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(04-22-2015, 01:32 AM)Rboe_imp Wrote: I've toured on a TS-125 (across the Dakota's and Minnesota - not recommended), CJ360T and a KZ550 Ltd back in the day. This time around I've toured on a Moto Guzzi Quota and the MG Griso. For touring I find twins easier on the mind and body than the inline four. So I'm going to recommend the Norge. Fully faired, very nice motor, easy to maintain yourself (e.g. valves are adjusted with a lock nut and screw, no shims, 15 minute job once you get the hang of it). Shaft drive (I think shafts are nice, no need to worry about chain lube and adjustment, on the other hand, you can't adjust the read drive ratio easily and chain and sprockets is a very cheap drive line rebuild - while shafts can be trouble free, if things break, and they can, it can be expensive).
I'd get a Norge, probably should have gotten one as I keep trying to make the Griso a Norge, but the seating is a wee bit cramped for my 36" inseam.
For touring I prefer a windscreen and something to protect my legs. I lean towards soft luggage but the Quota had panniers and they spoiled me. Still have the soft luggage because I'm cheap. 
I'd steer you away from the BMW as in my opinion they are too clever by half making the bike too complicated to service and keep the reliability up. Expensive to repair once off of warranty. Otherwise, it's a good bike.
Take a look at a VFR from Honda. Too much tupperware in the way to work on easily, but other wise a fine machine at a great discount because for some reason it was not loved by the buying public. In black it's not as pretty as your 250 in red and sliver. But they may look too much alike to have both in your kit. Diversity is nice!
The CB would make a nice touring package (look at all the guys and gals that toured on the old CB550's, 750's and even 350F's back in the day!). Personally, I prefer the V twin Griso motor on the open road.
Much to consider here - thank you. The [url=http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/norge-gt-8v.html]Norge is really cool. I think the price might be up there a bit, maybe in the $16k range. I need to look at the used market and see if there are many available around here. Surprisingly there's a dealer in the area (Cincinnati).
Well, I've got an appointment for a test ride on the F800GT Friday afternoon. Strictly an information gathering exercise at this point. I will report back impressions with comparisons to my memories of the 2013 CB1100.
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I'm surprised nobody has mentioned a VFR! Absolutely brilliant bike for touring, and good enough for some more sporty rides. Having done a fair bit of touring over the years on different types of bikes, I always preferred doing it on sports tourers like the VFR or the Ducati ST. I know they are great tourers, but personally I never really liked the more upright bikes like a big GS. I do like the F800GT though, and the parallel twin is a very nice engine.
As for the CB, I would be more than happy to tour with it, but as has been mentioned it would be a bit of a compromise. That said, if you are hooked on the looks, and who wouldn't be, then why not. I did some long tours on a Moto Morini Corsaro as well, which is a hooligan street fighter sort of bike certainly not for the faint of heart, and had a great time.
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Surprisingly there's a dealer in the area (Cincinnati).
I'm in Cinti. As far as I know the nearest Guzzi dealer is in Cleveland.
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At the time I am posting this reply...the VFR has been mentioned twice & was bubbling to my mind prior to reading of its mention while going through the 22 posts so far(which is admirable that such thoughtful replies have occurred since Stichill asked for discussion!)...Considering the type of touring mentioned...rather "sporty" rides on tours...the VFR's just might be a good choice...whether the labeled 800cc or the 1200cc...already have the sport fairing/windshield style/function that you are use to with CBR...hard or soft bags or just tail bag & side-stand up! & GO!...probably good deals to be had on late model VFR 1200's...or find a pristine 07 Special Edition Red/White/Blue 800cc...Oh, wait!...you came to the CB1100 Forum to ask for input on your "decision tree"...as I do not own one...but maybe sometime?...while I can/do have experience with VFR's...& suggest you consider how they seem to "upgrade"/"match" your CBR riding "style"
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(04-22-2015, 04:42 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Surprisingly there's a dealer in the area (Cincinnati).
I'm in Cinti. As far as I know the nearest Guzzi dealer is in Cleveland.
[url=http://www.cadrecycle.com]Cadre Cycle
Moto Guzzi of Cincinnati
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I'll be darned. They must have just become a Guzzi dealer. They were sort of a catch all European brand independent service center specializing in BMW's, and selling used bikes. I have been in there many times. Hard to find. One little section in a section of buildings that doesn't face the street. Seem to be good guys. Last time we were there my brother bought a can of plexus.
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Regarding the VFR800F Interceptor: very interesting, however the forward lean is a lot more sport than tour. I usually use cycle-ergo to check my fit on bikes. I've modeled my exisiting CBR250R with Helibars, the F800GT with low seat option, the CB1100 stock, and the VFR800F stock. Unless I could do something with the bars on the VFR, I think it's out.
Me on a stock CBR250R (uncomfortably forward lean):
Me on my CBR250R with Helibars (perfect comfort and sport touring position):
Me on an F800GT with low seat option:
Me on a CB1100:
Me on a 2014 VFR800F:
Possible [url=http://www.motorcycle.com/features/living-interceptor.html]solution but only reduced forward lean by 2 degrees. I modeled it as 1.25" up and 0.25" back.
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You look perfect on the CB1100 However, you need a different color riding suit. This one just washes you out.
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I test drove a F800 Dakar last summer and really wanted to like it but the motor was not my cup of tea. Very bland power band in my opinion. Would rather tour on a ktm 690 or Dr650 than the bmw 800 (if we are talking about light weight bikes).
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I was thinking more along the lines of the 1200 VFR,....
I think there may be deals on the Norge, check out the WildGuzzi forum, they have a Classifieds area too. With so many good bikes to choose from, once you find one that fits you I think you'll be set. Was at the GoAZ dealer in Scottsdale this afternoon, oiy! So many nice bikes!
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