Which bike?

[hopey]

Hi.
I am wanting to change bikes and would like to know what members have to say.
I am thinking about an around Australia exercise and in my mind I seem to have narrowed it down to an early model Varadera, an early model ST1300, a 2008-2010 V-Strom 650 ABS or a BMW 1100GS or 1150GS.
I am mid 60's (pretty fit for age), 5ft 10" and about 80KG. It would be mostly bitumen riding but some dirt roads and no off road stuff or real dirt bike riding. So what advice does anyone have please? Many thanks.

Hopey.

[Brock]

I would say the ST. They are strong, reliable, comfortable and very good on fuel.

[StinkyPete]

Hi Hopey.
I've done the around Oz journey (black top only)  on an ST1300 and it was a good bike for the job, but was vastly improved with an after market and much quieter screen that the OEM screen.  I use a Bike Quip screen and reckon it's the best mod I've made to the bike for long distance travel.  However, if you plan on riding some dirt roads, it pretty twitchy and unhappy on dirt, with it's minimal ground clearance and quite short suspension travel.  On extended dirt roads, you will get paint damage to the bottom tip of the middle cowl behind the front wheel.

Whatever bike you choose for a lap, you'll love the journey, and don't rush, but take as much time as your budget and schedule allows.   

[alans1100]

I would say the ST. They are strong, reliable, comfortable and very good on fuel.

I wouldn't hesitate doing this on my 1100 and trailer either.

[ST2UP]

Hah you are going to be bombarded by......"Go the ST1300" in here 


The V-Strom in the 650 and the BMW's are both proven rides  but I think it will depend on just how much dirt you will point the bike at 

The pro's for the ST1300:-  weather protection, fuel capacity, storage, shaft drive and oozes reliability 

The biggest downfall generally accepted by most is the factory seat......but so many option exist to solve that issue, I should mention a member here with is bride did do a lap last year on factory seats 


Good luck in your search


 

[Biggles]

There are few bikes with 29 litre tanks that will go 500 kays cruising sensibly.
Then there's the ample pannier and top box space.
The other advantages have been mentioned.  The only reason you'd go for the STROM is for any gravel roads, but you distinctly said you were doing the black ribbon ride.  Nothing wrong with the Suzi, but it's not a touring bike like the ST13 or 11 is.

[Bluey]

My last bike was a 2010 650 ABS V-Strom with 45L Givi Topbox and 45L and 35L panniers. I also had a seat bag and boy, could you get some stuff on that bike. Did I mention the tank bag? Tank capacity is "only" 22 L, but I used to get between 4.0 and 4.3 L/100 Km, so the range was comparable to the ST. I also fitted "Bar-backs" and a tall Givi screen with Madstad adjustable brackets, along with an AirHawk cushion and it was good for touring all day long.

The main difference is the amount of "punch" the 100 and 1300's have, but if you are touring, who needs so much punch?

There are many, many roads that were part of my regular rides when I had the Suzie that are no longer on the agenda now that I have the Honda. I sold the Suzie to somebody about to do a circumnavigation. I miss her.

[tj189]

riding on dirt roads with the ST1300 scares the crap out of me......for a run around Oz on the black stuff it is a great bike to do the trip on, regardless of how much time you take 

[West Aussie Glen]

I recently did a lap on a 88 GL1500 Goldwing and loved every kilometer. The plan was to remain on sealed roads all the time but Mr Garmin has trouble sometimes deciding what roads are dirt and what roads are sealed so had a couple of sections on good dirt roads which the Wing handled easily. Yes the wing is a little heavy but has a very low centre of gravity and once moving is a real pleasure. I also find it easier to put on the centre stand then my ST1300. Of cause great seating, cruise control, plenty of luggage capacity, a sound system, a good upright riding position and a reverse gear.
With a range of a very good 300 km fuel capacity was never a problem.
This link will give you an interesting history of the GL1500 noting that from 1995 the seat height dropped by 40 mm.
http://www.goldwingfacts.com/goldwinghistory.htm

[Gadget]

I'm actually not to worried on Dirt on my ST1300.  But I grew up on bikes on dirt roads.  I don't tense up, which I think makes the difference.  If you get edgy, the bike responds likewise because the ST is so responsive.

A couple of weekends ago I deliberately ran until empty and cruising at the speed limit down the Bruce Highway from Rocky, through road works etc, I managed 565 km before it coughed. 

What ever you choose, I'm sure it will be fun.

[Tipsy]

  py
It matter not really as long as it is reliable and runs well and most of all has 2 wheels. 
tipsy

[hopey]

Thanks very much to all of you for all your replies. I was a bit surprised that no one mentioned a Varadero. However not surprised that you are happy with the 1300.
So now I just need to do some shopping!
Happy riding and my thanks
Hopey.

[West Aussie Glen]

If you have decided on an ST1300 there are three interesting options on this forum

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=7712.0

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=7678.0

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=7523.0

[hopey]

Hi Glen.
Thanks for that. I will have a look into them.
Cheers.
Hopey

[Biggles]

OzSTOCer Lachlan went to look at this bike in Beecroft, Sydney for me (for a good mate who lives in Brisbane)

http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/SSE-AD-2568057/2005-Honda-ST1300-ABS?cr=4&psq=((SiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20bikes%5D%26(State%3D%5BNSW%5D%26Service%3D%5BBikesales%5D))%26(Make%3D%5BHonda%5D%26Model%3D%5BST1300%20ABS%5D))&pso=0&pss=Premium

He gave a very positive report on the bike and its owner.  If you PM him he can confirm what he sent me in a very detailed SMS.
My mate is also looking at an ST Owner's bike in Victoria, so this one is still available.