Own two 1986 750F's--but want something more passenger friendly for wife

I KNOW this is not VFR specific but I do have two so maybe moderator will forgive me.

Looking for input / advice from the group.

I currently own two 1986 VFR750F's but wife wants something a bit more passenger friendly (read more leg room and nicer seat).

Having said that looking for something Fuel Injected, not 800lbs in weight (read Gold Wing), slightly sporty in handling (read no cruisers) and good looks (yes that is subjective)

IDEAS??

Maybe the new Kawasaki ZR900? Or Honda CB1100? Or Older Hornet / 919?

OR?????

Open to ideas / suggestions

 

Well, one of my riding buddies has a Yamaha FJR1300 and its a lovely machine. Its lower then our VFR's, has bags adjustable windscreen and GOES LIKE HELL. Worth considering.

 

FJR1300 or ST1300

 

I searched out for a 1996 or newer ST1100 just for those reasons. While not "light", it loses a hundred pounds when it starts moving. Roomy detachable hard bags (that can each hold a full face helemet) and an added Givi 46L trunk.

Here's the other thing for me: No linked/combined brakes and the mountain of hardware that goes along with it.

It's a Honda V4 that is rock solid. Carbs are just like I've been tuning/rebuilding for years. No issues there for me, but it sounds like that is for you.

Guess I'm kinda old school, but it is exactly what I was looking for.

 

how about a carburetored Kawasaki Concours? just throwing that out there. Most STs out there are FI bikes, first gen ones went to FI when?

 

THANK YOU to all who have offered advice.

While I like the looks of the FJR1300 I'm also trying to find something that isn't so "weighty".

Have I now entirely categorised myself out of the market? Sports tourer (FJR1300 / Kawasaki concours 1400) is okay but could also be a naked bike as my "tours" are typically at most 250-300 miles in a day with stops for lunch and scenery shots in between.

If talking in the 720-730 lb range there's the ST1300 (nice protection) or Gen 2 Valkyrie (windshield and seat w/backrest required).

NO INTEREST in a BMW (any model) as maintenance / labor costs ($150+/hr) in this area eat you alive.

OR

Back to the Kawasaki ZR900? Or Honda CB1100? Or Older Hornet / 919?

 

Never for the 1100. Carbs all years.

 

Don't think the 919 has the passenger ergos you're looking for. CB1100 sounds doable for the rides you describe. Nice flat seat and good looking.

Shit, this RS version is tasty looking.

 

Some reading suggests the ST1300 had issues with engine heat. Yes? / No?
If that is the case how about the CTX1300 with partially exposed engine? Certainly has a different look to it and obviously wasn't widely accepted as only had a short production run.
THOUGHTS??

 

Pretty cool. For some reason I thought they were all DCT. And I don't think if I could get along with those tiller bars and my feet forward.

 

ST1300 definitely has heat issues. I have a CTX1300 and it has somewhat less of an issue with heat. CTX can be had cheap and if you rebuild the suspension is a pretty nice bike.

 

Hmm
As no one else has suggested it, you might want to take a VFR1200F for a test ride. They are a greatly under-rated motorbikes with masses of performance - bigger pillion space compared with an 750 VFR and once fitted with the factory luggage and top box it provides a comfy backrest and almost an armchair like space for the pillion.

Hit the aftermarket accessories shops to track down extras for the pillion - like fitting a USB charging point and a decent rider-pillion coms system.

The 7th Gen never really became as popular as Honda had hoped for a flagship model, so there are now quite a few around at very good value for money - just dodge the very early 2010 models. No surprise they weigh a lot less than an FJR or CTX1300.