My favorite touring motorcycle is the Honda Goldwing. They are known for their quality and dependable nature. I also like the Yamaha Star Venture and the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 as well. All of them are good quality motorcycles.
After 30 years of riding, I can honestly say, Goldwing #1, Indian #2, K # 3. I would not touch the rest. The wing is the best bike all around, period. yes, not prefect like any other, but close to it.
I owned a Voyager, rode it cross country and had a blast. Bought it used, it was reliable and good on the road. But always fought with its weight and didn’t like it for short rides. Traded it for 2021 Goldwing non tour and have taken 2 4000 mile rides with it, and it is the best motorcycle decision I’ve made. It is easy to handle, munches the miles, but easy to maneuver and I felt like a part of the bike after only a couple hundred miles. Not to mention the 4 modes on the DCT you can change the personality from crazy fast and powerful to plenty fast enough and 49 mpg on long trips.
@@northofthecity21 I do have mono lock givi case, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The mount is really simple and works well for on and off and without case doesn’t look awkward.
I think that for long range touring any of these bikes would be fine. However another important factor besides the machine is the network of dealerships if an unexpected repair is needed or just for maintenance on the trip. That's why I think Honda and Harley-Davidson should top the list, at least here in the USA. If you are seriously thinking of touring, that added security should tip the scale on your decision.
I had a HD Ultra Limited and put 70,000 miles on it. Never had a single problem. I sold it, but feel like I betrayed a loyal friend. I now have a 2023 BMW GS 1250 Adventure which I am very happy with. I'm not happy with the way HD is doing business these days, so my next touring bike (I always have two bikes) will either be the Goldwing, K1600, or the Indian Road Master. I just can't decide which one.
Currently own a 2017 GSA & 2022 RGST. Test rode a GW today, so smooth. Been riding 50 years. All bikes have their strong points I feel. GSA does it all.
I have a 2015 Kawasaki 1400 ABS. Works well for me. I now have a lot more time to tour and I am considering upgrading to a GW. When I hit 100,000 km I will likely get a GW. I really want reliable so it will likely be a Honda.
I have a K1600GTL and I LOVE it, the power is addictive. If I ever get a different bike I think it would be the wing. I just don’t the get the big v twin love affair.
I'm currently on a 2013 BMW R1200RT and, for me, it has proven to be the best long distance touring bike I've ever owned. Among those being a 1983 BMW R80RT, a 1993 Goldwing Aspencade, a 1998 Honda ST1100A, and a 2009 Harley Ultra Classic. All of these were good but my R1200RT has been the best in overall comfort, weight, cruising range, and overall weather protection. If money were no object, I'd be upgrading to the new R1250RT but really, there's no need.
I traded my 2010 R1200RT for a new 2018 R1200RT and couldn't agree more! It eats miles, has great weather protection, upright riding position and is at least 200 pounds lighter than most of the bikes in this video. Only other touring bike I'd consider is the FJR1300 for all the same reasons plus the inline four is smoother, it makes more power and burns regular gas.
What a fabulous selection of mile-munching machines. I ride a 1991 Kawasaki Voyager and it oozes character. Won't be selling it any time soon but seriously tempted to add a modern one to join it in the garage....
The best bike for touring. The bike you got. don't wait until you can afford one of these. You can enjoy a tour on any bike you are comfortable riding.
Nice that you added the Voyager. On my second one, just seems to eat up the miles with very few problems. It may be outdated but does what I want a bike to do. Nice video
What kind of real world fuel range do you get with the Voyager? That’s one topic that’s always overlooked but it is so important when we talk about crushing miles. The problem with my Voyager XII now is that I spend too much time in gas stations.
I currently ride a Cruiser but if I could afford it I would probably go with the Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited or Road Glide Limited. I feel like they would have a more stimulating feel. That plus their extensive dealer network. But that’s just my opinion. Whatever you choose to ride….safe travels.
Holding up 800 pound motorcycles is challenging. Lifting up a dropped one is impossible. Look for a lighter bike with around 1000 to 1200 cc. Also consider the fact that long distance multi-day road trips might make up 10 percent of your riding mileage. Most of us typically ride 200 mile day trips. You don't need 160 hp to do that
i will be purchasing a tour bike within the next year. I have always wanted a new goldwing, but they changed the fuel capacity to 5.5 gallons which means you cannot pass up a gas station. GRRR... so now i may be going with the BMW Grand America tour as it still has a 7 gallon tank. Do you think Honda will ever change it back to a large capacity?
I've talked to a few owners of the newer Wings and a few of them told me that they actually get a little better mileage than the older 1800 and that they can ride a little further with the better mileage.
Do not get the Grand America. I owned it for 2 years. It has issues with pulling the handlebar slightly to the left and dirty air wobble issues at higher speeds. That is why its very limited on speed. I wished I did more research earlier. More over, make sure you have a dealer close by. You will need it, I promise you. Very complicated and finicky engine.
@@alp3781 thank you for the reply. I have been hearing the gold wing mileage is better and even with a smaller capacity it can still go like 250 miles per tank
I am a fan of the road glide limited. But a road glide special with a detachable tour pack serves the same purpose. But out of these five, I would go with the BMW.
Ride an old victory v92 1507 cc large fairing hard bags with trunk touch screen radio with 4 speakers biggest bike I will ever own being 64 yrs old it plenty for for a big bike
The Goldwing is number 1? I don't think so. It is very comfortable if you're riding in straight lines but that's not motorcycling to me. Plus the side cases are fixed, they do not come off, and the horse power is terrible. My BMW r 1250 GS has more horse power than the Goldwing, but my BMW K1600 GTL would leave the Goldwing in the dust. Nothing can compete with the BMW K 1600, nothing is even close.
I've a 2018 Honda Goldwing DCT and 2020 BMW K1600 GTL with a 719opt. You're correct that Beemer will leave that Goldwing in the dust. The difference is when it comes to touring the top case on the Beemer will make the real squirmy, the only way to enjoy that bike long distance is to remove that top case. Now, you've a whole completely different bike, the Goldwing is no slouch for long distance though. They're both Sport Touring bikes, but if your looking for speed. The Beemer hands down with no top case,.
@@ronwigginton3880 I'm on bike number 38. I've had 3 Harley's, 2 Goldwings and have had 2 BMW'S, one of which I currently ride. Two of my main riding buddies had Harley's and moved to Indian's, so I've had a chance to ride those. I've been fortunate enough to be able to ride all over the country and have numerous Iron Butt rides, so my opinion is a lot more based on experience rather than watching RUclips videos, though i do enjoy a good shoot out video. With that said, based on my experience, it's not that I don't like the big twins, they're good looking bikes with tons of character, but they lack in terms of performance. The Goldwing has much better handling and stability at faster highway speeds compared to the V-twin, and it's reliability is second to none. I currently ride a BMW K1600GT and in terms of performance and features, the v-twins are not even on the same planet. Where touring bikes are concerned, the Goldwing and BMW's are really in a class by themselves. Compare the V-twin touring bikes to each other because it's a much more fair comparison. I believe there's a ton more people considering switching from a Harley to an Indian, or vice versa, then there are Harley and Indian riders considering going to a BMW anyway.
Yeah - I want a bike that will carry myself and pillion with full luggage with a long range fuel tank in total comfort and I want it to weigh less than 300 pounds 🥸
@@danman5857 You assume wrong. Been riding since 1978. Too many Harley riders get into that , I'm better than you attitude. Not all. You must be one of them.
@@benney7520 , nope always been a jap bike man myself, since '79. What ever happened to, "it don't matter what you ride, as long as you ride". You throw people into a category because of a few. Not cool.
I will never ever touch an HD, even with a coupon for 1/2 off. HD riders buy one cause Joe has one. Goldwing riders buy one cause they just want to ride and ride and.....ride and ride and who cares where the local dealer is in the event of a repair. HD is over rated, old 2 wheeler, poor design, reliably poor, yes, in 2023 too, and horrible after sell service. KEEP IT. I will always ride the plasticly JAP Goldwing. I know what I have, you, HD riders, have no idea what you miss.
What is your favourite touring motorcycle and why? Leave your thoughts and comments. Thanks for watching! 😎✌️
My favorite touring motorcycle is the Honda Goldwing. They are known for their quality and dependable nature. I also like the Yamaha Star Venture and the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 as well. All of them are good quality motorcycles.
After 30 years of riding, I can honestly say, Goldwing #1, Indian #2, K # 3. I would not touch the rest. The wing is the best bike all around, period. yes, not prefect like any other, but close to it.
I owned a Voyager, rode it cross country and had a blast. Bought it used, it was reliable and good on the road. But always fought with its weight and didn’t like it for short rides. Traded it for 2021 Goldwing non tour and have taken 2 4000 mile rides with it, and it is the best motorcycle decision I’ve made. It is easy to handle, munches the miles, but easy to maneuver and I felt like a part of the bike after only a couple hundred miles. Not to mention the 4 modes on the DCT you can change the personality from crazy fast and powerful to plenty fast enough and 49 mpg on long trips.
I have the exact same bike. Do you add a top case for long trips? I wonder how one of those big black square boxes would look like on it.
@@northofthecity21 I do have mono lock givi case, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The mount is really simple and works well for on and off and without case doesn’t look awkward.
I think that for long range touring any of these bikes would be fine. However another important factor besides the machine is the network of dealerships if an unexpected repair is needed or just for maintenance on the trip. That's why I think Honda and Harley-Davidson should top the list, at least here in the USA. If you are seriously thinking of touring, that added security should tip the scale on your decision.
For the first time in my life I have the opportunity to get the Honda Goldwing. Can't wait.
You will not regret it. Its a promise!!!
Have a Goldwing love it, had a Harley but was a bike with a lot of problems
Honda Gold Wing DCT Touring is my favorite Touring Bike. I like it because of the Tech and feature it packs as bike.
I had a HD Ultra Limited and put 70,000 miles on it. Never had a single problem. I sold it, but feel like I betrayed a loyal friend. I now have a 2023 BMW GS 1250 Adventure which I am very happy with. I'm not happy with the way HD is doing business these days, so my next touring bike (I always have two bikes) will either be the Goldwing, K1600, or the Indian Road Master. I just can't decide which one.
Currently own a 2017 GSA & 2022 RGST. Test rode a GW today, so smooth. Been riding 50 years. All bikes have their strong points I feel. GSA does it all.
I guess the most affordable tourer is my choice, which is the Voyager !
I have a 2015 Kawasaki 1400 ABS. Works well for me. I now have a lot more time to tour and I am considering upgrading to a GW. When I hit 100,000 km I will likely get a GW. I really want reliable so it will likely be a Honda.
I have a K1600GTL and I LOVE it, the power is addictive. If I ever get a different bike I think it would be the wing. I just don’t the get the big v twin love affair.
Nice list. Well done video. I'm still on a 2004 BMW R1200CLC. Really enjoy putting the miles on that one.
I'm currently on a 2013 BMW R1200RT and, for me, it has proven to be the best long distance touring bike I've ever owned. Among those being a 1983 BMW R80RT, a 1993 Goldwing Aspencade, a 1998 Honda ST1100A, and a 2009 Harley Ultra Classic. All of these were good but my R1200RT has been the best in overall comfort, weight, cruising range, and overall weather protection. If money were no object, I'd be upgrading to the new R1250RT but really, there's no need.
I traded my 2010 R1200RT for a new 2018 R1200RT and couldn't agree more! It eats miles, has great weather protection, upright riding position and is at least 200 pounds lighter than most of the bikes in this video. Only other touring bike I'd consider is the FJR1300 for all the same reasons plus the inline four is smoother, it makes more power and burns regular gas.
What a fabulous selection of mile-munching machines. I ride a 1991 Kawasaki Voyager and it oozes character. Won't be selling it any time soon but seriously tempted to add a modern one to join it in the garage....
Is anybody ever surprised that the Goldwing is always at the top of these lists???
Not at all✅
2023 Honda Goldwing #1 Choice. Plus I own one.
I want one but the fuel capacity is so much smaller now.
I like the adventure bikes for touring because I like to sit upright and when you're feet are below you your controlling the ride
Indian Road Master. Just enough of what you need.
The best bike for touring. The bike you got. don't wait until you can afford one of these. You can enjoy a tour on any bike you are comfortable riding.
have a 2021 goldwing non tour. i wish i could have had the Guhl tune. Great bike and love riding it.
Nice that you added the Voyager. On my second one, just seems to eat up the miles with very few problems. It may be outdated but does what I want a bike to do. Nice video
What kind of real world fuel range do you get with the Voyager? That’s one topic that’s always overlooked but it is so important when we talk about crushing miles. The problem with my Voyager XII now is that I spend too much time in gas stations.
@@ssfd739 39-41mpg.
Great review , I love my 2022 kawasaki vaquero
I currently ride a Cruiser but if I could afford it I would probably go with the Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited or Road Glide Limited. I feel like they would have a more stimulating feel. That plus their extensive dealer network. But that’s just my opinion. Whatever you choose to ride….safe travels.
Holding up 800 pound motorcycles is challenging. Lifting up a dropped one is impossible. Look for a lighter bike with around 1000 to 1200 cc. Also consider the fact that long distance multi-day road trips might make up 10 percent of your riding mileage. Most of us typically ride 200 mile day trips. You don't need 160 hp to do that
I own a 2010 Victory Vision. Love to tour. Think my next bike will be a Indian. I’ve owned a Goldwing and a Venture.
You are great, thanks for time stamps. 👍🏻
I’ve always wanted to ride the Victory Vision but never had the chance. I would have worn my George Jetson suit.
i will be purchasing a tour bike within the next year. I have always wanted a new goldwing, but they changed the fuel capacity to 5.5 gallons which means you cannot pass up a gas station. GRRR... so now i may be going with the BMW Grand America tour as it still has a 7 gallon tank. Do you think Honda will ever change it back to a large capacity?
It has the same range as the older model because it gets significantly better mileage. Honda has you covered
I've talked to a few owners of the newer Wings and a few of them told me that they actually get a little better mileage than the older 1800 and that they can ride a little further with the better mileage.
Thank you for the info on the mileage guys!
Do not get the Grand America. I owned it for 2 years. It has issues with pulling the handlebar slightly to the left and dirty air wobble issues at higher speeds. That is why its very limited on speed. I wished I did more research earlier. More over, make sure you have a dealer close by. You will need it, I promise you. Very complicated and finicky engine.
@@alp3781 thank you for the reply. I have been hearing the gold wing mileage is better and even with a smaller capacity it can still go like 250 miles per tank
Why is there a Yamaha Star Venture shown near the end of this video, but no mention of it in the reviews? I hear it's a great touring bike.
K1600 GTL
Still riding my cheap Kawasaki Voyager and haven't ridden anything more comfortable yet. Thousands of dollars still in my pocket too. LOL
Great info as always.
Ride safe
Cheers brother! 😎✌️
I am a fan of the road glide limited. But a road glide special with a detachable tour pack serves the same purpose.
But out of these five, I would go with the BMW.
BMW K1600 GT - best bike for you buck and the power and comfort is unmatched.
Honda Goldwing
BMW is for me
The Yamaha Touring bike
I keep looking at the BMW R18 Transcontinental.
Ride an old victory v92 1507 cc large fairing hard bags with trunk touch screen radio with 4 speakers biggest bike I will ever own being 64 yrs old it plenty for for a big bike
Honda Gold wing, and tough competition given by indian raod master
Indian has up their game in the past few years 🔥🔥🔥
There's have good one also yahama star venture
I wish Honda would continue the ctx700
I’ll stick with my Yamaha Royal Star Venture with its V4 shaft drive
I wonder how it performs on long trips?!
Are you from India?
Honda Valkyrie (i know it's only available used)
Can Am Spyder RT 👍🏾2023
Get r1250 rt instead of k1600
Honda ST1300 or newer CTX1300
Goldwing
BMW Transcontinental!
The Goldwing is number 1? I don't think so. It is very comfortable if you're riding in straight lines but that's not motorcycling to me. Plus the side cases are fixed, they do not come off, and the horse power is terrible. My BMW r 1250 GS has more horse power than the Goldwing, but my BMW K1600 GTL would leave the Goldwing in the dust. Nothing can compete with the BMW K 1600, nothing is even close.
I've a 2018 Honda Goldwing DCT and 2020 BMW K1600 GTL with a 719opt. You're correct that Beemer will leave that Goldwing in the dust. The difference is when it comes to touring the top case on the Beemer will make the real squirmy, the only way to enjoy that bike long distance is to remove that top case. Now, you've a whole completely different bike, the Goldwing is no slouch for long distance though. They're both Sport Touring bikes, but if your looking for speed. The Beemer hands down with no top case,.
How does airbag work? Anyone? Anyone?
St 1300. Great all round bike.
Best to worst:
Honda
BMW
Indian
Harley
Kaw
Ok, I get it. You don't like big v twins. They're not for everybody.
@@ronwigginton3880 I'm on bike number 38. I've had 3 Harley's, 2 Goldwings and have had 2 BMW'S, one of which I currently ride. Two of my main riding buddies had Harley's and moved to Indian's, so I've had a chance to ride those. I've been fortunate enough to be able to ride all over the country and have numerous Iron Butt rides, so my opinion is a lot more based on experience rather than watching RUclips videos, though i do enjoy a good shoot out video.
With that said, based on my experience, it's not that I don't like the big twins, they're good looking bikes with tons of character, but they lack in terms of performance. The Goldwing has much better handling and stability at faster highway speeds compared to the V-twin, and it's reliability is second to none. I currently ride a BMW K1600GT and in terms of performance and features, the v-twins are not even on the same planet. Where touring bikes are concerned, the Goldwing and BMW's are really in a class by themselves. Compare the V-twin touring bikes to each other because it's a much more fair comparison. I believe there's a ton more people considering switching from a Harley to an Indian, or vice versa, then there are Harley and Indian riders considering going to a BMW anyway.
Japan
Germany
USA
USA
Japan
Like I said, I get it
@@ronwigginton3880 and I too, get it.
9
Everyone of them is way too heavy.
Yeah - I want a bike that will carry myself and pillion with full luggage with a long range fuel tank in total comfort and I want it to weigh less than 300 pounds 🥸
Yeah, what he said!!! Good one.
You should have included the FJR 1300 Yamaha, it will out perform most of the bikes here.
Honda goldwing DCT tour all day. Everything else is left behind.
Harley riders just don't get it. They think inside the box and can't get out. Childish.
Based on a comment like this, I will assume you don't even ride and certainly don't get the motorcycle lifestyle.
@@danman5857 You assume wrong. Been riding since 1978. Too many Harley riders get into that , I'm better than you attitude. Not all. You must be one of them.
@@benney7520 , nope always been a jap bike man myself, since '79. What ever happened to, "it don't matter what you ride, as long as you ride". You throw people into a category because of a few. Not cool.
I will never ever touch an HD, even with a coupon for 1/2 off. HD riders buy one cause Joe has one. Goldwing riders buy one cause they just want to ride and ride and.....ride and ride and who cares where the local dealer is in the event of a repair. HD is over rated, old 2 wheeler, poor design, reliably poor, yes, in 2023 too, and horrible after sell service. KEEP IT. I will always ride the plasticly JAP Goldwing. I know what I have, you, HD riders, have no idea what you miss.
These bikes are big ugly and heavy. The FJR Yamaha will give you more bang for your buck, and is a Much better looking bike.