Touring: CB1100 vs. F800GT

[Stichill_imp]

I rode a SaddleSore (1,000 miles in 24 hours) few weeks ago:
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5472

We were unlucky, it was cold and 70% of the ride it was raining. But doing the trip was a smooth ride, no problems at all.

I'm tall (1.82 meters) but had no issues with the original seat. It's not too soft, but fits well to my butt and supports good body control of the bike.

I wouldn't go out for a tour without a windshield. However, that's easily mounted to the CB. Then I need a rack and my touring bike is ready.

This is my CB, ready for a one week trip:


For longer trips, I could mount saddlebags and a second bag on the rear. Those I would mount across the seat, instead of along.

However, I think, if you're really in a lot of touring, the F800GT may be the better bike. Afaik, it's less weight and it is ready from factory for traveling. Mpg may be better and the belt drive saves you from chain wear issues and fiddling around with oiling the chain.

But then, BMW may design more for function and technology, and not so much for beauty and character...

I could see myself being perfectly fine taking this approach. It's kind of what I am doing now.

I rode a SaddleSore (1,000 miles in 24 hours) few weeks ago:
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5472

We were unlucky, it was cold and 70% of the ride it was raining. But doing the trip was a smooth ride, no problems at all.

I'm tall (1.82 meters) but had no issues with the original seat. It's not too soft, but fits well to my butt and supports good body control of the bike.

I wouldn't go out for a tour without a windshield. However, that's easily mounted to the CB. Then I need a rack and my touring bike is ready.

This is my CB, ready for a one week trip:


For longer trips, I could mount saddlebags and a second bag on the rear. Those I would mount across the seat, instead of along.

However, I think, if you're really in a lot of touring, the F800GT may be the better bike. Afaik, it's less weight and it is ready from factory for traveling. Mpg may be better and the belt drive saves you from chain wear issues and fiddling around with oiling the chain.

But then, BMW may design more for function and technology, and not so much for beauty and character...

Yes, very practical!

I rode a SaddleSore (1,000 miles in 24 hours) few weeks ago:
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5472

We were unlucky, it was cold and 70% of the ride it was raining. But doing the trip was a smooth ride, no problems at all.

I'm tall (1.82 meters) but had no issues with the original seat. It's not too soft, but fits well to my butt and supports good body control of the bike.

I wouldn't go out for a tour without a windshield. However, that's easily mounted to the CB. Then I need a rack and my touring bike is ready.

This is my CB, ready for a one week trip:


For longer trips, I could mount saddlebags and a second bag on the rear. Those I would mount across the seat, instead of along.

However, I think, if you're really in a lot of touring, the F800GT may be the better bike. Afaik, it's less weight and it is ready from factory for traveling. Mpg may be better and the belt drive saves you from chain wear issues and fiddling around with oiling the chain.

But then, BMW may design more for function and technology, and not so much for beauty and character...

Well, now there's the rub! The F800GT is not a bad looking bike but it would not turn heads next to the CB1100.

Since you're keeping the 250, go all the way and get a proper sport touring bike, the BMW. The CB will still be a compromise. It will be better than the 250, but still a compromise.

Shameless plug ... I have a Honda sport tourer for sale in the classifieds, with only 1400 miles on it. MUCH lower price than a Beemer.

Probably sage advice, thank you.

I was just going to mention Classic's ad but he beat me to it - We had some customers with the F800Gts and they liked them but just like me ( It was a man & wife) one bike was great and the other had a lot of problems even though BMW took care of all
their issues it did keep one off the bike for some time.

Scary!