best (sports) touring bike for a trip around Europe?

[lukesft]

Just can’t get over the looks of that one, wish there was more belt drives out there because they seem to be great for reliability.

 

[bonio]

The sv650 and the divi are both good, reliable bikes. Find one in that's been looked after and you'll do well. Good to check the luggage options. A friend who has an sv650 struggled to find luggage that was good for touring.

[Gerontious]

Just bear in mind that what ever bike you go for, its really in your best interests to get one that you will be happy with for a minimum of 12 months. You definitely do not want to be changing bikes within that time period as the insurers will shaft you again. not as much. but it adds up to just more pain on top of everything else.

 

With a well looked after 2nd hander, especially if its bought privately at a good price. if you decide its not for you the losses can be negligible. you can get back what you paid for it, with a little luck.

 

Bonio makes an excellent point. when looking at bikes, either concentrate on those that come with luggage included, or just google the bikes name + luggage and see what turns up. Some more sporty bikes don't have much in the way of luggage made for them. So it depends on your needs. do you need panniers or can you make do with a holdall or similar strapped on the back. There are always options available even for the most (on the face of it) impractical bike.

[lukesft]

Yeah thinking most shad systems with small side panniers, top box and a tank bag will be plenty.

 

unfortunately had my first accident this weekend so bit shaken. Quite a sobering moment especially as you feel quite invincible as a newbie - lots to learn from it though sure it’ll make me a better rider. Anyone got must experience on that front was trying to find an accident thread…