Touring Motorcycle Research and Review
There's no better way to enjoy the scenery than sitting atop a fine motorcycle on a warm day. A pleasant breeze in your face, you've got a world of power at your fingertips and a road full of adventure ahead of you. Take your time or crank it up and get there in a hurry. The choice is yours. 3LUXE has found three "Best Of" touring motorcycles that have it all - performance, a comfortable ride, style and dependability. Our picks will have you clearing your schedule and planning your next road trip. Or looking for a way to get rid of your car.
At 3LUXE we do the research you would do, if you had more time.
When most people think of Honda they think of reliable cars like the Civic and Accord, but for a few of us the experience of the open road is more important than the destination. And for us when we think of Honda, we think of legendary Gold Wing touring motorcycle. The Gold Wing has received more awards than any other touring bike in history and is a dream to ride with a host of advanced features that enhance performance and comfort. The 2009 Premium Audio/Comfort/Navi/ABS model of the Gold Wing is th... FULL REVIEW
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LUXE IT OR LEAVE IT
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MSRP $19,599
If you’re investing in a premium touring motorcycle, you want to know it’s built to last. Hop aboard the BMW K1200GT touring motorcycle and forget any worries about your bike holding up for a long, long time. That’s because BMW bikes are built like two-wheel tanks. Consider that 50% of all the motorcycles BMW has manufactured since 1923 are still prowling the world’s roads. Now that’s reliability. The BMW K1200GT is loaded with smart, advanced features like electronic suspension adjustm... FULL REVIEW
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LUXE IT OR LEAVE IT
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MSRP $18,620
If you're a beloved American icon like Harley-Davidson, it would be easy enough to rest on your laurels and keep pumping out essentially the same motorcycles. But Harley didn't reach legend status by playing it safe, as evidenced by the 2009 Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Sure, this terrific touring bike has all the favorite Harley features but it's been upgraded with a beefier chassis, tweaked front suspension and recalibrated air-suspended shocks for a better overall ride. What stood out in our tes... FULL REVIEW
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LUXE IT OR LEAVE IT
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MSRP $20,999
Posted by tree1November 29, 2007 08:05
This is why I will always own a Harley.They are never openly accepted by the motorcycle journalist as a "purist"machine.
Posted by ljacksoJuly 15, 2008 13:30
The Harley is overpriced and unreliable while the Honda is rock solid but WAY too heavy! I'll take the beamer!
Posted by MichoriumJuly 24, 2009 21:43
Howcome the yamaha venture is not included.
Posted by MichoriumJuly 24, 2009 21:47
I found the beemer too top heavy. Hard to handle in a parking lot. It is easy to ride down the interstate.
The Harley is too expected, too heavy and too much attitude. The two touring bike I like are the big Venture and the Gold wing. The Venture is lower in price. My current ride is a 2003 Vstrom with 77,000 miles on it.
The Harley is too expected, too heavy and too much attitude. The two touring bike I like are the big Venture and the Gold wing. The Venture is lower in price. My current ride is a 2003 Vstrom with 77,000 miles on it.
Posted by Mello GAugust 02, 2009 22:20
Harley Transmission Noise
I have a 2007 Electra glide with 1060 miles, and I have the whiny high pitch noise, when riding on the fifth gear, the Electra glide is suppose to be a long distance touring, it supposed to be pleasant and comfortable.
I took the bike to a two different Harley dealers because I thought something was wrong in the transmition, and both Harley dealers had the same answer, it is just noise it is nothing wrong with the transmission it is normal.
My question is. If there is nothing wrong with it then why did they fix the problem on the Touring 2008 and 2009 models?
This is my third Harley. As a loyal customer and like thousands of riders out there because we love Harley brand and the engine exhaust sound, it does not mean we have to be stuck with other unwanted noises especially on long rides. Besides we are not only buying the Harleys Motorcycles we also buy Service, Parts, Accessories, Clothes, and many items for ourselves, for friends and family relatives.
What I’m trying to say is that Harley motor company should take the initiative and issue a recall to apply the same fixes or repairs or upgrades they did on the 08-09’s and show to their loyal customer their appreciation and responsibility to support their great products.
I know that any of the metric motorcycle factories would not sell a single bike with that defect.
Harley knows better than anybody else does on the market. That to enjoy the open roads on two wheels you can do it on any motorcycle the proof is they produce different types of models.
I just do not want to be like some of my friends and I do not blame them by switching Harley long touring bikes for Honda Gold Wings or BMW LT’s with the prices very much the same as the Ultraglides
As a consumer of Harley products, this is just my humble opinion.
MG
I have a 2007 Electra glide with 1060 miles, and I have the whiny high pitch noise, when riding on the fifth gear, the Electra glide is suppose to be a long distance touring, it supposed to be pleasant and comfortable.
I took the bike to a two different Harley dealers because I thought something was wrong in the transmition, and both Harley dealers had the same answer, it is just noise it is nothing wrong with the transmission it is normal.
My question is. If there is nothing wrong with it then why did they fix the problem on the Touring 2008 and 2009 models?
This is my third Harley. As a loyal customer and like thousands of riders out there because we love Harley brand and the engine exhaust sound, it does not mean we have to be stuck with other unwanted noises especially on long rides. Besides we are not only buying the Harleys Motorcycles we also buy Service, Parts, Accessories, Clothes, and many items for ourselves, for friends and family relatives.
What I’m trying to say is that Harley motor company should take the initiative and issue a recall to apply the same fixes or repairs or upgrades they did on the 08-09’s and show to their loyal customer their appreciation and responsibility to support their great products.
I know that any of the metric motorcycle factories would not sell a single bike with that defect.
Harley knows better than anybody else does on the market. That to enjoy the open roads on two wheels you can do it on any motorcycle the proof is they produce different types of models.
I just do not want to be like some of my friends and I do not blame them by switching Harley long touring bikes for Honda Gold Wings or BMW LT’s with the prices very much the same as the Ultraglides
As a consumer of Harley products, this is just my humble opinion.
MG
Posted by DDoucetteAugust 16, 2009 11:13
I was amazed that the BMW K1200 LT (Luxury Tourer) was not on this list instead of the GT. Imagine a motorcycle with sports bike handling and features that would make a gold wing owner drool. Powered center kickstand, adjustable power windshields. and over 45 MPG.
Not only is the GoldWing half a car, it handles like one too. Add to that a MPG rating in the mid 30s, and you might as well have four wheels instead of two.
I upgraded from a 1986 Goldwing to a 2005 BMW LT and never looked back.
Not only is the GoldWing half a car, it handles like one too. Add to that a MPG rating in the mid 30s, and you might as well have four wheels instead of two.
I upgraded from a 1986 Goldwing to a 2005 BMW LT and never looked back.
Posted by neumskyNovember 20, 2009 06:58
This is to the guy who thinks BMW is all that! I've owned 5 of them... I started out with an 04 BMW 1200CL and it had torque problem's where I had to constantly apply right pressure on the grip to appose, not to mention the vibrations right at the 70 mile an hour range... they quit making this bike. The next was an 04 R1200RT... It was probably the best beemer I owned except it is not as comfortable as the bigger touring bikes especially 2 up! The engine on the RT's ran the coolist out of all of them. Being Momma showed interest in riding so switched to an K1200LT. It ran hot... really hot... pushing the red line always! The Lt was top heavy and alway's felt like it was going to fall over at slower speeds. It had harmonic resonance at the 70 mile an hour range! Great gas mileage compared to the Goldwing but it felt underpowered with 2 up! Momma was happier but I was'nt! I like an engine that run's cool and the heat coming off of the engine always burning my shins! The ammenities were nice but the goldwing has them also! Back to the RT's a 2007 & a 2008, fine bike's again just not good for 2 up! The 08 I noticed was a little noisier and had more vibration at 80 mph. Momma was not happy enough to come on longer trips! I don't think BMW is any more dependable than the Honda's or the Kaw's. The biggest problem I have with BMW's is their support system. It basically is non existant! And they know it and have you by the you know what's! Now to the Goldwing... It has the power and throttle compensation when releasing the clutch... no overheating... smooth... quiet... comfortable... ergonomic...low CG... ABS if you choose...plenty of carrying capacity... which the RT has the most of... but most people load up the wing anyways! You would not believe what I've seen on the wing! Right now I have a wing and will not make the statement that, that's the bike I will always own! I am open minded if Beemer ever get's it's act together!
Posted by glderguyJanuary 07, 2010 19:53
To the guy who uparaded from a 86 Wing to the Beemer. Have you ridden/spent any time on the new Wings? Handles like a car????? Not even close sir. The newer Wings will give that LT of yours more than just a run for your money in the handling dept, they handle great! Those who diss their handling usually garner that opinion from the older Wings. And that 1800 engine is just stunning, silky, silky smooth, pulls like a train and the roll on power is unreal. Biggest drawback to the 1800 in my opinion is its just not very "pretty."
Posted by gk55313July 19, 2010 21:56
Harley engine Noise
I have a 2002 Electra glide with 38,000.00 miles, and I have a sound like piston slap noise, it’s been that way since it was brand new, this noise gets louder when the motor gets warm. I took the bike to the Harley dealer three times because I thought something was wrong in the motor , and Harley dealer had the same answer, it is just noise it is nothing wrong with the motor, it is normal. I don’t think they wanted to fix it on the warranty. Now at 35,000. Miles I had new cam bearings put in as I was told by friends that needed to be done but that still didn’t fix the piston noise. I am just waiting now for the engine to blow to pieces.
I guess that’s why I am switching from Harley to a metric bike.
I have a 2002 Electra glide with 38,000.00 miles, and I have a sound like piston slap noise, it’s been that way since it was brand new, this noise gets louder when the motor gets warm. I took the bike to the Harley dealer three times because I thought something was wrong in the motor , and Harley dealer had the same answer, it is just noise it is nothing wrong with the motor, it is normal. I don’t think they wanted to fix it on the warranty. Now at 35,000. Miles I had new cam bearings put in as I was told by friends that needed to be done but that still didn’t fix the piston noise. I am just waiting now for the engine to blow to pieces.
I guess that’s why I am switching from Harley to a metric bike.
Posted by FatboyAugust 14, 2010 21:59
Well what can i say I got an 01 fatboy with all the chrome you can throw at it and custom made bags. Went on a haul to the Grand Canyon didn't make it although H.O.G. roadside assistance was great i have to say being let down in the middle of a hard rain in the middle of bum @*%# nowhere for 4@1/2hrs isn't a treat i got on my way.I'm looking for a comfortable/reliable ride the Kawi 1700 touring looks like a nice machine can you let me know what you all think....Thanks...Fatboy soon to be something else.......
Posted by dannya770August 23, 2010 11:16
I have read and studied a lot of bike's and have always wanted a harley but I have read more bad than good about harleys. I just will not spend that kind of money just for a name or image or logo. I have owned one american made bike when I was young and had nothing but trouble with it, I have since owned kawi and two yamaha's and the most fun one was a 1995 virago 1100 it looked better than a harley and power to spare and with over 40,000 miles i never had a problem. the next was a 07 v star 1300 touring bike with a lot of after market acessories look beautiful and handled like a dream in the twisties but because of the big windshield it was not smooth at 70 miles and hour and scary on the interstate and I never could find a good low gear for city limit speed zones so I traded it for a brand new 09 yamaha royal star venture and it has pretty much all the goodies as a goldwing but still looks like a motorcycle instead of a car on two wheels and it rides like a cadilac and the gearing is perfect for any speed and with a powerful 4 cylinder motor and gets over 40 mi.per gal. and weighs in at 869 lbs. and has plenty of storage space. so for it is the bike for me and i love it and it is good for over 200,000 mi. and has a 5 year unlimeted mile warnty. I give it a 5 star rateing. so eat your heart out harley.
