In the world of motorcycles, the tall-rounder is a rising star, offering a unique blend of versatility and comfort. These bikes are the jack-of-all-trades, suitable for everything from daily commuting to long-distance touring. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for you? Let's dive into the details of five great used tall-rounders that promise all-round biking satisfaction.
The Triumph Tiger Sport 660: A Class Act
The Triumph Tiger Sport 660 is a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. With a cheeky three-cylinder engine, it delivers 80bhp and a lovely spread of power. The bike is designed to be cheap to run, with 10,000-mile service intervals and a single throttle body that reduces servicing time. The Tiger Sport is a true jack-of-all-trades, offering a roomy and comfortable riding position, and is a fantastic machine for those looking for a practical and affordable option.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The adjustable screen may be a touch short for taller riders, and the safety assists aren't angle-responsive on this generation. But overall, the Tiger Sport 660 is a brilliant bike with bags of appeal, offering a great balance of performance and practicality.
The Kawasaki Versys 650: Fun and Frugal
The Kawasaki Versys 650 is a fun and affordable option for those seeking a versatile bike. With a sharper look and two rider modes, it offers a bit more than its older generation counterparts. The bike is a fun and frugal machine, with a 21L fuel tank, but it's better at covering straightline miles than cornering due to its soft suspension. However, it's still more than happy to take on a B-road, making it a great choice for those seeking a fun and practical option.
One thing to watch out for is the two-piston calipers, which can seize on their sliders, potentially leading to warped discs. But overall, the Versys 650 is a great choice for those seeking a fun and affordable option.
The Honda Crossrunner: A VFR-Based Crossover
The Honda Crossrunner is a quirky option that has been transformed into a great all-rounder. With a VTEC V4 engine, it offers a welcome bit of spirit, and its build quality is superb, making it a safe used buy. The bike comes with three-stage traction control, ABS, and heated grips, making it a great choice for those seeking a practical and comfortable option.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. The exhaust can be a weak point, and changing it can be a real fight due to the V4 configuration. But overall, the Crossrunner is a great choice for those seeking a practical and comfortable option.
The Yamaha Tracer 700 GT: A Practical Option
The Yamaha Tracer 700 GT is a practical option for those seeking a fun machine to ride. With 20L panniers, a tall screen, and a comfort seat, it offers a great balance of performance and practicality. The bike is a fun machine to ride, thanks to its CP2 parallel-twin powerplant, and is incredibly easygoing. However, the suspension is a bit low-quality, but that's fairly easy to sort if it bothers you.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Tracer 700 was updated with improved suspension in 2020, but the GT didn't receive the same parts until 2021. But overall, the Tracer 700 GT is a great choice for those seeking a practical and fun option.
The Ducati Hyperstrada: A Sporty Take on Sports-Touring
The Ducati Hyperstrada is a sporty take on a crossover bike, offering a unique blend of performance and practicality. Based around the Hypermotard, it comes with the same V-twin and trellis chassis, but adds soft panniers, a touring screen, touring seat, extended mudguards, and a remote preload adjuster. However, the bike is stumpy and a bit cramped to ride, making it ok for short hops but not great for long-distance touring.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Hyperstrada gained the larger 937cc motor in 2016, plus enhanced safety assists. But overall, the Hyperstrada is a great choice for those seeking a sporty take on sports-touring.
In conclusion, the tall-rounder is a rising star in the world of motorcycles, offering a unique blend of versatility and comfort. Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly option, a fun and frugal machine, a practical and comfortable option, or a sporty take on sports-touring, there's a tall-rounder out there for you. So, take a step back and think about what you're looking for, and enjoy the ride!
