I am considering purchasing a really nice, full featured motorcycle to do some traveling with around the USA, Canada and eventually through out Europe. I would also like to add a sidecar to give the bike better balance, can anyone suggest a good brand and model or any tips?
Thank you in advance
2007-07-12 09:02:29 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
This motorcycle will have all the creature comforts available for long distance traveling, I used to do alot of riding when I was younger, mostly in California, and some limited travel in Mexico, but have not kept up with any of the new features now available, thus the reason for asking for your tips.
2007-07-12 09:07:20 · update #1
At 51, I've owned 26 bikes. I built my first mini bike at age 10. I've owned and ridden just about every type of bike there is. My last 5 have been harley's, including the 2007 Ultra Classic I bought last week. I got that bike with every option you can name for comfort on long rides. I've taken rides from a couple of hundred miles to 2400 + miles on Hondas, BMW's, Kawasaki's and of course Harleys. I may lean towards Harleys myself, But I would recomend for you, either a Honda Aspencaide or a Harley or BMW. My reasons are these: parts for the honda are everywhere, reliability is fantastic. I never broke a Honda street bike in thousands of miles of riding. The BMW is harder to get parts for in some states, but it is pretty reliable, and rides smooth. A harley Wide glide classic or utra classic are top of the line as far as I'm concerned, with the ultra edging out the classic beccause it has 4 speakers for the radio instead of 2 on the classic, it has full intercom and cb radio built into the bike, it comes with cruise control, hard locking saddlebags and tour pak, has a great GRVW rating, a 96CI twin cam motor, 6 speed transmission as opposed to 5 speed on many bikes, mine gets 42 to 48 MPG fully loaded with 2 riders and has power to spare, cruises smooth (air adjustable rear suspension) and loves to go. The only negatives I've found on the Ultra are: it puts out a little more heat from the motor than I like, so I installed a set of saddle shields from Kuryakyn to keep my thighs cooler, and 5th gear is cut at a straight angle instead of curved like the other gears, so If you're not expecting it, 5th gear is noisier than the other gears. 6th is silky smooth and quiet as a church mouse. I cruise at 75 mph with two riders (I weigh 300lbs my wife 125) turning 2200 rpms in 6th. Harley readily accepts a side car too.
Hope my input helps. Oh, last thought, Harley has great financing too, Honda is good, BMW is a little tougher.
Good luck
2007-07-12 10:21:52 · answer #1 · answered by randy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes! Most of the higher end touring bikes these days offer it either standard or as an option. BMW, H-D, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki I know have it on theirs. I've ridden the cruise equipped Victory and Harley touring bikes and find that it works quite well. If the bike isn't so equipped I tend to put a throttle lock, like a Vista-Cruise, on my own bikes just so I can give my wrist muscles a break on longer rides & trips. Throttle locks are not real cruise controls though, so they'll let the bike/engine speed change on inclines. They only hold a throttle setting. Real cruise control actually changes the throttle position electrically to adjust the engine power to maintain a set speed.
2016-04-01 00:40:00 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All down to your choice but I have had Goldwings for more than 12 years and they are great for the touring. Now I ride a Harley Ultra Classic Electraglide and very different but still great . The only other choice would be BMW. So now you have other people's opinions you have to choose. I would personally hire a couple for the weekend and get out ther and do some serious miles and then at least you can make an informed choice.
Harley for me is where I want to be right now but the Wing is definately more comfortable.
Good luck with your choice and either way ride and keep safe
2007-07-13 09:18:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
goldwings have a built in air compresser to go with all of the creature comforts...
Harley ultra classics -- I do a 4-5,000 mile trip every summer in 2 weeks on mine.. its a 2003 with over 60,000 miles on it.. I have a bad lower back and have no problems.... the air shocks have to be manually checked and the air pressure checked in them daily on trips like this... the only thing I don't like about it is that if you are carrying a passenger... the rear speakers are at the bottom corners of the rear seat.... the passenger usually sits on them ---
The Goldwings rear speakers are up at the arm rest area.
BMW... I know people who swear by them... I've never riden 1 tho.
Victory is also coming out -or recently has started selling--- a dresser... haven't heard anything about it except it should be just under $20,000 in price...
As to which would be better... that would be personal preference.
2007-07-13 11:04:42 · answer #4 · answered by New rider-- again 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hear everyone on the BMW and the Honda Goldwing - both are real nice bikes. I was looking for a used Goldwing when I came across a 1998 Harley Ultra Classic. I bought it and have no regrets.
I don't use it for cross country trips. a few hundred miles here and there. I really enjoy being able to customize it.
If I were doing a lot of cross country I would have stayed with the Goldwing. ABS brakes, airbag, reverse, NAV system. It's a lot of bike for less than $20k.
2007-07-12 09:31:11 · answer #5 · answered by Toolman 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
the most comfortable, smooth, reliable, and fully featured motorcycle around is the Honda gold wing. It's got plenty of power too and can smoke a Lamborghini Diablo in the quarter mile if your feeling bored with touring someday. One of BMW's many touring bikes would be my second choice
2007-07-12 10:12:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
If your seriously considering a bike with a chair,you may as well go the whole hog and buy a large convertible car
Goldwing is probably the best US touring barge,1600 flat 6,reverse gear etc.Only problem is you would have to meet goldwing owners.Mind you,if you got a BMW,those owners are almost as dull
2007-07-12 09:46:03 · answer #7 · answered by salforddude 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Adding a sidecar changes things. It may limit your choices. I don't have a suggestion but do have a tip: With the large area you want to cover, parts and repairs will play a factor. You want a world-wide service network to support you. Even if you turn your own wrench, you need a replacement for the broken part.
2007-07-12 11:57:39 · answer #8 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honda Goldwings have the most comfortable seats anywhere, they have CD players, A/C and even a reverse gear. Plenty of storage for long trips.
2007-07-12 09:26:45 · answer #9 · answered by cappatown23 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've always felt BMW motorcycles are the most comfortable riding bike on the market. Also, compared to Harley's you get a lot more for your money. I don't know if they are side care compatible however.
2007-07-12 09:07:51 · answer #10 · answered by keiths66 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋