[Granny22]

Looking for some input guys.

My current ride is an '03 Honda VFR. It's a great bike for me but I'm finding that I get quite uncomfortable, numb bum and legs on extended rides i.e. Whistler and back. The stock seat has been replaced with a Sargent unit. I suspect that part of the issue is the placement of the footpegs on a sportbike. The problem is I can't picture myself on a cruiser.

Any suggestions on what might be an alternate ride that would offer the comfort I am looking for plus pillion comfort too. I don't think I can afford to go to a BMW. I seem to hear a fair bit of good news about the VStrom? Honda ST?

To date I haven't ridden anything other than my VFR. I doubt that any dealer is going to allow you to take a new VStrom out for a cruise to Whistler and back to see if it suits you.

 

[Commuter Boy]

Most of the mfgrs do demo days where they bring one of each of the popular models out for supevised test rides.

Some of the better dealers in town keep demos, and if you're a reasonable prospect for a sale, and an obviouly mature individual, you can take them out for an hour or two. It's even easier to take out a used one on the lot.

Go ask at the dealers, see what they've got on hand.

+2 on the VStrom, or the new Kawi 650. Used BMW's are also affordable.

 

[BLADERUNNER 954]

if you are looking at a vstrom, go talk to Desi or Jimmi, at orca bay suzuki. i was sitting on the fence for about 8mos, these guys knew i was serious, and handed me the keys to the demo dl1000. after an hour. i bought one. theres a reason why i call it the couch:laughing

 

[Tattoodles]

It's amazing how much more you'll enjoy riding once on a machine that you can ride comfortably all day.

Any reputable suzook dealership will be able to demo you a vstrom for an hour or two. Some dealers will let you take a demo bike overnight if you appear to be a very motivated buyer (and it's the off season now).

 

[silverD]

Yup us old guys gotta be comfy or we get cranky..

+1 on the VStrom...

 

[bikeguy]

Orca Bay let me take out a V-Strom 650 for a demo a while back with no hassles. Very helpful staff, no pressure. The 650 is comfy, way more upright than the VFR. Bit of buffeting with the windshield but it adjusts and there are also aftermarket solutions.

I think there is a V-Strom in my future but I have to work through my VFR phase first, so that's what I'm presently looking for.

 

[TrueLies]

Sorry. This almost seems like a silly question to me.

Comfort? That's what the car is for.

http://www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/showthread.php?p=875612#post875612

Someone can put on an average of 200 Kms a day on a sport bike and not feel the discomfort? The excitement of a new bike? Some people are just built differently when it comes to endurance. Not everyone is cut out to be an iron butt or the 5,000-meter champ, right?

My idea of a good time is to trailer my sport bike to the prime spots. To me, it's too high a price to pay, on some days, to ride 45 Kms, through city traffic, to get to the "good" roads.

 

[silverD]

Sorry. This almost seems like a silly question to me.

Comfort? That's what the car is for.

http://www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/showthread.php?p=875612#post875612

Someone can put on an average of 200 Kms a day on a sport bike and not feel the discomfort? The excitement of a new bike? Some people are just built differently when it comes to endurance. Not everyone is cut out to be an iron butt or the 5,000-meter champ, right?

My idea of a good time is to trailer my sport bike to the prime spots. To me, it's too high a price to pay, on some days, to ride 45 Kms, through city traffic, to get to the "good" roads.

Ah Grasshopper ....... I see that you have yet to reach the 6th level of enlightenment, you must continue with your studies and eventually with enough hard work you will be able to cast off the spectre of "Trailer Queen"......

 

[Bora20]

I have an ST1300, but the stock seat is terrible. I have switched to a Corbin, which is better, but still not great. My ass gets numb and sore after about 5-6 hours.

I am going to purchase a Russell seat (http://www.day-long.com) this winter or next year for my wife and I. I sat on one this year during an ST get-together (www.canstoc.ca) and it was amazing.

It sounds like you are too upright though, with more weigh on your ass. A cruiser will make the problem worse. Try leaning forward more and taking the weight morre with your arms and stomach muscles.

or just buy an ST1300 and be done with it. Have you tried the stock seat?

 

[michael]

The ST1100 is a venerable workhorse of the Endurance riding community.
Because it's comfortable, and has long legs. (that refers to a performance trait, by the way).
Most riders use Heli-bars and upgrade the stock seat.
Ridden them. Tilted the horizon on one, and experiences its long legs first hand in the valleys of Nevada.
I'm a fan.
I'm also particular about motorcycle comfort as well, as you are.
Also, if you're moving from the VFR to the ST, the dealer may be more inclined to crack you a deal.

 

[TrueLies]

I test rode the ST1300 last June. Be carefull. To me, it's like moving from a Corvette to a diesel F150. It's a hell of a change.

The ST1100 is a venerable workhorse of the Endurance riding community.
Because it's comfortable, and has long legs. (that refers to a performance trait, by the way).
Most riders use Heli-bars and upgrade the stock seat.
Ridden them. Tilted the horizon on one, and experiences its long legs first hand in the valleys of Nevada.
I'm a fan.
I'm also particular about motorcycle comfort as well, as you are.
Also, if you're moving from the VFR to the ST, the dealer may be more inclined to crack you a deal.

 

[Bora20]

Moving from a VFR800 to a ST1300 is nothing like a Corvette to a F150. More like a Corvette to a Camaro.

The acceleration is the same, motor is the same configuration, with luggage on both, handling will be somewhat similar.

Now, GSXR1000 to ST1300, yes huge difference, but once you adapt to the different riding style and position, nothing to it.

Ride the wave of torque, not the high rpm horsepower. My wheelie across the intersection yesterday proved that any bike will come up with a little bit of clutch

 

[tractor]

One of your problems with the VFr might be the aftermarket seats. I tried a Corbin on the VTR which has similar ergonomics to the VFR, it was lower than the stock seat so my legs were bent uncomfortably and there was to much weight on my butt.
I have ridden an ST1100 and while your VFR feels a little peppier, you basically don't feel much of anything on the ST it is so comfortable. It is a different feel and except for a tendency to slide ahead on the seat it is a real easy bike to ride 500 miles on. I rode a friends BMW r1200GS and if the VSTROM is as comfortable then they are great as well, PLUS, if you have a dual purpose bike I have a feeling you might find a whole new set of roads and trails to ride, and bring a whole new element to riding and more places to go.
the first few corners on the ST fell like the bike is huge but you quickly get used to it. I am more convinced all the time that a person needs 2 bikes.

 

[Mighty Kentor]

To date I haven't ridden anything other than my VFR. I doubt that any dealer is going to allow you to take a new VStrom out for a cruise to Whistler and back to see if it suits you.

Connect with me on pm's if you want to come out to Mission and swap rides on a variety of roads. I'm sure I have a couple of hours saved up by now! Oh, I'm on an '05 DL1000 with a couple mods.

 

[Mighty Kentor]

Also, here's a thread on STN comparing the new Bandit and the big Strom.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/showthread.php?t=91132

 

[Granny22]

Thanks for all the replys and input. Sounds like I'm on the right track.

 

[TeeTee]

Yes, you're on the right track aw'righty. You just need to find the new magical bike.

For me happiness came in the form of my Z1000. All the fun and power of a liter sportbike but with a far more upright riding position. It's still a little cramped for anyone with a larger frame... like me... but you get that along with the compact and sporty size.

The OEM saddle was TERRIBLE! IT took me making up my own custom one off tailor made to perfectly reflect my own butt to find Nirvana. But now I'm tank fill to tank fill comfy if I need to be. I still prefer to pull over for a stretch every 30 minutes though.

 

[scooter]

Big guys comfortable bikes: Any Large Adventure bike, ZX9R, SV1000S, Sport Tourer.

Kinda liking the new Concours. Also heard good things about the new Bandit.

I'm trading in the Wee Strom.

FOR SALE Strom parts: Tank Bra, Tall touring seat, K&N airfilter, foot brake lever and manual.

 

[GSP]

Speed Triple, one of the "new" classic Triumphs, Ducati GT1000...but if you're serious about touring, I'd go Strom, ST, and maybe FJR.

FWIW, over the course of a long day, my VFR is marginally more comfortable than the 1150GS I had before it.

 

[Granny22]

Thanks Brent. As a BMW/VFR owner I knew you would have some good insight into this one. Yes the big Yammie was the one I left out.