Which is a better motorcycle to travel long distances (400 miles)?

Question

Harleys or Hondas, or Ducatis

Answer 1

Any and either. 400 miles is nothing - seven or eight hours even with pit stops, rest breaks, fueling sessions. If you are doing it regularly, by all means get a touring bike, because that's what they're designed for. I recommend the bigger BMWs (CL class or RT or LT).
If you mean doing 400 miles occasionally for a vacation or something, buy the bike you want, even a full-on racing Italian like an Aprilia or MV Agusta, and don't sweat it.
I live near I-95 and every spring, as Bike Week in Daytona gears up, the highway is full of riders on Ducs and Ninjas and Hayabusas, as well as Goldwings and RoadStars. The Harley guys mostly trailer their bikes behind their RVs, loaded next to their Quads.
But don't sweat the choice for 400 miles.

Answer 2

based on personal experience, I'd think a sport-tourer or tourer would be best for a 400-mile ride (although that's not really that far, 600 mile days are common for a lot of sport-tour enthusiasts.)

Therefore I'd look at the Honda line, or the other three Japanese makes (Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kawasaki), or Aprilia, Triumph, or BMW. Some Harley or Victory cruiser models are good to ride for long distances... I'd stay off the 'barhopper' bikes though (custom choppers look REALLY painful after a few hundred miles).

Not sure if Ducati has a sport-tour model. The Multistrada adventure-tour might be OK.

(by now you probably realize it's not about the brand, its about the actual model of bike. Although I've ridden 2000 miles on a sportbike, I'd not recommend everyone try it.)

Answer 3

Ultimately it is what you feel most comfortable on. In my riding opinion it should be a bigger bike 800cc and above with a faring and a windshield, the wind at highway speed can be mean. The windshield and faring also help deflect and block rocks, bugs and various objects from hitting you in the face. I don't know that Ducatti (Ducks) has a touring bike like a HD Glide, RoadKing, Honda Aspencade / Interstate so I would think a Ducatti Sport Bike pretty uncomfortable on a long haul. If you are rider enough to knock out 700-900 miles on a sport bike, more power to you.

Answer 4

Any of the Harley Touring bikes, or the Honda Gold Wing. I don't even know why you would include Ducati in this question - while they are known for handling, they aren't big on comfort.

Answer 5

Just finished 5000 miles on a Harley Ultra-Classic. Best ride I've ever had. Did a 2500 mile trip last year on a Harley Herritage Soft-Tail. Was OK but not nearly as nice as the Ultra. Rode MC's all my life: Honda's, Kawasaki, etc... So far Harley beats them all.

Answer 6

Wouldn't call 400 miles long distance LOL I'd go for the Honda (like the NT 650 V Deauville or CBF 1000A), for comfort, economy, reliability and easy access to spare parts. Harley's a great bike, too, but overrated IMO and much too expensive.

Answer 7

The one you like and buy is the best one for you. No one elses opinion really matters, if you are the one riding it.

Harleys have a better resale value.

Honda's may have a smoother sounding engine, but the sides about the same.

Same bumps in the road. I really don't feel the bumps on my Harley at 65-80.

Answer 8

If you mean 400 each direction, BMW, they have always been designed for long distance travel and are rather good at it.
They will cruise at close to maximum (or even at max) speed all day long and you really dont feel that tired on one. You dont need the 800+ lbs garbage. a basic model is just about perfect and lots lighter.

Answer 9

You could ride 400 miles on a bicycle. I know people whoe won't fire up their bikes for 400 miles, unless that's one-way.

Sorry, "She" I couldn't find a pic of your Harley on your 360. Or any mention of motorcycles , for that matter.

Answer 10

Any BMW, R1150, R1200GS or RT for 2 cylinder models, K1200GT for the 4 cylinder models. They are outstanding long distanvce runners with confort, handling and security as well as great ergonomics. Go for a Beamer!