Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Sport-tourers better on the back?, triumph sprint st, kawasaki zzr1200

Question
Pat-- First off, I've enjoyed your sensible answers and can say I agree with all of them, especially when it involves a "newbie" rider.

Now it's my turn. I am far from a newbie, as I've had my class M since 1992, when I was 18 years old. I'm now 33, and have been riding since (except for a 5-yr period after my father was killed on his 6-cylinder Kawasaki, when I was away at college). I've owned a Harley, Honda, Kawasaki, and last year purchased a 2006 Vulcan VN900 Classic. It is the only bike I have ever purchased without a test ride, as they were just-released at the time and mine was still in the crate. Around town, the Vulcan is fine, but on the highway I'm screaming for a butt break after about 30 miles. I went on a 1200-mile round trip last summer to the Ozarks in Arkansas, and was in pain the whole time, finally cutting the trip short.

Why? I'm 6'3", and about 310 lbs. I regret this purchase and do not think an aftermarket seat (I've also tried a gel pad) would make much difference. The ergonomics of the bike don't allow for much movement, and it's just not comfy for my frame.

So, I've been looking, but I'm worried that most cruisers would give the same result, unless I spent $15K on a used Electra-Glide or similar. Of course, finding a GoldWing in my price range isn't going to happen. I've been looking into sport-touring bikes, and wonder if they'd be any better. Seems like the riding position takes pressure off your lower back (where my pain is). I've looked at a pre-owned Triumph Sprint ST ABS, Kawasaki ZZR1200, etc. Haven't had the chance to ride any of them, but it seems like I'd get plenty of bike for the money, especially with my budget (under $10K).

Am I on the right track?

Erik

Answer
Erik,

Yes I believe you are on the right track. Cruisers put a ton of weight on your lower back, whereas the sport tourers put more weight on your feet and allow your back to be straighter.

One thing you could try is moving your footrests and handlebars on the Vulcan. If you move the bars a little forward (or get different bars) and/or move the footrests rearward (or get different footrests) it may solve the problem, too...if you're in love with that bike. Also consider a sheepskin pad.

I would take a seriously hard look at a Honda ST1300, older Honda ST1100, or used Yamaha FJR1300. The ZZR is much more sport bike than sport tourer, but it's a great bike and you'd probably love it. The BMWs (think older K100) are good bikes too, but you'd have to buy used, probably. If you really like the sport bike style, even a Hayabusa or old ZX-11 would be a good bike--they tend to be pretty comfy sport tourers, even though they were "sportbikes" when they were new.... If the riding position is too extreme for you, you can get bar risers and move the footpegs. There's also the Kawasaki Concours or maybe even an old, classic (70s era) Gold Wing.

Good luck to you, and happy shopping!

Pat