Choices, choices... which sport tourer?

[Sonreir]

OK... so I've narrowed it down to three bikes, all from the early 2000s. I have a little less than five grand to spend and I want something that can cover miles in relative comfort as well as entertain me in the twisties. A bit of room to pack stuff is a must, as well.

Here're the pics of actual bikes I may be checking out.

 

[danejurrous]

I would have to go with the Ducati out of the three simply due to the riding position on the honda looks like it would kill my wrists and back after a few hundred miles.

 

[neckyzips]

nice options!
ive ridden all 3, the honda is well its a honda, it does everything well, torque, good storage, handles like a honda, dead on, smooth!
the triumph, plenty of torque, great sound, i dont like the way they handle, if you get the bags theres plenty of storage.
the duc, well... its more than plenty fast, lots of fun, just what you would expect! comfortable to ride and handles like a dream.

if i could only pick one... it would be the honda for all around good bike, low maintenance good performance etc. but so good its kind of boring to ride.

 

[lingo]

I think what necky is trying to say is do you want a wife or a mistress?

 

[Texasstar]

I have a 96 Triumph Super 3 and love it, my buddy had the Duc and loved it but the wife got jealous and well..., And we have 4 Hondas between bikes and vehicles and love them.
Go for the girlfriend since you have skills with the tools

 

[AzHonda]

I also think the Ducati. I only say this because of the riding position. Just going by what I can see. I have been looking at Triumph Tigers lately. Not a sport tourer though.

 

[montessa172]

I'd pick the Honda, I like its lines and for something that your going to be adding miles to you can't beat their reliability..

 

[AzHonda]

Matt- out of curiousity (because I have been looking at these as well). Any particular reason why you don't have the Kawasaki Concours up there?

 

[Sonreir]

Two (albeit minor) reasons:
*A couple of reviews I read stated that it fell a bit short in the handling department, largely due to its overall length (bigger/longer bike than the other three I posted)
*I don't care for the look of them (or the FJR) in the early 2000s

 

[Maritime]

I voted for the triumph, I know the honda will be dead reliable and comfy etc. and I own hondas, but the triple has much more soul, and just a little less reliability than the Honda. I read a great touring article on the Triumph too and have wanted one since. I will see if I can find it. The Duc, as much as I lust after them, I don't like the ST4 for some reason. All that being said, any of the 3 will be awsome sauce to tour on. Compared to my 33 yr old ride anyway.

 

[Texasstar]

I voted for the triumph, I know the honda will be dead reliable and comfy etc. and I own hondas, but the triple has much more soul, and just a little less reliability than the Honda. I read a great touring article on the Triumph too and have wanted one since. I will see if I can find it. The Duc, as much as I lust after them, I don't like the ST4 for some reason. All that being said, any of the 3 will be awsome sauce to tour on. Compared to my 33 yr old ride anyway.

we love our cosworth tuned triples...my sister and I have matching bikes we are the same age and so are our bikes