I met a bbc cameran on a trip to the Dutch GP at Assen many years ago who was on his fireblade. He told me that after owning various africa twin typ bikes mainly BMW’s, the Blade was the most comfortable he had ridden.
His commute each day was just under 200 mile round trip into and out of London so he was certainly speaking from plenty of experience 
Surely it must come down to which position you like to assume, bent over or sitting up 
That is obviously very true. The only way to find out is own the bike and discover what works best for distance. I do like to have alternatives though depending on where I am going…
That;s my excuse for collecting them and I’m sticking to it 
2 Likes
I like the style of Africa Twin style and Kawasaki GTR/YamFjr/Pan Euro etc.
I was looking at Pan Euro earlier this year but talked myself out of it.
My opinion on the Pan is it might limit you where you want to take it. I often go to relatively local meet ups during the week, say 25 30 miles away. but some events only 5-10 miles away. The Pan is a big bike to drag out for a 5-10 mile treks.
The trail type bike do seem quite light and versatile and easy to jump on and go these days.
You might be wise to get a lightweight bike to start out again !
Kwaka gtr 1400 is a beast, the fjr is a more sensible version for touring than the xjr but they are all big tourers.
Little job I am working on at the minute.
My gs750 stripped. It needed a little fettling after being dormant for 4 years. 
1 Like
Yeah it would definitely be a couple of summer trips out Scotland, Wales etc. Which is why I talked myself out of it. I know I would only enjoy fair weather riding now and don’t have a commute. The GTR1100 I was thinking too. Only few days ago I also saw a Suzuki DL 1000xt which looked really nice but not up for the new price premium. Let someone else pay that and run it in for me.
I’ve recently had the gearbox out of my Mrs Panda to replace the clutch. Really appreciated it going when the temperature got below zero outside !! 
The dl looks good and I agree definately used. I have only had one brand new bike and I hated running it in and didn’t even enjoy it much after that 
The people riding bikes today don’t use them much at all so there are plenty of good offers to be had with low miles and teething problems already resolved.
That style might be a good way to get back into biking especially if you want to see scenery and happy to be on some of the rougher terrain.
1 Like
I leave clutches in cars to the garage these days. I haven’t got that much enthusiam for working on them in the same way as I have for bikes.
I still enjoy the chalenge when I strip a bike engine especially when I am tuning them to be better than when they came out of the factory.
That’s of course not so easy on most bikes after say 2005 as they are exceptionally well engineered and blistering fast.
Believe me there was no enthusiasm ! But I built a set of self levelling ramps earlier in the year to make servicing less of a pain in the arse and just thought sod it, I’ll crack on and get it done. Tinkering on the bench in a nice warm garage/shed is music to my ears !
1 Like
Restated, then government arrived.
Hi, we are from the government and we are here to help.
15 miles of freeway on flat ground being rebuilt and so far 5 years and still not complete.
That’s not engineers, that’s the council
2 Likes
The RS250 has more power than a 70s CB750
I have owned both types of Pan. I put 60k miles on a mk1 Pan, used it for everything. It handles like a dream, 5mph and you ride ride around a car park feet-up and feeling totally in control. The best headlight I have ever encountered on a bike. The balance is perfect. At 100bhp it is obviously not going to keep up with a gixer but it will hold its own on the twisties.
After a 5 year gap during which I mostly rode an SV650 I acquired a mk2 Pan. At first I was reluctant, believing it would not measure up against the mk1 … but actually it was better … just. Still had the sure footed low speed handling, still has a good chassis, the balance not quite as good but other goodies instead; another 20bhp, adjustable seat height, electrically adjustable screen and the whole thing about 5kg ~ 10kg lighter.
However that means both bikes are over 300kg wet-weight.
Then my dealer lent me a VFR1200 whilst the Pan was having a service. … bastard !
1 Like
What happens when they all go down one end of the plane? 
3 Likes
I have browsed a little bit in the last couple of days and noticed Manshe is still fighting with everyone. Is he like that every day? I’m surprised he hasn’t had a heart attack yet with all that cortisol running out of control.
2 Likes
Stewardesses would have to separate them or put the in the middle isles.
In the past two months he’s started over 150 threads.
A bit over the top. Almost like he doesn’t have a life.