Vic XC) out of this (Vic XC) as I know (Vic XC) it is an important (Vic XC) decision for you. I am sure (Vic XC) with your diligence (Vic XC) you will find (Vic XC) just the bike (Vic XC) you are looking for....

Nothing like being opinionated there Kris (Vic XC).

[GIBBY]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

Greg, I am going to (Vic XC) leave my opinion (Vic XC) out of this (Vic XC) as I know (Vic XC) it is an important (Vic XC) decision for you. I am sure (Vic XC) with your diligence (Vic XC) you will find (Vic XC) just the bike (Vic XC) you are looking for....

Kudos on keeping your personal opinion out of that post