Author Topic: Suggestions for a comfortable touring bike? (Read 5287 times)

74cb750 · « **on:** July 18, 2019, 07:34:16 AM »

Hi All,

my wife gave me permission to buy a cruising motorcycle next year. I already have many bikes, but most are too small, (350-550cc) and uncomfortable for her to be on the back. She refuses to ride on the Kawasaki S2 350, & 500, Honda Elite 150, Honda CB550, 750, sooooo....I'm in the market for a used,ie, under $6,000 bike. Probably over 1000ccc w/ saddle bags (maybe) but definitely with a backrest.
Can't be a Harley or harley like bike, just not into those.

ANy suggestions?
thanks,
michel

lafindufondu · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2019, 07:40:41 AM »

Goldwing's look comfortable.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2019, 07:51:57 AM »

+1 on the Goldwing.

Even the original bikes are super smooth and have ample power for 2 up touring. But based on what you asked I would recommend a GL1500, which was the first year of the 6 cylinder bikes. I think they are all fuel injected, so no fiddly GL carbs, super smooth engine and all day comfortable seats with lots of storage in the bags.

The Kawasaki ZG1000 Concours is a smooth comfortable sport tourer with a bullet proof engine that will be fun when the road includes curves.

Another option is BMW K100RT or R1150RT boxer.

Any of these bikes can be found for well under your budget ready to ride.

74cb750 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2019, 07:54:47 AM »

Quote from: lafindufondu on July 18, 2019, 07:40:41 AM

Goldwing's look comfortable.

I 'm leaning towards the BMW's right now.

andy750 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2019, 08:03:13 AM »

VStrom DL1000. I got a 2003 with Jesse topcase/side cases and its great for 2-up touring/camping.

754 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2019, 08:04:22 AM »

R 100 RT or RS.. most touring bikes have a car seat, these have a bricklike seat, but 600 miles into the day you still will want to ride .. wel, maybe not 2 up.l

70CB750 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2019, 08:32:22 AM »

Honda ST1300

Johnie · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2019, 08:50:18 AM »

Everyone has their opinion. I have been riding the 2000 Goldwing SE which is the last year of the 1500cc. Currently at 57,000 miles and very comfortable. It has the bucket seat and arm rests which really make her comfortable. So comfortable I told her I may have to bungee her in as she has fallen asleep when we are riding. Taken trips to Canada, followed the Mississippi north and south and went east. No trouble with the butt pain. But that comes with age I guess

I have been putting less and less miles on it since I mainly ride the 750's. Wife would not let me sell it this year, but I am thinking of selling next year. Not even sure she will allow me to sell it then, but she just does not ride as much as she used too. And I don't ride it alone unless I am traveling across the state. At any rate, hit me up next year and if you decide to take the step up to a Goldwing we can discuss.

74cb750 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2019, 09:46:51 AM »

Quote from: Johnie on July 18, 2019, 08:50:18 AM

Everyone has their opinion. I have been riding the 2000 Goldwing SE which is the last year of the 1500cc. Currently at 57,000 miles and very comfortable. It has the bucket seat and arm rests which really make her comfortable. So comfortable I told her I may have to bungee her in as she has fallen asleep when we are riding. Taken trips to Canada, followed the Mississippi north and south and went east. No trouble with the butt pain. But that comes with age I guess I have been putting less and less miles on it since I mainly ride the 750's. Wife would not let me sell it this year, but I am thinking of selling next year. Not even sure she will allow me to sell it then, but she just does not ride as much as she used too. And I don't ride it alone unless I am traveling across the state. At any rate, hit me up next year and if you decide to take the step up to a Goldwing we can discuss.

I will remember you next year...as I had a GL1000 Gold Wing 15 years ago. I let it go for a song as I had too many bikes to ride. It didn't have a fairing or anything, but was still a comfortable machine.

ekpent · « **Reply #9 on:** July 18, 2019, 11:24:40 AM »

There are always some really cheap Goldwings advertised around my neck of the woods. Tons of them out there and the guys who own them aren't getting any younger. I have never owned or driven one yet in all these years.
For sportier performance and looks there is the Goldwing engine based hot rod, gas guzzling and slightly porky Valkyrie but the prices on those still remain on the higher side in the used market but most under 6k.

BomberMann650 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 18, 2019, 02:25:21 PM »

A woman won this year's Iron Butt Association Rally on a first gen FJR1300 - 12,000 miles in 11 days.

I'll be doing a 1,000 mile run with mine pretty soon.

Come join us.
one of us. one of us...one of us!

Tree · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2019, 02:54:23 PM »

How about a Suzuki Bandit, GSF1250, 2007 or later.

ekpent · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2019, 03:07:35 PM »

Quote from: Tree on July 18, 2019, 02:54:23 PM

How about a Suzuki Bandit, GSF1250, 2007 or later.

Your Bandie is set up nicely with the bags,aftermarket saddle and backrest etc.. I've got a 1999 1200 that I would not even consider putting my wife on the back. She has the age and body type now that needs to be more like a sofa or Harley

Glad she doesn't read this stuff- ha ha Better seats I think on those 1250's.

754 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2019, 06:52:56 PM »

I am not allowed to have bikes without a kicker....

jgger · « **Reply #14 on:** July 18, 2019, 07:00:16 PM »

Quote from: 754 on July 18, 2019, 06:52:56 PM

I am not allowed to have bikes without a kicker....

Why, can't you just push start them?

dhall57 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 19, 2019, 02:03:18 AM »

If your covering some miles and want to do it in comfort and who doesn't a GW is tough to beat. Its 42 years old but even my 77 naked wing is quite and smooth. If I was going to ride any distance it would be on it.

Erny · « **Reply #16 on:** July 19, 2019, 02:42:43 AM »

Don't know your riding style, but if you like sometime also sporty ride, I would go for BMW R1200GS LC or it's equipment RT (same engine and suspension basicallyľ with ESA allowing to change suspension from comfort to hard in few seconds and clicks during ride.
Bike is perfect to handle and much lighter than GW for example (more than 100kg I think)

I have GS, use it for long trips and as this is my strongest and fastest bike, sometime I use it on racestrack (I know it's extreme a bit but you can do)

74cb750 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 19, 2019, 07:24:51 AM »

Quote from: Tree on July 18, 2019, 02:54:23 PM

How about a Suzuki Bandit, GSF1250, 2007 or later.

I had a Suzuki Bandit, either 1100 or 12oo, (can't remember). Bought it 3 years old, drove it for a year and sold it for $800 more than I paid for it. The wife didn't like it as it had a tendency of going over 100mph all the time. No sure why.

Plus I didn't find it very comfortable at least compared to my Gold weing.

74cb750 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 19, 2019, 07:26:15 AM »

Quote from: dhall57 on July 19, 2019, 02:03:18 AM

If your covering some miles and want to do it in comfort and who doesn't a GW is tough to beat. Its 42 years old but even my 77 naked wing is quite and smooth. If I was going to ride any distance it would be on it.

Looks like the one I had.
michel

74cb750 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 19, 2019, 07:27:50 AM »

Quote from: Erny on July 19, 2019, 02:42:43 AM

Don't know your riding style, but if you like sometime also sporty ride, I would go for BMW R1200GS LC or it's equipment RT (same engine and suspension basicallyľ with ESA allowing to change suspension from comfort to hard in few seconds and clicks during ride.
Bike is perfect to handle and much lighter than GW for example (more than 100kg I think)

I have GS, use it for long trips and as this is my strongest and fastest bike, sometime I use it on racestrack (I know it's extreme a bit but you can do)

Love the crash bars. How much did they cost? (if you don't mind my asking).

754 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 19, 2019, 10:17:34 AM »

Try a Beemer , even the old one like my 81 , better built than my 754. And 1000cc but weighed about same as a 754. Easy to ride torquey pretty good brakes, best clock I ever owned on it, did great wheelies too. For some reason not good on dirt roads 2 up. 1000 miles in a day on it, is not a huge effort.

MikeSimon · « **Reply #21 on:** July 19, 2019, 12:42:35 PM »

Good luck finding a BMW R1200GS for under $6,000.-

Goldwings can be complex to repair if you have an issue.
A BMW R1100RT or R1150RT seems to be the best choice at that price level.
A few things you need to look for, but generally a bike that is bullet-proof and relatively easy to work on.

Erny · « **Reply #22 on:** July 19, 2019, 01:17:06 PM »

Quote from: 74cb750 on July 19, 2019, 07:27:50 AM

Quote from: Erny on July 19, 2019, 02:42:43 AM
Don't know your riding style, but if you like sometime also sporty ride, I would go for BMW R1200GS LC or it's equipment RT (same engine and suspension basicallyľ with ESA allowing to change suspension from comfort to hard in few seconds and clicks during ride.
Bike is perfect to handle and much lighter than GW for example (more than 100kg I think)

I have GS, use it for long trips and as this is my strongest and fastest bike, sometime I use it on racestrack (I know it's extreme a bit but you can do)

Love the crash bars. How much did they cost? (if you don't mind my asking).

I think around 250 eur both upper and lower
It is Touratech made but was not easy to fit, not made precisely (left lower part)

Johnie · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2019, 02:01:23 PM »

Goldwings complex to repair? I guess it depends on your mechanical expertise. I don't consider myself a GW guru, but have done all the work needed since 2001. These bikes are more reliable than our vintage rides. I heard the 80's 1200cc Wings had alternator issues, but that's about it.

BomberMann650 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 20, 2019, 12:50:08 AM »

Quote from: Johnie on July 19, 2019, 02:01:23 PM

Goldwings complex to repair? I guess it depends on your mechanical expertise. I don't consider myself a GW guru, but have done all the work needed since 2001. These bikes are more reliable than our vintage rides. I heard the 80's 1200cc Wings had alternator issues, but that's about it.

The current crop of goldwings (09 to present) are a technicians best frenemy. The labor tickets for routine maintenance are hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in labor. Due in large part to the overwhelming dressage that needs removed before actual work can be done. Lord have mercy if you got the additional accessories to go with it all.

The new ones have airbags to prevent tragedy if anyone goes over the bars into the windshield at least.

News:

Author Topic: Suggestions for a comfortable touring bike? (Read 5287 times)