BIKES Q&A
QI’ve just started a new job that involves a longer motorway commute, and I want to keep the miles off my beloved Hayabusa. I’m looking for second-bike suggestions – but I don’t want to spend more than £1500. I still want decent power (so not a piddly 500 twin) and at least a half-fairing.
AWe’re not sure 500cc twins are ‘piddly’, but if you prefer a bigger-engined bike for commuting, then we’d start by searching for a Honda VFR, either a late 750 or an early 800.
There’s plenty of used choice at this price – just look for service history, given in-depth maintenance (like valve clearances) can be neglected as values fall. Other suggestions are Yamaha’s FZS600 Fazer, Honda’s short-lived CB600F-S Hornet, or a half-faired Suzuki Bandit. You might even find a Honda Blackbird in your budget.
QI’m looking for a light, low bike that can handle fully loaded, two-up touring. Does such a thing exist? I’m hoping for something with a seat height under 800mm, not too heavy, but rated to carry a huge payload.
AThat’s an intriguing dilemma, as big payloads tend to go hand-in-hand with physicallydaunting bikes. Our suggestion is BMW’S F700GS: it can take a staggering 224kg payload, which is more than an R1200RT is approved to carry. Better yet, BMW’S optional low seat drops the F700’s height down to just 790mm.
QI read in last month’s Versys-x 300 first ride report that you can fit panniers or a topbox, but not both – just like my Z1000SX. I find this very frustrating. Does Kawasaki actually make a bike that can take a full three-piece suite of hard luggage?
AYes, four: the 1400GTR, Vulcan 1700 Voyager, Versys 1000 and Versys 650. The Vulcan offers the most total luggage space (126 litres), followed by the GTR (117 litres) and then, the two Versyses (103 litres).