Author Topic: Motorcycle touring vs. cruising (Read 1606 times)

Black Sheep · « **on:** July 01, 2007, 04:49:26 PM »

I'm torn as to which direction to go. I guess it depends on how much I'm gonna be riding - I bought a Rebel 250 with a few mods to see if I was gonna stick with it. So I am going to get something larger and more comfortable for longer excursions and less vibrations. I'm not getting into anything new - but I am leaning towards either a used Harley 883 or a BMW R1100. Or split the difference and get a Ducati Monster. All have pros and cons. I can go longer distance with the BMW and still feel my butt afterwards. Harley is a Harley. Loud and a head turner. All have touring field trips. Just want to see what kind of bikes people on here are riding.

bj229r · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2007, 04:59:50 PM »

You won't like a Sportster for touring. Lots cheaper, but if you're going the Harley route, get one of the many (used) softail models---prolly 13 grand or so, in 5 years you can just about sell it for same. Can't speak to the other makes.

Black Sheep · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:07:45 PM »

Softtails are too big for my height and weight - unless it is severely lowered - I have ridden both and even a Shadow 750. But for some reason the BMW 1100 or 1200 fits right, as well as the smaller 883 Harleys.

I'm just not sure how much long distance I'll get to do.

MiloMorai · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:19:59 PM »

How small are you?

I will tell you this, the softtail I now ride is much better than the Sporty I rode. My brother has an Electra Glide and is 5'7". Never heard him complain.

If leg length is a problem look at the Low Rider.

Seat heights are given here, http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/content/pages/home.jsp?HDCWPSession=DHlnfpHv02VJ9HhTLJpyWtRhyHjGWl4TS8ZfsfJyMsJT6Lg2kTdT!510538031!899562415&locale=en_ca

moot · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:28:43 PM »

Try them all.

LYNX · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:32:18 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Black Sheep
Softtails are too big for my height and weight - unless it is severely lowered - I have ridden both and even a Shadow 750. But for some reason the BMW 1100 or 1200 fits right, as well as the smaller 883 Harleys.

I'm just not sure how much long distance I'll get to do.

Stay away from that 883. Like most HD's they don't stop and they don't go round corners. It's no faster than a jap 250 from the 70's. 98 MPH was it's lot and I couldn't keep me feet on the pegs for the vibration. I guess it's nick named a b***h bike for more than 1 reason. Oh nearly forgot nothing worse than a small fuel tank.

It's up to you though. HD's look great and have prestige but if it's just the fun of the open road your after my money would go on a cheap Jap bike.

bj229r · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2007, 06:15:01 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Black Sheep
Softtails are too big for my height and weight - unless it is severely lowered - I have ridden both and even a Shadow 750. But for some reason the BMW 1100 or 1200 fits right, as well as the smaller 883 Harleys.

I'm just not sure how much long distance I'll get to do.

Wife has same issue, and Sportster is just to high for her to touch ground. She LOVED the Softails, but we didnt have the money to put out---many of the Jap vtwins, although they sat fairly low, were STILL a problem, as the pipes stuck WAY out to the side, which STILL was a problem for said 5'4" chick. She ended up with a used Suzuki Intruder (since replaced by the 'Boulevard')--its pipes go DOWN and back, instead of sideways. When I ride my '62 Panhead with her, I simply pretend I don't know her:D

Xjazz · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2007, 06:33:14 PM »

Ask from yourself

Do you wanna have a real motorbike or to have a '1%' wanna-be late pube rebel over hyped&priced well marketed "American quality & iron bike"?

The Massey Davidson or was it Harley Ferguson, proofs the old truth about the sellers and buyers...

BTW
What bike the feared HA wanted to actual drive in first case?

Cougar68 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2007, 07:21:14 PM »

If the vibrations of the Rebel turned you off you sure as heck don't need to be looking at Harley's.

Cougar68 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2007, 07:22:11 PM »

Just to add, I had a Shadow ACE for a while. I used to poke at the Harley guys and tell them the biggest difference between their cruiser and mine was that when I hit the starter, mine actually would run.

mentalguy · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2007, 07:35:58 PM »

I personaly have a Honda VTX 1800, which is huge for someone of my size(150lbs, 5'3"). the VTX 1300 would be nice for someone more your size. However this is just my riding style.

Black Sheep · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2007, 07:42:52 PM »

I test drove a Suzuki Boulevard C40 (600cc) and I liked it. Belt drive is smooth and it kept up on the interstate with minimal vibrations.
I am 5'9" and 165lbs. I know that today, most bikes are much more balanced with a better center of gravity.

But like I said, If I know I'm gonna be doing 300+ miles a day, I'd be better off on an import. I may just have to get a Harley at some point later AND a touring bike now, but I want to ditch the Rebel for sure - It was a learner, and a good one at that.

Black Sheep · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2007, 07:46:30 PM »

The Rebel is just 250cc, which whines out at 70mph. It has Jardine pipes on it and a Flowmaster Breather, jetted carbs, so it has a little more pep than stock. But it is still too light and too much vibration for the highway.

I feel much more safer on the road with pipes that are louder than bejesus. So anything I get is gonna get an exhaust overhaul.

Chairboy · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2007, 07:54:57 PM »

Try the Beamer, I bet you'll like it. Almost impossible to beat for touring/cruising. Goldwings are also popular, but it's basically a two wheeled car.

Black Sheep · « **Reply #14 on:** July 01, 2007, 08:00:18 PM »

I was thinking that as well - I like all the amenities that the Beamer has to offer, plus ABS, and they do ride amazing. Even a 15 yr old bike, when kept up, still feels new-ish.