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Researching my next bike - after riding the Boss Hoss over the weekend, I know that I don't want one of those. I will ride each of these bikes over the next year or so, so I'm looking for feedback from those who have put serious mileage on their bikes. I know the Rocket III isn't really in this group, but with aftermarket fairing and bags it can get close...
What I'm looking for is a bike that can handle the long rides with low maintenance (and easy to find mechanics nationwide), and good maneuverability around town. Basically I'll ride it daily like I do my Bonneville- commuting to and from work, but be able to take off on 1000 mile weekenders or cross country trips.

I'm not going to vote because I haven't ridden all of those. Actually, the only one I've ridden is the BMW KLT. There is a big difference between some of those bikes, both stylewise and ergowise.

I would suggest sitting on them. Comfort is everything if you're going to do a long trip. My long trips are more around the 400-500 range and at that point the only thing I cared about was the comfort of the seat and other ergonomic considerations.

The KLT is top heavy compared to the GW, but is very comfortable and comes with a reverse and hydraulic center stand.

well....no surprise...here I voted for the HD touring machine. Why....because I have one. A few models down...but the same bike. Mine is an 03 FLHT have had it since 12/29/02. 48k miles plus on it as it sitting in the parking lot. About 26 or 27 states I have lost count it has been in. Other than basic stuff...it has been an awesome bike....

Now I can't speak to the others on the list. But I would tend to think that the Gold wings....are a pretty good product! Honda usually puts out real good cycles....and have heard lots of positives from BMW riders.

So I would close with this...I think you have a hell of a choice in front of you. Good luck w/it.....

ride safe!!!!

Man, you're talking some serious dosh for those bikes.

Some of the longest 'long riders' I know ride 20 year old BMW's, Single cylinder KLR 650's and 80's era Goldwings. Don't get me wrong, go out and buy if you have your heart set on one of these bikes. Before you do though, I'd recommend picking up a copy of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" ... or even better, one of these 2 - "Longrider: A Tale of Just Passin Through" or "The Ghost of Scootertrash Past" by Mark Tiger Edmonds.

2 questions for you to consider -

What's wrong w/ the Bonnie for long-distance touring?
and...
Why do you think you need to spend over $15 grand for a long distance bike?

Anyway, I voted "Other," in case you can't tell

After sitting on all four bikes my vote would be for the GoldWing. As always, research as much as you can and take into account regular maintenance costs (I hear GW's eat tires for dinner).

TechTMW wrote: 2 questions for you to consider -

What's wrong w/ the Bonnie for long-distance touring?
and...
Why do you think you need to spend over $15 grand for a long distance bike?

The bonneville is a great bike - don't get me wrong - I just want a little smoother ride for the long trips. Also, 2-up on the Bonneville it just feels a little sluggish - so I'm looking for more power and comfort.
I also really like the gizmos you can get - stereo, anti-lock brakes, intercom, larger bags, etc that fit much easier on the bigger bikes.

The price of these bikes isn't really an issue - I want the best, lowest maintenance bike I can get that fits my needs and wants. I read "Zen" a long time ago - I'll take a look at the other books you reccomend. Thanks

I'm not going be doing this for at least a year, just starting my research.

tex1230 wrote:What I'm looking for is a bike that can handle the long rides with low maintenance (and easy to find mechanics nationwide), and good maneuverability around town.

That describes alot of bikes that aren't necessarily "touring" bikes. I can only speak about the GW and only from a passenger stand point and it's an awesome bike. My husband sold his Vulcan 1600 classic and the GW is now his only bike. It's not only great for the long trips but nice and nimble to use around town.

Like the others have mentioned, do your research...

tex1230 wrote:
I also really like the gizmos you can get

You are a BMW man at heart ..

I'd go for the BMW based on the self-deploying center stand ... you're going to need it with how much those bikes weigh!!

TechTMW wrote:I'd go for the BMW based on the self-deploying center stand ... you're going to need it with how much those bikes weigh!!

First time I sat the the KLT, it was on the showroom floor. I had my feet on the foot pegs with the centerstand deployed. The salesman mumbled something to me in broken english and then proceded to push the bike off the stand with my feet still on the pegs. 900lbs of bike start tilting over, and it took both my leg strength and the salesmen pushing to catch it and get it upright again.

Definetely some unpleasant words were exchanged, but I wouldn't have paid had it gone down. Anyway, the moral is that those are heavy machines.

I'm a big fan of buying a bike you like and then outfitting it for touring. That's what I did with my FZ1. I just did 2193 miles over the course of 4 days, with 2 of the days being over 600 miles each and the last day being almost 800 miles.





But then, I'm just sayin', you know.