Looking for Feedback on Touring Bike Options.

Looking at purchasing a touring bike this Spring. It will be ridden solo 95%, but I still need a comfortable passenger set up for the times the wife goes for a ride. Most of the miles I put on solo will be on longer trips (Southern BC, Vancouver, Pacific Coast Highway, Going to the Sun Road). Bike has to have lockable storage, lower seat height for my short legs, higher bars for my long back and a comfortable passenger seat. My first preference would not be a Vtwin. Top of budget is $11,000, heres what i've been looking at:

Non V Twins

Honda Gold Wing GL1800. Probably a 2001 to 2004 in my budget range, prices have come down on these early 1800's. I've looked at several with 65 to 124k kilometers. Missed a yellow 2002 with 38,000km for $8000 last fall. I know the motors need timing belts done about 100k and air filters are a pain, what else should I look for in these bikes? Options are abundant, and lots of online tutorials. I've wanted a wing since the GL1500 hit the market.

Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. I've looked at two, a 2008 with 14k and a 2009 TD-S with 34k. I like the smoothness of the V4 engine. Low km on bikes is a positive. Both have lockable hard bags, but would need rear rack and trunk added. Passenger seat would need an upgrade. Fewer options and not many bikes around over 100,000 km. Earlier models had a lot of clutch problems, haven't found any information on this issue with later models. Anything else I should be looking for?

V Twins

Honda VTX 1300T. Lots of bikes available up to 2008/9 in my price range. Not a lot with lockable storage. Most of these seem set up for solo riders, passenger comfort seems minimal. Haven't seen many bikes over 60,000 km, so I wonder about longevity. I'm not interested in an 1800, rode one and can't see long days in the saddle on it.

Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad. Fewer of these around. Interested in feedback from owners.

Suzuki C90T Boulevards. Lots of bikes available up to 2009/10 in my price range, even a few 2014 holdovers just above my price range. A few with lockable storage.

Yamaha 1300T or Strats. Lots of 1300's and a few Stratoliners from 2006 to 2010. I've ruled out the 1100's. Most have lockable bags, but would need a trunk added. Lots of accesories for these bikes. Seems like 100,000km is end of life for most of these.

Not interested in Sport/Tour, Dual Sport or Adventure Sport. (ST1300/Varedaro/VStrom). Harleys are out of my price range.

Let me know what you have or rode long distances.

Thanks

Let me know

I wouldn't say a touring Harley is out of your range at 11K, I scooped an '02 Ultra Classic in the fall of 2014 with a brand new built 95ci with under 1000km on the new engine for $12,500. they're out there, and the deals will only get better closer to spring.

I agree. Sold my 02 ultra with new cams, lifters, push roods, chain tensioner plate upgrade, and oil pump for 10 grand to a friend 2 years ago now. Bike had 90,000 km on it but showed very well. The mileage didnt scare me at all after opening up the engine and seeing the condition... chain tensioners were overdue is all. Had tons of extras too.

teeroy said:

I wouldn't say a touring Harley is out of your range at 11K, I scooped an '02 Ultra Classic in the fall of 2014 with a brand new built 95ci with under 1000km on the new engine for $12,500. they're out there, and the deals will only get better closer to spring.

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When I bought my Ultra in 05 I had looked at the new goldwings as well. I test drove 3 bikes. 2 were new and one was a low mileage used bike. All three had electrical issues. Looked at a bunch or touring bikes and rode everything I could get my hands on in 2004. I had a Kawasaki Voyageur at the time. I would stay away from the honda. The harley was good to me and a batter bike IMO. The bikes you have on your v-twin list are not touring bikes. They are just a cruiser with a windshield. Big difference. Touring bikes will be loaded. Fairings, radios, cruise control, cbs, gps, passenger seats with back rests, etc etc. I was going to suggest the new 2015-16 road glide as it will be my next bike but it is out of your budget. You can find used bikes in that range though as the guys above mentioned.

brew_doo said:

I agree. Sold my 02 ultra with new cams, lifters, push roods, chain tensioner plate upgrade, and oil pump for 10 grand to a friend 2 years ago now. Bike had 90,000 km on it but showed very well. The mileage didnt scare me at all after opening up the engine and seeing the condition... chain tensioners were overdue is all. Had tons of extras too.

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worn out tensioners was the reason the one I bought has a new engine. they were (are) a huge issue in the 99-06 twin cams. mine has upgraded cam plate with hydraulic tensioners and roller chains. the shoes wore out and disintegrated, pieces compromised the oil pump rotary gear and smoked the motor.

I was in turps to day and they had this bike upstairs.


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Can't go wrong with a low mileage wing smooth lots of power and honda fit and finish is next to none
Had Hondas for over 30 years the only reason I change brands was honda didn't make a fast enough bike

brutematt750 said:

I was in turps to day and they had this bike upstairs.


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$10700 at Blackfoot.

Uturn said:

$10700 at Blackfoot.

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Better deal !
Suzuki must have a lot of left over 14's. Same thing happened in 04. I bought a leftover in 05 for $4300 off retail. Couldn't beat that deal when I was shopping for a bike back in 05. Couldn't be happier with the bike. I still have it almost 11 years later. 60,000 kms. Not a single problem. Tires and oil is all it's ever needed.
My father in law has an 04 Suzuki 1500 intruder. Problem free with just over 80,000 kms on it.
That's just my experience with Suzuki. They all make a pretty decent product. More or less a matter of what you think will work best for you.


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fj40 said:

Can't go wrong with a low mileage wing smooth lots of power and honda fit and finish is next to none
Had Hondas for over 30 years the only reason I change brands was honda didn't make a fast enough bike

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I've always been a fan of Honda, got my first one in 1977 and have owned several (still have two in the shed) over the years since. can't beat them for reliability.

I almost bought a new F6B when I was looking for a touring bike, it was a leftover 2013 but wasn't the deluxe model with cruise control. the dealer in Fairview wasn't willing to move much on the price, after I scooped the Ultra in September they called and were ready to sell it for what I had offered. oops...too late fellas.

I've looked at 3 Goldwings over the last two weeks. Not sure the rider position will suit me without raising the bars and changing the seat. (short legs and long back). Looking online, most risers for the wing also move the bars back, which I don't need and the risers are a PITA to install. Maybe back to the V4 Yami's. Some great deals on Suzuki C90T's out there too.

Decisions, decisions.

Check out t&t ... Terry was clearing out some new 2014 last year, at great price... I'm still considering a big yammie or suzi as well.


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Summitric said:

Check out t&t ... Terry was clearing out some new 2014 last year, at great price... I'm still considering a big yammie or suzi as well.


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I am very please with my choice.

At one time I enjoyed riding but had very little time to get out. Last summer I had all sorts of time but started lacking interest in getting out on the bike. It's a 2013 Road King Classic with 5300 km's and I may as well sell it.




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I'm guessing the Road King is out of my price range. Nice bike.

Pipes, is that a 1300 Tour? I'm bet those pipes have a little bark to them.

Uturn said:

I'm guessing the Road King is out of my price range. Nice bike.

Pipes, is that a 1300 Tour? I'm bet those pipes have a little bark to them.

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It's a 1700 roadstar and surprisingly enough the pipes are actually baffled and not obnoxiously loud.

Sent you a pm Marty


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crazy_wheeler said:

At one time I enjoyed riding but had very little time to get out. Last summer I had all sorts of time but started lacking interest in getting out on the bike. It's a 2013 Road King Classic with 5300 km's and I may as well sell it.




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What you asking, Marty?


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Go away ric


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Summitric said:

What you asking, Marty?


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catmando said:

Go away ric


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I might have to Moderate this thread.