Which touring bike do you recommend
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
I bought my Ultra so the wife would be comfortable. Although I didn't buy it for me, I have grown to love it. The things I like about it are the storage capacity between the bags and tourpack - plus I flat out love the look of the batwing. Personally, I don't really care about all the extra electronic goodies on the Ultra but I haven't really used any of them much so don't rely on them. I can see the utility of maybe bike to bike CB or the radio if I get bored on a trip, but have never used the CB and have only used the radio once or twice. Nice to haves I guess.
Don't care if any of the extra stuff is removeable - the bike handles fine with everything on it and am way too old to care how I look. I'm on a Harley so that's cool enough for me
I personally feel that too much comfort on a motorcycle is a bad thing. I rode all the way from Texas to Milwaukee and back on my Wide Glide (in 2 days), leaning on a duffle bag. I like the wind in my face and the feel of the bike's vibrations, etc. No radio, just the wind and my exhaust. My Ultra has a relatively short windshield so the wind is in my face and I love it. No lowers because they isolate me from the feel of being in the wind and I think they are ugly. The stock (2007) seat on my Ultra is terrible (too soft) and I need to get a Mustang. The Ultra will be better on trips because I have two foot positions and because I can haul my stuff easier, without having 92 bungie cords to hold everything on. The batwing keeps the wind off my chest so I can ride longer before I get tired.
Don't care if any of the extra stuff is removeable - the bike handles fine with everything on it and am way too old to care how I look. I'm on a Harley so that's cool enough for me
I personally feel that too much comfort on a motorcycle is a bad thing. I rode all the way from Texas to Milwaukee and back on my Wide Glide (in 2 days), leaning on a duffle bag. I like the wind in my face and the feel of the bike's vibrations, etc. No radio, just the wind and my exhaust. My Ultra has a relatively short windshield so the wind is in my face and I love it. No lowers because they isolate me from the feel of being in the wind and I think they are ugly. The stock (2007) seat on my Ultra is terrible (too soft) and I need to get a Mustang. The Ultra will be better on trips because I have two foot positions and because I can haul my stuff easier, without having 92 bungie cords to hold everything on. The batwing keeps the wind off my chest so I can ride longer before I get tired.
Last edited by sargek; Jun 13, 2012 at 09:39 AM.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Yeah, go buy a new GW. They will give you a bag of rice. If you lose your Job, you will have something to eat. As for the Victory Cross Country, I test rode one yesterday. The fit and finish is terrible. It didn't ride any better than my Road King.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
The Heritage is not a 2-up touring bike although obviously it is used as such.
It may have similar suspension travel but it lacks the capacity, locking, weatherproof storage, smaller tank and no cruise control. It's suspension isn't as easy to adjust either.
Not sure about seat to peg distance. Having a radio is certainly nice as well.
It may have similar suspension travel but it lacks the capacity, locking, weatherproof storage, smaller tank and no cruise control. It's suspension isn't as easy to adjust either.
Not sure about seat to peg distance. Having a radio is certainly nice as well.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I'm not sure the problem is so much the bike as the wife or you. Truth is, motorcycles aren't very comfortable. Sure I/you can ride 12 hour days but anyone that says it's comfortable is lying. Your wife may just not be willing to put up with it or you may be expecting/asking too much of her. I'm still pissed my wife doesn't want to ride anymore, but I kind'a know I scared her a few too many times. There may be more comfortable bikes but before ya go out and get one, make sure that's the problem.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
The Limited is great, however you still may need to change seats or make a few other changes to fit you both. BTW, my OL has knee problems and me the dreaded back issues so we need to stop periodically and stretch, regarless of the type of bike. I'm sort of leaning towards a Tri-Glide for my next purchase, probably about the same comfort as the Limited just more for stability at stops.
Last edited by MADHOG; Jun 13, 2012 at 01:01 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 304
Likes: 8
From: Lugoff, SC
I don't necessarily agree with that. On my Fatboy I could go everywhere by myself; not too much issue w/comfort. But, for my wife, about 70 miles on the back and she was done. Same for my daughter.
But, with the Road Glide, we've gone on vacations together on the bike, often times knocking out 150 miles between gas and bathroom breaks. She always says she's good when we stop.
Now, seat choice will make a big difference for her on the touring bike. There are some pretty comfortable touring seats out there and some pretty uncomfortable seats. choose wisely, they're all expensive.
But, with the Road Glide, we've gone on vacations together on the bike, often times knocking out 150 miles between gas and bathroom breaks. She always says she's good when we stop.
Now, seat choice will make a big difference for her on the touring bike. There are some pretty comfortable touring seats out there and some pretty uncomfortable seats. choose wisely, they're all expensive.
I'm not sure the problem is so much the bike as the wife or you. Truth is, motorcycles aren't very comfortable. Sure I/you can ride 12 hour days but anyone that says it's comfortable is lying. Your wife may just not be willing to put up with it or you may be expecting/asking too much of her. I'm still pissed my wife doesn't want to ride anymore, but I kind'a know I scared her a few too many times. There may be more comfortable bikes but before ya go out and get one, make sure that's the problem.
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Joe Kucinski
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
You really owe it to yourself and the wife to test a FLHTK. When I had my 08 UC and rode twoup, I had the Tourpak slid back two inches. I had Kuryakyn Passenger footpegs. My wife would sit back there all day and not one complaint. I would ask her occasionally if she wanted to stop and rest. She would say if you do fine but I'm ok!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 4
From: pittsburgh, pa
First you ripped on EG's and sang the praises of the RK, now this???
I think there's a forum for you somewhere-Goldwing-Mocha Latte lovers forum or the BMW 'n Baked Brie forum, something.
