I have been riding off and on road for over 10 years. I am currently riding a Ninja 500 and want to get something a little bigger with more power. I would love to have a sport bike, but am leaning toward a touring bike so my wife can ride comfortably on the back and I could still have some fun when riding solo. Do you guys have any suggestions under $6k?

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the advice...

 

Simple, A Honda VFR

Most any year from 94 on, 98 and later models are fuel injected.

Excelent for both touring and sport riding.

George




[QUOTE]Originally posted by saliv8

I have been riding off and on road for over 10 years.

 

I had a VFR and my wife hated sitting on the back. The rear seat is so much higher that she is propped up like those little "Whack-a-Moles" at the fair grounds. And the seat is not exactly "comfy" for anything more than an hour or so. Take her on one if you can let her decide.
For the kind of money you are talking about, find an older Yamaha Venture Royale. It's one of the more nimble and lighter ones of the touring class of bikes. It'll have a passenger back rest and a nice big seat. Shaft drive for low maintenance and I've seen those V4's go several hundred thousands of miles.

 

Best recommendations for two-up, aside from dedicated touring bikes (like Xviper's good suggestion), depend a bit on your combined mass. Umm, so to be delicate, how much tonnage are we talking about?

 

What are ya like when you're being blunt?

 

Thanks. We weigh 290 lbs. combined.

 

Pfft. Lightweights. Means you have much more choice because you're under the GVWR for most bikes. Under $6K? You could look at older BMW K-RS models (or a newer naked R-bike). A Corbin Gunfighter-and-Lady saddle would help the VFR situation, which is otherwise a great sporty ride. Same deal with the much older Yamaha FJ's. Kawi Concours could be a good choice. You're probably budgeted below a decent Honda ST1100 but it would be good for two and still sprint nicely.

I think having the passenger elevated is good for her, having more than a view of the back of your head (and bumping helmets).