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i dont know much at all about motorcycles but i really want to buy a touring bike....can some one recomend a reliable bike, something that can hold enough luggage for one, go fast but nothing ridiculous, stylish, and something good for a guy traveling from the midwest to the northwest, probobly solo

thanx for the help

guyute89 wrote:i dont know much at all about motorcycles but i really want to buy a touring bike....

How much riding experience do you have? You might be over shooting a bit by starting with a touring bike.

To answer your question, there any many types of touring bikes you can look into something like the BMW's, Gold Wings, Nomad's etc... just depends on your taste and pocket $$

Edited to add: you don't necessarily need a * touring* bike to go cross country... you can buy luggage that will attach to other types of bikes.

Tons of options when it comes to full dress tourers.

Like ST mentioned, we need to know your background in motorcycling (riding experience). Your physical size will help us point you to the right direction.

Regardless of your selection, you're going to find amazing reliability in any make you choose. Motorcycle companies really have the formula down when it comes to reliability. As long as it's well maintained, it's going to come down to fit and maybe power.

Without more knowledge about your specifics -

Take a look at the Kawasaki Concours. Has a fairing, hard bags, it's shaft drive, has a 1 liter motor and it is not expesive new - in the $8000 range.

If you have plenty dough, FJR1300 from Yamaha.

Google those two.

If this is going to be your only bike, focus on getting something versatile. Those bikes Scan mentioned will do the trick for touring, but will also work for commuting or joy riding.

If you don't have much experience, the biggest hurdle with bikes geared toward touring is the weight. At slow speeds they can be a lot to handle for a new rider.

If price isn't an issue, the FJR is really nice but I can't pass up an opportunity to plug BMWs. A used KRS is the way to go!

If you are more of a cruiser guy, most can be fitted with saddlebags. Give a little more info about yourself!

sorry, im a new rider, only riden a couple times, but i nailed the legistics pretty well, im medium build maybe 150 lbs at most... maybe i dont neeed a touring bike, i just want something to get me cross country.... im also looking twoards used bikes under 3000 bucks

thanx

guyute89 wrote:sorry, im a new rider, only riden a couple times, but i nailed the legistics pretty well, im medium build maybe 150 lbs at most... maybe i dont neeed a touring bike, i just want something to get me cross country.... im also looking twoards used bikes under 3000 bucks

thanx

Good things to mention - I retract my points.

nailed the logistics as in what? does that mean you have your cycle endorsment on your liscence?

cross country and under 3000 bucks? You MIGHT be able to snag an old airhead BMW tourer for that if you dont mind a 70s vintage bike.

Could also find an older Kawasaki Concours, Honda Goldwing or Yamaha Venture though they may not be in good condition for that price.

Touring bikes tend to rack up a lot of miles and are generally well taken care of, so they command a premium on the used market.

Many regular streetbikes can be set up for touring, especially cruisers (luggage for cruisers is VERY easy to find). The Kawasaki KLR650 is a popular choice for touring despite being a dual sport, it has a bulletproof engine, HUGE gas tank and is pretty comfy. KLRs have been around awhile and can definately be found for 3k or less.

I ride a Suzuki Bandit which is a common bike to see touring setups on (its pretty comfy for being as sporty as it is), 600 bandits can easily be found under 3k, 1200 bandits can be found in the 3-4k range.

Do you have idea of what style of bike you want, aside from being comfortable enough to do touring on.

First of all.....



Second, Have you checked out the Beginner's Guide? There are also stickies and the Learn To Ride A Motorcycle page which is now downloadable in PDF format (Created and maintained by Dragonhawk).

Third, I also recommend an MSF course and reviewing your state’s (province’s/territory’s) DMV or DOT website for licensing information, guidelines and FAQ.

Fourth, Go to a variety of dealers and sit on all kinds of different motorcycles. Even if you don’t think you’d like the ride when you look at it. I was dead set on one riding style when I started and ended up buying a different type. You may surprise yourself as well. I think a fully dressed touring bike is going to be too much to start on. Especially for the prices you're considering. I think the recommendation about puting luggage on a "regular" bike is a good one.

Fifth, Good Luck and Have Fun! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...