What about an NT, same lovely engine as the 2020> AT's but shorter travel suspension and smaller wheels.
Bit ugly though, well I think so, others disagree but I think I could live with the looks.

 

Not available in the USA -

 

Since I got rid of my AT I'm an emotional Rasberry Ripple. I had an XJ 900 F a long time ago and with the Yamaha flip up touring screen it was the bees knees for long distance stuff. Lupolee mentioned the NT1100 in a previous post and I don't think the AT on the site is sacrosanct amongst this understanding band of brothers. I'm just grateful to still be here with no bike so I have to watch my P's and Q's. Erm...I'll never behave though.

 

Sorry Hood. Both posting at the same time brother.... 👍

 

Been filled with remorse and looking at the NT 1100. Will probably end up with a Dax, knowing me, although they are as rare as rocking horse shxt at the moment.

 

Swap the front wheel to a 19" and tweak suspension settings for road travel. You'll be 90% closer to a FJR's and ST1300 without giving up any AT cred & comfort

 

If I were in the market for a Sport Tourer - This would be near the top of my list - I sat on one last weekend at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering. A beautiful bike.

 

Can't afford one I'm afraid and the wife would tear me a new one if I rode one of those into the drive. Looks like a NC 750X that a plumber has altered. No offence but it is ugly in my view.

 

I have an '18 ATAS, but for some reason I'm looking at FJR's and ST1300's, wondering if they'll scratch that itch I have for the sportiness that I've been missing w/ the AT.

I'd say "go for it!" You will not get disappointed guaranteed modern ST bikes (like FJR, RT, Connie, etc) will definitely "scratch your ST itch" I truly enjoyed my 10+ years of ownership of these beautiful machines.
We live in great times so why not try many different bikes, and the good thing is when compared to cars or boats, motorcycles hold their value pretty good.
here are some of my last four ST's I truly enjoyed before getting the "ADV itch" 2yrs ago now enjoying my '18 Vstrom 650 and '22 ATAS DCT... Life's Good 👍

p.s. yes the GL1800 is also a great ST bike in my book, it is bulkier then the rest, but amazingly nimble and sweet engine that can be ridden very spirited.

 

I agree an adventure bike of today handles sport touring duties too well to justify buying a traditional sport tourer. I'd also argue that a sport tourer is ALOT more of a touring bike than sport bike.

 

Nobody really gives a tiny shite...

 

Thank you. What a mess. Sick of these modern designer people.

 

I just came off an ST1300, it’s a great motorcycle and extremely reliable. Be prepared to go through rear tires, I only got 4,000-5,000 miles over several sets, but I live in North Georgia and have very little straight road here, so always accelerating in and out of corners. I am also surrounded by forest roads, and the ST simply couldn’t function on rocks and wet clay slicks, leaving 80% of my area unexplored. It’s heavier than the AT by a lot, but much easier to pick up due to the tip over wings. If I lived somewhere different, the ST would have been my last bike.

 

My other bike is an FJR. I like it more.

 

I ride a 2018 ATAS and my trusty 1996 Triumph trophy 900 that I bought new. It still rides like the day I bought it. I just sold my 2018 KTM 690E and 1989 Honda Transalp. why the novel ? I absolutely love the ATAS for long haul fast riding and it handles perfectly. I installed an Ohlins shock and it made the bike handle like a bike should. I usually ride solo, no drama, so I'm thinking of selling my Trophy and buying an Aprilia Tuono. I'll most likely buy one even if the Triumph doesn't sell. Sport tourers are great but I believe that my bikes fit the bill for me. Thats the important part.
Dudley

 

before I go on, I'd like to preface this thread with:

a) I know you aren't me
b) I try to avoid 'following the trends' or making decisions based on some internet advice / video; BUT

this yammie-noob video <

> asserts that adventure bikes are superior to sport touring bikes because most ADV's retain enough "sport" but also give the ability to manage off pavement more comfortably.

I have an '18 ATAS, but for some reason I'm looking at FJR's and ST1300's, wondering if they'll scratch that itch I have for the sportiness that I've been missing w/ the AT.

I do have an SV650 which I ride for the sportier kick, but it's also mainly for around town, lane-splitting, and not so comfortable for longer rides.

I suppose this isn't the best place to post if I don't want a response along the lines of: "keep the AT, it's the best bike", but.. here goes.. =)

k

If you are riding 100% good pavement, a sport touring bike will be a good bike. I had a 1994 Triumph Trophy3. That 885cc triple was possibly the best engine any of my bikes had. Fantastic bike on good pavement, as good or better on fuel as the Africa Twin and comfortable for extended rides. Gravel and dirt roads, not so much. Twitchy and sometimes very unpredictable. The adventure bikes seem to cover the non perfect surfaces so much better. So much depends on what type of surfaces you are riding across and how much in each type of road or lack of.

 

Unless it's just plain road riding, I don't think the AT gives up much for regular riders. Plus, when you feel the other 'itch' to leave the tarmac and explore you can do that, too.
I loved my 2005 VFR - it was a terrific sport tourer, but I haven't missed it a day (other than the v4 sound) since getting the AT.
Putting on some road-biased tires and I think the AT does really well as a tourer.

 

Putting on some road-biased tires and I think the AT does really well as a tourer.

You just said it: "AT does really well"

Once you jump on FJR1300 it's more like: "Hooooolly s#hit !!! Hoooold on...whatta power 🤯🤩, and the sound, stability, brakes... while your wife is squeezing you, holding for dear life 😁"

and that's the difference 😋

or as they say; "there's no Replacement For Displacement"

 

That is good to hear. I just got a 2017 AT and love it. I’m looking to commute and head out for some exploration in the woods.

 

Owning both a Pan (ST1100) and AT and having ridden various other bikes:

Sports tourers are boaty as hell, the ST is half the fun compared to the AT. However, something like an S1000XR, Versys or Tracer lies on the road much better than the AT while retaining a large part of the comforts.

I really like those "pumped up" bikes, they flick like an adventure but the chassis is more kind to the road. If I wouldn't get myself stuck off-road all the time I would definitely consider those over an adventure bike.

 

Owning both a Pan (ST1100) and AT and having ridden various other bikes:
Sports tourers are boaty as hell, the ST is half the fun compared to the AT.

I respectfully have to disagree , your ST1100 is from 1990's that was 30+ years ago...you should try some of the latest ST bikes, they are anything but boaty.
I was riding my '17 FJR ES on group rides with CBR's, 1100RR's and naked litre bikes, amazing handling for a Sport tourer

Funny I actually find my '22 ATAS "too softly sprunged or boaty as you said" even on the hardest ES setting. Most YT reviewers complained about AT being too soft with pronounced front dive.

Also the whole "ST" category is a bit "all over the place" with bikes like Busa, ZZR1400, Ninja 1000sx and even GSA's being named Sport Touring.

 

I traded in a 17 versys 1000 that was a great bike with lots of throttle thrills,

But not a gravel road bike like the AT

 

My '22 K1600 begs to differ with Mr. Noob.

 

I’ve just sold a VFR1200F and am now on an ATAS 1100 DCT. Such different bikes. Love the difference, love the Twin - and only had it a month. The VFR is the sporty side of ‘sports tourer’, the luggage setup is excellent and it flies like an intercontinental missile when you want it to, or cruises comfortably when you just want it to stroll. The VFR1200F was an overlooked, unsung, flagship hero from Honda, which folk are only now starting to appreciate. Try one.

 

I agree, the VFR1200F were so rare, and they were on my radar in DCT, but the C1400 Concurse became available, and then shortly after the FJR1300 and Wing1800 and then wife said "Three is enough " ....they discontinued the VFR-F, and brought the VFR-X ADV... they were only available for about 2-3yrs here in Canada and in limited quantities, so I missed the boat on that one too ... gotta be quick with Honda limited supply

Honda designed by Italians .... beautiful bike

 

I can relate. Two years ago I sold my 2017 AT and bought an FJR1300. I liked the FJR, particularly the motor, but it didn't take me long to figure out that it was great for touring but not great for the type of big city commuting and running around I do. I don't do much touring and got rid of the FJR pretty quickly and picked up a 2020 base model AT about six months ago. The AT feels like a big dirt bike to me but is more fun for the type of riding I do, although it's not as good as the FJR on the open road. I never got used to the weight of the FJR either. So it depends on the type of riding you do. I like trying different bikes out and there really isn't any harm in it except for losing money. I say scratch that itch and get a sport tourer.

 

No man, I definitely feel you. Been peeping the FJ09/Tracer lineup. Recently injured and a lower bike would be nice as a daily driver.

 

before I go on, I'd like to preface this thread with:

a) I know you aren't me
b) I try to avoid 'following the trends' or making decisions based on some internet advice / video; BUT

this yammie-noob video <

> asserts that adventure bikes are superior to sport touring bikes because most ADV's retain enough "sport" but also give the ability to manage off pavement more comfortably.

I have an '18 ATAS, but for some reason I'm looking at FJR's and ST1300's, wondering if they'll scratch that itch I have for the sportiness that I've been missing w/ the AT.

I do have an SV650 which I ride for the sportier kick, but it's also mainly for around town, lane-splitting, and not so comfortable for longer rides.

I suppose this isn't the best place to post if I don't want a response along the lines of: "keep the AT, it's the best bike", but.. here goes.. =)

k

I have an africa Twin 2017, but I also have a n 2013 FJR 1300, 25K, I payed $7k this year. It is spectacular, completely different. so comfortable and much quicker,

 

Somehow I dont think I am very qualified to give advice here. I already think that the AT is a little toooo road biased for me.
But I am not the guy who will ride a mountain pass to experience the twisties, but rather I want to see the view and soak up the atmosphere.

The AT is a nice balance between being a very very comfortable bike for major miles, but also capable of going down unbelievably rough trails.
It is the dual in dual sport / ADV that is teh clincher.

Those endless discussions with my enduro bretheren about the unicorn bike. A bike which I believe each of us sees a bit differently.

If I were to split up my AT into 2 to scratch both itches properly, I would be buying a lightweight 450 rally bike and a BMW GS1250 with all the touring kit so my wife would feel welcome to come along.

 

The AT is a nice balance between being a very very comfortable bike for major miles, but also capable of going down unbelievably rough trails.

I agree, the truth is:

• Younger riders are strong enough to manhandle AT on rough terrains, but they can't afford it.
• Older riders are the opposite from the above.
• Most middle aged and older AT owners will mostly use the bike for Sport Touring just like the other "big bore ADV bikes like GS, 1290, Multis, Tiger1200 etc" are being used.
• both younger or older riders will think twice before taking their $26K ADV bike on gravel and technical trails, it's just too risky, and there are much better and cheaper bikes for serious gravel trails.
• So in conclusion, AT is a great Street bike that will do an occasional trip down some gravel service roads with ease, kind of like 80/20 bike.
• if you are healthy, strong and full of confidence you'll challenge some gnarly trails as well.

 

before I go on, I'd like to preface this thread with:

a) I know you aren't me
b) I try to avoid 'following the trends' or making decisions based on some internet advice / video; BUT

this yammie-noob video <

> asserts that adventure bikes are superior to sport touring bikes because most ADV's retain enough "sport" but also give the ability to manage off pavement more comfortably.

I have an '18 ATAS, but for some reason I'm looking at FJR's and ST1300's, wondering if they'll scratch that itch I have for the sportiness that I've been missing w/ the AT.

I do have an SV650 which I ride for the sportier kick, but it's also mainly for around town, lane-splitting, and not so comfortable for longer rides.

I suppose this isn't the best place to post if I don't want a response along the lines of: "keep the AT, it's the best bike", but.. here goes.. =)

k

I'll admit that I've been thinking the same thing lately. Mostly because I now have an injury due to riding my ATAS off road. I needed surgical reconstruction of my wrist and now have about 50% range of motion. I know myself well enough to know that given the opportunity and the right bike I will find myself off road again. I love sport touring bikes. I've spent extensive time on a few. The ST1300 is fabulous but the unfamiliar think it's a scooter of some sort which is kind of annoying. The very integrated lookin rear bags and slightly small stature probably make it look that way but it is a phenomenal bike. The fastest I've ever gone on any bike was on an FJR. It's a great bike and on paper makes the most sense since it's been updated the most of the Japanese sport tourers but I just don't like it for long term comfort. The bike that speaks to me every time I get on one is the Kawasaki Concours 14. The second you throw a leg over it and fire it up my heart races. Love that bike. It also fits me like a glove. I'm 6' tall and not skin and bones. It fits like a glove. I'll admit it could use cruise control but it's not the end of the world not to have it. And it's possible to add it. Anyways, thought I'd chime in. I have the same 18 ATAS that you have. Love the bike but if I'm keeping it on the street I kind of think there are better bikes to be on. Interested to see where this thread goes. I'll check out the video you posted.

 

I added a 2018 Goldwing Touring DCT to my stable. Mostly for my wife as I've dropped her a couple times on my 2020 ATAS DCT. It is an amazing machine and much more agile than I could have ever hoped for.

 

I added a 2018 Goldwing Touring DCT to my stable. Mostly for my wife as I've dropped her a couple times on my 2020 ATAS DCT. It is an amazing machine and much more agile than I could have ever hoped for.

Good choice; "Two Hondas", one reliable and the other one...well: not so much, according to some unhappy AT owners 🙄
... let's hope they are just gremlins that will get fixed by (once a great company) Honda.

Jk of course, on my 4th Honda bike, with Acura in the garage and Honda lawnmower and power washer

Don't you just love when some people comment on your Wing; "why didn't you buy an (automatic) car instead ?" ... after my second Wing I so got used to it 😁

You have great combo in your garage, desired by many, Life's Good 👍

p.s... and "stop dropping your wife"