What are some good suggestions for a touring motorcycle?

Question

I've got a Metric cruiser that I've had for 3 years now, and ready to get a touring bike so the wife and I can tour cross country, now that the kid is old enough to stay with grandma overnight.

I've been looking at the Harley lines for a tourer, and I'm torn between a Road King and the Electra Glides. The trim packages are irrelevant, however, I am partial to the Classic lines.

What are the pros and cons of these two bikes? Should I look at a Japanese touring bike?

The wife and I plan on going long distances on whatever I decide to purchase, and any input would be great.

Answer 1

Well the Goldwing is a great touring bike if you're cool with it's appearance, personally I'm not. Of course BMW makes some great touring bikes as well. I am not a die hard Harley guy or anything, but to me they make the best looking touring bike, just my humble opinion. I just switched from a Softail Deluxe to a Street Glide a week ago today. Here is my opinion on going with the Road King. It is a great looking bike and will ride as well as the EG line, but I hate a regular windshield like you would have to run on the RK. You get way more turbulance with a standard windshield than you do with a fairing. Also you don't get the sound system and all the up front gages that you get on the fairing bikes (Street Glide, Road Glide, Electra Glide). I went with the Street Glide because to me it just looks cooler than the others, but I ride solo. The Ultra Classic will give your passenger the most comfort, but that was just too bulky looking to me. The Road Glide is actually the best riding Harley and you can add the tour pack to the rear if you'd like more passenger comfort and storage capacity. It is also the only one with a fixed fairing which many people love. So I've rambled on a bit but bottom line, the fairing on the Electra Glide is waaaay better than the windshield on the Road King. The Road King looks great in a classic way, but to me the ride is more important than the look, although having both is awesome. That is why I went with the SG, I think it looks cool and is functional as well. My very best advice is to find a dealer that rents bikes and try the models you are interested in before buying. It is a bit pricy, about $150 a day where I live, but if you are dropping $20,000 to $25,000 it is a wise investment.

Also try joining hdforums.com and ask some questions there as well.  

Answer 2

Both of these Harleys are fine bikes, and you will be happy with either.  However, do not discard the Japanese bikes out of hand.  The Goldwing is an excellent bike, as it sets the standard for tourers, and Yamaha (Star) Royal Star, with its V4-1300 is great as well.  I'm not as familiar with the Kawi's or the Zuki's or Euro-bikes, but really, any tourer will fit the bill.  It all depends on your likes.

Good luck, and happy riding!

Answer 3

I had a 95 and 99 Road King and I thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread, then I bought an 08 Street Glide. I found the Kings were really great bikes , but that Street Glide is definetly the long distance the long cruiser. Two of my friends have Wings and they both say they set to high and are top heavy.

Answer 4

Personally, I would opt for the Electra Glide over the Road King. I looked at both and preferred the Electra Glide so I bought one.

Whether you stay with a metric or not is your choice. The Gold Wing has been a dependable choice for many who have wanted a touring bike.

Answer 5

I have 101,000 miles on my 04 Wing. It isn't perfect but it darn sure comes close. 104 horsepower w 38 - 41 mpg at 75mph. 700 mile days are easily done if you'll get up early and 800 miles if you ride late. The engine is bullet proof and low maintenance cost with long intervals. I change oil at 3k and air filter at 15K.

I have not toured on a Harley. All my buddys bought Harley Road Kings in 02. Most of them trailered their bikes to Milwaukee in 03. To me that is very telling. My Wing has never seen a trailer except when a wheel bearing fried. When I buy another bike it will be another Goldwing. It is unequaled as a tourer.

Answer 6

The Honda Goldwing...fabulous...Harley Electra Glide...Wonderful in a old riding experience way, it's a bit under powered and under suspended, The BMW K1200 RT, very sporty but not cheap to maintain when it gets older. I am buying a 2009 Goldwing myself this January. I love Honda.  

Answer 7

Think more about what kind of roads you will commonly traverse (unsealed? just blacktop?) and the comfort of 'She Who Must Be Obeyed' (seat and passenger-peg position, luggage needs).

I'd recommend a Suzuki V-Strom - maybe the 1000cc version due to passenger and some high-speed work.  It's smoooth and it's ride position is just as comfortable as any HD or metric cruiser (you can get higher bars or move them back a little), and the 650cc (same size frame and tyres/brakes)  is $uper economical and available with ABS, all for a $ong. And proven reliable - over five years on market now.

Answer 8

I know you said you have a cruiser and are looking at a more cruiser type of touring bike.  I just thought I would add these two words for you to ponder.

Gold Wing.  

Think about it.

Answer 9

+1 on the Gold Wing. For long distance, nothing is better equipped and 100,000 miles is not uncommon without major problems.

Answer 10

Be certain to take a test ride on a Honda Gold Wing.  Truly amazing engine.  So smooth with so much power.  I ride two up and pull a trailer with our gear and a cooler.  If the road is reasonable straight, our 1800 Gold Wing will pull 5th gear going up the mountains in Colorado.

Which ever bike you decide upon, be certain it is equipped with electronic cruise control.  That to me is a must for long distance touring.  Really reduces fatigue.  

IF you decide to buy a Gold Wing, check out the prices for parts at Direct Line Parts.  Example, an oil filter from a Honda will run $14.00.

Same filter from Direct Line Parts runs $8.99.  Several times a year they offer 10% on all parts and accessories.

Also based on my experience, I would buy the Baker Air Wings and the Baker Hand Wings.  This will increase the comfort of your Wife.  These wind deflectors do a good job of controlling air turbulence for passenger.

I for one would not equip my bike with the optional CD player.  Very expensive.  I would hook up an MP3 player/iPod or install XM radio.  

Much cheaper source of music.  

For comfort we are equipped with riding gear from Gerbing.  Liner Jacket, Union Ridge Pants, and Classic Gloves.  Despite the costs, being warm on a motorcycle is worth every penny.  For me it adds several months of riding each year.

Best of Luck and Enjoy the Open Road.

Answer 11

well either one is good.... road king is what id pick.... and i ride across counrty six times on a sportster

Answer 12

I'm partial to a Softail.The King is a nice bike but the Softail has sweeter lines.  Looked at a Heritage?  I've had lots of rice grinders and they have little class.