Is the classic sport-touring motorcycle doomed to extinction?

I've seen it in person, more than once.
Thought it was ugly in pictures, and it is.
Thought it was ugly in person, and it is.

The 1300GS is not as weird now that it's been out a year, but the Adventure model is awful and I don't think it will improve with time.
Yeah wasn't sure about the predator headlight but it's growing on me.
 
After the tenth beer, it is beautiful. What's more, the driver doesn't see the ugliness when he's sitting on it.
It was the same with the R1200ST, looked horrible from the front, but won almost every motorcycle comparison in its class.
holm
 
I took a couple pictures of it and posted them a week or so ago. The pictures didn't do it justice. The non-adventure bike has graceful lines. The adventure version...it is like someone had no thought of beauty or grace. Like the only thing to consider is where they'd put an 8 gallon gas tank. It may be practical...but it is ugly.

And I'm not talking about Larry's mate. ;) :D

Chris
 
Picked up my Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello on Wednesday and it's back in the shop already! Just for the break in service! After 600 miles in windy and cold conditions I can tell you the sport touring bike is alive and well. Daboo is right, it's amazing what a good job a properly designed smaller fairing can do to keep the wind off you.
 
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Another couple of youngster votes for: doomed to extinction.
Why? That NT1100 is what I rate as "living room floor ADV bike", plagued with gizmos...
2-cyl, chain, no tip over protection, lacks weather protection, dazzling LED headlights, insectoid appearance, proprietary workshop only service, switch-pods like game-controllers, TFD too bright, required WiFi connection, emitting RF-radiation on levels that it blows away any GPS reception...

122789_Honda_NT1100_YM22_3055.jpg_0.jpg


122819_Honda_NT1100_YM22_3025.jpg_0.jpg


Yeah... I would like to fumble on those in heavy weather with thick, insulated, GoreTex winter-gloves... not...
 
Picked up my Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello on Wednesday and it's back in the shop already! Just for the break in service! After 600 miles in windy and cold conditions I can tell you the sport touring bike is alive and well. Daboo is right, it's amazing what a good job a properly designed smaller fairing can do to keep the wind off you.
Pictures? :biggrin:
 
I must say that even a 22 y/old ST13, it doesn't gives out its age. Especially compared to the competitors of the same age.
 
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I just took my '01 out for a ride around yesterday for a couple of hours.

It still runs and rides and handles beautifully (with proper tire pressure!)

I must say that even a 25 y/old ST13, it doesn't gives out its age. Especially compared to the competitors of the same age.
It behooves me to say that I've never seen or heard of a 1999 (or even a 2000) ST1300. :unsure:
 
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Why? That NT1100 is what I rate as "living room floor ADV bike", plagued with gizmos...
2-cyl, chain, no tip over protection, lacks weather protection, dazzling LED headlights, insectoid appearance, proprietary workshop only service, switch-pods like game-controllers, TFD too bright, required WiFi connection, emitting RF-radiation on levels that it blows away any GPS reception...

122789_Honda_NT1100_YM22_3055.jpg_0.jpg


122819_Honda_NT1100_YM22_3025.jpg_0.jpg


Yeah... I would like to fumble on those in heavy weather with thick, insulated, GoreTex winter-gloves... not...
yea, it has a bunch of buttons, but it's the only bike even closely resembling a sport touring bike available from mother Honda

It was Europe's #1 selling sport tourer in 2023 with 66% of buyers choosing the DCT version

it has a fairing with integrated turn signals, 5-way adjustable windshield, led lights, comes with saddlebags that will each hold a full-face helmet, rear luggage rack (trunk available), has heated grips, cruise control, a center stand, USB port, 6 axis IMU, blue tooth/apple car play, 6 speed manual or DCT available, electronic suspension available, 100 hp and 82 lb ft of torque


and they are not offering it to us in the US. Unforgivable on Honda's part.

as far as chain drive goes, unless you want a Goldwing, a BMW or a Moto Guzzi...you're getting a chain these days (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, KTM, Triumph and Ducati are all chain drive)
 
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yea, it has a bunch of buttons, but it's the only bike even closely resembling a sport touring bike available from mother Honda

It was Europe's #1 selling sport tourer in 2023 with 66% of buyers choosing the DCT version

it has a fairing with integrated turn signals, 5-way adjustable windshield, led lights, comes with saddlebags that will each hold a full-face helmet, rear luggage rack (trunk available), has heated grips, cruise control, a center stand, USB port, 6 axis IMU, blue tooth/apple car play, 6 speed manual or DCT available, electronic suspension available, 100 hp and 82 lb ft of torque


and they are not offering it to us in the US. Unforgivable on Honda's part.

as far as chain drive goes, unless you want a Goldwing, a BMW or a Moto Guzzi...you're getting a chain these days (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, KTM, Ducati are all chain drive)
Save your breath unless it’s a 1996 model
 
Gen 8 VFR is the closest thing to perfection in a street bike that I've ever ridden. I've almost always lived in places where I had to ride somewhere to ride. Like the ST, you can ride the VFR to where you're going to ride it, ride it, then ride it home. A little less HP than the ST, 200 less lbs, fantastic handling, long lived, low maintenance, no more linked brakes, but alas, it does have a chain.

I suspect they will release the VFR again in my lifetime. The latest wings with DCT are quite maneuverable, which may be why they dropped the ST.

To come back with a ST, I think they have to reduce the number of fasteners on the fairings and lower the CG, perhaps by going to an opposed 4. The latest VFR doesn't have a high pipe bc they wanted to lower the CG. Best handling VFR ever.
 
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