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European sports tourers up to 5000 euros

Tired of the Far Eastern monotony? Do you ever own a motorcycle that offers a certain flair? One that is a good companion on tours and doesn’t cost the world straight away? Welcome to the world of European sports tourers! Under used there are some ?? often overlooked ?? baby.

D.bridging the gap between sport and touring can quickly turn into a flop. The result is a motorcycle that doesn’t feel good anywhere. If the balancing act is successful, a sports tourer is a revelation. You can go anywhere without leaving the driving fun at home. Honda has achieved this great success with the groundbreaking VFR, the other Japanese manufacturers have so far only half-heartedly dared to tackle the subject. And what the Far East products, with all their perfection, sometimes lack something is what makes a dream machine: flair. European manufacturers, especially the Italians, have understood and are building motorcycles that not only drive well, but also exude esprit. But that has its price. A few years ago, the four models in focus cost between 12,000 and 14,000 euros – too expensive for many. And with moderate sales, they were quickly taken off the market. As used cars that have received little attention, they are now at a price level that makes you dream.

Aprilia SL 1000 Falco

Aprilia SL 1000 Falco

Falco, yes? And what was the last name again? ”Despite countless Grand Prix successes and very tasty models since the beginning of the millennium, Aprilia has found it difficult to achieve cult status à la Ducati or Moto Guzzi among its Italophile customers. The Aprilia SL 1000 Falco, offered from 2000 to 2004, is a good example of this.

Seen objectively, it is an almost flawless motorcycle that conjures up more than a short grin on the driver’s face thanks to its excellent chassis. The charismatic Vau-Zwei is a bit bumpy in the speed cellar, but from 4000 rpm such capers are literally blown away, and with almost 120 hp and a weight of only 222 kilograms, things really go off. With full steam you throw the 1000s from one lean angle into the next and think: My goodness, extreme cornering can be so easy! Good brakes compress the load safely when necessary (downhill pass, hard braking before the curve after long, fast straights), and at least normal-sized Central Europeans get along very well with the sporty sitting posture on the Falco. Keyword sport: The genes of the sports tourer are obvious, and like the sister of the Aprilia performance squad, the RSV Mille, the Falco is reluctant to be used as a passenger steamer.

Solo riders look forward to the good wind protection on longer journeys, and equipped with panniers, tank bags and GPS, nothing stands in the way of conquering Europe’s most beautiful routes. Workmanship and reliability leave nothing to be desired, but the extravagant appearance with many corners, edges and strikingly divided struts of the aluminum frame is not for everyone. The lack of popularity also has advantages: Interested parties can find good used cars at very fair prices.

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+ Handling great
+ Processing extremely good
+ Light weight for sports tourers
+ Used prices very fair

minus
– Running culture a bit capricious
– Pillion comfort poor
– Resale chances rather low due to lack of popularity

Market situation
The Falco is hardly in the consciousness of used buyers. Only targeted seekers and connoisseurs come across the Aprilia, which was only built for four years. So if a Falco has been up for sale for a long time, the negotiating basis for interested parties is good. The majority of the advertised machines offer mileages between 25,000 and 40,000 kilometers, no problem for the solid Italian. The majority are private providers who want to part with their sweetheart for 3,000 to 4,000 euros. The 5000 euro mark is actually only scratched by well-cared-for models with less than 10,000 kilometers on the clock.

Technical specifications
Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine, 998 cm3, 87 kW (118 PS) at 9300 rpm, weight 222 kg, load 180 kg, tank capacity / reserve 21/4 liters, seat height 800 mm, maximum speed 255 km / h, consumption (country road) 5, 5 l / 100 km, super.

Tests in the MOTORCYCLE
23/1999 (VT), 2/2000 (VT), 13/2000 (VT), 4/2001 (VT), 15/2001 (VT), 23/2001 (VT)

VT = comparison test; reorders by phone 0711 / 182-1229

Internet
Fansites: www.apriliaforum.de, www.italobikes.de

Tower tip from Aprilia

Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo

The Dolomites around Cortina dAmpezzo are ideal as a tour destination. The area is about 160 kilometers from Noale, not far from the Aprilia parent plant. There are great passes and views to enjoy here, perfect terrain for a sports tourer like the Falco.

MOTORRAD says:
Right! The Dolomites are truly perfect for sports tourers. The Passo Giau in particular is the Oberhammer with its varied, sometimes very narrow curves that alternate with short straights, on which you can load a 100-hp machine or more. The north side to Cortina dAmpezzo is the more demanding in terms of driving, like on a roller coaster, one extreme incline replaces the other. The Falco, as a particularly handy motorcycle, loosely waves through there. The south side to Selva di Cadore is a little gentler and more predictable, but allows higher cornering speeds with grippy asphalt and wider curves and awakens all sports enthusiasts.

BMW R 1150 RS

BMW R 1150 RS

The expectations were great. For years, the brave R 1100 RS did a serious and quite successful job in the sport touring segment during the 1990s. So far so good. But not only the trade press hoped for a little more momentum from the successor. Then came the 1150 in 2001, but instead of the revolution it only offered a gentle evolution: sixth gear, better weather protection, a restrained thirst for petrol. Very reasonable. And clearly a friendly nod to the Tourer group. Sports fans will in fact not be particularly happy with the R 1150 RS, because the flexible connection between the rubber-mounted handlebars and the Telelever front wheel suspension practically prevents any feedback. And 254 kilograms are a lot of wood at Expresstempo.

Nevertheless: The lean angle is great, the handling is good, and the spring elements swallow almost everything, so that the RS shows the taillight of many sports motorcycles on second-class roads despite the little record-breaking 95 hp. And while sprint specialists put a lot of strain on the driver’s stamina even on medium-haul routes, the BMW driver can still surf the asphalt relaxed on a marathon daily workload. On track, well balanced and much more agile than the colleagues from the full tourer group, it offers a good compromise between comfort and dynamism. And the ABS brakes – once the measure of all things – still meet the highest demands today.

Equipped with this ABS brake, heated grips, suitcases (originally expensive special accessories) as well as a socket, an adjustable windshield and an easily accessible handwheel for adjusting the shock absorber (all standard), the used 1150, which was offered until 2006, is now affordable even with a smaller budget. So nothing stands in the way of the really big North Cape or Sicily tour, with the R 1150 RS, a versatile and reliable companion, long-distance travelers really won’t be disappointed.


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+ Extensive range
+ Wind protection also excellent for long people from 1.85 meters
+ The equipment is usually generous and tailored to touring riders

minus
– Boxer engine comes across relatively listless
– Feedback limited by rubber-mounted handlebars
– Weight quite high

Market situation
In the ranks of sports tourers, the R 1150 RS is still asking for comparatively high prices. Well under 5000 euros are almost only heavily worn specimens with mileages far beyond 50,000 kilometers. Whereby demonstrably properly cared for and serviced (complete checkbook) machines even with very many kilometers on the clock attract enough interested parties. The range of top offers is manageable, however. If in doubt, be patient instead of buying blindly! In general, the RS, unlike many overpriced R 1150 R or GS, is traded relatively fairly.

Technical specifications
Air / oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine, 1130 cm3, 70 kW (95 PS) at 7300 rpm, weight 254 kg, payload 196 kg, tank capacity / reserve 23/4 liters, seat height 830 mm, top speed 218 km / h, consumption (country road) 5.4 l / 100 km normal.

Tour tip from BMW

Bavarian forest

Bavaria offers an ideal area for the R 1150 RS: around the Great Arber in the Bavarian Forest there are beautiful scenic and sporty demanding motorcycle routes. Various rest options also invite you to enjoy the white-blue way of life.

MOTORCYCLE says:

Local patriotism can stink, in this case not. The Bavarian Forest is really a first-class alternative to the Alpine program, especially for those arriving from the northern federal states. The motorway stages over the A9 and A93 or A7 and A3 sit on the comfortable R 1150 RS on one buttock, and then it’s time to have fun! The routes between Bischofsmais, Zwiesel and Bad Kotzting offer enough curves that you can get dizzy. A tour experience of a very special kind is a visit to the elephant meeting at Thurmansbang in the Bavarian Forest, 40 kilometers north of Passau, at the beginning of the year. It is practical that most RS are equipped with heated grips. Even in snow and frost, there are no excuses why you shouldn’t travel to the world’s largest winter motorcycle meeting.

Ducati ST 4 / S

Ducati ST 4 / S

The ST 4 introduced in 1998 is slim (the ST 4 S was introduced in 2001). No hip gold, no chubby cheeks disturb the sleek silhouette. The gaze is directed with relish on the beautiful shapes. Raved enough? But then let’s go! And please don’t dream any more, because the Duc demands full attention while driving, wants to be pushed and driven. The chassis is more for the die-hard, allowing razor-sharp radii. A strong hand is required when coupling, and braking is sometimes a somewhat woody, rough affair, although the stoppers can conjure up absolutely short braking distances (from October 2002 the ST 4 S was also offered with a very sporty ABS that didn’t respond until late). The two-cylinder inherited from the super-sporty 916 (ST 4, 105 PS) or 996 (ST 4 S, 120 PS) is cultivated and presses the little horses powerfully onto the asphalt under dark roaring and all sorts of mechanical background noises – sedate touring riders can be afraid and get scared. That’s sexy, and feelings like this are not exactly standard in the sometimes somewhat conservative sports touring segment. However, one should not fail to recognize: Despite an acceptable pillion seat, main stand, good wind protection, a 20-liter tank designed for longer stages and even an on-board power socket, the motorcycle built until 2005 is not a tourer, but clearly an athlete. But a very convenient one.

In MOTORRAD’s 50,000-kilometer long-distance test, however, the Ducati made it clear that only real fans (or motivated screwdrivers) should get involved with it: leaky headlight housings, scratching brakes, worn valve control, defective switches as well as quickly draining clutch friction disks made the ST the Regular guest in the workshop. Such (sometimes very costly) missteps should be better taken with a lot of sportsmanship, then a long-term commitment is no problem. You won’t get bored with the Ducati.


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+ V2 engine powerful, easy to turn, charismatic
+ Pleasantly low fuel consumption
+ Radiance and driving experience exciting

minus
– Suspension fork with moderate response
– Maintenance costs above average
– Coupling very stiff

Market situation
While the Supersport sisters Ducati 916 and 996 can easily find a buyer despite the sometimes excessive prices, the ST models with the same engines and significantly fairer prices are much more difficult. Some dealers prefer to leave their hands off potential grandfather clocks straight away. Well cared for and serviced ST 4 are available from 2500 euros. But they shouldn’t be much more expensive than 4,000 euros, even with a low mileage of less than 20,000 kilometers. Reasonable prices for the ST 4 S are between 4000 and 5500 euros. ABS models are very rare and rarely under 5000 euros on offer.

Technical specifications
Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke engine, 996 cm3, 88 kW (120 PS) at 8800 rpm, weight 231 kg, payload 189 kg, tank capacity / reserve 21/6 liters, seat height 820 mm, top speed 254 km / h, consumption (country road) 5.4 l / 100 km super.

Tests in MOTORCYCLE
25/1998 (T), 23/1999 (VT), 26/2000 (LT), 9/2001 (VT), 15/2001 (VT), 21/2001 (VT), 26/2002 (VT), 7 / 2005 (VT) T = test, VT = comparison test, LT = long-distance test; Reorders by phone 0711 / 182-1229

Internet
Fansites: www.diva-di-bologna.de, www.italobikes.de

Tour tip from Ducati

Brenner Pass and its curves

Generous range and touring comfort for two paired with sporty genes ?? this allows a wide range of uses, from motorway stretches to brisk pass road surfing. A Ducati ST definitely feels at home beyond the burner.

MOTORCYCLE says:

After the Alps and the Brenner Pass, it is best to continue burning south on the motorway towards the hometown of the Reds, Bologna. Our tip: Get off the train at Rovereto. From Riva del Garda there is a four-lake circuit created for the ST 4. From Riva, start off to the nearby Lago di Ledro, then continue through the Ampola Valley to Lago d’Idro, at the southern tip of which you turn east on an intoxicating meandering mountain road to the Lago di Valvestino reservoir. Then continue surfing to Gargnano, from where you can leisurely return to Riva on the west bank road of Lake Garda, with an impressive panoramic view. Finally, park the graceful ST 4 in such a way that it comes into its own and soak up the typical flair of Bella Italia with a cappuccino and sundae on the lake promenade.

Triumph Sprint RS

Triumph Sprint RS

If a compromise is the golden mean, everyone can live with it. Seen in this way, a Sprint RS (built from 1999 to 2004) can get along very well. Your powerful and stable 955 triple is the ideal compromise between two and four-cylinder and between sport and touring. In the sports touring league she therefore plays big, shows profile without being capricious, delivers top performances without demanding excessive transfer fees. So if the Japanese variety is too sober, Italian passion too much of a good thing and the German tactic of efficient restraint with all conceivable safety reserves is simply too lame, the British woman is exactly right – in the golden mean.

In any case, the Sprint RS is available for all outrages. Light-footed, but not overhanded, with a powerful engine and a performance curve as if drawn with a ruler, the Triumph sprints forward as if there was no after. From 60 to 100 km / h in four seconds, four more seconds to 140 km / h – these are the pulling power of a top burner like a Suzuki Hayabusa. And how the three cylinders underline such sprint orgies with goosebumps-causing sound, you have to experience for yourself. Sober strategists can also make notes: the driving behavior remains predictable at all times, the drinking habits are downright puritanical, and responsive, powerful brakes ensure the necessary safety. There is little to complain about: The fork is set too gently and prevents a clean line on bumpy roads. The wind protection could be better for fast motorway trips. And small riders under 1.70 meters have to stretch quite a bit over the long 21 liter tank in order to have a good grip on the handlebars. Such problems could be solved well with other fork springs, a touring windshield and an adjustable superbike handlebar. Only the gnarled six-speed gearbox is uncompromisingly unruly. But you can actually live with that too.


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+ Impressive pulling power and acceleration
+ Brakes grip tight and are very easy to dose
+ Payload enormously high

minus
– Fork set-up with defects
– Transmission not particularly precise, requires annoying manual work
– Availability on the used market rather low

Market situation
At the same time as the RS, Triumph offered the fully clad Spint ST at the time, so that customers were divided between the two similar models. Because of in-house competition, the RS did not sell in large numbers, so the range of used machines is correspondingly thin. Demand is also somewhat subdued. This results in attractive price claims of only 3,000 to 4,000 euros for serviced copies with less than 30,000 kilometers. But there are definitely some clever interested parties who know about the qualities of the RS and who can quickly access top offers.

Technical specifications
Water-cooled three-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, 956 cm3, 88 kW (120 PS) at 9100 rpm, weight 231 kg, load 269 kg, tank capacity / reserve 21/3 liters, seat height 820 mm, top speed 244 km / h, consumption (country road) 4.0 l / 100 km super

Tests in MOTORCYCLE
2/2000 (VT), 10/2000 (VT), 13/2000 (VT), 11/2002 (TT), 8/2003 (VT)

T = test, TT = top test, VT = comparison test; Reorders by phone 0711/182-1229

Internet
Fansites: http: //sprinter-forum.net

Tour tip from Triumph

Lake District and its mountain road

The Sprint RS likes everything English like left-hand traffic, lukewarm beer and fish & Crisps. But she is particularly fond of the Lake District. On the winding mountain roads, it can showcase its great handling and its high-torque engine.

MOTORCYCLE says:

England is just as little famous for good food as it is for stunning motorcycle routes – even when it comes to football, they leave the big titles to other European teams. But: Anyone who has mastered the somewhat annoying approach (highway, ferry) to the island with the Sprint RS should travel further north to the Lake District behind Lancaster. There is something surprising there: for example the Hardknott and Wrynose passes as well as crunchy, narrow asphalt worms with an incline of up to 30 percent. Or great views on the circuit over Ambleside, Windermere and Hawkshead, where, in spring, plush purple rhododendrons nestle in a deep green park landscape at the edge of the road. The streets in the Lake District are often barely wider than the Sprint RS with two suitcases, but there is a vastness and solitude that is hardly to be found in Europe.

Alternatives

A foray through the range of inexpensive European sports tourers reveals a great variety. In any case, you can find good and somewhat more exclusive alternatives to Japanese mass-produced goods with less than 5000 euros in your pocket. With this budget, there are very different characters, from confident touring steamers with a lot of sporting spirit to boulevard racers trimmed for travel comfort. The sometimes extravagant machines can not be found on every corner, however, so you should plan some research work to make your dream come true.


Alternatively: Aprilia RST Futura

Aprilia RST Futura

Aprilia RST Futura
Great wind protection, great ergonomics, great pillion suitability. However, no ABS and no regulated catalytic converter. This depresses the price for touring riders. Good offers for the reliable, rather sporty motorcycle from Noale, Italy can be found from as little as 3500 euros. Data: 114 hp, 242 km / h, weight 242 kg

Alternatively: BMW R 1100 RS

BMW R 1100 RS

BMW R 1100 RS
The tour-oriented BMW is strongly represented in the portfolio. So it shouldn’t be a problem to find a good used car near you. Tip: Never buy without ABS, otherwise the resale chances are bad. From around 3000 euros there are decent used cars with brake assist. Data: 90 hp, 217 km / h, weight 246 kg.

Alternatively: BMW K 1200 RS

BMW K 1200 RS

BMW K 1200 RS
The ultimate sports tourer from Bavaria was called the K 1200 RS from 1997. The four-cylinder with insane torque is a steam engine that is in great demand as a used engine for around 5000 euros. For the money on offer: ten-year-old machines with ABS and less than 50,000 kilometers. Data: 130 hp, 251 km / h, weight 290 kg.

Alternatively: Ducati ST2

Ducati ST2

Ducati ST2
She opened the model range of sports tourers at the Reds in 1997. Comfortable, versatile and yet a typical member of the Bologna clan because of the Desmo two-cylinder. The ST 2, which was built up to 2004, is not very popular and is available for as little as 2500 euros. Data: 83 hp, 222 km / h, weight 230 kg.

Alternatively: Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans

Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans

Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans
The traditional Le Mans is considered an athlete, but would not win a flower pot in the ring. On the other hand, it takes the heart by storm on the highway. The V11 is made for passionate tours, but is rarely available for less than 5000 euros. Data: 91 hp, 225 km / h, weight 246 kg.

Alternatives: MZ 1000 S

MZ 1000 S

MZ 1000 S
German workmanship, which unfortunately was hardly appreciated. Of course, a low number of units means a low second-hand offer. The search is worthwhile, however, because the 1000 S (2004 to 2007) is a light, super solid sports touring bike that offers good value for around 5000 euros. Data: 115 PS, 240 km / h, weight 215 kg.

Alternatives: Triumph Sprint ST

Triumph Sprint ST

Triumph Sprint ST
The more touristy variant of the RS is called Sprint ST and was in the program from 1998 to 2004. Currently, with a 1050 engine, it is one of Triumph’s most successful models. The slightly grayed 955-ST, on the other hand, is only moderately in demand and therefore inexpensive. Data: 120 hp, 241 km / h, weight 242 kg.

Alternatives: Voxan Cafe Racer

Voxan Cafe Racer

Voxan Cafe Racer
A very exciting motorcycle, very exclusive. However, it makes itself as rare on the second-hand market as a Siberian tiger in the wild. If you have the time and patience, you can find models with a mileage of less than 20,000 kilometers from 2001 onwards for around 5,000 euros. Data: 98 PS, 235 km / h, weight 223kg.

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