Best USED Sport Touring Motorcycles ON A BUDGET

[@6060don]

You are right on for the best Used Sport Touring motorcycle on a budget. I had a Concours 1000 for more than 20 years and when i sold it the thing ran as good as the day I bought it. A wonderful motorcycle. The only issue really was that some parts were becoming unobtainable for them. I live in Canada and the handlebar switch's were starting to give some problems and it was tough to replace them with new ones. My bike was a 1991 and I was able to purchase get a switch from a newer model it still fit but I had to do some work rearranging the connecters wiring set up. It was fairly simple but took some time and research. One great trip I made was south into the USA all the way to Williams, Arizona. Very hot in August! The Concours just ate up the miles. I had to return home quickly so my first day was over 1000 km. the next day was 1200 km. and the last day was 800 km. The Concours never missed a beat and was super on fuel. Great memories!

[@erich.4305]

It is great that you respond to your viewers. This video is a great example , because you expanded on a previous video after viewers asked questions.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Thanks Eric, that's the point! I want to be the guy that viewers can go to and count on to actually respond and answer questions, as much as I can with the time I have anyway!

[@bryanweller8375]

I’m digging your content, delivery style, and responsiveness to viewers. Top 5 bikes to attempt a cannonball run is the next video I want to see!!!!

[@262cmb]

I have a 1995 Concours with 22k on it. Bought it last year for $750. Did a bunch of maintenance on it as it hadn’t been run in 5-10 years (so I was told). Didn’t even have to touch the carbs to get it running like a charm. Front fork rebuild, all calipers rebuilt, new bearings and tires, bar risers, new brake and clutch lines, fluids changed (getting ready to do the coolant), new brake pads all around, Pingel petcock, and more. Ran well all summer and fall of 2020. Knew I had a carb problem so in the last month rebuilt the carbs, did the smog delete, and adjusted the valves. Runs like a new bike. The only other thing I really want to get done is making my new windshield to get rid of wind noise (needs to be taller for me). These bikes are easy to work on and a pleasure to ride. You did a good thing putting this on your list. For those lookin to get into this category of bikes, please know that the cost of the bike is not the only cost you will have. These bikes will require some maintenance unless you found one cared for by a person who babied it (but they either aren’t selling it or it has tons of miles). Figure that into your cost. I probably have a little over $2000 into the bike (including all the repairs above, the purchase of the bike, tax, tag, title, and insurance. These are great bikes though. One other thing - in my area I was not able to find an ST1100 under $2k. They seem to be less populated in this area. Would love to ride one some day to feel the difference between mine and it.

[@cbob1]

My brother had a Concourse while I had an ST1100. Both great bikes. I "upgraded" to a VFR800 but it didn't live up to the ST so sold the VFR and rode the ST another 100,000 miles.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Hahaha damn! Thanks for sharing that!

[@Team-fabulous]

You totally nailed it. I had a 1990 Kawasaki for 6 years, absolutely a fantastic bike, super reliable, economical, fast enough to have fun on. I sold mine and replaced it with the GTR 1400 Kawasaki and to tell the truth... Bang for buck I think the older bike was a better machine, OK the new one goes faster and stops better but it doesn't do anything ALOT better than the old bike. My old Kawasaki is one of those bikes in your life that I genuinely miss. Epic... Have a look at my video about the old Kwacker. Nuff said.......

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Great point teamfab, the 1000 was made that long for a reason hahaha. I'll check out your Vid!

[@bigpapa8152]

3 years ago, was going to buy a new Concours 1400. After doing research found out they had issues, 1000 highly recommended all over the internet. Not being a fan of the looks of the 1000, I said screw it and bought a 2006 C-10 with only 18,000KM and farkled out. 3 years later, I can honestly say best bike I have ever owned. Few issues and easily fixed on the cheap. Great midrange, fast enough, and the best weather protection ever, though it's a cooker in the summer. Still get tempted by the 1400 though, 158 HP would be a hoot.

[@Team-fabulous]

@@bigpapa8152 agreed, I had the 1000 for 6ish years, a fantastic machine. I now have a 1400 and it took 2 years to sort out various issues but now it's good. Ok the 1400 might go faster and stop better but that's about it, the 1000 is definitely the better bike...

[@yaitsred]

With regards to the ST1100, you are best to get the post 1996 model. It has the 40amp alternator. models from 1990-95 had a 28 amp unit and are prone to burning out. at one time you could upgrade to a 40 amp unit but some of the parts required to do so are no longer available. Awesome bike I'm on my 3rd one.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Good to know, thanks for sharing that!

[@ericheinrich6126]

would love to see you back on youtube. I am re-watching some of your videos. IN the last couple of years I have researched a lot of different bikes. Now thinking sport touring.

[@shinethelight01]

You are 100% correct in your 2 choices. I think I would go with the Connie. I love the simplicity of the design. I've had a little saddle time on a Concourse and found they handle quite well, especially with a fork brace and stiffer fork springs.

[@williamgibbs9672]

The ST1100 was rank number one best touring bike throughout its production. There is good reason for that. There is a lot of reviews out there that will tell you what they are. It starts with the super smooth engine. Good video.

[@mrchaswag]

I’ve owned the Concourse 1000 and FJR1300. Both awesome bikes. I like the ease of oil change on the yammy and the power windscreen. Cannot go wrong with either one

[@davidchrist1352]

I agree Alex, both GREAT rides available at very reasonable prices. I've owned three Concours C10 and ridden the ST1100. Bought my current 04 C10 w 28k miles for 1000, needed a fan thermal switch - $8. Good buy

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Haha Awesome David! Can't beat that!

[@99mrpc]

I've had my 1991 ST1100 for 25 years and 90k miles. It's still going strong. I have no plan to replace it . If I buy another ST it will be a ST1300 as a stable mate.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

See, they're hard to kill! Hahaha, thanks for the input and info Mark, it's always great to hear from owners so other riders can get a good feel for reliability!

[@scafusa]

Sorry Mark, you‘ll have to do with your 1100 in this life. They simply outlive their owners (as will happen to me with my 1300 😉)

[@kevinroberts2395]

@@scafusa I've owned my ST1300 for 14 years and now looking for a lighter alternative only because I'M getting too old. It is a heavy bike when moving it around. Once you are riding it, the weight disappears. Love the ST1300.

[@cibsim]

You are absolutely right. My ST1300 ABS is fantastic. It is very fast and comfortable.

[@ahoneyman]

A first gen FZ1 with some soft bags makes a pretty good touring mount. The FZ1 riding position is comfortable, the engine is flexible enough, and the handling is top notch for what it is.

[@viffer94]

I owned both of these bikes back in the 90’s. The ST is squishy and heavy but carries its weight low so is surprisingly maneuverable at low speeds, u-turns are a doddle. At higher speeds the handling is a little butt clenching though, the front end gives you no information at all. Top notch build quality even for a Honda, they’ll run and last for hundreds of thousands of miles. The Connie’s build quality feels a little cheaper and is just as heavy, carries its weight a little higher, but probably has a bit more power and handles better at high speeds. You can tip it into corners and drag hard parts with very little drama so a pretty fun bike. The ZG1000 engine is ancient and a little coarse but will last forever if taken care of. Either would be great for commuting or road trips if luggage capacity is more important than dragging knees.

[@infidelzombie9382]

My Connie zg1000 has all the necessary upgrades to correct the weak spots and 140k on the clock. Runs perfect with only regular service done over the winter. Great bike and I keep up with the guys I ride with no problem. That Ninja derived 997cc four is bulletproof once the carb drains are installed (no chance of a hydrology now)

[@stevenfarmwald6979]

My Irish buddy and I bought exactly these 2 bikes to ride across the USA. Absolutely great rides. The only problem was that the ST's speedo cable died in Las Vegas, Great memories

[@mmceorange]

Don't forget about the early BMW k bikes.. The K75, K100, and K1100, especially the RS trims. And they're fuel injected, shaft drive, with abs added in the early 90s.

[@Loiczzr]

Kawasaki zzr 1200, very nice bike. Rode a bit over 80k miles on mine b4 i sold it. You can find one for about $3500

[@69ironcobra]

Had a ZZR1100 drove it for 6 years never gave me any trouble very comfortable and more power than you ever realistically use still one of the best bikes I've ever owned

[@trevortrevortsr2]

FJ1200 worked for me on 6 extensive euro tours - I did put a much bigger oil cooler on it

[@pedroclaro7822]

How many miles did it reach?

[@pedroclaro7822]

Or kms. Im also Europe

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

I agree. One remark about the ST 1100 (and I am a fan and an owner). It uses a belt to drive the camshafts. Which has to replaced every 150000 km / 10 years. If you do not know the history of the bike, replacing this belt is the safe way. Replacing it is not really cheap, yet in my view well worth it. A good hobby mechanic can do it his/herself.

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

Another great video Alex. I love the content about sport touring bikes. My younger brother had a 1000 Concours years ago and just recently sold his full dress Harley and went back to a older but in good shape 1000 Concours. In Canada bike insurance can be horrible for price and the older Concours aren't bad that way. After retirement I decided to get back into biking and found a pretty good '88 GSX1100F on Kijiji with the factory luggage option. There were also two others in better shape and with half the kilometers I could have got but luggage was important to me. It cost $1900.00 Canadian to buy and by the time I did a tune up and plated it I had about $2500.00 CDN (or $1950.00 US) into it. Like the Concours the suspension on a '88 Katana isn't the greatest, but for pretty cheap I have a good sport touring machine I wouldn't be afraid to ride coast to coast.

[@aleksandrnestrato]

Oh, by the way! That Honda ST1100 is not just a V4 (which is already awesome!), but also it’s a *longitudinal* V4, which is not a big deal from the daily use perspective, but is a very sick and rare configuration!

[@babyreps365]

97 triumph trophy 1200 for 3 grand cad. Stripped as much weight off as I could. Opened up exhaust changed rear sprocket drive it hard, fast fun and comfy

[@rondilliner9424]

FIRST COUSIN UPGRADE: My 2004 Blue Beast--Honda ST1300A--purchased with less than 22k miles, only slightly less than showroom condition, factory panniers and top case, and $4250 out-the-paid-in-cash-parking-lot-door (Guido and Walther provided security). Blows away everything except 500hp 4-wheelers and insane teenage 2-wheel sport bike lane-splitters. Ergonomics are spot-on and even the stock seat saves my 75-year-old bony butt from bouncing, battering bifurcation. YOWZA! --FloridaFellow

[@phlemdog]

I'll tell you one that is overlooked, and cheap, is the honda PC800. Really great if you're not two up all the time, no real maintenance issues either, since everything they could make auto adjust is. Gotta love the trunk too.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Oh the PC800 is an often overlooked gem for sure! In my area they are hard to come by, which is really the only reason i tend to leave them out of "suggested" lists, but it was a very misunderstood and AWESOME choice!

[@allanroff202]

I had a 1994 ST 1100 awesome bike one of the best bikes I ever had

[@AlexSimmons11c]

They are a legend haha!

[@dnamoore01]

I had a 1992

[@iskinmind7020]

I would have mentioned the VFR800, specifically the 5th generation, before VTEC. These are arguably even more undestructible, fuel injected tourers. A chain drive is a minus, but engine wise these are half a million mile bikes easily.

[@GPz84]

Problems with main wiring harness , valve adjustments are a damn nightmare and if you have a shop do it $$$. Great bikes, but imo too small and cramped for high mileage touring. But, to each their own.

[@Lukav29]

The praise comment- straight to the point, accurate opinion 👏 ! The hate comment- why such a short review? 😉

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

The information you provide in this video is very helpful thank you

[@AlexSimmons11c]

That's all I can hope for, thanks for watching David!!!

[@gregoryrapier3021]

I had a 1986 Concourse and I put 370K on it and the guy I sold it to rode if off. I now have a 2005 Concourse and it has 58K on it.

[@jmc1771]

I just bought a Honda pc800 and I love it. Only its hard to find parts.

[@earlwallace8085]

Why don’t the major companies make medium sized tourers anymore? I have a 2012 Honda NT700 VA (Deauville) and it is a great medium tourer. I downsized from a BMW K1200 LT, and man, the difference in handling is amazing, comfortwise the LT had more, true, but the ease of handling and lower weight of the Deauville makes it a dream bike for its size.

[@oktaybilyalov876]

Getting my full license in couple of days and really considering a Deauville as a first big bike. Been on a Varadero 125 for almost a year now.

[@SgtBrewdawg]

I know I’m late to the party… but thanks for sharing your insight and knowledge. 👍

[@hershchat]

Concurs is a good one.

[@flexjay87]

I own 2 St 1100 Honda's. The 4th and 5th gear are overdrive gear ratio, with 5th being 0.75. Its got plenty of legs, and is geared higher than the Kawasaki 6 speed . I have ridden a first generation Concours, and they are no match for a Honda, not even close. The Kaw is riddled with weird problems, not the least of which is some weird Carb overflow issue, reportedly . The Kaw suspension/ frame does not make for a comfortable bike compared to the Honda.

[@geneclarke2205]

What are your thoughts on a 2010 Honda NT700V with 714 miles, liquid cooled 680cc SOHC V-Twin engine, fuel injection, 5 speed, shaft final drive, 5.2 gallon tank, Honda trunk, heated hand grips. Needs new tires and probably an upgraded taller touring windscreen asking $4,300.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

I think the NT700V or "Deauville" as it is known outside the U.S. is a great option for an entry-level sport touring bike that won't break the bank, gets great fuel economy, and will do whatever you want it to do! It's not fast or fancy, but it does exactly what it needs to at a good price range, and without being intimidating. Sounds like the price on the one you are looking at is very reasonable for having such low miles and also having the trunk! If it feels good to you go for it!

[@danielcampbell8184]

I own a 1980 Harley shovelhead and a 2000 ST1100, and I find the Honda a totally wonderful bike. Have no interests in other models, as the FJR, since the I'm totally bored with an inline four after a half hour or so in the saddle..

[@cherylcanning9499]

My husbands got a pan european st1100. Hes 31 weighs nothing 😂 but handles great. Done 92k got it reasonably priced. With some problems with it. (Needed new headstock bearings) needs new seat covering and thermostat and swing arm doing but rides endlessly

[@brianvandy4002]

Regarding the Concours, 595# is not really heavy for a sport tourer of a liter or larger.

[@np1154]

Hi Alex. I've been riding a '93 CB1000SF for 11+ years now and am moving and thus plan on selling it. Could you do a comparison video on the ST1100 and the ST1300? I am interested in finding out more about each but found your video in my search for information on the ST1300. I've come to love Honda reliability after riding my former CB 400 and current CB1000. Thanks!

[@Rdinhoo]

Hee man, great video. Question, being a shorty, (5'7) I'm looking for a budget tourer too, with low seatheight (preferably max 780mm). Someone suggested the Honda PC800, yet Im a bit too much turned off by the looks ^^ (got the change to testride one and it rides fine). Any suggestions? (have about $2000 to spend) Much appreciated!

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Well it will depend on your own comfort level, I am only 2 inches taller than that and I am comfortable on all of the bikes I recommended haha. For a shorter bike the suggested Honda 800 is a solid choice, if you hate that you can also try a vfr800 and put bags on it, the sprint ST 1050 is not super tall and is a great choice, and an nc700 with bags would also be a good bike to try.

[@Rdinhoo]

@@AlexSimmons11c Thanks man!

[@stephenpublicover8818]

hey ,not all kawasaki concours were 6-speeds, bought 99 concours,it,s a 5-speed! great video.thanks!

[@bigpapa8152]

All Concours 1000 from 1986 to 2006 used the same engine from the 86 Ninja 1000R with minor changes to camshafts and smaller carbs. ALL had a 6 speed transmission. If yours only had 5 gears, something was wrong causing it to not shift into 6th gear.

[@tg8150]

I had an ‘01 & ‘03- both 6-speed. Like he said, they ALL are.

[@GPz84]

@@tg8150 Yep, Concours 1000 all 6 speed.

[@rodrigoguerra5856]

Hey alex it honda Ctx 700 I am interested in buying this bike but I am a little worried. If you don't have serious mechanical problems. My question is if it is a good option...to buy.....? Thanks for your time.. it my 2 bike ...

[@2005BobDole]

What if I need a bike that can also go off-road to get to my campsites and or get through roadways in other countries.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

If you want a touring bike that can also get off-road then you want an Adventure Touring bike haha, something like a Suzuki Vstrom, BMW GS series, Yamaha Tenere, Honda Africa Twin etc!

[@leviacree4533]

ktm adv bike

[@themotorcyclemasswhole]

ADV bike

[@williamduckworth305]

Almostbith very good budget bike touring honorable mention yamaha fj, 2005 abd up gold wing

[@Kabayoth]

Does the V-Strom 1000, 1050, 1200 series fit into this category? I'm inclined to say no, but the Versys 1000 is something along the same lines with minimal off road riding being the intended format, but doesn't handle like a sport touring. They can't be considered an ADV bike in the strictest sense, can they?

[@CT2GCFi]

I found also a xvz 1200 Venture. It´s a old bike. It´s true some problem with gear box 2nd gear?

[@donhabetler9939]

R 2016 Kawasaki concours a high cost maintenance item

[@jpshipwash6240]

Good video!

[@johnmartin1114]

I like honda st 1100 or 1300

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Legendary choices hahaha

[@Tardenator]

Picked up a 2002 voyager 1200 that had been sitting for 2 years for 200$, took it home played with the carb and it started right up.

[@sscbkr48]

How about a low mileage 2019 interceptor for 4900 bucks.

[@thedrbombay1]

now with gas over 5$ how about best mileage touring motorcycle

[@tiehdivine4533]

Hi bro. I am in cameroon. I need a very goood touring motorcycle

[@cf8960]

What do you think of the ZX11 1990-1995 just picked up a 94 for 2,000 with 36,000 miles?

[@brazoon1]

That's a great bike but a bit more on the sport side of the equation. In a similar vein, I have a 2006 Katana 750 (6000 miles 2100$ Canadian). I'm thinking about crossing the country with it but it's just a little too sporty (i.e. not comfortable enough). This winter I put a taller windscreen, taller gearing, an Airhawk seat, some foam grips and a cruise control on it. I'm considering raising the bars but the extended clutch and throttle cables are almost 300$CDN. Unfortunately there's not much I can do about lowering the pegs. All this is why I'm watching this video. lol

[@trevorcady55]

I have st1300 for sale very clean

[@someguy9520]

not much "sport" but my 1999 Honda NT 650 Deauville. 647cc V-twin from the 80s(but ironed out issues)and an easy going nature + 1500 bucks for well cared ones

[@alenfora1400]

A touring bike should be with shaft drive not fz1 with panniers

[@earlp3315]

Honda Pacific Coast?

[@Team-fabulous]

Agreed

[@alenfora1400]

Fjr or st 1100

[@KevinLee-ri9ko]

Yamaha Venture Star 1300

[@philipfreeman72]

You do not need 1000 cc for touring .

[@dorongilad8484]

Bmw K75 : BMW K1100

[@gattling9]

Don't buy kawasaki, it has problems with valves and few others. Honda is much better, however you have to pull out the engine to replace timing belt. Btw. Non of theese bikes can be called sport-touring. They are just touring bikes. Suzuki Gsx 750f is a sport-touring bike, honda vfr 800, kawasaki zzr-600 or Z1000SX.

[@GPz84]

No problems with valves, you are wrong. Some early models had issues with camshaft pitting. Lots of Concours 1000's out there with over 200k + and no issues. One of a handful of motorcycles to become a legend in its own time. It's all over at C.OG. for anyone to verify, even a Honda fanboy. Pull out the engine to replace the timing belt on an ST1100? You are totally clueless and know shit bud.

[@69ironcobra]

Rode the concours and the Fj1200 both great bikes in there own right but buying an ST1100 this week theres just something about that V4 engine