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Tempted by one of the big BMWs but the insurance is eye watering...
At my age and with less than 2 years on my full licence, you're looking at more than the cost of some of the bikes to insure the fucking thing.
Was looking at an F800Gt for around £7k (low millage with luggage etc)... tempting.
Soul-
Insurance is mad.
My FireBlade's been in the garage for over a year now untouched yet I have to keep insurance up because if my no-claims runs out it jumps 1000% (£200/year atm, £2000+ if I lose it).
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You might have to tough it out with the smaller bikes until the insurance comes down a bit. You don't need to spend £7k for a decent low mileage BMW to get a good touring bike though.
Bad time of year to be looking for a bargain tourer and the bike you've got just did the trip pretty well. The bigger tourers can get a bit boring, just munching up the miles with no drama, when you get off the motorway they're not as much fun either.
There's always a fly in the ointment touring regardless of the bike, just have to enjoy the good bits when they come along.
Ptown
Airhead
bmw r1150/1200 rt/rs or honda silver wing are good for this kind of thing. Both a bit taller and heavier than you want if you mostly ride it in town. The wind protection on the BMW's is extraordinary, the rs is so well worked that it lifts your upper body slightly in the wind to keep pressure off your wrists.
I had to have a little chuckle because it does seem like fun setting out on the open road but experience has taught me that the sun glasses might not be required.
Maybe get an all in one oversuit, when it rains all day they can keep out most of it and they're not super expensive.
The place looks worth the trip though.