1200F vs 1200x ergonomics

[clydemule]

Hello all. New member, not currently a CT owner but seriously interested. I read all the posts I could find here about going from an F to the X. Sounds overall positive, but had a pretty specific question that I didn't see answered.

I love my F, main gripes are range and the riding position. I'm 5'11' 200 lbs. I feel like the bars are just a tick low, and I need just an inch higher (25 mm) and maybe 1/2" (12mm) closer to me. Only 46 but having some arthritis in my wrists, I think leftover from my rodeo days when I was younger and stupider.

The CT does appear to have a more upright or "standard" riding position. So for owners of both the F and the X, what is your take on riding position and comfort for longer distance rides?

If most riders feel that it is an upgrade (even at a small cost of handling) I will probably make the change. I am looking to do more adventure riding and less trail/enduro riding, so the X's off road ability is a bonus as well (though I know it is a heavy bike for off-road). If it isn't that much of a difference, I will probably just make some upgrades to the F like bar risers, different footpegs, and maybe suspension upgrades. And then maybe just add an AT or T7 for off road!

I do realize there are other compelling features of the CT; traction control, larger fuel tank, etc.

Thank you for your time and input!

[Beer Belly]

I used to own an F but I'm now on my second CT. At 5'11" the CT is more comfy for me with the exception of the seat which is a bit of a plank. For me less leg bend is the big advantage, more comfy over distance, as you say the larger fuel tank also helps with the range. I also take the Mrs on the back now and again, she prefers the CT all day long. Handling is lighter when tipping in on the CT, helped by the thinner tyres. You might miss the top end rush on the F though whereas the CT has a bit more grunt lower down and more flexibility in the higher gears. Another thing you'll probably notice is the weight of the CT, a bit of a lard ball at standstill due to the higher c of g.

[__Ray__]

No experience with the F but just 2 weeks back from a 7474km trip through the Balkan with a lot of bad roads and some offroad and i still love the CT.
I have CTS but almost no problem on the CT and i also do long days.
Just bought a T7 to replace the XT660Z for more hardcore offroad like the TET because the CT is heavy causing a few nerve wrecking moment on the trip but both the CT and i managed.

[Oregonian]

I own both bikes.  The differences are dramatic.

The engine is what initially attracted me to both the F and the X.  I own DCT versions of each model.  The engines are tuned completely differently.  I ride the F when I'm looking for an engaging thrill, and the X when I'm looking to relax and enjoy the ride.  The F model seems to enjoy 100 MPH more than 50 MPH and the X is the opposite. 

The riding positions are very different also, except for leg spread of course.  I'm 5'11" also.  I sit "in" the F and "on" the X.  Turning both bikes is easy and engaging, but the forward lean you mention on the F is not at all apparent on the X. 

By the way, the DCT sport version of the F is very similar to "sport 3" or the most aggressive version of the X.  I have a 2010 F DCT and don't notice the throttle jerkiness many people have mentioned.  I typically ride the F in manual shift mode and the X in sport 3 mode.

I can't imagine taking the X on any off road environment other than gravel. 

[Showkey]

Would agree the two are dramatically different.   This ergo site shows this:

[Red Boll]

The X has, I think, a (much) more wider grip on the handlebars than the F from what I remember of the few rides I had on the F.

[clydemule]

 Thank you everyone for the great responses.

That ergo site looks rad, I definitely need to check it out. The lean forward on the 1200F doesn't look like much but it is killing my wrists and shoulders!

 

[CiprianStoica]

I can only add to what other members said. I own a VFR800, not a 1200F, but the riding position is very similar. The CT is way more comfortable, I've combined it with a Touratech seat and I almost never need to stop riding because of discomfort. So if comfort is what you need/looking for I can say that the CT is really good for that. With a little bit of suspension and seat tweaking, you can take it anywhere on something that is more or less a road.

Engine-wise you will probably be surprised at how fast the RPM range ends, especially if you were driving in 6000+ on the F, but the low-end power is really cool also.