Do any of you ride touring bikes?

[Greenman]

What do you have, and do you love it?

I'm thinking of selling my V-Rod and getting something that's more comfortable for Mrs. Greenman. But after riding a reasonably peppy V-Rod, I don't think I'll be happy with a 70hp air cooled Harley bagger. I'd have to be into it for under 14k for it to make sense.

 

[Fenixgoon]

what about an FJR1300, VFR, or equivalent? they are "sport touring" bikes

although as my friend always points out, riding his VFR is like being on a couch compared to his CBR1000


edit: i have a yamaha FZ6R. looking to get an R6 for a track bike and an FZ1 for a little more grunt on everyday riding

 

[Greenman]

I'll check those out.

 

[JulesMaximus]

If you're patient you could probably pick up a used Ducati Multistrada 1200 for that kind of money. 150hp, heated grips, decent hard bags, comfortable riding position, I've ridden it and it's a great bike. I said after I rode it that if I could have any 2 bikes in the world that this bike would be one of them.

 

[crackerjacks]

Those multistrada's are damn nice.

I tour on my 2004 R1150GS. Did about 6500 miles last summer on a trip cross country and back, going up to Newfoundland and Labrador this summer for another 5,000 mile trip or so.

If you're more into cruiser styled bikes, you should be able to find a Triumph Rocket iii touring edition for $14k if you look around.

 

[Zargon]

Mutli, FJR, Connie 14

 

[MixMasterTang]

How long of trips do you plan on taking and how comfortable does the Mrs. want to be? Sports touring bikes don't seem to put a whole lot of effort into making the passenger comfortable for long rides.

 

[Clump]

I have a 2010 FLHX with the stage 2 103" kit. The stock seat was pretty bad, but with an upgraded seat it's very comfortable 2 up for any distances you might want to do. I really love this bike. IMO it's a great combination of looks/power/comfort.

Coming from a V Rod you will be taking a performance hit, but it's mostly high RPM where you'll miss it. What I really love about this setup is there's gobs of torque always available. Down shifting is nearly always optional, just roll on the throttle and let the torque do its thing.

I have a friend with a Yamaha FJR that I ride with some and I can't touch him for power or handling. If you're more concerned with performance the sport touring bikes are great. I'm good for longer distance solo and 2 up it's no contest.

Here's a pic:

Dyno Chart:

 

[WackyDan]

I have a Spyder with top case and side cases. No.. It isn't a motorcycle, but if you have concerns about carrying enough gear for a long trip, and you plan on doing a lot of rain riding or riding on unimproved roads, it may be an option.

 

[NutBucket]

Duh, Goldwing

 

[RedRooster]

A twin on a touring bike would seem like a rough and annoying ride compared to a smoother 4, no? Especially if you're eating up 1000 miles a day, who'd want to rattle the whole time?

 

[BoberFett]

I want to get a bagger one of these days. I've always liked the Valkyrie Interstate, and keep an eye out for a low mileage one in black. I've also considered the Royal Venture. Big, comfortable, and the V4 packs some power. The opposed 6 in the Valk has decent power and is really smooth, but I have a couple of friends with those bikes and the Venture would walk all over the Valk off the line.

 

[cardiac]

Been riding Gold Wings since my first one back in 1982. $14k would put you in a 2004-06 low mileage. 118 hp and 125 ft/lbs of torque. 1000 mile days are do-able on this... I have/had other rides for fun, but for any distance, it is hard to beat a Wing...

 

[Diogynes]

Its hard to beat a a Goldwing for quiet and reliable cruising.

 

[JulesMaximus]

A twin on a touring bike would seem like a rough and annoying ride compared to a smoother 4, no? Especially if you're eating up 1000 miles a day, who'd want to rattle the whole time?

The 4 valve 1198cc motor in the Multistrada is very smooth. It is a little lumpy off idle, like any big bore Duc, but once you get the revs past 3500 it is really smooth and linear in its power delivery and holy crap does it go. It is one of the fastest bikes I've ridden. Plus, it is light for a sport touring bike so it actually handles well too.

 

[Greenman]

Sport touring is out, they don't focus enough on passenger comfort. Harley baggers are out as well, they have outstanding passenger comfort, but I just can't see myself being happy with half the horsepower I have now. Goldwing would be interesting, I hadn't really thought about that. Though it seems that for the money I'm going to have to spend, I might actually be cheaper making my bike into a Road Rod. Something like this.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...YZUZqbG8aJjAL_pYDYAw&ved=0CDwQ9QEwAw&dur=5785

 

[Greenman]

If you're patient you could probably pick up a used Ducati Multistrada 1200 for that kind of money. 150hp, heated grips, decent hard bags, comfortable riding position, I've ridden it and it's a great bike. I said after I rode it that if I could have any 2 bikes in the world that this bike would be one of them.

I could ride that! Doesn't look all that comfortable for a passenger though.

 

[Greenman]

Here's a pic:

Dyno Chart:

Really clean bike.

There is a lot I don't like about Harley, but they do build a nice looking bike, and their fit and finish is second to none.

 

[Clump]

Really clean bike.

There is a lot I don't like about Harley, but they do build a nice looking bike, and their fit and finish is second to none.

Thanks. I'm really happy with it. Can't wait for the salt to get mostly rinsed off the roads and log some seat time!