(08-15-2018, 07:35 AM)MinneapolisCB_imp Wrote: [ -> ] (08-15-2018, 07:31 AM)Banned_imp Wrote: [ -> ] (08-15-2018, 04:35 AM)MinneapolisCB_imp Wrote: [ -> ] (08-15-2018, 04:05 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: [ -> ]One key consideration will be the bike's GVWR. Some of the Honda models I've considered in the past had surprisingly moderate GVWR ratings, notably the ST1300 and Gold Wing. It seemed that two normal-sized adults plus luggage would easily exceed either bike's GVWR, which could result in a safety issue. Despite owning a few BMW's, I'm not loyal to the brand but they generally have relatively high GVWR's, so it may be something to consider. My ex-Kawasaki Concours ZG-1000 also had a high GVWR and was plenty roomy and powerful when carrying a pillion and gear. I'm not sure about the cruiser models you cited.
That is an excellent tip for a statistic that isn't as widely published as it should be. That is one of the reasons I've stayed away from the Africa Twin, but I just discovered the Valkyrie is slightly worse.
That is an excellent tip for a statistic that isn't as widely published as it should be. That is one of the reasons I've stayed away from the Africa Twin, but I just discovered the Valkyrie is slightly worse.
I know most on here are Harley adverse but they have their plusses, first and foremost is dealer support. Pretty much anywhere in America you are never more than 1 hour from a Harley shop, not so much with other brands. Dealer accessibility is the main reason Harley won out over BMW when I bought my '03 Night Train.
As for exceeding the GVWR - you've seen some of the people that ride Harleys right?
My recommendation would be the new 2018 Softtail Sport Glide.
Yes, around here at least 80% of the motorcycles I meet are Harleys. They can obviously handle a load! For the record, the Mrs. and I are only 350 pounds combined, so that isn't a key constraint in this situation. 
Yes, around here at least 80% of the motorcycles I meet are Harleys. They can obviously handle a load! For the record, the Mrs. and I are only 350 pounds combined, so that isn't a key constraint in this situation.
FWIW - my wife and I (same combined weight as you) once took our '03 Softtail Nighttrain on a 4 week, 14,000 trip with camping gear.
I prefer the Japanese bikes for their sophisticated engineering and broad dealer support network. After several BMW’s I soured on them, not sure if it’s me or them but it’s my money so no more BMWs.
Never been a big fan of Harley in particular or V-Twins in general but I completely agree with your point of dealer and service support everywhere in continental North America. A well sorted Harley is a good solid bike, we all know the legendary short comings of the brand but they do have significant benefits also. Lots of barely ridden used ones available at realistic prices. Bit of well researched upgrades and you have a keeper.
Indian interesting but not ready for prime time yet, very good bikes that “nickel and dime” you to death getting outfitted and sparse support.
Your money, your choice. I’d really prefer a solid sports tourer but would ride a Harley, then again my mother did marry my father and she didn’t spend a lot of time in jail.
My two-up choice is my Suzuki Burgman 650 with a topcase. It has a FI 650 parallel twin with enough power to get us over the mountains or blasting down the interstate with ease. The back seat is big enough that I can't even tell she's back there and with a topcase to lean back against she doesn't have to hold on.
I know a big maxi scooter isn't probably something on most peoples radar but I love it. With the topcase and huge underseat storage there's plenty of room for everything we need. The best part is you can pick them up for cheap. I paid $2500 for my 2006 with 12k miles.
(08-16-2018, 12:52 AM)tnelson99_imp Wrote: [ -> ]My two-up choice is my Suzuki Burgman 650 with a topcase. It has a FI 650 parallel twin with enough power to get us over the mountains or blasting down the interstate with ease. The back seat is big enough that I can't even tell she's back there and with a topcase to lean back against she doesn't have to hold on.
I know a big maxi scooter isn't probably something on most peoples radar but I love it. With the topcase and huge underseat storage there's plenty of room for everything we need. The best part is you can pick them up for cheap. I paid $2500 for my 2006 with 12k miles.
Every time i see one of these suckers on the highway i get a chub. Have you ever ridden the 400?
i'm totally shocked at what a good idea that burgman seems to be. my initial reaction is "but it's so slow for a 650..." and then i realize what an idiot i am because your typical two-up riding isn't exactly a track day. a big scooter like that would have pretty awesome comfort and ergos *and* gas mileage compared to your average motorcycle. i guess the only drawback is you don't get to be the coolest kid at the mall parking lot, but who gives a crap??
A+ excellent outsider suggestion.
(08-16-2018, 02:14 AM)misterprofessionality_imp Wrote: [ -> ]i'm totally shocked at what a good idea that burgman seems to be. my initial reaction is "but it's so slow for a 650..." and then i realize what an idiot i am because your typical two-up riding isn't exactly a track day. a big scooter like that would have pretty awesome comfort and ergos *and* gas mileage compared to your average motorcycle. i guess the only drawback is you don't get to be the coolest kid at the mall parking lot, but who gives a crap??
A+ excellent outsider suggestion.
I think one of the best attributes of a scooter especially the burgman.. is the position of the legs width wise. The narrowness of the seat would be wonderful on a long trip.
Plus 50 liters of underseat storage and the massive back seat for a passenger. Crazy amount of leg/foot positions as well, stock right off the bat.
(08-16-2018, 02:36 AM)Dude_imp Wrote: [ -> ] (08-16-2018, 02:14 AM)misterprofessionality_imp Wrote: [ -> ]i'm totally shocked at what a good idea that burgman seems to be. my initial reaction is "but it's so slow for a 650..." and then i realize what an idiot i am because your typical two-up riding isn't exactly a track day. a big scooter like that would have pretty awesome comfort and ergos *and* gas mileage compared to your average motorcycle. i guess the only drawback is you don't get to be the coolest kid at the mall parking lot, but who gives a crap??
A+ excellent outsider suggestion.
I think one of the best attributes of a scooter especially the burgman.. is the position of the legs width wise. The narrowness of the seat would be wonderful on a long trip.
Plus 50 liters of underseat storage and the massive back seat for a passenger. Crazy amount of leg/foot positions as well, stock right off the bat.
I think one of the best attributes of a scooter especially the burgman.. is the position of the legs width wise. The narrowness of the seat would be wonderful on a long trip.
Plus 50 liters of underseat storage and the massive back seat for a passenger. Crazy amount of leg/foot positions as well, stock right off the bat.
No Dude, I've never ridden the 400 but have seen a lot of positive reviews. I originally bought it to haul my mountain bike to the trails since my truck gets 15mpg. The Burgman usually gets 45-50mpg and has the same top speed of the CB (110mph). It's super comfortable with the long floorboards so you're not stuck in the same position. I can even stand up and ride it when I need to stretch.