Recommend a good touring bike

[Holeshot]

I'm debating getting a touring bike and doing some longer road riding trips. I've never considered doing this until now and have to admit; I don't have much of an idea what to get. I've got a newish friend who suggested we do that when things clear up and I'd like to take some ride with him.

90% of my lifetime riding has been @ the track and 75% of that has been racing, to give an idea of my focus. I don't ride much on the street despite having a few street bikes because I like heated seats, stereos, etc. I also will never commute on a bike nor do much anything on street except take longer touring trips. Bikes I've looked at (but look like shit pigs...) BMW K series, KTM's touring series. That's about it. I may want to ride to Canada, etc...

I'd like something no older than about 2-3 years or even new.

Thanks...

 

[bikewanker]

Rally?
I’ve been thinking about the Yamaha Tracer GT. Lower end $ wise and I’m guessing you’ll spend some bucks on suspension and the heated seat. It’s got the goods for traveling and is about as light as you’re going to find in the class. The road pigs are luxuriously nice but I’m guessing you would value weight and handling over the comforts of home. If you motel it the requirements are fairly simple. I find there’s something special about the road, finding a fun road a couple states away and the interactions out there. Regular folk find us motorcyclist interesting.
Disclaimer; never ridden any of the Yamaha triples and my long range bikes have been from the previous decade, so please follow up on my suggestion and make me a deal when you move up to the Euro Pig:thumbup

 

[HadesOmega]

fjr1300

 

[motomania2007]

If you are looking for:

Full boat touring rig then a goldwing or a HD tourer or BMW K1600GTL
Sport touring heavy: FJR1300, BMW R1200RT, Concours14
Adventure touring: R1200GS, Triumph Tiger 1200, KTM, Super Tenere
Sport Touring light: Tracer, Tiger 800, Versus 1000

There are more bikes but these are the ones I would consider for long rides, given your specifications.

The only ones of these I personally would choose as a 2-up mount are, in order: FJR1300 and Concours14. If I was travelling alone: Super Tenere or Tracer.

 

[bikeama]

Are you going to tour and do long trips for more than a day or two? If the answer is yes you need a shaft drive and that brings weight. Unfortunately, you can not buy at Multistrata or S1000XR with a shaft. I went from a K1600GT to a MTS for the weight difference. Now I have to deal with the chain. No magic bike. May have to buy two.

 

[dravnx]

A chain is not that big a deal when you're touring. Don't let it dissuade you. Every 2nd or 3rd gas stop, throw the bike up on the center stand and squirt some lube of your choice on the chain. It only takes a few minutes. You can also install an automatic chain oiler.
Even if you miss a lube or two, so what, you'll have to replace your chain a few thousand miles sooner.

 

[ScottRNelson]

You can also put an automatic chain oiler on it and never have to worry about lubricating the chain again. From what I've read, it takes a little while to get one tuned in, but then you're good from then on.

Disclaimer: I haven't tried one personally.

 

[cheez]

I want a KTM 790ADV for touring right now pretty badly.

 

[bergmen]

fjr1300

^^^ this for the win! Absolutely bullet proof will never let you down. 3rd gens have integrated electronic cruise controls, run on regular gas and are very comfortable for the long haul. Great handling in the twisties as well. I would recommend a test ride to see for yourself.

Dan

 

[hophead]

Posts #3 and #4 say it all. Btw holeshot I’ve no idea what your physicality is but not surprised nobody has mentioned the Road Glide (IMO but also street glide) are very competent touring motorcycles. One of my rides is a softail but I’d like to rep Harley, and had I not experienced the moto myself I’d have never been aware of what a competent and very unique experience riding a Harley is. And since you mentioned all the amenities.......:ride

 

[doc4216]

If you are looking for:

Full boat touring rig then a goldwing or a HD tourer or BMW K1600GTL
Sport touring heavy: FJR1300, BMW R1200RT, Concours14
Adventure touring: R1200GS, Triumph Tiger 1200, KTM, Super Tenere
Sport Touring light: Tracer, Tiger 800, Versus 1000

There are more bikes but these are the ones I would consider for long rides, given your specifications.

The only ones of these I personally would choose as a 2-up mount are, in order: FJR1300 and Concours14. If I was travelling alone: Super Tenere or Tracer.

Absolutely agree with all this but would add the R1200RS/R1250RS to the ST Light group. Shaft drive, cruise control, heated grips, comfortable ergos and boxer engine. Plus the 1200 can be found for a steal right now.

 

[cheez]

^^^ this for the win! Absolutely bullet proof will never let you down. 3rd gens have integrated electronic cruise controls, run on regular gas and are very comfortable for the long haul. Great handling in the twisties as well. I would recommend a test ride to see for yourself.

Dan

+1 to that, you're welcome to a test ride on my FJR anytime. I'm after something lighter for the long road, though.

 

[two wheel tramp]

I want a KTM 790ADV for touring right now pretty badly.

They are fucking rad. I did a 575 mile day of almost all Twisties. No fatigue. I've done series of 400+ mile days and felt great at the end. It's so light and easy to throw around, great fuel range and I'm a big fan of the stock seat.

Editing to add I love the motor at about 7-8k rpm.

 

[VicTim]

You opened a can of worms here. There are so many choices for different riding styles. If you're thinking Harley you may want to try an Indian Challenger it's like a Harley but at a different level.

 

[motomania2007]

Absolutely agree with all this but would add the R1200RS/R1250RS to the ST Light group. Shaft drive, cruise control, heated grips, comfortable ergos and boxer engine. Plus the 1200 can be found for a steal right now.

I get your points but still too heavy and bulky to me so that tips the scales toward the heavy side compared to the lighter bikes I cited.

As for shaftdrive BMWs... in my book that is much more of a deficit than an asset since the shaft drive failures are so common now and chains are easy, cheap, last almost as long and reliable.

 

[two wheel tramp]

Berto, if I see you at a track day come say hi. You can hop on my piglet and see how you like it.

 

[taylormade21]

Look into the ne Tiger 900 GT Pro.

 

[dbenj]

Bertoluxotourlandyachtoldman

90% of my riding is track riding too so on the rare occasion I'm on the road, luxo riding is the only way to go. I'm having tons of fun with my 83 Venture Royale which, granted, given its maturity doesn't fit your requirements. It's a great riding bike though and was a really fun restoration project. This isn't mine but just like this:

Anyway, I'd have to agree with folks above. If I'm buying a new long distance bike, I'd be going with the FJR. Still, the :afm199:afm199 in me looks longingly at this too:

Berto: look how low that seat is!

--David

 

[two wheel tramp]

^ ouch.


The KTM does have a low seat....

 

[augustiron]

You guys are all putting the apple cart before the horse.

Most important question is who he wants to "be" when riding a touring bike:

- assless chaps twofinger) skull tshirt, do-rag and wrap around glasses under a half helmet with harley logos on everything including the banana hammock
Or
- hiviz aerostich under any and all conditions, wireless telecom, modular helmet, use work "farkles" a lot

Answer that and we can go from there

:teeth