Shrink the globe, not your bank balance with these do-it-all tourers for under £5k!

Guess what are the top three most popular used touring motorcycles, according to a recent insurance survey? (Hint: they’re relatively cheap, to keep down insurance.) So no, not the latest BMW R1250RT, nor Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha FJR1300 or Kawasaki Versys 1100.

Instead we’re looking at three Hondas: the Deauville, ST1100 Pan European and pre-VTEC VFR800F. But they don’t own the whole market, and even at this price you can bag a premium bike.

Read on for our expert guide to mile-munching tourers under £5k!


MCN Best Buy

Honda PAN EUROPEAN

Spec:

  • Power 1048cc
  • Engine capacity 100bhp
  • Seat height 795mm
  • Kerb weight

Honda’s carefully-considered attempt to encroach onto BMW turf was also known as the ST1100 and developed, appropriately enough, in Germany. The purpose-built, transversely-mounted, V4 produces amazing torque, is very smooth, has shaft drive and is almost completely indestructable while the bike itself is much more nimble than you’d believe. Originally introduced in 1990 and little changed since except for modified windscreen and the addition of ABS (useful), rudimentary traction control (less so) and Honda’s linked brakes (OK). Comfort is great, though the fairing can buffet you, and it has an amazing range. The later 1300 version failed to hit the same sweet spot.

Honda Pan European used buying advice

Cambelts last for ages but there are one or two electrical gremlins in the ABS and traction control system. Early bikes with four-pot calipers were slightly underbraked. But the biggest problem stems from the swingarm which can take in water and rot from the insideout. Beware of ex-police bikes, generally white in colour, which will almost certainly have ‘odd’ electrics. Look under the plastics for corrosion.


2008 Honda NT700V Deauville – £900 – £4300

Best Middle Weight

Honda NT700V Deauville

Spec:

  • Power 680cc
  • Engine capacity 64bhp
  • Seat height 814mm
  • Kerb weight

Much maligned for being dull (Dullsville, Deauville, geddit?), the NT700V’s performance may not stir many, but anyone who’s ever owned one will vouch for just how great they are. Upgraded from the 650 Deauville, itself a despatchers’ fave, with swoopy plastic bodywork and integral panniers, it’s incredibly tough, reliable and one of few middleweight Japanese shafties. Torquey, comfy and economical, it’s really a cut-price R1200RT and will cruise at 75-80mph all day. Just don’t expect it to stir the blood.

Honda NT700V Deauville used buying advice

Panniers are too small for full-face lids and latches break. Inside edge of the silencer rots away so be sure to check carefully. Check the rear bevel box splines are greased. Rear brake caliper needs regular cleaning to prevent it from sticking and causing mpg-sapping drag.


2000 Honda VFR800F – £800 – £3000

Best All Rounder

Honda VFR800F

Spec:

  • Power 781cc
  • Engine capacity 103bhp
  • Seat height 805mm
  • Kerb weight

This final development of the classic gear-cam VFR before the more controversial VTEC version got extra cubes, fuel-injection, linked brakes and a facelift. Softer and less narrowly-focused than a sportsbike it’s one of the great allrounders and is sportier and more manageable than a self-avowed tourer. Marvellous engine makes all the right noises and produces creamy power everywhere. There’s legendary build quality and finish and it’s well-equipped with centrestand and clock it’s even brilliant two-up, although some reckon the previous model, the final VFR750F, was even better.

Honda VFR800F used buying advice

Iffy mirrors, so-so linked brakes, and relatively high (though infrequent) service costs. Reg/rec failure all too common, later model units are better and fit straight on.


2005 BMW R1200RT – £2500 – £4750

Best Luxury Tourer

BMW R1200RT

Spec:

  • Power 1170cc
  • Engine capacity 110bhp
  • Seat height 780mm
  • Kerb weight

You can just about get an R1200RT for three grand but it’ll probably be a private sale and it’ll be an early example with high-ish mileage. The RT is still the benchmark supertourer: a combination of power, torque, weather protection, luggage capacity and equipment that few other bikes have ever managed to emulate. It also handles much better than you’d think and has character in spades.

BMW R1200RT used buying advice

Check the ABS works as some people disconnect it. The engine tends to use oil, too. Check for leaks where the clutch housing bolts onto the engine – oil on the clutch costs £1000 to fix. The rear drive box, main axle bearing, shaft drive, support bearing and gearbox are all known to fail without warning. Sometimes this locks up the entire rear end. Some last, some don’t.


2003 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom – £2000 – £5000

Best For Value

Suzuki dl1000 V-Strom

Spec:

  • Power 1037cc
  • Engine capacity 105bhp
  • Seat height 850mm
  • Kerb weight

It’s odd that Suzuki have never put its excellent 1000cc V-twin into a dedicated super-tourer, but the adventure-styled V-Strom is an acceptable substitute. The retuned TL1000 engine has masses of torque while being pleasantly vibefree, the suspension is reasonable, plus there are loads of optional extras available. Overall, it’s a much better bike than its looks and manners suggest; the chassis is top-notch for road riding, it’s all-day comfortable and really reliable.

Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom used buying advice

A 19in front wheel limits tyre choice, clutch rattle is normal and try to buy one with a centrestand fitted. It’s also a bit top-heavy, especially with a full tank. Some riders may find the standard screen buffets helmets so experiment.