What motorcycle brand should I buy if I want to use it for long distances and to travel to work everyday?

Answer 1

Any of the Japanese brands or a BMW.

Answer 2

I agree with choosing any Japanese mfg - Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda or Kawasaki. People are loyal to motorcycle manufacturers, so the fanboys will bash the other companies if they are die-hard riders.

The above mfg's all have outstanding records for reliability and performance. If you're looking at riding long distances a sport-standard would probably be your best bet, such as the Suzuki Bandit or SV's, Yamaha FZ-6 or FZ-1, Kawasaki Z series bikes, etc. Sport bikes are a blast, but they wear and tear on your body for long distances. Sport standars have close performance of a sport bike, but maintain a more upright riding style.

If you prefer cruisers, then again, all the above mfg's have outstanding choices. Go to a dealer and sit on several bikes to see what "fits" you best. Don't know if this will be your first bike or not, but check local listings (and dealers) for a good deal on used bike, and take a MSF course if you've never riden before.

Regardless of the style you're looking for, you can't go wrong with the Japanese bike makers.

Answer 3

I have used everything from a Yamaha XS1100 (unfortunately no longer in production) to a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 to a BMW K1200LT for commuting. They all have had advantages and disadvantages.

The full-on super touring bikes, like my BMW K1200LT or the Honda Gold Wing are fantastic on the open road, but are just too heavy to be dealing with city rush-hour traffic.

The big Kawasaki Vulcan V-Twin cruiser style bike had lots of bottom end torque and was OK in stop-and-go traffic, but offered no protection from the weather, and very little luggage capacity.

I think my next bike may be a BMW R1200RT
( http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200rt ). It's quite a bit lighter weight than my K1200LT, but still has plenty of power and comfort for long-distance touring as well as the daily commute into the city for work. And no... BMWs are not more expensive than your average Harley-Davidson.

Answer 4

All the brands are just as reliable as the next one as long as you follow the service schedule. Ducatis are very high maintaince. For long distance you want a touring bike. For going to work and everyday basic transportation you probably want a standard type bike. For going fast and getting hurt, get a Zoomsplat, also known as a sport bike. There is another type of bike called a sport-touring bike. It is the best of both worlds, it's sporty for tearing up the curves and comfortable for long distances as well. I like the Yamaha FJR1300 sport tourer, Honda has the ST1300, Kawi is revamping its sport tourer called the Concourse, the new one will be based on the ZX-14, it should be out next year. BMW has the 1200GT, Harley, well I own one, none of them are really comfortable for long distances but they are reliable and very well built, they also tend to grow legs if left unattended while you're inside your office all day. Whatever you get insure it, lock it up, wear your gear, and take a MSF rider course.

Answer 5

Any Jap brand. Just pick the right tool for the job. A sportbike will have a racing crouch which will cause fatigue. Try and get a machine which will not vibrate you into yesterday either. Go sit on the bike and make sure that the seating position is only slightly inclined forward. My personal choice is a Yamaha Fj1200 but next will probably be a Fazer 1000. Make your own pick, get the right one for you. Try also to get a large displacement engine as it will last longer

Answer 6

Kawasaki 650R
Triumph Speed Triple
Suzuki V-strom 650 or 1000, SV650, or1000 (if you prefer something bigger)
I would stick to a twin because they are better in traffic and really nice on the highway. They are usually thinner than other bikes which make them fit in traffic and respond better to maneuver (easier to ride). I wouldn't want to have a cruiser in traffic as the standards listed above will maneuver much better, are lighter and have a better seating position. Sport bikes are for the race track and weekend riders who don't generally stay on them for a long period of time.
If you can find an earlier Suzuki TL-S or Honda SuperHawk they would work great and it's easy to put saddle bags on them.

Answer 7

It is hard to beat the Honda Gold Wing for long distance and reliability. BMW makes a great long distance cruiser as well, but it is price too high. If you can't afford a new Wing, you can look for used ones or a Valkyrie. It has the same motor

Answer 8

Find a motorcycle that fits you, and your style of riding. Each have features and characteristics that you may or may not like. No "name brand" manufacturer has reached the level they have by making a piece of junk. People are more than willing to give you their opinion on the best bike. ask as many riders you can about what they like and dislike about the bike(s) they ride.

Answer 9

Long distances: Honda Goldwing touring motorcycle

Traveling to work every day: How far from your work are you?

Answer 10

Whatever you want, it really doesn't matter.
I did it on a Honda, then a Suzuki, then a Yamaha, then more Hondas.

Now I do it on a Harley Davidson.

Brand won't matter, how you care for it will.