The CB1100 Community Forum

Just completed a week-long vacation with my wife through the national parks in California - Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Death Valley, along with checking out Lake Tahoe and Mammoth.

Along the way, we spotted groups of bikers on long-distance riding vacations. Most were either adventure tour bikes like R1200GS, Gold Wings and Harleys. I applauded them all, as the weather was not the greatest. I watched a pair of V-Stroms follow me into the worst sand storm I've ever driven through in Death Valley, a GS passed me in my Honda wagon in a cataclysmic hail storm, and every day included at least some rain.

Naturally, I chatted up these guys at gas stops when the opportunity arose. The most interesting to me was a guy on a Thruxton, laden with duffel bags, riding with a group of Harleys. Riding a similar vintage Bonneville, it wouldn't be my first choice for a days-long ride through mountain roads, but like they say, it's not what you ride, but that you ride, right?

And I felt like a hero when I spent a weekend on my old Beemer.

Touring riders are usually used to and prepared for adverse weather conditions. I dont think I was ever on a tour that didnt include some of the worst weather I have ridden in, be it rain, snow, hail, lightning, etc.
Still it can take some of the fun out of a trip if you get too much of it.

I agree a Thruxton would not be my first choice for touring but I did quite a bit of touring on my 03 Bonneville and have on my CB1100s. But to be honest they don't compare to the luxury of touring on a real touring or sport touring bike

I believe also it is what the rider wishes to get out of the ride. Riding a Thruxton may provide a more primitive and raw experience, which is being sought. To "feel the road" per se.

Everyone is different for sure.

Example: If I had to ride a Cam-Am Spyder, I'd just as well go for a Mazda Miata.
Example: If I had to go for a Gold Wing, I may just eye the RV instead.

Personally I would never forget a multi-day ride on a Bonneville. I would take that wonderful feeling and memory to my nightly sleep and to my death bed. That makes great memories when everything else is failing.