08-15-2018, 03:52 AM
(08-15-2018, 03:19 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Doesn't sound like you are talking riding across the country because you neglected the BMW 1600, The Honda Goldwing, the BMW R1200RT, the Yamaha FJR. Looks like you are talking local cruising because all you mentioned were cruisers. Don't know much about the Indian, but the Harley and Valkrie (Goldwing motor) have well deserved reputations for dependability. There are some smoking deals going on Valkries right now. Forum member use2be just bought one brand new for about $8k I think..maybe less.The Harley will probably run you in the neighborhood of $25 K if bought new, then another couple $K for chrome and clothes lol. (just kidding). You might have a look at the Honda Goldwing Tour also the Yamaha Eluder, a big V twin like the Road King.
Personally I'm not much of a V Twin guy, especially big heavy V Twins, so the Indian and Harley and Yamaha Eluder would not be in the running for me,(which is why I bought an inline 4 Yamaha FJR 1300 for our 2 up riding), but maybe you are a V twin guy? If you buy the HD or Indian no doubt there would be plenty of people to ride with, particularly if you bought the HD.
I am definitely not learning towards a v-twin, but am considering the possibility for the sake of comfort and style. Being surrounded by v-twins in the Midwest, I appreciate how carefully you worded that!
My wife is from Oregon and is generally v-twin averse, but she likes the beauty of the Indian line-up. I personally prefer an engine with a larger RPM range as well. Anything from the Japanese big 4 is a possibility, including the FJR. My only concern about it or any other large 4 cylinder is the engine heat in stop and go traffic. If the heat is similar or less than the CB1100, it could work wonderfully.
A full-size touring bike like the Gold Wing, Eluder, Roadmaster, etc. is more than my wife can handle at this point. She's not that far removed from riding her R1, so she's not emotionally ready to go that far. We generally use the bike for weekend excursions, so we don't need cross country luggage capacity.